Anchor Winches
With the myriad of winches out there atm we thought it was about time to review one but which one
After speaking to many people in the marine industry from charter operators and marine fitters, mechanic’s, stainless steel specialists etc. the clear choice was to start with the X winch
Why start with this particular one
Well from all reports this is the Rolls Royce of drum winches
Coming from a mechanical engineering background I had to see if these were as tough and bullet proof as I have been told so here is a bit of a wrap up on what I found
The Frame Assy and Motor Gearbox Combination
First look at the X-Winch made by Extreme Marine PTY LTD and the striking finish of this piece of gear is apparent. The finish is superb, and the unit feels bullet proof. Every weld is a work of art on the fabricated frames and the pressed frames are just as nice. Most importantly the gap between the frame and the side plates of the drum is minimal meaning rope chain weed etc cannot get trapped in there, causing a foul up
Moving along to the motor and gearbox and the fit up and mount just oozes classy construction right down to the wire glands on the junction box (on the medium) I love the way the motor frame tapers up to meet the junction box on the medium and for my freedom Seasport 640 it would be the perfect choice
The medium has 1400 watts and a capacity of 100 metres of 8mm rope and 8 metres of 6mm chain and can hold 2 tonne making it ideal for the likes of bar crushers etc and as my boat is fairly sleek and low it would be perfect. The operating speed of 100 ft / min is advertised on some other brands but none seem as fast as the X winch on pay out or retrieve
Stepping up to the Large and the Extra large and you can see whay so many charter operators love these. The welded 8mm frames are bullet proof and the 1700 watts is incredibly powerful
Add to that some 120+ metres of 10mm rope and 8 metres of 8mm short link and you have all you need
Circuit Breaker Solenoid and Switchgear
The solenoid circuit breaker and toggle switch supplied with the X-Winch is high end high quality gear (and really as a package exactly what you would expect) Heavy duty, top of the Range and Reliable and will last the life of your boat
Typically I would personally recommend a dual battery set up for any boat running additional extras and would preferably have the motor running when using any winch to alleviate strain on any battery be it boat, tractor, or 4WD set up.
Other Accesories and deck Hardware
Marine Enhancements LTD can supply the entire turn key fit including matched anchor (Sarca) Stainless bow sprit rope roller rope and chain as well as the winch and wiring kit giving you the entire matched set and are able to fit it up for you. Then you will have everything you need to never have to PULL UP an anchor again making boating more enjoyable and more importantly safer with no climbing up the front to get the anchor in a pitching sea
Contact Spiro for more details
HERE
http://marine-enhancements.blogspot.com/
ACOMMODATION IN PORTLAND
As you are all aware this site runs sponsor free and only recommends products or sevices we have personally used and would recommend to family or freinds
A Recent short notice trip to Portland was arranged and a Tourist park was "recommended" by a good mate so we thought we would check it out
A quick phone call to the Paul and Samantha Phelan who run the PORTLAND CLAREMONT TOURIST PARK whichis part of the Holiday village chain
Now if you tow a lump of boat and you are going to be late on arrival its best to let the park know this, so after a chat to Paul (and a bloody nice guy to boot) he said no problem and arranged everything from a map and keys for our late arrival with a hand written note on where to park the boat so i wouldnt have to un hook it
nothing was too much trouble
The accomodation we used was a 2 bedroom unit that was spotless, spacious, and had all the creature comforts including a full kitchen, telly and dvd player, big fridge etc
the service was so good the beds were made (linen can be arranged) and the electric blankets were on >>> service with a smile and that little bit extra
The park is spotless and well laid out with everything including a boat washdown area, huge camp kitchen, and even a games room for the kids (or dads)
Just remember when you are booking a cabin lat any park, let them know what size boat you have so you dont find yourself weaving around to a spot that is hard to get at
This park would be ideal for a big group of guys on a fishing week end or a family weekend away or even a just a place to relax and unwind and a launching pad to explore the area
powered site etc or a cabin this park is ideal
Contact details
Holiday village Park Portland 76 Garden street Portland
Phone 03 5523 5673 Email pctp@hotkey.net.au
Website www.holidayvillage.com.au and follow the links to portland Claremont tourist park
Mention this site when you book
ROTHMAR LURES
"THE TUNA LURE THAT BITES BACK"
EVERY NOW AND THEN A PRODUCT COMES ALONG THAT TAKES AN EXISTING PRODUCT AND JUST MAKES IT BETTER
For a while now i had heard of these skirted lures made in Tassie that were specifically designed to target tuna >>>Especially Southern Blues Yellowfin and Albacore
Bold statements were made to me by a Close Friend(Paul "Ancaman" Barton) that these were the best skirted lures he had seen and handled in a long time
On a recent trip to Bermagui i was lucky enough to see and use some of these lures and i was Seriously impressed to say the least. So much so i contacted the manufacturer to find out more. And what i found made me realise why these lures are not only cost effective but why they work so well
NO MASS PRODUCTION >>> The head of each lure regardless of size is poured and machined individually. Each hand selected skirt (and only the best such as Yo Zuri are used) are hand fitted and checked and re checked
Each lure that is sold pre rigged (some are and some arent) are rigged with the best hooks and materials available
A True boutique hand crafted lure that works perfectly is the end result and is a result ROTHMAR LURES should be proud of
The lures below are a special Selection for the SBTs of Portland
For Details on how to purchase or to enquire about prices please feel free to email us at sales@victoriansaltwaterfishing.com and we will pass on your enquiry
