Getting it done, in late October 163 miles out from port.

[Fortunate One]

We burned 826 gallons, going from Warwick, to Hydro then over to Welker. Return trip was Welker to Point Judith for wholesale fuel and then back to Warwick.

The ride out in the 6' seas burned more fuel than it would had if it were flat.

At 30 to 31 knots she burns 60 GPH total. At 25 knots she's burning 50 gph.

Some fuel savings come in running her around 22 knots, but the savings isn't that great.

[Captbillb]

One & All,
Well, other than the fact that I'm down in FL for a couple of reasons, rather than on the STRADIVARIUS getting it done in the blue water arenas of the eastern canyons, the main one being is that my Mom is not doing well.
I'll be hitting the FLL Boat Show for the next couple of days, and regardless of what kind of boat any yard/builder has put together, I'll be using the methodology and materials, along with the workmanship that I know went into the STRADIVARIUS as she was built as a benchmark.
This boat handles like a dream, has speed, comfort, and style, distant water capabilities, is a beast underneath the patina of beauty and is a true fish magnet on the troll.
I've been forturnate enough to have operated this piece of artwork and, while it's keep Bristol clean while fishing, don't let its glitter fool you, it's simply a fish killer.
I'll bet any sum that this boat will be placing in tournaments due to it ability to run fast, far, and stay longer regardless of the sea state. We've FISHED in 6- to 9's without any problems what-so-ever, and easily run hard in the 24- 29 knot range in 4- to 7 foot headseas. Latched onto a 'mystery fish' on our first trip in a squall that featured howling winds and breaking waves (a few over the gunnels). The nibleness and response of the helm even in those conditions is simply in the realm of unreal- especially when coupled with the boat's bow thruster.
I really have to thank Mike, for having had the opportunity to go along on some of the trips. Even with all the fishing I've done, the trips we've taken on the STRADIVARIUS are definitely some of the most memorable that I've ever experienced.

[Seaker]

Best wishes for your mom Capt. Bill

I have been jonesin to spend a few days bear huntin and i don't mean the central pa kind

A few days at Bear seamount with Mikey, Will and crew would do this cappy well

[Thynnus]

Thoughts and prayers to you and your mom Capt. Bill. A question for all, what kind of boat is Stradivarious? When we were next to you in Altantis in early October, I remeber thinking that doesn't look like any express I have ever seen, kinda similar in layout to Damon's Jim Smith 45 but certainly an amazing looking vessel. Thanks.

[MermaidHunter]

It's a STRADIVARIUS

[Fortunate One]

I just talked to Capt. Bill and passed on the well wishes. He was glad to hear them.

Thynnus,

The Strad is totally custom. She was in the same shed as the Castafari last winter. She's different than the Jim Smith in appearance. Similarities being no tumblehome on either. I think the Strad has more flair than a Smith boat.

My helm deck is higher and the dodger is higher. I believe the Strad has more foredeck camber.

As far as interior is concerned, the Strad is yacht quality, where are the Castafari, being a charter boat is not as high, but it's certainly leaps above any charter boat that I've been on, at least that's what I got off the web site. I will say that Jim Smith 45 is a nice looking boat. I walked by it every time I went into the shed to work on the Strad last winter and I saw it in the canyon once.

Not all express boats are the same but similar to the Jim Smith I'd say there's more "Florida/New England" style in the Strad than Carolina style.

I went with a wider flair but certainly not as radical as some of the Carolina boats.

[Avenger]

For those unfamiliar I found the link to the original build thread:

The custom build continues; A photo update.

Fortunate One, those videos are fantastic. Stradivarius shows well when she's in her element. Congratulations on all that work and getting the results you wanted.

"I love it when a plan comes together" _{John "Hannibal" Smith - The A-Team}

[SteveK]

Mike,

I think Strad has a window on Sunday afternoon.................

SOUTH OF NEW ENGLAND...FROM THE GREAT SOUTH CHANNEL TO HUDSON
CANYON INCLUDING THE WATERS SOUTH OF MARTHAS VINEYARD AND
NANTUCKET ISLAND...OUT TO 1000 FM
400 PM EDT FRI OCT 28 2011

STORM WARNING


TONIGHT
N WINDS 10 TO 15 KT INCREASING TO E TO NE 15 TO 25
KT. SEAS 5 TO 9 FT SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 5 FT...HIGHEST S. A CHANCE
OF RAIN LATE.

SAT
E TO NE WINDS 20 TO 25 KT INCREASING TO 40 TO 50 KT LATE.
SEAS BUILDING TO 10 TO 16 FT...HIGHEST E. RAIN.

SAT NIGHT
WINDS BECOMING W TO SW 40 TO 50 KT...THEN SHIFTING
TO W TO NW 45 TO 60 KT. SEAS 11 TO 18 FT...BECOMING HIGHEST SE.
RAIN BECOMING ISOLATED SHOWERS LATE.

SUN
NW WINDS 30 TO 40 KT...EXCEPT E OF 71W 40 TO 50 KT EARLY.
WINDS THEN DIMINISHING TO N TO NW 10 TO 15 KT LATE. SEAS
SUBSIDING TO 6 TO 10 FT LATE...EXCEPT E OF 71W 10 TO 13 FT...
HIGHEST SE. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUN NIGHT
N TO NW WINDS DIMINISHING TO 10 TO 15 KT LATE. SEAS
SUBSIDING TO 4 TO 7 FT LATE...EXCEPT E OF 71W 6 TO 10 FT...
HIGHEST SE.

[Reel Poker]

Like you, I run an express.

HAHA i see the similarities. She is an absolute beauty. I remeber the build thread from a while back. If I rememeber correctly you had the tower built in Somerset. I wish I would have seen it there, I do a lot of fishing in the river right in front of there.