I finally got my boat after waiting 2 weeks for certain issues to be sorted out. Well, here she is, a Haines Signature RX1550. It is 15.5 foot (4.7m) long with a 90hp outboard motor on the back. I intend using it to go out on the Hauraki gulf. The Hauraki Gulf is the marine gateway to Auckland and stretches between the Waitemata Harbour (Auckland) and the Coromandel Peninsula, its sheltered waters are studded with over 50 islands and islets. Its the ocean, and not a lake, so a lot of care needs to be taken when going out on the water. Initially I just want to cruise around, but soon I want to go and anchor off in some secluded bay and do a bit of fishing! It could also potentiall be used for skiing and diving if I ever get to that point. There are two courses I want to do first, one is the Day Skippers course and the other is the VHF Operation course since I have a VHF radio on the boat. Might do the Outboard Motor Maintenance course too...
Photos
On saturday 20th we took a drive down to Pukekohe and slept over at Warren and Kim's place. The next morning we drove across to the west coast to a place called Waiuku. There wasn't much to see so we drove down to the nearest beach called Karioitahi Beach (don't ask me to pronounce this). There you are allowed on the beach with your car, so we drove south along the beach for about 10 kilometers. It was amazing!
Photos
On the weekend of the 27th & 28th, Warren (my cousin) and myself did the Day Skippers course with the New Zealand Coastguard. It was 2 full days of classes into which they crammed as much information as possible. It was great though and we both learnt a lot about being out on the ocean. We did an exam in the end and are eagerly awaiting the results...