Caribbean Reef Runner
I’ve sold my beloved 6m Stessl. It was great and tough boat but not quite right for us as a family/fishing rig. It rode hard in the chop (really hard) and has a very narrow waterline for a 6m boat which made it surprisingly tippy. The ride was improved with some ballast (100kg) in the nose but still rough. After only a few months the misses and family were reluctant to go out in less than perfect weather which rarely happens here and as such it became only my hobby. Whilst I enjoy my boys fishing trips, I’d rather have something we can all want to use on other occasions too (plus it makes planning permission much simpler).
I've ordered a new Caribbean Reef Runner Hull from Mansfield Marine that should be here in a few weeks. I'm buying the boat pretty bare and fitting it out myself where I can. I really enjoy that kind of stuff and can save a fair amount of coin along the way. The Reefrunner is a solid performer that ticked all of the boxes (except the wife thinks its ugly) plus the resale value seems to be unrivalled when compared to boats of similar sizes should we ever need to sell it.
Caribbean is providing the Hull on a 2200kg ATM C Channel Easytow trailer (Manual hydraulic brakes on both axles). Options from the factory are:
· Stainless steel Rocket Launcher
· Side Clears
· Starboard (Drivers side only seat slider)
· Bunk Infill Cushions
· Port side swim platform with swim ladder
· Starboard side swim platform (No ladder)
I’ve got to fit bilge pump/s, washdown pump, duel batteries, isolators, carpets/matting, sounder/GPSetc once it arrives.
I also kept my furuno fishfinder, bait board, pot tipper, esky, remote mounted VHF, fenders, EPIRB, flares, lines and accessories from my last boat to refit to the Reefie. It’s amazing how much all those small items add up to if you replace them but nobody seems to considers their value when buying secondhand.
Once in Perth, I’m going to get a Merc 150 4stroke fitted. The Merc 150 seems to be well received within the marketplace with strong performance, good torque, lightweight, decent reliability reports (though only 4 years old) from the commercial sector and well-priced. It’s nearly 4k cheaper than a Yamaha.
These hulls can take up to 200hp but the 150 still gives the Reefie a WOT of 37 knots which Perth weather rarely lets you achieve anyway. A 21knot cruise will give a fuel consumption of around 0.45ltr per KM according to their testing. 500km range @ 40km/hr. I’m still shopping between dealers at the moment so any recommendations are gratefully received.
I’ve managed to pick up a Simrad NSS12 Evo 2 from the fishwrecked classified that I intend to install as my MFD. I planned to use it as the controls for the engine but there is very little saving between the cost of the vesselview link box and the actual Mercury vessel view 4” gauge so I might as well opt for the gauge and the NSS for extra screen realestate.
I already have a Furuno 628 that I had installed on my last boat that I will probably reinstall again. I just need to pickup a transducer (sold with other boat).
I would like to have the 3D downscan on the simrad but that will probably have to wait on the list with an anchor winch, stereo, autopilot, freshwater bladder & pump, solar, rear shade and camper setup for overnighters with the kids.
This boat needs to be as appealing for the family to spend a day on the river or Rotto/Carnac as it is for heading off the westend or the trips up north.
I’m looking at installing twin bilge pumps (1 small auto & 1 monster ebay manual) and a through hull intake whilst I’ve got some room prior to batteries etc.
What are people’s thoughts on the suction/pick-up fitting for a deckwash… A flush fitting would be cleaner and less risk on the trailer but the scoop fitting will enable it to be used whilst going along/heading home however could interfere with the trailer? I also read that the constant pressure against the suction of the pump when going along can cause premature seal failure. Thoughts?
Either option will be stainless with a stainless ball valve directly mounted.
I've trawled this site many times over for ideas and research but please share any ideas or lessons learnt you may have picked up along the way.
I'll add picture as and when they come...
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
The deck isn't sealed. Behind
The deck isn't sealed. Behind the battery boxes the floor/deck finishes 150mm before the transom to drop down into the bilge. This drops down to the keel of the boat and this is the main drain and location for the bilge pump. Fuel fill and breathers hoses also occupy this space.
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
But this section is actually sealed?
ie, anywater on the deck runs down into this, but can't run back up under the floor any further?
I probably should just stop bothering you and leave it to when i can actually look at the boat. Hope we can make that happen start of next month.
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Overnighters are one step closer
Getting closer to being setup for overnighters with the family on Rotto... Just need the weather to play ball!
Picked the boat up from Canning Motor Trimmers to complete the sides for the rear shade from earlier in the year. They've done a really good job. I'm not actually a fan of the way it has changed the lines/shape of the Reef Runner but practically it’s a solid job. For fishing and general use I won't have the sides or back on but the option to put up one or a combination of walls when out with the family will be great. Fully close it up for sleeping on.
They are also making me two removable bench seats like in Ranmars post above but they will only be ready next week.
