Classic AquaSport

General Aquasport Forums => Rendezvous/Gatherings => Topic started by: RickK on March 25, 2008, 05:37:26 AM

Title: 2008 Spring Gathering
Post by: RickK on March 25, 2008, 05:37:26 AM: It's that time again guys 8)
I should have posted this a little earlier but have been slammed with international travel here lately - in fact I leave for a 3 week stint in Singapore next week and don't get back until 4/26. I'm going to try to squeeze this in as best I can and hope it works for everyone else too.
The 5/3 date is best and the water/air temp should be perfect then. As the dates get futher into May it'll be getting hotter and more people will be out there.
We should be seeing a couple "new" shiny boats at this one too :thumleft: . Make sure we have a bunch of fenders this time.
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Post by: RickK on March 27, 2008, 05:44:36 AM: For the members that have not been to a gathering before, we'll probably do this again at Shell Beach
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/68Google_Earth_of_Ft_Desoto.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/68Mapsource_of_Ft_Desoto2.JPG)

If you're going to tow in, like me, use Ft Desoto Ramp, as it's 1/2 mile from Shell Beach and it's an awesome ramp although it will fill up on a nice day - bring $5 to launch.
We could also do this at Egmont Key, west side, which is a few miles south in the mouth of Tampa bay. The only thing bad about this selection is if the weather gets bad, it can get pretty rough out there. I'm ok with either spot. If we do this on the 3rd I will come out the day before and secure us a spot at whichever site we decide.
Any thoughts? I'd like to do a fishing thing or something for the group to keep it interesting but I think there is not enough time to plan this event out - maybe in the fall.
CUSnooking, did you get your transom done yet?
Mike, Steve - boats ready? (Steve I guess BBQing is out now eh?)
LilRich - ?
Anyone heard from Tim Bradford? He's been missing since the 2nd gathering.
John Jones, can you make this one?
Doc? have access to a trailer?
Bob,Joel - you going to be in town?
Capt Flatback- free that day?
Boyz from Bayside - can you take a day off?
Dave is rebuilding his motors right now and will be ready by then.
Capt Rick, I know it's along haul....
I know I missed a few names that were at the last gathering but hope to see you there too.
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Post by: DOCREED on March 27, 2008, 10:36:21 AM: I have a trailer but no truck to tow it with. I will have to come by sea. I'm trying to arrange it now.
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Post by: cusnooking on March 27, 2008, 06:18:32 PM: Rick transom is done and looks good I will post some pictures soon! and the 3rd looks good for me!!
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Post by: RickK on March 27, 2008, 08:51:32 PM: Quote from: "DOCREED"
I have a trailer but no truck to tow it with. I will have to come by sea. I'm trying to arrange it now.

Doc have you considered renting a truck and towing it up? Would be MUCH cheaper to rent a truck than drive it up. $100 for a couple days? Unless you just have that craving to take a sea ride :twisted:

Hope to see you either way you decide.
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Post by: RickK on March 27, 2008, 08:55:20 PM: Quote from: "cusnooking"
Rick transom is done and looks good I will post some pictures soon! and the 3rd looks good for me!!

Very nice!!
Maybe if you're out as early as last time we can wet a line again. I'll provide breakfast - so get there early :wink:

We'll have to work on a mini-fishing tournament for the next gathering and since you know this water so well you'll be a great asset.
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Post by: Bahi on March 29, 2008, 05:59:15 AM: Why don't we let it be in Doha, Qatar, this year?!!! 8)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/2697100_1345.jpg)
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Post by: RickK on March 29, 2008, 06:39:32 AM: Looks like you're having quite a gathering there already :wink:
You can pick me up in Singapore during the next 3 weeks and we can do some fishing 8)
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Post by: Bahi on March 29, 2008, 02:37:38 PM: You know I can easily do it, like I came with my 170
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/2697100_1260.jpg)
all the way from the States to Qatar. 8)

Just meet me on Singapore shore, after 5,256,000 minutes exactly! Please don't be late. :wink:
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Post by: RickK on March 30, 2008, 06:03:02 AM: Ok Bahi - tell me when to start the timer :wink:

I was out in the 230 yesterday and the water was still a little chilly for me - the dog didn't mind it - so, by the end of April it'll be perfect. 8)
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Post by: DOCREED on March 30, 2008, 04:09:28 PM: I'm considering a rental. It would save a lot of time and money.
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Post by: RickK on March 30, 2008, 07:44:38 PM: Quote from: "DOCREED"
I'm considering a rental. It would save a lot of time and money.

