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Unable
to avoid the tempest any longer, I accepted the fact that it was time
to leave the comfort of the 42’s saloon. The wind ripped through
the double-spreader ‘riggers as I stepped out to the cockpit. As
the bridge-deck overhang sheltered us, Lee provided a summary of this
vessel’s many fishing features, which include optional gaff stowage
under the gunwales and custom cutouts for the electric reels the boys
will use when they go kite fishing. The in-deck, gasketed fishbox could
easily handle several Allison tuna, and the in-transom livewell is functional
without intruding into the deck space. If you’re fighting a fish
off the stern, you won’t have to worry about sliding your toes under
the livewell base and fighting the fish leaning forward; you can take
yourself almost to the stern and still maintain a strong standup position.
Stalker IV also has an auxiliary livewell pump to ensure those goggle-eyes
don’t go belly up when the bite’s on. Salt- and freshwater
washdown, a bait freezer, and tackle stowage are also here. The cockpit’s
88 square feet (usable space) are truly maximized without crowding the
anglers. The engine-air intakes are also located here to reduce saltwater
ingestion and clean up the 42’s profile.
One fishing feature that
made your correspondent’s ears perk up like a dog hearing its name
was the closed-circuit TV the Greens hooked up to the Northstar 957 GPS/chartplotter
on the bridge. It lets the helmsman watch that billfish strike happen underwater
via an inset picture on the plotter’s display. With accoutrements like
these, Stalker IV is well equipped for day trolls as well as tournaments.
I noticed
yet a few more Green-specific touches during my inspection of the foredeck.
The boys had the bowrail and pulpit removed to give the boat a sleeker
appearance, although I prefer the feeling of security the bowrail gives
me when working on the foredeck. In addition, the normally raised Bomar
anchor locker hatch was replaced with a flush fiberglass hatch that provides
access to the locker. With “two left feet,” I appreciate the
benefits of this modification.
The
wind was starting to pick up as Lee started the optional twin 660-hp Caterpillar
3196s. A skillful boathandler, he worked the 42 out of her tight berth
with ease, working the single-lever Mathers electronic controls like he’d
owned the boat for six years, not six weeks. Noticing the eight-foot-plus
breakers looming in Shinnecock inlet, I thought it prudent to run the
numbers in the more sheltered but still whipped-cream-white bay, which
only had three- to four-footers about four seconds apart.
Heavy,
wind-driven spray repeatedly flew up and over the top of the 42 as we
hit a top speed of 38.6 mph, at which the 42 has a 267-NM range on her
600-gallon fuel capacity. However, I noticed that the Cats turned only
2270 rpm at WOT, about 30 rpm less than their rated output, leading me
to suspect Stalker IV was slightly over-wheeled. Nevertheless she made
a comfortable cruise of 34.2 mph at 2000 rpm, offering a 277-NM range.
By the time I recorded that data I was so salt-covered I felt like a giant
potato chip and wondered why I hadn’t taken along a change of clothes.
The brothers, who stood back from the open (optional) isinglass, just
smiled wryly.
Lee
offered me the wheel and, after zipping up the isinglass, I happily accepted.
The Teleflex hydraulic steering turning the wedge rudders did its job,
but in these conditions I felt she was a bit slow reacting to the wheel.
The 42’s modified-V hull with its solid-glass bottom was plenty
tough for the choppy head sea. The ride was bumpy, I suspect partly due
to her 15-foot beam. A little trim tab adjustment helped. In a following
sea, the 42 performed so well, for a minute I forgot about Gustav’s
wicked breath beating on the boat.
Finished
with my wheel time, I turned the wheel over to Laurance, who ran the 42
back to the stable. Despite the big blow, he returned her to her slip
as skillfully as his brother had maneuvered her out of it.
Although
a personal fan of the deep-V hull for rough water, I must say that Egg
Harbor’s modified-V, solid-glass hull bottom held up well under
these extreme conditions. Checking below decks I didn’t even notice
any great movement in the pillows lying on the lounge. Now it’s
likely you will never travel into this type of sea, but there is a comfort
level in knowing that a boat like Egg Harbor’s 42 will get you home.
I packed
my gear and walked up the dock ramp, and upon turning caught a final glimpse
of the 42, which, like me, was bathed in salt spray. Somehow I don’t
think the salt bath bothered her as much as it did me. A little water
and a chamois, and I’m sure she’d be ready to head out again.
As for me, call me when it’s light and variable.
Egg
Harbor Yachts Phone: (609) 965-2300. Fax: (609) 965-3517. www.eggharboryacht.com.
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