Tests & Features

With the season now behind us, Ted Tuckerman turns his attention to one of winter’s key target fish - the flounder . . .

Found in most rivers and harbours, flounder, not the most attractive or popular table fish, is frequently passed over - literally, just as you leave the mooring. It’s a shame because they are a sporty fish on light tackle. I have always enjoyed fishing for them from a boat where their spirited antics are many times better than from the shore. In short, a big flounder is quite a handful.

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Now here is a serious fishing boat for serious (even commercial) anglers. We first tested this enormous cat back toward the start of 2010 and it was immensely impressive . . .

As a displacement catamaran, its soft ride, running efficiency, seakeeping and inboard space are tailor made for the fishing brigade. This amazingly beamy craft has a huge deck, a big wheelhouse, very slim hulls, and a very elevated attitude. And despite its epic proportions, its power demands are extraordinarily minimal.

With a pair of Suzuki 175 outboards, this 11-metre Leviathan managed to run with 20 people on board at 16 knots on a mere two litres of fuel per mile. Even without additional tanks, that’s a cruising range of 400 miles. It’s obviously not for everyone but if you love your fishing and you know it, BW Seacat makes cats from eight metres upwards. As fishing solutions go, they don’t come much more effective than this.

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If you want to trailer your boat abroad, you need to do a bit of research.  Mike Pullen explains the basics . . .

If you’re looking to head abroad with your trailer boat this winter, do you know how big, wide or heavy your trailer can be? Do you know if you’re permitted to travel on motorways? And do you need any special documentation?

These are just some of the questions you need to answer before you set off. The safety equipment list may also need to be more involved - and not just to satisfy local legislation. Additional flares, a spare VHF radio, extra fuel capacity, an additional anchor and an EPRIB may all be sensible precautions for the thoughtful skipper.

Trailer spares

You need to know that your boat and trailer are in good condition so get them serviced before you go. Even the most basic trailer spares list should include a spare wheel and bearings, a decent jack, bulbs, cable ties, water dispersant, gaffer tape and waterproof grease. Double-check that all the light board connections and tie down straps are in good condition. And be aware that many countries also have a legal requirement for a warning triangle and a spare bulb kit to be carried.

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The Westport range of fishing boats has been designed to provide safe, affordable family boating. The existing range of cuddy boats has been very well received and has gained a reputation for its dryness, stability and build quality. You only have to look at the fittings and where they are placed to see that these boats are designed and built by people who know boating.

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