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As there has not been much on this forum lately I thought I would stir the pot.. Fellows, this past Sunday the little vessel De De tried to cross the Big Bend of Florida from the panhandle to the west coast . We thought we could hug the coast and be protected by the shoreline from the north winds blowing 10 to 15 MPH and seas running 3 to 5 feet. Needless to say the ride was not the smoothest. Little De De stayed the course and survived several trips under the water fall. Yes, we did take a little water around the side windows and around the opening front window, but nothing a few towels would not take care of. The dingy did break a tie on top and floped over the side to be held by a steel cable with padlock. It rode that way for a couple of hours until we could seek protection and get an anchor down to rearange the dingy for towing. We made it about half way around the Big Bend and headed into the river port of St. Marks Florida. De De survived in good shape and is ready to head back out into the Gulf after waiting for a weather window. This episode has strengthened my confidence in the Stich and Glue construction method as well as the design that out benefactor , Tom Lathrop put in front of us builders.. Three Hip Hip Hurays for our man.. ! So far with 5200 miles behind our stern the Yamaha F90 four stroke has done what has been called for , without missing a beat. Several times dock hands or those close by have commented on the motor wondering if it was running.. We did follow Tom's recomendation and purchased the motor with the 25 inch shaft. The one negative on the motor height is that we could not put a full cover on the motor box. We would not have been able to see behind us over top of the cover. But the motor noise is substantially reduced with the partial cover. When we finnish The Great Loop I will try to post some numbers on gas economy . We are using a four blade , aluminum propeler. It is 13.5 inch and 13 degree prop. The maximun rpm with the motor wide open is 5800 while red line is 6000. Our max speed over ground is curtailed by the weight we have placed aboard for this year long trip.. I will try to post a rpm chart later on. My comments so far for all those currently building Bluejacket boats.. GET TO WORK AND GIT ER DONE! Cut the lines and head out to sea.. There is nothing to match the wind in your face and the water under your keel. We are having a blast.

Doesn't count til you post photos. (I think you posted that on my wall when I began my CS17!) Happy building. Please solicit help when you need it. I am only an hour north.