New outboard

[NickT]

Hi Ed,

OK thanks for the offer. I'm not sure what fixing arrangements are on the engine, if you are at Brixham we could see if it fits?

[Ianfs]

New or secondhand for £100 difference - what you you have chosen?

Someone taking the rise maybe. Absolutely and with not even a thousandth of a nanosecond to consider....the new one of course! doh!

[Bigplumbs]

Nick

You mentioned somewhere that you did not want to get a 4 X 4 to tow your GTO. I was wondering what you do use to tow it with because I need a Disco for mine because of the weight ?

Dennis

[NickT]

Hi Dennis,

Mondeo Mk4 2.2 diesel - 200 ish bhp

Not sure of the kerbweight or max towing capacity but when I did know it they were OK.

The trailer I tow has a max weight of 1,800 kgs - 400 of that is the trailer so a net capacity of 1,400 kgs.

Bare boat is 850 + 217 engine + fuel and other bits at say 150 kg = 1217 giving a leeway of 183kg for things I have forgotten!

Car tows really well with the trailer attached and has sufficient torque (lots!) when required.

Not sure what the GTS weighs in at but if over 1400kg all up then may be a problem for a family saloon.

Gervaise is selling his GTO if you want a lighter boat - he trounced me with his 100hp 2 stoke last year!!

[Bigplumbs]

Interesting about the tow car as I also have a mondeo but decided it would not pull the GTS and hence bought the Disco. Must be the weight difference between the GTO and GTS. I saw Gervaise's boat for sale somewhere but a GTO would not suite us as ours is on a mooring and we need a clear space at the back to get on and off her from the tender.

Do you know whey Gervaise is selling his

Dennis

[NickT]

I believe that he wants a bigger boat....

GTS version needs a twin axle trailer which also adds to the weight.

[Bigplumbs]

Yes I seem to recall that the weight of mine was just over the 2000 KG mark which was about 200 kg more than the Mondeo would pull and with the trip back from Wales to Suffolk I went for the Disco which I got for £3500. I use it a lot also and love the raised driving position. Also if I get the boat I would like Sealine S24,25 The disco could pull that also just to and from at the start of the season.

I was made redundant 2 months ago so enjoying some time off but that has put a hold on the sealine plans which I was not completely sure about as we like the DTS

I am also having great fun with my little 15 hp 3.4 m rib which I use on my own, Very cheap fun boating that is

Dennis

[NickT]

Yes I know all about the itch when it comes to another boat!

In the end I came back to the GTO as I like the layout, sea-keeping, weight and towability.

I don't want to get a bigger boat, not use it, feel guilty then sell it which is what often happens.

I can explore the whole of the Solent, run down to Christchurch and maybe into Poole Harbour overnight, then onto Swanange if I like.

Equally I would like to explore Portsmouth harbour a bit more plus perhaps a run into Chichester and Langstone.

I have also considered taking the Honwave 3.2 with 5hp Honda onboard as well - I can then use a proper inflater and get ashore at more remote landings (like Swanange as there are no mooring places that I am aware of - you would have to anchor).

I imagine the new engine will be quite frugal so am not expecting too much of an increase in fuel consumption compared to the Merc. I am planning to have it run in by the time I go to Brixham.

Are you towing your GTS down this time Dennis?

[NickT]

It's time for an update I think...

New engine and boat have been awaiting their marriage for the last 2 weeks at the marine engineers place on the south coast.

Having done as much research as I could I determined that the BF135 would fit the Fletcher 19 GTO. I have seen 130 Hondas fitted on them.

However, the chap fitting had reservations about the prospect of the stern digging in when accelerating and this twitched me! Lots of money spent on new engine and I don't want to have problems.

So, I have spend the last 2 weeks searching for a suitable hull that would be better suited to the weight of the engine. Yesterday I committed to buying a Cap Camarat 625WA which currently has a 115 DF Suzuki fitted.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kayaks-jet-skis/boat-jeanneau-625-wa-cuddy-fisher-day-boat/1222537259

Sea trial will be this week then off to get the 135 fitted.

I may fit the 115 to the Fletcher but as the original Merc is now running may just sell the current boat/engine and also the Suzuki.

Should be in the water in a couple of weeks and I will post some pics as well.

Also plan to take this to the Brixham rally Dennis, it fits my existing trailer and weight gain is not significant...

[NikTheGeek]

It's still for sale on ebay. That's going to really annoy the winner when they find out its sold!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOAT-JEANNEAU ... SwXYtYw6j0