I'd think so too.
If you don't think you can travel back home that day or just don't want to, bring a sleeping bag, or let me know and I'll bring an extra, and you're welcome in my boat under the bimini, and possibly side curtains, for the night. I'll bring some air matresses just in case. Anyone who doesn't want to drive home are welcome to stay in mine or Dave's boat.
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Post by: DOCREED on April 01, 2008, 09:47:06 AM: Good idea. Actually, years ago, I found out that you can actually sleep on hard fiberglass decks if a you consume enough beer prior to turning in.
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Post by: strikeout on April 03, 2008, 07:00:58 PM: Sounds like fun! I would loved to come. The only question is will you let me! The problem is I have a proline, but did buy it off a forum member. Did I mention that I sell BEER and WINE for a living? Anyone thirsty?
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Post by: LilRichard on April 03, 2008, 08:50:42 PM: Strikeout, who do you work for - Southern?
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Post by: strikeout on April 03, 2008, 09:15:38 PM: nope! One of there competiters. republic
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Post by: Mike Answeeney on April 06, 2008, 01:22:16 PM: I say Strikeout's welcome if he brings enough beer and wine (sangria) so that we don't notice it's not an Aquasport. You know, if you drink enough beer and squint, the old Prolines do look a lot like Aquasports! :drunken: :drunken: :drunken: Aren't they distant cousins?

To avoid the three strikes rule (so far I've been to 2 gatherings without boat!) I'll finally be there pimpin' my new ride!!! :afro:

See ya all there.
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Post by: RickK on April 06, 2008, 07:00:25 PM: Bring it on out Strikeout - what year proline?
It'll give us something to talk about besides Mike's and Steve's boats. :lol:
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Post by: strikeout on April 07, 2008, 12:32:33 PM: she's a 84. I'm repowering as we speak with 175 opti, as well as new wiring. my buddy is the guy who bought fishbonz's rig.
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Post by: RickK on April 07, 2008, 07:23:37 PM: With a 175 I'm guessing a 22ft?
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Post by: strikeout on April 07, 2008, 09:06:55 PM: title say's 20.6 ft.
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Post by: RickK on April 08, 2008, 07:06:54 AM: Ought to scoot right along :twisted:
See ya at the gathering - looking to be the 3rd, based on the poll so far.
So is your buddy bringing the Fishbonz out too? (er, I guess he can't call it that anymore if I remember right)
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Post by: Undertow2 on April 08, 2008, 08:16:51 AM: strikeout -

Tell Craig Duquesnay to bring his ass out to the gathering too....the ex-Outback crew requests his attendance. Well, that is assuming that you know Craig anyway.
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Post by: RickK on April 13, 2008, 10:14:02 AM: Ok, the poll has expired and it looks like the 3rd is the day. 8)
As usual, you'll see Dave's boat and mine either anchored in Bunce pass or maybe this time we'll go with the beach on Shell beach - don't know how the po-po are gonna be now that the new laws have passed. Also don't want people to have to crawl over each other if we barge it again. I'm ok either way - let me know what you guys want to do. Don't know if the law's have been put in place though. Either way, we'll be there the night before and we can fire this thing up around noonish. If anyone wants to camp the night before or the night of the gig, let me know.

See ya all soon. I get back from Singapore on the 26th so I'll definitely be ready for this. :afro:
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Post by: DOCREED on April 15, 2008, 11:27:14 AM: I need a little local knowledge. Is this course safe? It looks like there is plenty of water for me but I hate it when the boat stops and i keep going.

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1501may3.jpg)
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Post by: RickK on April 15, 2008, 05:33:56 PM: Here is my experience during runs around the area when at the last few gatherings:
I know that the northern edge of the Egmont channel is NOT deep at least where I went over it, which was west of Egmont a bit. It went from about 70-90 feet to 4-5 :shock:, so it caught me by surprise and it stays fairly shallow for a few hundred feet north of the channel and then settles back at around 20 ft if I remember right. I don't know if it is worse closer in but that is the area where the big ships turn to the south west to stay in the channel and maybe they're piling up the sand to the north in that area. So I would adjust your track west at the channel and go out maybe 1/2 mile and then turn north.
Also you have to be very careful where you make your turn into Bunce pass. You need to make sure you almost go past (north of) the pass and then turn east to line up with the channel. There is a HUGE sandbar on the FT Desoto side of the channel out into the gulf about 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Line up/ hug the Shell Beach coast as you come in. We saw one boat that got stuck and it took hours for the tow boat to get him out.

