My NEW BOAT With Picture

[Capt. Tom Hughes]

As a professional fly & light tackle guide, these were the requirements for my new boat:
Proven Safe & Reliable - This speaks for itself
Smooth & Dry Ride - Under windy conditions
Fast Moving - To minimize travel time
Shallow Draft - Shallow enough to cross 1' of water
Casting Platform - For fly & light tackle fishing
Accept a Trolling Motor - Fish quietly & stay on productive areas
4-Stroke Motor - For quietness and to help keep pollution down
Drive-On Trailer with Disc Brakes - Dry feet in cold weather and minimize stopping distance

I finally received a boat capable of fishing in skinny water and out on the Chesapeake Bay. I picked her up Saturday and couldn't wait to launch her. I went directly to Truxton Park in Annapolis where there are two nice ramps.

It is powered by 2 - 60 HP EFI Mercury 4 stroke motors. I turned the first key and the port engine fired up immediately. The starboard engine did the same. The motors were so quiet I had to look at the tacks to see if they were on. I then backed off the trailer and waited for my buddy to park the truck and get aboard. Christmas had come early.

I pulled up to the dock and my buddy came aboard. First I cruised by the U.S. Naval Academy and up the Severn River. Just before the first bridge I wanted to see how fast she could turn. I rotated the wheel around hard at about 20 knots and it turned on a dime. I felt pretty comfortable and knew it was time to take her out on the Chesapeake Bay.

I varied the speed, breaking in the 4 strokes as outlined in my owner's manual, judging the top speed to be around 25 mph at 3500 r's. She came up on plane at around 3000 r's. We only saw 2 other boats while on the bay as we cruised north toward the Bay Bridges. The strong winds were quartering and occasional light spray crossed the front casting platform. No problem though because I was sitting comfortably at the center consoled keeping dry.

The ride was outstanding. No pounding, very smooth and dry. When the 2 boats passed by, I headed directly for their wakes, crossing one on a 45 degree angle and the other head on. My boat cut through them like a knife through butter. I looked around with excitement knowing that I will be able to fish all the water I saw, and more. She passed my final requirement as I drove her on the trailer with ease.

My new 20' Twin Vee PowerCat http://www.twinvee-md.com/ is somewhat different than the one shown here:

I will be installing a 'Light Tackle & Fly Fishing Package' (designed by me) on her during the 18th Annual Fishing & Boat Show in Timonium - Maryland State Fair Grounds from January 10-13, 2002. Please stop by and say hello.

Please check the Seminars/Entertainment http://www.fishingexpo.com page for the dates and times for my seminars. Both topics are on slides with different TF board members holding some very large stripers.


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Capt. Tom Hughes
Light Tackle & Fly Fishing Guide http://geocities.com/tomhughesguideservice

[This message has been edited by Capt. Tom Hughes (edited 12-19-2001).]

[jan]

nice job there. jan

[Ed P]

Tom,

What made you decide to go with twins rather than a larger single?

Also, 3500 RPM at WOT? Or are you just refering to the break-in period?

I noticed a local dealer just started carrying Twin Vee -- I'm looking forward to stopping by for a look. Congrats on the new rig.


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Ed P., St. Pete., FL

[trouty]

Very Nice indeed.
Should meet all your requirements and thensome.
Twins will be great for reliability, and the 4 strokes will be quiet and fuel efficient.
I'd say a pair a them Leno trollin tabs would go great on her wouldn't they?

http://www.lencomarine.com/troll'ntabs.html

Would love to see a final pic when you have the fly fishing setup finnished.
Does yours include the bowrail depicted in the link or have you dispensed with that for fly fishing?
Any plans to put those 60's on jackplates to let you sneak in less than a foot of water?...or would you just tilt them and use the electric if you wanted to do that?
Like the look of it a lot - would love to hear more about your thoughts once you've fished her some, and see what horizons she opens up for you as far as accessing some of the fish in the Chessapeak.
I seem to recall that you get some really good schools of fish busting up on the surface in the Chessapeak don't you?....with all the birds n such?
The Twin V should enable you to give some of them a bit of curry - they are stripers aren't they?
Twin 60's should be pretty fuel efficient I'd think for a charter rig, will it have a T Top?...Polin platform or rear casting deck?..how do you envisage setting her up - to fish one or two fly guys at a time?
How will you travel with fly rods - rigged in a rack standing vertical in front of the console?
Sorry so many questions - just that I'm interested in such stuff at the moment.

