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Today’s cruise; Ft. lauderdale canals

Discussion in 'YachtForums Yacht Club' started by Norseman, Apr 3, 2020.

  1. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    River Rat Nr, 1

    F3929B3F-8A33-4770-8F79-0293B1C8B624.jpeg
  2. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    I waved at you when we passed just off the Citrus Isles, but I don't think you recognized me. I was in a gray AB 18 with a T Top
  3. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Today? Yeah, I saw a gray AB with a T-top, almost looked like the Law so I kept a low profile. :cool:
  4. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    River Rat #1 is an interesting set up. You don't see many private craft set up to take passenger on over the bow while pressed against the pier. Did you do commercial work with her? Taxi/tours?
  5. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Nah, no commercial work. It had a small platform on the bow but dicey to step on without a handhold so I had the aluminum tubing made and installed for my dad to use when he stepped on for boat rides.
    The boat is a panga type design made in Florida, “Stumpknocker” by Griffins and sons.
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2020
  6. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Having spent a lot of time on work boats I like the look.
  7. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Yeah, I like the simplicity of that boat, no fuel tank, no electrical system, no live well, no pumps, etc.
    I put in two 12 volt batteries, 2 bilge pumps, a VHF and battery powered navigation lights (stored in a locker most of the time) and installed the Bimini top.
    The 50 hp Johnson 2 stroke was good for 19 knots, but the Rat was strictly used for canal and river cruising, at low speeds 1/2 gallon per hour.
    Got tired of the fuel/oil mix and the smoke, sold it after 3 years and got Rat #2 the Duffy:

    1714B264-B16A-47D8-B2ED-22FD336D0F4D.jpeg
  8. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I would've kept #1 and put a 4 stroke on it. It has a rugged look that suits you and well, it's simple which is also nice for what you were doing with it.
  9. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Yeah, looked into getting a used 4-stroke, but nobody is selling a good one.
    New motors were, and is pretty pricey, far more than I paid for the boat.
    Enjoyed the electric Duffy despite the 5HP motor and the 4.9knots max speed,
    with a tailwind and going downhill. :cool:

    Current Rat is good, only 1550 hrs on the engine, probably had 1,100 hours when I bought it August -17. (No hour meter, bought a plug-in diagnostic Yamaha tool recently to show hours and error codes, $60 on eBay)
  10. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Caught in the act this morning. IMG_0509.jpg
  11. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Yup, you caught me on hidden camera.:cool:

    You were on the classic yacht doing maintenance on the bow?
  12. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Yes, that's BERILDA.
    I waved from the bridge wing.
  13. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Aha, didn’t see you, I waved at the deck hands on the float and kept speed low so I would’t rock them.
    I usually take a trip on the River Rat in the afternoon, will come closer and wave back @ you then. :cool:
  14. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Came on the Rat to say hello.
    Looks like the crew and the contractors are busy keeping your ship in Bristol Condition.
    Good talking to you on Ch. 68.
    After this Corona Thingy is over, come for a ride on the River Rat. o_O
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  15. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Impressive. Nice work platform and scaffolding! Not a bad boat either.:)
  16. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Did my good deed today and picked up plastic from the New River:
    Is this recycle plastic, or garbage?

    A95C5539-01E0-4DAC-B414-FB78D8BAFFBF.jpeg

    Ken: Sent you a PM.