So, are you still thinking of running the boat up?
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Post by: Undertow2 on April 15, 2008, 05:50:10 PM: Pretty much ditto on what Rick said, you may want to hop in the Egmont channel and veer out west then north until you sight the pass channel, WATCH out for that sandbar!! It's huge, shallow and can get very ripped if you have wind against current.
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Post by: DOCREED on April 17, 2008, 11:13:56 PM: Thanks
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Post by: JimCt on April 22, 2008, 08:15:38 AM: Have a great time! Will miss seeing the crowd & touring the AS's that show up. Hopefully will be able to make it to Spring '09... and maybe talk Miguel into taking a break from the ditch and coming along too.
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Post by: Miguel on April 22, 2008, 10:40:48 PM: Spring '09, huh?
I know fall '08 is Disney World with the kids, so who knows? Maybe I´ll get another break in the spring. We'll have to wait and see.
I hope you guys have a great time on the 3rd!
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Post by: Classic on April 22, 2008, 11:43:18 PM: DOCREED,
If you are coming from the south, you can cut across the bar on the north side of the egmont channel. What I do is line myself up 50 yards or so outside of the Gulf Pier and just go due north until you pass the range marker just north of the pier. There is a nice cut right there. Then you can swing out west to enter Bunces Pass. I have crossed that bar that way many many times and you'll have 4 feet even on the lowest of tides. When you have a strong NW wind and outgoing tide, the waves will stack up pretty good through the cut but it just makes for an uncomfortable ride. If you have a high tide, you can get across that bar anywhere if you stay on plane without bumping or dragging.
Be careful coming into Bunces Pass. If you follow the channel on your chartplotter, it will leave you high and dry about 3/4 of a mile outside the pass on a low tide. It's best just to visually find your way through or wait outside and watch a few boats go in and out. Don't just follow the first one you see... just because he made it doesn't mean he didn't drag the skeg for 50 yards. You can make it in and out of that pass on the right line no matter what the tide.
By the way the 68 Diver will be there...somebody's got to have an old beater at the gathering.

Joel
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Post by: DOCREED on April 24, 2008, 10:15:34 AM: Thanks for the info. Local knowledge is invaluable.

I'm renting a truck to tow it up near there. I will be way cheaper than the $800 for fuel if i take her up on her own bottom.
Then on the way back I'll fill her up in a gas station and save some there too.

If I save any more I will be making money!!!!!!!!!!

I wish
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Post by: RickK on April 25, 2008, 05:34:24 AM: Quote from: "DOCREED"
Thanks for the info. Local knowledge is invaluable.

I'm renting a truck to tow it up near there. I will be way cheaper than the $800 for fuel if i take her up on her own bottom.
Then on the way back I'll fill her up in a gas station and save some there too.

If I save any more I will be making money!!!!!!!!!!

I wish

Good decision.
Are you going to put in at Desoto ramp? You'll need about $1 worth of gas to get from the ramp to the gathering and back. Now if you go out and play .... :twisted:
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Post by: JimCt on April 25, 2008, 08:55:03 AM: Joel,

Will miss seeing the old girl. She isn't a "beater" by any means; she's a Fifty Mission Crush Aquasport.

From Wikipedia...

A "fifty mission crush" is an Army Air Corps, or Air Force, service cap that has the stiffening ring removed, and is worn crushed and battered.
This cap is obviously out of uniform, however steeped in tradition. This tradition was started by the 8th Air force flying personnel
as a mark that separates the fledgling from the battle hardened survivor of 25+ combat missions.
This mangled cap was frowned upon, but tolerated for those who earned the right to wear it.

Both you & she have earned the right.
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Post by: strikeout on April 26, 2008, 05:10:46 PM: I spent the day out by anna maria island. Finally finished the break in in my new opti.. The water temp was perfect for cooling off and keeping the beer cold. Anyone else out this weekend or are you all just spit shinning your hulls for next weekend?
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Post by: RickK on April 28, 2008, 05:40:55 AM: It's GREAT to be back home again. 8) Man was that a LONG trip.
Heading out boat camping in a couple hours for 3 days - gonna be nice and relaxing although it looks like it may storm today a bit. Oh well, that is what I bought all that canvas for. Even in a storm it's still better than being at work. The rest of the week looks like it will improve and will be nice for the gathering.
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Post by: John Jones on April 28, 2008, 09:12:24 AM: I'm up to my ears in gators with family issues. I doubt I'll make it. You guys have fun.