Cheers

[Latitude Improvement]

Congrats on the new cat! I looked at them for offshore use, but the low gunwales (plus the salesman's comment about them) turned me away. If I ever decide to get a bay boat down here though it would be the twin of yours.
Where are you on the Chesapeake? I'll be up there chasing ducks after Christmas.

[maxback]

Latitude Improvement: What did the salesperson say about the low freeboard that turned you off? This just makes it a safer boat!

[JackB]

I congragulate you on your purchase and I am sure this is a fine boat. You did leave out one important fact in the above specs. The price. I looked at these and other cats at the Annapolis boat shows [think I was out on Twin Vee test ride] and was quite serious in purchasing one but had a hard time in getting past two issues. The first was price. It is just a fact of life that Cats and their two hulls cost more to mfgr. than a monohull. The second in some way is also related to price. To try and remain competetive the Cats I looked at were really spartan. Little storage in the way of lockers,some with no inner liners, others with the fuel tank a big plastic jug stuck under the center console. That being said the ride was definetly one to kill for.

[maxback]

Multihull boats are more expensive to build since with the 2 hulls you have much more surface area. While it's true that the price per pound is generally higher on cat boats (due to the cost of manufacturing two quality hulls) the price per cubic foot of usable space is usually lower. Cat boats give you much more usable space than monohulls.

Boats with liners weigh approx 40% more than boats without liners. Weight and balance are very important factors when evaluating cat boat performance. Lighter boats require less horsepower, so your spending less money on engines.

As for the fuel tank under the center console, I view this as an advantage for easy maintenance and accessibility. The poly tanks are actually better than the metal tanks in terms of longevity, and also allow for eyeballing your fuel situation, not having to rely strictly on gauges.

[kengolding]

I have met with a dealer, and the factory of TwinVee boats. I have test ridden on them and spoke about the boat in detail with both the factory and the dealer.

Some of the advantages that they spoke of were the fact that they have no bilges, but rather the sponsons are filled with foam for the unsinkable aspect. All water drains overboard, removing the need for bilge pumps and the associated maintenance of them.

The boat can be plunged over a large wave sinking the bow completely into the water and it will not sink, but rather drain out in a few minuted.

They will grant you that there is no liner and therefore it is not as pretty. They claim that it is by design, giving you a boat that is easy to maintain, no waxing, and easy to fish from. Every aspect of the boat is designed to be low maintenance or easy maintenance, ie the gas tank under the console.

The ride is surely nice, as all cats are.
The price is very competitive.

The low freeboard gave me an uneasy feeling, like I could easily fall over. But owners who I have spoken to claim that this has not been an issue.

I thnk overall, that the boat has some good sides to it. It is reliable, good ride, low maintenance and semi Ugly. If you are not as vain as some, this boat could be an ideal setup for fishing. Not really designed for cruiseing. I have friends that take theirs to the bahamas regularly and have no problems whatsoever.

congrats on your boat. I think you will have many many good times in it.

Ken

[Capt. Tom Hughes]

Jan,
Thanks for your nice reply.

[i]Ed P[i], quote:What made you decide to go with twins rather than a large single?I personally feel that it’s always a good safety factor with 2 motors rather than one. Especially if fishing off-shore. According to the factory it will run with a single motor centered in the transom, but I’m not sure if the boat will give me the same performance as with two motors. I have no factual information on my decision. You could say ‘it’s one of those gut feeling.’ quote:Also, 3500 RPM at WOT? Or are you just refering to the break-in period?I should have made myself clearer in my original post. I’m still breaking in the engines and for the first hour the manual states not to take it over 3500 r’s. At 3500 r’s I judged the boat to be traveling at approximately 25 mph.

