Interesting. She will not plane at 12 knots but will at 14. The motors are original T6.534's at 145 hp each as fitted to a million trucks world wide. There are fixed tabs on the stern and I am looking at replacing them with Bennetts and hydraulic control so I can find the sweet spot.
To be honest, the Solent is a very crowded area and whilst going at 60mph + is great fun, to me it's very dangerous in waters occupied by the kind of insanity horsepower you find on the roads. As yet, we are an unregulated, self policed leisure activity, a major rarity in this day and age and one well worth protecting - but just let these oiks loose, and the result will be massive Govt intervention.
I lived in AL for a number of years, so I am well used to 90mph Bass boats and the drunk rednecks that drove them. My life expectancy at best is fairly limited and what I have left is quite precious. Driving a 7 ton boat in a crowded waterway at 15 knots will do me very nicely....
Anyway, cutting the bullshit for a moment - it is highly likely that I will not be able to set sail in her unless the conditions are perfect. My physical condition has deteriorated such that I do not trust myself to climb stairs let alone climb into boats, but I live in hope. (On that note I am having a stair lift fitted - can you imagine? 15 years ago I was bench pressing 300lbs in 4 sets of 10 reps)
This whole exercise has been fantastic and for once in my life I have had the financial backing to complete my mission. I have always taken great pride in whatever I have been able to achieve and this boat has been a fantastic dream come true. The fact that I may never ever use it has nothing to do with it - I have enjoyed the planning of the project much like yourselves with your marvellous cars.
For the money spent, I could have had a top drawer GT40, but, unlike the '40, at least I have a chance of a) getting on it. b) using it, c) sleeping on it, and b) most importantly having the chance maybe to see some nubile dishabille females on the aft deck sipping champagne. OK OK, I know that bit is far fetched but we dream on.
I still don't know if it is in the water yet or not. British boat yards exist on an information system that includes water divining rods, which way the wind is blowing, are the crows nesting high or low? and the effect of the moon on local tides, but, as ever, I live in hope.
Thank you guys for all your encouraging words.
Driven by YAAAAArrrrrrrrr! I kind of like that..
There is a PS. I intend to make a deed of gift of this vessel (when I am no longer able or demised) to a local youth based maritime organisation if they will accept it. I am doing my homework right now. That will make me very happy.