Hello Anglers,
I apologize for not keeping you guys updated on the re-power, but we have been extremely busy. The new engines, Cummins KTA19'S, are installed and working just as planned. We did our first tests on our way back to fisherman's landing from the boat yard on march 21st. The boat had very little fuel and water on board so we were light. The engines made 1850 rpms and we raced around the bay at 14.9kts. Our second sea trial was on 3-23, only this time we were full of fuel and water. The fish holds and bait tanks were all filled to the rim with water as well. Once again the engines performed flawlessly! Our top speed was 13.8kts. These new engines are faster, quieter, cleaner, and burn less fuel. I am very excited to see what they can do on the open ocean on our first trip, Ralph's 17-day, leaving 4-17. I would like to thank the guys that worked so hard during this engine change; Tom Dale, Greg Hibbs, Dean Adams, Knight&Carver, and all of the Excel crew including Betty and Kathy. Without you guys we, could have never accomplished what we did. I would also like to thank Bill Poole for putting up the money to make this awesome boat, better than ever. I am looking forward to running the boat full time this year and hope to see everybody this season...