Top speed will not be determined until the motors are broken in. Top speed will be reached between 5500 & 6000 r’s. I’m not sure of the exact speed, but the dealer stated probable 42 to 45 MPH at 5500 r’s.

Trouty, I couldn’t bring up the hot key for Leno trollin tabs. My preference is a front foot controlled trolling motor with a cord long enough to reach the center consol. The foot petal can also be moved to the front casting deck when I’m fishing alone and the fish are holding tight to structure. quote:Does yours include the bowrail.....The following should answer all your questions about the boat:

On my PowerCat I have designed and will install a Capt. Tom Hughes Light & Fly Fishing Package*:

Front Casting Deck (62” long x 96” wide)

Note: No conventional stainless steel railing is now on the forward casting deck. I ordered the boat without railings.

1) *This will be replaced by 1 1/4” high x 3/4” wide black fly fishing toe guards on both sides. This will keep the fly line on the deck instead of blowing off the sides and in the water.

2) *A Seat pedestal mount will be installed just behind the center line of this casting deck. It will accommodate a long pedestal for a bicycle seat and/or a conventional pedestal and seat. If not needed the pedestal and seat can be removed.

3) *Also installed will be a foot controlled trolling motor with a 25’ control cord, allowing me to control it from the casting deck, or from behind the center console.

4) *A Lowrance X-91 LCD mounted on a Ram System which will allow me to remove it when not in use.

5) Stainless steel pull up cleats on the port & starboard sides.
NOTE: When not in use they lay flat and even with the deck.

Center Console

1) 3 or 4 space rod holders on the port & starboard sides.

2) *A Lowrance LCX-15 CI combined color finder and GPS unit (Ken Penrod will be giving some seminars on Lowrance products at the Fishing Expo. www.fishingexpo.com )
Note: Both the X-91 & LCX-15 CI have 200 KHZ transducers. This allows me to run both without any interference from one to the other.

3) *VHF radio and antenna.

4) Miscellaneous gauges (I like gauges - a lot of gauges).

5) *Small grab rails in line with the center of the console on the port & starboard gunnels.

6) A foot railing under the existing FS Model Leaner Seat with Back Rest.
Note: This is the seat to order. You can either lean or sit on it. When sitting, you have a clear vision above the grab railing and windshield.

7) A cooler under the above seat.

Aft

1) *Stainless steel pull up cleats on the port & starboard sides.
NOTE: When not in use they lay flat and even with the deck.

These Items Were Order With The Boat

1) 20’ Console Twin Grab Rail

2) Across The Storage/Enclosure/Seat
Note: This is a must in the 20’. This enclosure gives you plenty of extra dry storage and will stop any water coming over the stern and getting you feet wet.

3) Cushion for the above seat. This extra give you an 8’ cushioned seat for clients or guests.

4) Washdown pump for creatures such as bluefish.

5) FS Model Leaner w/4 Rod Holders (very comfortable)

6) FS Back Rest for Leaner for the above seat.

7) Console Windshield
Note: It will shield you from the rays, but it’s not as dark as the ones shown on the web site. The older dark ones were very hard to see through.

8) 24 Series HD Marine Battery w/Box Tray (under the seat in front of the CC)

9) 27 Series Battery Boxes (for the trolling motor-mounted up front under the casting deck)

10) Stainless steel props (a must for me-it always seems that I run in water just a bit too skinny)

I was very fortunate to have purchased my boat at Twin Vee PowerCats of Maryland. It’s a new franchise located in Annapolis, MD. The owner ,Peter Jones, bent over backwards to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. http://www.twinvee-md.com/

>>Answers to your other questions:

>>I had a jack plate on my late boat -1999 Ranger, Intracoastal (saltwater bass boat) - and it was very useful when I want to come on plane in shallow water. For the cost it’s just not worth mounting 2 on my cat. She will run in 8” to 10” of water with the motors trimmed up.

