Alain's Sea Strike 18 (France)

Its great to see another Sea Strike 18 launching recently. This time from Alain (a former member of the French Foreign Legion)  who lives in France.

He writes:

Hello Mark

Yes, beautiful design. Your drawings or plans (translation?) your study for the construction of the ss18, you just have to respect your plans and all become simple. The boat lands on the water like a rose petal gently.  I am very satisfied and proud of this build. You are a great designer (I hope the translation will be good)

Thank you again for helping me with this wonderful JOJO project

GOOD TO YOU

ALAIN

Bonjour MARK

oui magnifique conception , tes dessins ou plans ( traduction ? ) ton étude pour la construction du ss18 , il faut juste respecter tes plans et tous deviens simple , le bateau se pose sur l eau comme une pétale de rose en douceur je suis satisfait et trés fier de cette contruction

tu es un génial concepteur ( j espére que la traduction sera bien )

encore merci de m avoir aider a ce magnifique projet JOJO

BIEN A TOI

ALAIN

Here's a couple of photo's of his wife making up all the covers (console/ seat covers/ deck and more) on her sewing machine for the boat

Alain, who also loves painting, decided to "paint" his rear transom washboard.

Now that is different and unique.

Top one

Brian's Sea Strike 16 (Australia)

Its great to see another Sea Strike 16 launching recently. This time from Brian who lives in Sydney.

He writes:

Finally got it registered and wet today.
I have the etec 75hp with a 15” raked viper prop.
With full safety gear full fuel tank two adults and 3 children, it sits on 30-31 knots, boat handles Sydney harbour chop at 25 knots a bit better though, more of a glide through waves than bounce.
Same setup but solo, the boat went to 32.9 knots and then I hit a bit of chop. I think it will hit 33 in flat conditions.
I did freak out a little when I removed my rear bung and a little water came out. I tasted it (I know it sounds stupid) but it was rain water mixed with some build dust, no salt so all good. It has rained a bit in the past few weeks.
I have a good video of a stand still take off on my own, just working out how to post the video.
For all the builders reading this either part way through a build or even if you have finished, it is a pretty sensational special feeling when you can take your boat that you built out onto the harbour.
I also was wondering how the waterline at the stern would be. The stern sits really nicely in the water. I do not think anything other than spray water touches the rear platform/deck when the boat is in the water.
Ecstatic boat owner here.

Posted a few days later

So it’s been used a lot and had a valuation (for insurance) of between $40k and $50k, which I am happy with. With trailer engine materials gadgets etc, it came in at a total cost of about $21k. This does not include my hours of work.

It consistently sits at 31 knots (this is a bit backed of from wide open throttle) until I get within sight of the opera house (for those who do not know Sydney harbour I come from the parramatta river which is calmer waters) when it gets a bit choppy it’s nicer to back of a little. 

I have hit 33.8 knots with half a tank and full gear myself and a kid, it was only 32.5 knots in the opposite direction so it goes just over 33 knots as the top speed (which it hits quite a bit when I am solo). The chop in the rest of the harbour can be a bit horrible and sharp bouncy. I took it offshore today (just for a run) and without the boat chop it was better in the bigger ocean swell than harbour chop, handled 20 knots easily, I could have pushed it a bit harder but that would need to be based on waves each time.

I have ordered trim tabs so it’s not completely done yet.

I can’t catch a fish worth keeping. I caught about 10 today and 6 different species but all were tiny so went back, but I love getting out on it.

Great to see you and your family having a great time enjpying your new boat Brian.

Looking forward to seeing more in the near future mate

Have fun

Kerrie's Sea Strike 18 (Australia)

 

Great to see yet another Sea Strike 18 splashed. This time from Kerrie in Victoria !

He writes:

The big day finally arrived, on Saturday at Waranga Basin at Rushworth. It was a bit windy and choppy and she handed it like it was nothing, she's so smooth and graceful, even my wife commented how smooth it was. Thanks Mark for a great boat, I'll do some numbers next time out.

It was a long road to get there, but worth every minute. The family and I love the boat and look forward to many days of fun and fishing

Just putting the finishing touches to the boat

Ronnies Sea Strike 18 (Cook Islands)

 Its great to see another Sea Strike 18 launching last week. This time from Ronnie who lives in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific.

He writes:

"Hi Mark,

I Just personally want to thank you for the Sea Strike SS18 plans, the help from the start via messenger, phone call and the forum platform - very helpful in guiding newbies such as myself in boat building. It's been a great experiencing learning from everyone on forum , ideas and tips in completing my boat

I have been going offshore, fishing red snapper, chasing yellow fin Tuna, Mahimahi and Marlin in very choppy conditions(15 - 20+ mph wind) and she handles the rough seas really well. I have gained a lot of confidence now being out at round seas with my Sea Strike 18- knowing that I can get back home safely. 🙂

Here's a few photo's of my Sea Strike SS18 and us out fishing.

I have not started the next build yet - the Cruise Control 5.2. I think this will be very suitable for our choppy sea fishing conditions. :).

Kind regards - Ronnie"

Great to see you and your mates having a great time fishin' Ronnie. Looking forward to seeing more in the near future mate

Have fun

Gavin's Mushulu 14 (Australia)

Great to hear from Gavin again, having a blast with his family and his Mushulu 14 whilst on holidays.

He writes:

We just spent the 2.5 weeks down at Lakes Entrance with the family.  First time trying out the new engine, raised transom and retrofitted spray rails. 

Weather was great,  but to hot and not to cold. Very little rain. Tried the boat in some rough conditions,  certainly the roughest I've had the boat out in.  Felt perfectly safe the whole time.

Perfect boating location for a holiday for anybody  in Vic. Ran into Steve with his Sea Strike 18. Great to meet another builder in person.  All round a great holiday down by the beach.  If course,  wouldn't have been half a enjoyable without my boat.

Justin's Sea Strike 16 (Australia)

Its great to see another launching last week. This time from Justin who lives in Toowoomba and his Sea Strike 16.

He writes:

"Hi Guys and Mark.

Well Monday was the Day I received my Boat back after having the motor install ,and I got the boat wet as well.

Not the best weather as the water was very choppy with the wind, but I must say she was quite composed and cut through the chop with out breaking a sweat. Even Troy from Brisbane Marine was very impressed with the handling. I will post better photos and movie clips when I get out to our local dams .

With small stints of full open throttle to test rpm range we reached speeds of 65 Kph ( 35 kts). I will be getting better motor spec later as I get more comfortable with the boat. Talking to Mark Last Night will be getting trim tabs next month if minister of finance allows.

Well enjoy photos"

Great to see you and your family having fun Justin.

Looking forward to seeing more in the near future mate

Have fun