Texas LB22

[Dougster]

Test post to see if my IP is still blocked.

[Dougster]

Ah, good. Never happened before but I couldn't post---kept getting an odd msg about being blocked or something. Couldn't clear it 'cuz it didn't like my "public" email address (gmail). It said something about clearing in 3 days if no more spam happened, so I guess it did. Anyway, I postponed the splash till this Wed. Schools not out, I have the day off, and the ramp should be pretty empty. Tried the motor on the hose yesterday and all went well. We'll see how well I set the trailer up when I back her down and especially when I put her back on. Gonna give her a good power wash this morning. Hope you and Bonnie make it to POC John.

'bout ready for splash Dougster

[AtTheBrink]

Awesome Dougster! Really looking forward to seeing the pictures of the splash and hearing your report!

[Cracker Larry]

I'm looking forward to seeing the splash pictures, Doug I've been following this for, uh... over 7 years

Texas LB22
Postby Dougster » Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:06 pm
Hey folks, I've come down here to start a thread where I can just carry on

You have done a dang fine job on her Wish I could be there for the splash. Drink the wine before you break the bottle

[Dougster]

2007 Well, the truth is I think I bought the ply and started cutting in 2006 I'm following your build 'Brink, and don't think it'll take you quite as long Larry, of course built a half dozen boats and raised his children in less time. I wouldn't want new people reading this and feeling intimidated though. I had zero skills to begin with and had to learn everything. Given my now known "Dougstering" way of learning I pretty much built her twice Nah, that's an exaggeration. I did work slowly, seldom more than 4 hour stretches and more often 2 hour, and certainly not every day. It's a hobby now. BTW, Nina loved that power wash. Water suits her.

Waitin' on Wednesday Dougster

[AtTheBrink]

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you build this boat! getting to meet you and see Nina in person in POC is going to be better. Thanks for following my build, I learned a lot from your Dougstering!

[JohnC]

Hey Dougster,
Glad to see Nina is ready to splash! Are you going to put in at Canyon Lake or go up north (LBJ, Inks)? Lets see lots of pictures. BTW, SledDog said he would be at POC
John

[Dougster]

Hallelujah, Nina splashed
Gettin' her ready:


Back her down:


Here's hopin'


Kinda speechless:


She runs a little bow high. No weight in there now and two batteries in aft stern lockers. Half tank gas.


I have a video of a drive by on plane, but will need some time to figure out how to post it. She's a bit slow. Design speed is 20 mph with 30 horses. My beginner overweight build (bare hull is 1160 lbs, with motor, batteries, and gas say 1500 lbs). She ran a two run course average of 18.5 mph at about 4950 rpm with 30 horse e-tec. Dunno the pitch on the factory prop that came with the motor, but will find out. I'd hoped for 20 so am giving myself a near miss.

No porpoise, no odd mannerism. Didn't get to run her in much chop. Tracks on a rail and turns a bit slowly with her big keel. It wasn't a long day, but I'm beat. Too much time with my heart in my throat I did have a couple come up and notice her on the trailer and wanted to know more, loved her, etc. I love her too I don't have words to tell you guys how much it all means and how grateful I am to so many who have held my hand here for, well, a few years.

Here's the best pic of all:



Speechless Dougster

[jacquesmm]

Congratulations, the boat looks real good.

It's difficult to see in your pictures but it looks like she runs a little bit bow high.
With some weight forward like ground tackle and gear, the trim should improve. Also, you will get used to the engine trim.
Trimmed down, she may go faster.

Note that the designed speed is 18 mph top with a 30, not 20.
I have been on one fitted with a 50 HP that ran well above 25 mph but that is not what she is designed for. She should feel very comfortable at semi-displacement speeds.

Your hull looks very fair, nice paint job.

[Mad Dog]

Very nice Dougster!! Congratulations!

MD