My son Kevin surprised me by flying in from Seattle to help with the launch. I did not know he was coming, so it was a very pleasant surprise. My daughter Leah also attended as well as the Admiral. Some friends who also have a boat at the lake were there to accompany my family on our trip to the dock from the ramp.
Here we are at Lake of the Ozarks state park, boat ramp #1, ready for the christening.
Here is that cast of thousands that attended the ceremony.
Here is the launch video, with accompanying music by Bobby Lewis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6in2Mr80bY&feature=em-share_video_user
And finally, here it is at its resting spot on the lift at our dock.
The boat runs well and planes easily. My 1975 65hp Mercury gets it to about 35 at 5200RPM. I guess it is due to being a wooden boat, but it sometimes sounds like a drum when going over small chop. It also gets you pretty wet when you hit a wave at speed. My theory is that a plywood hull, since it can't be concave at the front, shoots the water up and then you drive through it, getting a shower.
I also think I have another interested builder. He was looking it over and said he wants to build a boat when he retires. I'll get him to the forum and then he will be hooked.
Thanks to all the support and information this forum provides. Looking forward to G6.
