Thanks for all of the *welcomes*, forumites. Darkside is truly a unique place where good info about a common love can be easily exchanged.
Well, son in law & I slipped out Sat.am for our initial trip in the Waterman. Our trip was somewhat stymied by bad weather & induced "redfish lockjaw". We, ultimately, only persuaded 4 to cooperate. But, had a ball! The performance of Corby's 02 Waterman18 w/ the 50merc was faultless. She was quick to start (even for the cold temp.) and ran smoothly. Controls were responsive and the hull's planing was remarkable comfortable. After running the main bayou and canal, we stealthed into the marsh and her drafting & poling capability were immediately apparent. (For this trip we had the hull weighted with max wt. - 2 anglers (200# ea), gear, fuel, pushpole, tr.mtr., ice, etc.) We floated & poled right at 6in. Remarkably, as light as these HBs are, I was blown by their sturdiness and rigidity (other manufacturers when striving for lt.wt. & micro drafting have hull torque issues....IMHO) This hull was solid!
Over the next week or so, I'll be in the process of doing some upgrading on the trailer and installing a removable sissy bar on the platform. But bottomline, I'm loving my new adoption, Corby's baby, and I vow to take care of her.
Darksiders, after the upgrade, pics will follow....
LA Fly Guy
