See full version: The Launching of Lil Slugger
Following are the photos of her first trip out. Congratulations to Kurt and Jill for being the first ones to buy plans, build and complete the boat, and launch, since we began our website. This is very exciting for all of us! Many thanks to them both!
Kurt plans to start his next boat soon - likely Candu-ez. we'll keep you updated!! [links]
Today we put Lil' Slugger in the water for the first time!! We changed the boat name due to possible problems with Budweiser. and this name suits the boat better!! more
The " 'Lil Slugger" was launched on Friday, February 22, 2008 in Gulf Port, Florida! Her first trip out went smoothly! Here is a quote from Jill:
I'm attaching three photos of Kurt in Lil' Slugger - she glides through the water like a dream!!
We had LOTS of people smiling and waving and asking questions - and we had a brown skate - about 3 feet in diameter - surf alongside Lil' Slugger. it was a really beautiful moment!
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Re: Converting to a Pilot House
I'll be building something along the lines of a pilot house for mine, hopefully before summer.
It's covered up in my avatar.
But I went with an Aluminum Frame,+ Vinyl Coverings for Mine.
The Protection of a Full Cabin. Yet Convertable to Wide Open.
Motor - (Replaced in 2012 by Johns Marine Service) 351 Ford W with Mercuiser Alpha outdrive with raw water cooling. See attachment for video of it running. I like this motor and it runs great. It’s a good gas boat, and with the second fuel tank, range has never been an issue. Motor runs great. I've always been meticulous about monitoring the cooling system. Manifolds, risers, thermostat, impeller, water pump, all fairly recently replaced. Rebuilt the heads after finding low compression in a couple cylinders. Compression is up to spec now. Aftermarket alarms added for early overheat detection. Drive is an aftermarket SEI unit which I’ve had zero problems beside the water pump housing that came with it when new. This was back in 2012 I believe but no issues since. Pertronix electronic distrubutor. Brand new starter. here
-15 rod aluminum rocket launcher on top of pilot house.
-Aluminum ½ tower with built in handrails for walking up the gunwales. The tower is comfortable standing or sitting on a cooler which I can include. Getting up high makes a huge difference offshore
- Custom stainless west coast style bow rail fabricated by Mike at Pro Towers
-4 Precision gunnel mounted stainless steel rod holders
-50 Gallon Split (25/25) oval fiberglass Pacific Edge bait tank here
Hull - 1975 IMP cuddy. Boat was purchased as salvage in 2001, formerly commercial (I think lobster). When I purchased it, she had a hole in the keel. Hole was ground out and repaired professional by a local shop (have receipt from 2001) Have not had any issues with repair. To be clear, it has been repaired (for quite a while) and does not leak. Also, title is clear, in hand, in my name, and easily transferable. The hull itself is heavy glass over ply and very thick. Have not had any other issues with transom or hull. The hull does have a ply coring which I noted when making the keel repair. The cuddy is small but 1 guy can crash there comfortably when needed.
It's not a Parker but will get you into the same zones, keep you just as dry, and sacrifice only a couple style points. Family wants a larger platform so this boat needs a new home. Overall, a very clean boat that runs and shows well, that I'm willing to let go for a fair price.
Pilot House -I added the pilot house around 2005. Probably the best thing I did for the functionality of the boat. Pilot house is aluminum frame with a thin fiberglass skin riveted on. The inside has an upholstered headliner. Built it this way as I wasn’t sure how the weight of glass over ply would affect the center of gravity…..and I was just completely over fiberglass work at this point in time. Roll up Zippered Sunbrella/Strataglass drop curtain by Juan at Rainbow Canvas encloses the aft section of pilot house which is great for dust control in storage or cold evenings on the water.