Pete's Riptide XR-510 (Australia)

 

Great to see Pete's Custom RipTide XR-510 being launched. Pete approached us for a custom 5.1m Riptide to suit his needs in Western Australia. These plans are not for sale. 

He writes:

Well I finally had a spare weekend to take the boat for a 4 hour shakedown run.

The weather wasn't the best, but bugger it I was going out! I was really impressed with how she performed, very smooth and quiet. I went on the swell-ward side of Bald Head, with large swell, wind chop, and it was bouncing off the Head Rock to make for an extremely rough, confused mess. Whilst being bobbed around like a cork, she felt very stable and safe.

Running through just rolling swell with wind chop was a breeze @ 20knts - no slamming and a very dry, quiet. I am very impressed and pleased.

I now know that I need to fine tune the transducers as they loose bottom at moderate speed and up. I also need to calibrate the I-pilot Link and heading sensor for the trolling motor. Pretty much what to expect following install.

Although the main purpose was for shakedown and motor run-in, I did throw a jig in for a few minutes - caught nothing.

I saw Grant from GB Marine at the ramp just after I loaded the boat back on the trailer. He reckoned I have "gone to the dark side" for installing a Yamaha. I was telling him it was all about weight as the Suzuki 70 & 90 are 150% the weight of the Yamaha.

I have some photos from back in the Sound heading back to the ramp (very hard to take while motoring, and no way was I going to take any out in the rough stuff), and a few post clean-up.

Dayne's Sea Strike 18 (Australia)

 Its great to see yet another new launching of the Sea Strike 18 design. This time from Dayne (another first time boat builder !)

He writes:

I finally finished my Seastrike 18 and now its launched. Had a few runs over to Moreton Island and Straddie, so I’ve been making the most of it. Getting a good feel for it now and definitely enjoying it.

I’ve had random blokes at the boat ramp check it out and ask questions about it and take photos. Not real sure “what brand” of boat it is. They can’t believe it when I tell them that I built it in the garage. I’ve been sending them to check out the BMD website so hopefully we see a few more BMD boats getting about.

She looks awesome mate. Have fun !!!!

Niel's Sea Strike 16 (Philippines)

Its great to see yet another Sea Strike 16 being launched.. this time in the Philippines.

Neils writes: 

Hi Mark,
All, here pictures from our launch on April 28, 2023 of NIMISIA, a SS16 - great boat.

Thanks to Ronie and Edilson for building the boat over the last 6 months with support of David. We will use the boat for Island Hopping trips in Bohol, The Philippines.
Thanks Mark for your support We have modified the boat with teak flooring and a roofing.
A Yamaha is at the back 
Regards
Niels

Dave's RipTide cx-457 - Gone Fishin' (Australia)

 

Hi Guys, 

Just a few fishy pics out of the "Ebb Tide", unfortunately they weren't caught by me but by a gun fisho neighbor that had been following my build from a respectable distance. we caught up, i invited him out and he showed me his style of fishing, which is flicking lures in and around moored boats, jetties and pontoons.

Just a note, racing back to the ramp, I noticed him bracing for impact as we were about to hit the wake of one of those floating gin palaces and was pleasantly surprised that his teeth hadn't rattled out of his skull, a dry ride as well. (LOL)

Cheers
Dave GP

Desmond's Cruise Control 5.2 (Australia)

 

Its great to see yet another Cruise Control 5.2 launching, this time from Desmond in Townsville

He writes:

G'day, Recently, my mate and I splashed my 'dreamboat'.

Launched at the ramp inside Townsville Harbour. Yahoo! Outside though, it was rougher than the forecast.

Being restricted to varying rpm up to 2000 max. for the first hour, meant a bit of slamming. Not a drop on us though !!

Getting close to the hour, it started raining, so we puttered back in. Straight after the monsoon, happening now, should be good weather. Next time I'll be a bit more organised and get some photos. Des

Bob's Cruise Control 5.2 (Australia)

 

Great to see another Cruise Control 5.2 splash. This time from Bob in Qld

He writes:

So we've had 3 outings and all is going fine

The Suzuki is giving 25 knots at 4000 rpm and that's plenty fast enough for me without working the engine hard

Today I finished the Bimini top and am yet to decide on a windscreen

With Qld's summer heat the ride is quite pleasant without one but the cooler months may change my mind on that.

Love the ride

Bob

Yorick's Sea Strike 16 (New Caladonia)

 

Its great to see yet another Sea Strike 16 launching, this time from Yorick in New Caledonia. 

Yorick's passion is Tuna/ Sailfish and especially GT (Giant Trevally) fishing.