Per Rob H’s advice/comment I’ve also ordered a low rise 150kg stretcher that fit the dimensions perfectly and will eliminated any wet deck issues. Plan will be to add a self-inflating mattress on top. Once proven I will order another one for the other side. www.snowys.com.au/easy-fold-low-rise-stretcher#details
dano83
Posts: 790
Date Joined: 25/05/12
I wouldn't bother with a an
I wouldn't bother with a an air mattress those things are quite comfortable... boat looks great btw
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Arrived today
Stretcher arrived today.
Fits like a glove, 200mm above a wet deck, comfy, solid and rated to 150kg! #winning...
On the down side its a little heavy but you can't have strength without weight unless you're paying big bucks! Really simple to put up with no bars to fix or assembly, just fold it out. These are on special at *getaway outdoors this week for $80. A solid recommendation from me
*correction
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
I imagine you will be using that?
And turfing the tackers into the cab to keep Mum awake all night?
You'll sleep like a baby out there.
Chinbald
Posts: 315
Date Joined: 21/02/09
Great post
Love the Caribbean Reefrunner
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Took Ranmar out for a spin
Took Ranmar out for a spin this morning to pull my pots whilst he was down in Perth... He'd already been to have a look at a boat with Mansfield but it was a good opportunity to get out on the water and meet a fishwrecked member. Only got two from two. Thanks for the advice and the pulling labour! The Merc put on a good show as we cruised back into woodies at a tad over 30knots @ 4300rpm using 0.6ltr/km.
We got to looking over the boat in the car park afterwards and discussed pros and cons and started talking about the kill tank. Ranmar is keen for a large pelagic sized kill tank but the reef runner has two separated smaller kill tanks... so i thought. I thought the divider was structural but having a closer inspection and Ranmars discoveries yesterday, it isn't and is just a piece of kings board siliconed in. Quick wiggle and a clean up with a spare razor blade and the Reefie now has a 1420mm x 710mm below deck kill tank! Happy days!
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
That's great
Personally, I would now glass a bit of insulation onto the inside of those lids, 25mm would be thick enough , flo coat it , bit fiddly to fit around the hinges and catches, but doable, and you are pretty well insulated as well as likely stiffening up those lids substantially.
Putting my wishlist together for Mansfields to quote on. Would you mind measuring across the dash for the useable width you have to flush displays into? I just realised the Axiom Pro 9 is, according to the CH Smith website, wider than the Axiom 9RV, due to the physical controlls down the side. This looks like adding up to wide with them tight against each other, don't think they would quite fit. Two x 9Rvs will fit.
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Top edge is 540mm but you
Top edge is 540mm but you only have about 505mm usable because of the glass thickness on the sides.
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
Cheers That's what I thought.
2 x 9rvs would be a neat fit @ 244 ea. No chance in using an rvx in there.
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Tunes
After the failed family Rotto trip the other weekend, I decided to spend the cash I would have spent on beer & food at the pub, on a sound system for the Reefie. BCF had a 20% sale on so i picked up a Lowrance sonichub (built by fusion) with Bluetooth module and 200W speakers for $160.
I parted ways with the speakers on Gumtree for $50 as they are an odd size that i didn't want to be cutting in my boat and put in a pair of Fusion602's that i got for $88. Really happy with the quality. Will add in a second set of fusion 6021's once I run out of other things to by for her. Probably in 20-never!
Needed to do some rejigging of the electronics board. Real estate is rapidly becoming a prime asset.
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Bench Seats
Just in time for the Xmas party season, I picked up and installed the bench seats (well only installed 1 currently) that were previously discussed in the thread. I can't take credit for the design!
Canning motor trimmers built them for me at 900 x 400mm. I picked up the legs and removable table fittings from BLA and then another $25 worth of screws and fittings. All up they cost $275 each including all of the hardware. They do give me a lot of seating flexibility for river trips, skyworks etc... Really pleased with how well they match the factory seats. The fittings are pretty flush and rounded edges so no leg gouging should happen!
Will get tested out with 2 families heading down to see the Mandurah Xmas lights at the weekend.
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
Ok, new build thread time
I've just started my Reef Runner build thread in the boating sub-forum. Fun times ahead
XF347
Posts: 101
Date Joined: 02/06/17
Hey mate are you in dongara
Hey mate are you in dongara at the moment? Saw a real nice reef runner out today and looked identical to yours?
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Unfortunately not me I’m
Unfortunately not me I’m afraid... Stuck in the Metro with a shedload of work on an questionable weather.
One of my mates actually sold his boat a few weeks back and has taken up kite surfing, the wind got to him so much he decided to embrace it! He reckons he can still be my deckie 1 in 3 trips and probably do as much fishing as he could in his 4.6m Quinie anyway with this weather.
gruntre69
Posts: 533
Date Joined: 15/10/16
I understand where he's
I understand where he's coming from. I'm contemplating moving to QLD... Not just the wind though...