(http://floridasportsman.com/art/toast.gif)
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Post by: ANTIBLING on April 28, 2008, 10:54:41 AM: Can you still camp on the island? I used to years ago but wasnt sure. There used to be an old beat up cat sailboat beached on the northside of the island.

anyways doubt my boat will be done to make a showing, whens the next gathering? lol
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Post by: DOCREED on April 28, 2008, 11:03:32 AM: I'm planning on launching from that ramp in SR64 almost in Anna Maria.

I'm hoping there will be fewer people there to watch me try to launch it and i will get to run her for 30 min or so getting to where you guys will be.
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Post by: strikeout on April 28, 2008, 04:43:15 PM: I put in there on saturday, not too bad, pretty shallow if you get outside the channel. Only a few A**holes at the ramp that didn't want to wait there turn. Looking forward to meeting you all.
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Post by: Mike Answeeney on April 30, 2008, 11:21:31 PM: Just got the T-Top installed today!

Steve, you better put an extra coat of wax on your girl because Mine's lookin' soooo goooooood! :twisted: :wink:

See ya all Saturday on the water!
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Post by: RickK on May 01, 2008, 06:17:59 AM: Well, something came up for Dave that causes him to miss the gathering this time :( so I'm not bringing up the 230 this time and camp by myself. What this means is that all that shade that I carry with me and the BBQ grill won't be available this time :( Instead of the party barge, we'll have to do a beach thing again too.
With that being said, I will be towing up the 170 early Saturday morning. She hasn't been invited since I got the 230. :D
CUSnooking, I can't offer breakfast anymore but I'm going to try to be there real early (like 7?) if you want to do a little fishing. Stevo, if you want to meet early to fish too, come on.
We'll still meet around 12 to start the gathering- remember that the new restrictions on Shell beach as it pertains to Dogs and Alcohol might cause us some grief and cause us to move slightly so tune your radio to 68 for updates and keep an eye out for the bunch of Aquasports on the beach.
My Cell is 9417372165 if anyone needs to call for anything.
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Post by: cusnooking on May 01, 2008, 04:50:18 PM: Rick I'll be there by 7 and ready for some fishing, I just put on a new trolling motor and ready to try it!! See all saturday.
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Post by: Mike Answeeney on May 01, 2008, 06:54:54 PM: Hey guys,

Since we'll be beaching it, I'll bring my football tailgate grill out and fire it up on shore.

If anyone wants to bring burgers, dogs, snaugages my small grill will be available.

See you guys around noon time. :P 8) :P
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Post by: RickK on May 01, 2008, 07:03:01 PM: Quote from: "cusnooking"
Rick I'll be there by 7 and ready for some fishing, I just put on a new trolling motor and ready to try it!! See all saturday.

No problem getting through the tolls that early I take it?
Today's task was to move the axle more to the rear to get more tongue weight. A buddy helped and we dropped off the boat at a boaters club I belong to and then tackled the axle. Peice of cake. Found some BIG cracks in the tires on her trailer though so I put 2 new ones on so I don't have to worry about that for a few years.
Since the boat was already in the water I took her out for an hour when I went to pick her up and boy did she run fine. What a change from the 230 for the last 3 days.
See ya there bright and early.
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Post by: RickK on May 02, 2008, 07:21:41 PM: Any last minute things that need to be handled?
I'm cutting out of here at 545A tomorrow and should be there 7 or earlier to do some fishing. I'll be on Channel 68 and you have my Cell#. If anyone wants to drive to Ft. Desoto Ramp and call me I'd be glad to ferry you over and back. Bring some plastic cups with you for your beverages and we might not get hassled. I have a few if you forget.
See ya'll tomorrow.
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Post by: DOCREED on May 02, 2008, 07:44:55 PM: Well-----sand in the gears again. While I was driving to pick the rental truck I got a call to tell me the trailer wont be ready until Monday.

So, I wont make it again. Trailers are a pain--everytime i want to use it, it costs like $500

Have fun...I'll try again in the Fall.