>>I also enjoy fishing for just about any game fish. My boat will take me largemouth bass fishing on the Lower Potomac River (just outside Washington, DC) to off-shore fly fishing for albies in Harkers Island, N.C. I know this because my good fishing buddy has a 20’ and that what we did last year.

>>I don’t need a pooling platform on the boat. I have no trouble fishing structures to catch fish and have not the need to see them first.

>>She will accommodate 2 fly fisher or 3 (average) to 4 (excellent) light tackle anglers.

>>No T-Top needed at this time. If I want one I will purchase a removable model.

>>The fly rods will be placed in a vertical position at the CC. I will have room for 6 rigged fly rods or light tackle rods. I’m very fortunate and have a good friend by the name of Lefty Kreh and he’s given me lessons on fly casting. I have improved (if possible!) on the casting methods he taught me and have no problem with 2 fly fishers with the rods at CC. Teaching anglers methods, techniques, etc. is all part of my guiding package. I’m also on the Orvis Pro Guide Member and use excellent equipment.

Latitude Improvement,

If you are worried about the low gunnels and the operation of the Twin Vee PowerCat check out the Testimonial section at http://www.twinvee-md.com

My home waters are in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. I take a large number of clients who come to Baltimore to fly/light tackle fish the Baltimore Harbor and the Patapsco River -year around. Winter doesn’t stop me from guiding or fishing. Good luck on your hunt.

JackB,

The Maryland Dealership list all the prices for all the Twin Vee PowerCats on their web site http://www.twinvee-md.com nothing to hide or guess at on that subject. Some manufacturers of catamarans put allot of gleam & glider in their boats. I didn’t want that so I purchased a PowerCat. It’s always up to the individual to pick their boat only you know your needs. they have in a boat.

Maxback,

Thanks for answering JackB’s questions. The first thing I consider in a boat is how it rides. And that comes down to type of hull. I have fished out of many top quality mono-hull (multi-hull) boat and I enjoy a smooth, dry ride and so do my clients. That’s the main factory in my purchase of a Twin Vee PowerCat.

Kengolding,

I, like you, originally had some concern about the low sides. I gave it some though and talked with the dealer and if I want I (he) will install railings along the sides. I agree with you on the LOW MAINTENANCE (more fishing time) but not on the semi Ugly.

SHORT STORY:

As most of you know I owned a 1999 Ranger, Intracoastal before purchasing the Twin Vee PowerCat. It took my wife over a year and a half to sit in the Ranger while in the driveway. I never could get her out on the water with the Ranger.

When I backed my new PowerCat into the driveway for the first time she came out, looked at it, and immediately climbed on. She said, “I like this boat, it has plenty of room and looks safe” while standing behind the controls. She looked at the design (catamaran) then said, “it’s different from other boats, I really like that.”

Now that makes me happy. I’m sure WE will be spending more time on the water together. Nothing could be better-spending time on the water with the one you love one day and fishing with your buddies the next. That’s right buddies. This boat will hold more than 2 people. Man I’m excited.

>>>>If different, but surly not semi-Ugly. Anyhow the fish don’t care!! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Thanks everyone for your kind replies and please have a

SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY,
Capt. Tom Hughes

PS Not edited so if there typos or whatever my fingers were going faster than my brain. Off line @ 4:00 today until December 26, 2001.

[Preda]

Cats with a single engine are extremely inefficient. The design generates to much bubbles near the center so the prop does not get a good grip. Good decision to go with two.

[kengolding]

Captn Tom.
I did'nt meant to offend you about the semi-Ugly comment. Unfinished may have been more appropriate. From the outside the boat is beautiful with very smooth lines, like any cat. But the unfinished look on the inside did not appeal to me.
Like I said, it is a very nice boat and will serve you very well as a fishing platform.

Ken

[SeaPA]

Captn Tom:

Like KenGolding, I don't mean to offend you, but ALL cat boats are semi ugly! Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Hey, and if love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

Congrats on your purchase. Sounds like you did your homework and got a boat that will really fit your needs. Just be prepared to take some light hearted ribbing.