Marine trimmer NOR (available for clears, tops, carpet, upholstery, custom equipment covers)
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Sh*t jobs
Two small jobs done this week...
Modified the toilet bulkhead so i can use the portapoti opening handle/port whilst in place in the cabin. We opted for the portipoti rather than the marine toilet so you don't need to dismantle the bed to use it in the night. Overnight, It fits between the front passanger seat and the cabin nicely and we have fully enclosed the canvas for nightime setup.
Also had the wife sew up a flyscreen curtain for the cabin door to allow some ventilation without letting the mozzies in!
Dale
Posts: 7930
Date Joined: 13/09/05
Hey Darren, Does the toilet have a cassette or is it plumbed to the outside?
"Just because you are a Character, Doesn't mean you have Character."
Mr Wolf
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Cassette.It's just a camping
Cassette.
It's just a camping toilet that we already had from the camper trailer for remote trips. No.1's only otherwise the user has to empty/clean it themselves
(unless it's the Mrs then i just do as i'm told! She's already emotional enough about having to go to the toilet on a boat anyway)
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
I looked at that hard for mine
The permanently plumbed job is only any good for day tripping when you think about it. Who wants to be dismantling the bed in the middle of the night if you need to go to the toilet? Sure, I'll just piss over the side like I always do, but she'll start to doubt the value of it if you ask her to. And I don't even want to think about having a crap middle of the night if the wind is blowing...This is why I decided to simply go with a portable, leave it out on the deck at night when you are camping. Then empty it out sometime next day.
I'll have to get sandfly nets made up for the cabin door and the front hatch, for camping on those warm nights.
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Outrigger Rod Holders
Added a Mantra outrigger rod tube to the collection today from Oceanside. Pretty happy with it. With one each side, I should end up with a +6m span, 6 rod spread each around 1m apart. Going to give it a test run tomorrow!
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
Birthday scrub
Gave the tub a Birthday over the weekend with the help of the young bloke. Scrubbed, buffed and polished (3M all in one on the wool pad) with a pretty detailed interior clean... RainX, Vuplex, the works!
We rewarded ourselves with a Sunday run up the river for late breakfast in east Perth & ice cream in Lizzy quay for an early lunch...
SeperateKnob
Posts: 660
Date Joined: 28/11/16
Hey mate apologies to revive
Hey mate apologies to revive an old topic however I’m interested in buying a similar setup and just wondering if you’ve taken your rig over the weigh bridge after all the mods? Cheers
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
Good question
I meant to put mine over the weighbridge when I picked it up after the motor fitting, but forgot. And now the nearest weighbridge is 150 ks return, out at the Binnu bins.
Darren, go find a weighbridge
I'm betting 2 tonne on trailer.
Darren253
Posts: 570
Date Joined: 23/07/16
I've not done it yet...
We are heading upto Exy in July so it wouldn't hurt to do a trial weight just to ensure everything stays legal. I'm away for a few weeks with work but should be able to do it in a couple of weeks.
SeperateKnob
Posts: 660
Date Joined: 28/11/16
Any news on the weigh bridge
Any news on the weigh bridge figures? Loaded with fuel ice and gear?
im keen to find out weather I’ll need to order electric brakes if I pull the trigger on one myself cheers
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
I've put mine over the weighbridge since then
Bear in mind I ordered an upgraded trailer, because, aside from any concerns about actual rating, I do bad roads like the Ningaloo station run, and the sometimes bad road into Tamala. So my trailer has a tare of 200kg more than the one they offer with the basic package. ( 680kg vs 480kg) my weighbridge numbers were ATM ( trailer unhooked) 2550kg, GTM (trailer hooked up) of 2300 kg. Trailer ratings are 2900/2700. I had a normal load of fishing gear onboard, but 115 litres short of full fuel. So my boat would be 150kg overweight on the standard trailer., based on the GTM ( standard offering is 1999/2200) Without full fuel. My fitout is certainly not light--no single item that is really heavy, but everything weighs something. A (probably incomplete) list below.
This is the stuff above and beyond what would be included in a basic fitout as offered. Would it weigh 150kg?
if you intend to put a bit of stuff on board for trips away, I'd definitely be going for the upgrade and electric brakes, because, apart from anything else, they are awesome. Ute actually stops quicker with the boat on the back than it does solo ( Patrol brakes are pretty crap) Maintenance? All brakes need maintenance. I really like my Easytow, pics are in the thread somewhere, great arrangement. I did enquire with Ace trailers, but it was a bit last minute, did it by phone, and frankly, the woman on the end of the phone was of no use at all re ratings and prices. So I stuck with the Easytow. That is something to consider--you may be able to stay below the 2200/1999 by going aluminium trailer. ButI'm still thinking it would be marginal.