Take pics

Doc
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Post by: strikeout on May 02, 2008, 08:52:51 PM: just spoke with a buddy, he said the snook are loaded up on the beach near eggmont beach, also the poons are showing a bit as well. all the bait in the world is near the ft desoto pier. good luck i'll see you out there. tight lines.
Title: How'd it go?
Post by: GoneFission on May 05, 2008, 08:22:37 AM: OK - how'd it go - where are the pix?
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Post by: DOCREED on May 05, 2008, 09:57:30 AM: Yea.......how about some salt in the wound......it was a beautiful day down here. I'm sure it was up there too. I wish i could have made it.
Without a trailer--I'm sure the V of the hull would have been ground down and I may have had a few leaks :roll:
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Post by: RickK on May 05, 2008, 08:27:33 PM: Here are the ones I took- Doc it was a beauty of a day there also:
We got there about 7:15 and Chuck (cusnookin) was already there and had the fish all warmed up. We took off for his super secret spot and we proceeded to put a few large trout in the boats. The bite turned off after a while and we hunted around with little sucess after that.
We saw Steve (Undertow2) go flying by in that shiny new boat of his and after a short while we were able to contact each other on the radio and coordinate the meeting spot.
Steve tied up with Chuck
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0242.JPG)

and the gathering began. 8)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0245.JPG)

My ol' girl
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0244.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0243.JPG)

More shots of Steve's sweet ride
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0246.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0248.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0253.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0266.JPG)

Chuck put a new transom on his solid 170 over the winter and it looked great and performed great too with that new awesome trolling motor - thanks for the fishing time Chuck.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0247.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0250.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0267.JPG)

Jeff (strikeout) and wife were the next to arrive and in his old Proline ta boot. Nice big boat also.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0251.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG02521.JPG)

Then we waited AND waited and there were all kinds of Aquasports going by that had no clue what they owned AND we waited and FINALLY...
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0255.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0256.JPG)
...Mike and Marianne find there way to the gathering - we were almost ready to go hunting for them.

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0258.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0259.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0264.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0262.JPG)

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/589/68T_CIMG0261.JPG)
She sure came out nice Mike and Marianne.

Overall a nice time with a lot of nice old boats and old/new friends - as usual. Thanks to all that made the time to come out.

Per popular request, we're moving the next gathering to the East a bit.
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Post by: LilRichard on May 05, 2008, 09:12:23 PM: I almost shed a tear looking at those nice rigs...

:(
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Post by: DOCREED on May 05, 2008, 11:01:25 PM: and not a cloud in the sky.............

It was a nice day here too but not the same.....

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/15014508.jpg)

canal cruise
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Post by: Mike Answeeney on May 06, 2008, 10:27:25 PM: Hey guys,

Steve, your AS turned out very nice. You should be proud.

It was great to see usual folks and nice to meet some new ones.

I would usually post a bunch of pictures about now, especially since I took a bunch, but unfortunately we lost the camera somewhere between the beach and the boat ramp garbage. :cry: I even drove back to the ramps from North Tampa at around midnight to check the garbage. I found our garbage but no camera.

Rick, thanks for not loosing your camera and posting the pics you took.

Despite the camera loss, it was a GREAT day on the water! :D
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Post by: RickK on May 07, 2008, 05:36:59 AM: That sucks :(
It'll probably turn up somewhere.
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Post by: DOCREED on May 07, 2008, 10:49:07 AM: "Per popular request, we're moving the next gathering to the East a bit."

How far east?
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Post by: RickK on May 07, 2008, 06:23:06 PM: Not quite sure but I think way up the bay. Stay tuned.
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Post by: Undertow2 on May 08, 2008, 10:33:48 AM: Thanks Mike. Your boat sure did look sweet. Very nice fit and finish, looked like a new boat!! Oh, yeah, I have your camera, PM me and let's get it back to you.

Sure was nice to see some from last time and the new guys, even if they were driving a Proline!!! :lol:

Mike, just kidding, I don't have your camera, wish I did. That really sucks.
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Post by: RickK on May 08, 2008, 06:02:55 PM: Quote from: "Undertow2"
...Oh, yeah, I have your camera, PM me and let's get it back to you....Mike, just kidding, I don't have your camera, wish I did. That really sucks.

That was cold, funny, but cold. :lol:
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Post by: those guys on May 10, 2008, 12:44:33 AM: Darn, we missed one.
Joel and I came by a lttle too late. Worked the morn and went to scout some tarpon. Sorry we missed you guys and those beautiful boats. It was a great day to be out, a little breezy but handled nicely.

East works fine for us. Along the Skyway causeway while not far East would be accessible by car.
Bob