[This message has been edited by ECUSeaPA (edited 12-20-2001).]

[trouty]

Thanks for the replys Tom,

Great boat.

Like your idea about the fly fishing package for her. The rubber "rails" around the casting deck are a good idea - I've managed to sever the head of my SA Striper Taper with a prop before today from the running line slipping over the side and getting sucked to the keel and thru the prop!. ;o(
Will you use a line tamer or similar up there as well?

Pop up cleats are great idea too.

I tried that Lenco trolling tabs link again and it worked fine - not sure what was wrong when you tried it.

Bow mounts are OK - I reckon those twin 85 pound thrust trim tab mounted models might give you better maneouverability with a cat tho - try the link again for a looksee if you haven't already committed to the bow mount (heck - get all three - nuthin could stop you then!). ;o)

Great that you know and have fished with Lefty - a true gentleman of the sport - keep passing on his knowlege and skills. Like you - I too teach a lot of fly casting (Leftys methods) as part of the package and it's always a good feeling to see someone going away after a trip able to throw a tight loop, generate some linespeed - double haul and so on. Never been fortunate enough to meet him tho.

Teaching casting gives me a great sense of self satisfaction, as I'm sure it does you too. (Or we wouldn't guide and cop the occasional clouser in the ear...Ouch!)

Keen to hear how she passes muster after you have a few weeks guiding on her.

Cheers and have a safe Holiday season.

[JackB]

Seldom does one see a person who has thought out his boating purchase as carefully as you which should be commended. I did not pick up the fact, initially, that you were a professional guide. I guess we now know how to get a ride in that Cat. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[Wayward]

Have been out on Gatorman's TwinVee 22. VERY fishable, remarkably soft ride in nasty stuff. A hardcore angler's boat. Ken, really think you should take a hard look and ride on the Renaissance Prowler 246 or new 30', if you want to spend a little more money. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[kengolding]

Wayward,
I aldready have a worldcat. I did look at the Prowler, and my impression is that it is an awesome cat. the 30 is even awesomer if that is a word.

Ken

[Capt. Tom Hughes]

Preda,

My thoughts on running a cat with a single motor mirrored yours. I have been on the water twice with my new Twin Vee to date. I want to break-in the motors ASAP and put a total of 3 hours on them.

The 4 stroke 60 EFI Mercury outboards are highly efficient and quite. I filled the tank up (36 gallons) and it just now reads 3/4 full. With my single 2 stroke 200 EFI Mercury I would have used approximately 25 gallons of gas. Not an apple to apple comparison, but I can see a large savings in operating costs.

Ken,

No problem. I was just joshing you back. quote:.....and will serve you very well as a fishing platform.That’s what I’m looking for.

ECSeaPA, quote:Congrats on your purchase. Sounds like you did your homework and got a boat that will really fit your needs.Thanks. quote: Just be prepared to take some light hearted ribbing.No problem there. That’s all part of being a member on a message board. I enjoy humor.
Trouty, quote:Will you use a line tamer or similar up there as well?I don’t know what that is. Maybe we call it something else up here. Most of my clients and myself, don’t like to use anything with the fly line. Just cast it out count it down and start stripping at various speeds. It will lay on the front casting deck or the regular deck just fine. My computer can not find the Lenco trolling motor site. I have been using foot controlled trolling motors for many years and I’m very comfortable with them. When fishing alone or with a friend I’m up front running the trolling motor. There will also be an additional depth finder mounted up front with the transducer mounted on the trolling motor.
JackB, quote:Seldom does one see a person who has thought out his boating purchase as carefully as you which should be commended.Thank you JackB for the complement. I purchased this Twin Vee PowerCat mainly for Capt. Tom Hughes. If I can fish out of it comfortable then I know my clients will be satisfied with the boat. It's a tough job fishing the areas (when possible) to make sure fish will be there for my clients...but someone’s got to do it. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Tight Lines,
Capt. Tom Hughes


[This message has been edited by Capt. Tom Hughes (edited 12-26-2001).]