Buying the Merlin

starcrafttom · Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:05 pm Post subject:

I cant wait to see how it handles

clayhubler · Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:57 pm Post subject:

You and me both. Too bad I won’t have it down here in time for the Friday harbor gathering.

B~C · Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2024 11:22 am Post subject:

I found a couple of Merlin pics a well as a couple of 30' Tomcat pics in my AK 07 photo album.

Ctarmigan · Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2024 1:39 pm Post subject:

Not the only non-standard C-Dory in Elfin Cove. I spotted this one over the summer, which I couldn't identify a model for. Typical Elfin Cove weather provided for context.

clayhubler · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 4:48 pm Post subject:

Left this morning on our Merlin road trip. Should be getting our first look on July 9th.

Xtraplus18 · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:41 pm Post subject:

Safe travels Clay.

Post lots of pictures👍

clayhubler · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ed
I sent you a PM

We arrived in Skagway after a 3 day drive from home in La Center. Some of you may know that the road in to Skagway is very very steep and quite long. It is absolutely beautiful. But it is so steep that I decided to change my return ferry ticket to Haines as I don't yet know the weight of Merlin on it's trailer and we will be near max capacity with the 2006 duramax and slide in camper in the bed.

We had 20 bear sightings on the drive through BC including a momma grizzly with three cubs.

I will have to post pics of the trip when I return as it is just too difficult to do on my iphone.

clayhubler · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:46 pm Post subject:

Well, we’ve had a few very busy days. We inspected and made some minor repairs and so forth to make Merlin usable for the trip. We’ve had three days in Auke Bay and the boat has performed wonderfully. It is a joy to drive compared to Hammerhead which is woefully underpowered in my opinion. It’s got a 300 hp Volvo penta duo prop and a cruises at about 20kts at 3000 rpm which is faster than Hammerheads top speed. The ride is great too with a medium vee at the stern and a pretty sharp vee up front. The only thing that has really surprised me so far is the v-berth is definitely smaller than the 22. I think it’s due to the shape of the bow. It is much different than the typical cdory. The back deck is 10-1/2’ x 7-1/2’.
We’ve got 5 nice halibut to the boat with my some catching the lions share. We have 1 more day of fishing then will be packing up and heading to the ferry with a 63’ long rig.

starcrafttom · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2025 8:40 pm Post subject:

`14K????? you stole that boat. The outdrive is twice that to buy. Congrats. I think that bench seat are is going to make a great kitchen and maybe room for a head.

clayhubler · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 12:47 am Post subject:

We have made it to Fort Nelson BC. We bagged 9 halibut total including a 60 pounder that Josie reeled in. The trailer tows great and the truck tows the whole package a lot better than I thought it would. We are 63’ long and unknown weight.

I paid 16k for the boat which at this point I do agree it was a steal. The previous owner was very honest and a great person to deal with. He owned the boat approximately 20 years and repowered it twice already. The current Volvo is a 2014.

clayhubler · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 1:51 am Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 12:31 pm Post subject:

what is you mpg at cruise? and what is your comfort cruise speed/ 30 mph?

clayhubler · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 5:20 pm Post subject:

I haven’t pushed it beyond 3000rpm yet because I didn’t want to risk anything with a unproven boat but it sure seems to run fine. I’ll feel more comfortable pushing it when I get to my home waters. At 3k it runs through 1-2’ chop easy at 24 mph. I don’t know the fuel burn but we only used about 25 gallons over 4 days.

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 1:43 am Post subject:

My 27 flat hull with a 225 honda at 24mph burns 10 gal. a hour. or 2.25 to 2.4 mpg Sounds like you got hat beat. if your trailering thru marysville let me have a peak. Hell you can stay the night if things line up

clayhubler · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 4:26 pm Post subject:

Might be coming thru around 5 or 6. I sent you a text