GeoffP04

Finding a mentor that can either take you on their boat or on yours to run you through the ropes for a couple of trips would be a great way to step up to being a more capable skipper on the water. It's not that hard but does require common sense and good decision making. especially reading the weather and bar crossings. A lot safer having someone showing you the ropes than learning the hard way. Regards Geoff.

Had a nice lazy Sunday at the show with a few mates, it was my first boat show. Got to say I left a bit underwhelmed. Was a nice enough day out, but there was little in the was of new or innovative stuff on show that took my eye. Did get a great deal on some safety gear, and had some fun looking at lots of stuff way outside my budget, but apart from that it is not something I would rush back to. Was little there for the fishers I thought, but did enjoy killing time at the Garmin stand.

I think this is a good move.

I do rinse off. Not sure what the salt turns into with the chemical reaction with salt away, but figure it is better off rinsed off than left on.

Sadly my new boat will not be ready till Christmas/early Jan. On a brighter note I am having all of March off to get away. South Coast from Greenwell Point to Narooma is on the itinerary. Can't wait.

A long time since I have been in one that small, but were it I, I would start with a ply floor covered as you see fit.

Shallow enough that I had to trim the motor up a fair bit to stop it plowing through the sand. Around 0.5m, still doable, just with care. I should have looked at the tide chart a bit closer.... The creek is well marked and you will not have any issues in the dark. Sunrise is 6:30ish at the minute. The first couple of hundred metres is all you need to worry about with the markers as the rest is between the moored vessels. Pretty hard to muck it up. Watch the shallow ground out front of the entrance, it is well marked as well and is not visible once the tide covers it (all rock). Plenty of jackets causing grief throughout the bay, and lots of undersize kings, saw plenty of bait on the sounder, but struggled to get them up in a burley trail. We were getting pushed around by unfavourable winds though. Hope the weather is better for you. Regards.

I have just come back from a 3 day trip to JB. Woolamia ramp was fine for my 6m Tomahawk, I cannot see you having any issues there. The 4 knot run out is a draw back, and try to avoid a low tide return to the entrance as it is very shallow at low tide. I would not and do not use any other ramp at JB these days. I have used Murray's but it was a fair while ago, so bow to any more recent knowledge of its condition. I hope it helps, and enjoy your trip. Regards Geoff.

I have had the same issue. Used a hot glue gun, quick and easy, and have had no issues since. Bonus of it sets almost immediately and has some flex. Regards

Got a little tired of wet feet and saw this type of ladder in use on a lot of american trailers. Launching and retrieving on my own a lot (drive on, drive off) I figured why not have a crack at making a ladder to get on and off the bow at the ramp without needing the climbing skills of a circus acrobat. The formosa is very high in the bow and it overshadows the regular step points. This is what I came up with and it works very well for me. The only drawback is I need to stow the anchor before driving on. Thought I would share in case the idea was of use to anyone else. Regards to All Geoff

Thanks for the tip, off to the shed.

Marine Rescue Shoalhaven, based down from the big 4 park at Culburra. Mine is SA 2961.

I have coordinates of S36 15 125 E150 12 846 for "the Foulhouse", I am hoping it is the one you are looking for. Have not fished there myself (I do the shoalhaven more than anything) , but it is from one of the many old publications I have for marks all over the place. Hope it helps

Came up a treat...... Very nice.