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SUMMER 2009/2010
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The ultimate sportfisher project

Beneteau - Flyer 550 Open

STILL TO COME
Like all boats, this one went over budget. There's still a list of things to complete before she's a real fishing boat. One compromise I had to swallow was the lack of leg support for offshore fishing. The Flyer's coamings run straight to the deck with no recess for toes. This was a hiccup in the decision process; it's an annoying shortfall of so many boats. But, all boats being a compromise, this had to be sacrificed for the superior storage, finish and construction of the Flyer. My solution to this problem is three Tallon receivers an excellent invention that facilitates a series of removable accessories—installed on either side of the boat, below gunwale height—into which I will mount a removable, upholstered, horizontal stainless bar for leg support. It will be removable and the Tallon receivers can then be used for additional beverage holders or other accessories when I'm entertaining or fishing in sheltered waters. The receivers were expensive, but they are versatile enough to justify the spend.
The aforementioned baitboard is sketched and waiting in the 'when-I-can-afford-it' pile, as is a bowsprit-electric-motor-mount sketch that will require a custom make to allow anchoring capabilities to co-exist with an electric motor. I hope to mount it centrally on the bow, where the standard bowsprit now lives.

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TRAILER
My trailer plan was specific: The Flyer can be handled by a single-axle trailer, but I opted for a twin-axle. It's unlikey a well-maintained trailer will encounter trouble, but experience has taught me that if something does go wrong, your boat is better supported by two axles. Also, a twin-axle trailer applies less down-weight on the tow bar. I also opted for a swing-away draw bar.
This contraption allows the neck of the trailer to fold back on itself, which makes the boat easier to store. Mine is a Mackay V-Type multi-roller trailer with mechanical brakes. The build quality matches Mackay's good reputation and the custom options were accommodated easily.
I found the price reasonable ,considering the options I requested. Anyone buying a trailer really should remember that the stronger and better quality it is, the less hassles you will have.

PERFORMANCE
The initial outboard was an Evinrude E-Tec 130hp, but I upgraded to Evinrude's 150hp H.O. The 130hp pushed the Flyer to 38 knots; I'm yet to reach top speed with the 150hp; all I know is, it's faster than I'm willing to go! The 150 gets me out of the hole quicker with four people on board and saves on fuel. But remember that a bigger engine works less at the same cruising speed, which is also good for the fuel bill.
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