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F&S Boatworks 54' "True Grit" Express Fish

Discussion in 'General Sportfish Discussion' started by YachtForums, Dec 26, 2011.

  1. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    On Christmas day I took a cruise in Palm Beach Gardens and came across something unique. At first, I thought it a Rybovich for George Jetson! Before you SF guys start gaffing me, it was sitting in front of Rybovich Boatyard, it looked like a Rybovich hull, so hey.. it's a Rybovich, right? NOT.

    This morning I drove over to the yard and visited with Michael Rybovich and he gave me some details. It was designed by Steve French and built by F&S Boatworks in Delaware. It's a cold-molded hull with a fiberglass superstructure.

    I've never been a fan of express fish boats, until now. The name of the boat is "True Grit". I'm sure John Wayne would've approved. Gets my vote!

    Here's a few pics...

    Attached Files:

  2. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    There's a good selection of offshore running shots and interior pics on their website. In the photo gallery, click on 'next screen' at the bottom of the page. Look for True Grit...

    http://www.fsboatworks.com/models.html

    ***

    Attached Files:

  3. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The boat is beautiful, the marlin tower on the other hand.......as said in Borat......not soooooo much......I'd prefer a more traditional tower......
  4. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    Take off the tuna/marlin tower and she looks like some of Kajan's smaller designs to be honest!..sleek lookin' boat!
  5. ScotL

    ScotL Senior Member

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    She is very nice looking and it seems for sale.
  6. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    I think F&S's website is outdated. According to Michael Rybovich, she was just purchased. In speaking with him about the construction of the boat, he mentioned that he's considering the same process for future Rybo's... a cold-molded hull with a fiberglass superstructure. Sounds like a winning combination to me. Quiet and light...
  7. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    And with a purchase usually comes a name change. Cruising this week with Carl, we ran past the Rybovich facility and lo and behold, there's the F&S yacht with the name "T/T HEMISPHERE". Those in the know are aware that S/Y Hemisphere is a recently launched catamaran, and measuring in at 145-feet, the largest in the world. With the F&S as a tender to the big cat, I'm sure that they will have the competition growling and guests purring.

    Attached Files:

  8. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Knowing F+S, she is a FAAAAAST boat. Anyone know her cruise and top end speed?
  9. Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    "I'm sure John Wayne would've approved."

    George Jetson, too.
  10. sagharborskip

    sagharborskip Senior Member

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    A new adventure

    Sure enough, "TT Hemisphere" (ex "True Grit") is now on site in Grenada joining the big boat for a whirl wind, round-the-world tour to take place over the next several years.

    On delivery from West Palm to Grenada the boat handled/performed amazingly well. True to F&S' website, the hull design is a huge success.

    Though not the largest seas, the most uncomfortable of the trip started right out of West Palm where we had wind-against-Gulf Stream...waves were stacked up and a bit cross angled. By the time we were 2/3 the way over to Bahamas, everything evened out nicely.

    I had packed 2 x 200 gallon fuel bladders but didn't use them at all as our longest legs were around 320 nm. By traveling over night at slower speed combined w/ a few hours running at 24 kts, we finished each of these legs w/ over 300 gallons remaining out of 975.

    Autopilot tracked flawlessly, everything worked.

    Brand new water maker installed by Beard Marine (Sea Recovery) is just killer: 1,400 gallons/day, nothing to operate except single touch to turn on/off. Unit pressurizes and depressurizes automatically, flushes automatically, and flushes itself every 7 days...automatically.

    Engine room is a marvel of space and light. Great access all around and great lighting (why 4' long fluorescent tubes the width of your pinky and not white LED's? Shattered fluorescents are a PITA to clean up...)

    Great storage everywhere.

    Two details not up to snuff, though:

    All the fish boxes, entrance to engine room, freezers located under the seat and step in aft cockpit are almost impossible to open and have gas hinges sized way, way too small. The lids have no handles and the teak is not bull nosed to afford a natural hand hold. Guaranteed, someone's going to lose a finger...

    Second, the cleats meant for the spring lines are WAY too far forward (almost a second set of bow cleats) and they are the only ones. Absolutely need a set of pop up cleats just forward of cockpit.

    Not to fault the design of the open flybridge (I'm sure that's what the original owner wanted), but you wouldn't want to be up there in anything other than flat water...it's not just open above the waist but below as well...very wet.
  11. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    What are the chances I'd spot a unique build on the only day in months that I've been on the water and a member of YF turns out to be the skipper? It's a small YF world! Thanks for sharing your experience on TT Hemisphere, SagHarborSkip!
  12. JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    Thanks, Carl, glad you introduced us to this T/T. And thanks, SHS for a great report. Sounds like a YF reviewer in the making!

    Judy
  13. sagharborskip

    sagharborskip Senior Member

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    Thanks...

    Delivery skipper only...

    Have been friends w/ captain of big "Hemisphere" since mid 90's when we worked together on a live aboard dive boat ("Cuan Law") in the BVI that I was running.

    Nice to be able to pick up the phone and call someone you trust to take the new toy and the boss 1600 nm on short notice!
  14. SJP

    SJP New Member

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    Sagharborskip,
    I am interested in a similar build to that of the "T/T Hemisphere". Do you have any performance updates or comments since your last post back in 2012? New likes and dislikes? Do you have specific speed and fuel burn #'s.

    Thanks in advance,
    SJP