Our Story, Part 2.

2024 was for us a big surprise as we began the year running bass fishing trips with the odd harbour trip in between. However as we lost so many fishing trips due to the windy weather, we rescheduled, listing seal watching trips in their place. These seal watching trips soon became very popular and we really enjoyed them too, as we too learnt more and more about the amazing seals that lived right on our doorstep.

The seals soon became a real passion for us, we joined seal societies, attended online events and visited seal sanctuaries, all the time learning more and more about these incredible animals.

As the year progressed we knew that these seal trips were to be our future, simply because we enjoyed them so much. Time to give the Sea Bass a rest and concentrate on our new passion. And so the search was on for a more suitable boat, we had many criteria to meet and searched the whole country eventually we found an old girl looking for a new start in Cornwall.

And here she is...

Pirate Gracie, our 2024 boat

Nov '24, New boat arrives

The lorry finally arrives from Cornwall, greeted by the marina staff who were all a little shocked as the boat really did look in a bad way!

Crew get to work

It soon became clear that our new boat was in a sad state. It had been ashore for some time. Oh well, time for a good clean to see what we're dealing with!

Getting busy

The paintwork was in such a bad way that the whole boat had to be stripped back. Despite appearances the crew really are loving it!

Wheelhouse was also in a bad way

Nothing for it, the whole lot needed to be methodically removed so that we knew how to refit

Looking better

Again, all the paint was stripped back, units were removed or rebuilt so that we had a clean canvas for the refit

Wheelhouse roof

Layers of old paint removed

Stripping almost finished

Finally starting to feel that we are making some progress as now most of the paint has been removed and some primer was being added

Looking better

She's looking more presentable now as we get to prime the wheelhouse. And there's the new side access door underway.

Crew still happy at work

Early February

So after many hours we're finally ready to get back onto the water. It's coming together now, too cold to top coat but we've managed to get it all primed and ready. The wheelhouse bulkhead has been removed allowing us to be close to our customers during the trips.

New seating being prepped.

The new seating being fitted, solid oak benches offering plenty of seating for all!

Going back in!

Still plenty of work to be done, to be continued....

Afloat!

So we are finally back on the water but still have plenty of work to do. Sea trials found a few issues including hydraulic steering failure, more work then!!!

First Trips

After all the work, checks, tests and surveys, we are up and running! Our first weekend went really well, customers included a photographic club, absolutely loved the wildlife .