Kimler Adventure Pages (http://randsco.com)

Test Ride

Nanaimo - After being held up by snow and cold weather, the Randsco executive staff finally got a chance to take a test ride in the corporate yacht they're thinking of purchasing.

As reported in early January, Randsco has been on the hunt for a new, sea-worthy, flagship vessel. After scouring the local countryside, the internet and classified ads, they found potential in a locally-owned, 19-foot, Bayliner Classic Cuddy.

They made arrangements to take it out for a test ride, but that date (and all subsequent dates) have been foiled by weather, scheduling or other issues.

1993 19-foot Bayliner Classic Cuddy: Rachel holds the boat, while our "nautical engineer" (Charlie), inspects the motor. We were so busy testing the boat, this is the only photo we took! _{Randsco Newswire}

FINALLY, the weather Gods were smiling and everyone's schedule was clear (and suitable sitting was found for the Oop). Randsco executives, along with their nautical engineer, took the 19-foot Bayliner out for a test ride, the day before yesterday.

They plunked the boat into water at the Nanaimo public boat launch, after a short drive. They started the boat and took off out of Departure Bay, rounding Newcastle Island, heading out along Rainbow Channel, turning around at Snake Island. The test lasted the better part of 45 minutes and the staff appreciated both the speed and sea-worthiness of the vessel.

Outside of the harbor, the waves were choppy and the wind was up, out of the northwest. Running with the wind, the boat got up on plane easily, cruising along at about 3600 RPM and 25 mph. From a dead stop, the crew gave her full power, to see how quickly the boat could "get out of the hole". Happily, the boat climbed up on plane without effort and within a very reasonably short distance. With three adults, they were confident that the boat could handle six passengers (as per the 6-passenger, 1200 pound load rating).

On the return trip, the boat was heading into the waves and keeping it on plane made for a very rough ride indeed. The boat, however, handled well and took the abuse well, proving its sea-worthiness. The nervous pilot (Scott), cut back the speed a tad and the boat ride became smoother, as the boat cut through the waves, rather than pounded across them.

The steering is a tad "sticky", the GPS screen is mounted in a bad spot and the canvas (and boat) needs a bit of TLC. All things that could be easily rectified.

The main issue, however, as noted by the nautical engineer, was a 'whine' coming from the top end of the leg. He reported that this abnormal noise, which he said was quite loud. He thought it might be the result of a bearing problem. Randsco staff are working with the owner, to determine what the next step might be, as they're not keen on plunking down good money for an engine (or leg) problem.

Stay tuned.