What’s that thing about “opening a can of worms”? Well, we certainly did just that by taking on the project of purchasing, refurbishing, and remodelling FV Bounty, starting late in April this year, specifically for the Marlin Season off Vilanculos starting beginning October and ending end of November 2017- 60 days.
We wanted to get the boat up to international standards, besides the usually yearly maintenance. To say we were like a kid in a candy shop is an understatement…..
We started off by upgrading and increasing the size of the fuel tanks from 266l each side to 450l each side. New water tanks- freshwater 2 x 88 l tanks was fitted at the same time with a fresh and a saltwater wash-down, for deck wash and showers- inside and out. Both 300 HP, Four stroke Suzuki’s were maintained and new parts fitted where needed, especially anodes; and cabling were replaced. Bottom pain was applied and the entire boat was resprayed inside and out.
We then proceeded to an extensive refit, that includes a new marlin chair, new outriggers, new upholstery, new electronics including a 12 inch Furuno Touch EZ sounder and chart plotter for the bridge,new VHF radio for upstairs, and upgraded the vessel to a category A- unlimited offshore restriction, with new safety gear, with new ssb radio, epirb and 10 man liferaft. Much of the old twin flex cabling was ripped out and replaced with silicone wire for corrosion.
We dropped in a new fish box 1.4m x 0.6m x 0.6m, insulated, and a 60cm x 60cm insulated ice box/ beer cooler. The fish box will be used for client seating on the deck, aft, in front of the sliding door. A stove and fridge was fitted. We fitted a new sliding door to the main cabin, and had a drinks table made that can be used outside on the deck, or inside the cabin.
By positioning extra seating aft on the deck, we had to move the ladder to the flybridge, to the side of the cabin which has now given us more seating space topside. We can now seat 4 upstairs. We then replaced the canvas roof, with a fibreglass hard top, and installed a new electric firbeglass box to protect the new equipment. Extensive polishing and fibreglass work was completed where needed, wood was varnished, and we put in a tint on the windows to reduce glare and cool down the cabin. Last, but not least, we built a stainless steel braai which will be used extensively. I cant wait to try some fresh calamari and prawns on the braai……..
We then upgraded the music system to a 6 speaker Fusion system, with memory stick, and Bluetooth capabilities. Bring your smartphone and now you will be able to play your own tracks.
We did work in the heads to make the toilet and shower more woman friendly…...
We can now go to Madagascar, and beyond.
Input was gathered from four different sources, which comprised of 90 years combined experience that was discussed and thrashed out. This took many hours and dollars, but I can now say that my partner and myself are happy to fish and be a part of this boat as she currently stands. She came out beautifully. She is one of the best equipped, and fastest marlin boats in Mozambique at present.
We then added 2 x 80 pound Shimano Tiagros, and another 2 x 80 pound Penn Internationals to our existing two 80 pound Tiagros. We then, naturally, had to add a lot of Marlin tackle- 56 marlin konas, and 34 sailfish konas and plenty of other stuff to complement our already significant tackle store.
We will now run with 6 x 80 pound Marlin rigs, with bent buts for the chair, 6 x 50 pound Shimano Tiagros, and 6 x 30 pound smaller rigs.
The refit ended on the 27th August, just in time for the first weeks charter- from Silver Fish Lodge to Pomene and back over 4 days….
Now we got to catch some good fish. We ready for the season! Come fishing!