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Comments from the ChilKat 30 fan club...During a recent visit to Alaska Dreams Fishing Lodge, Rick Hufstader found it necessary to shepherd our group into considerable wind and chop in his new Blackfeather Boat. The weather was just enough to potentially turn the day into a fishing struggle. To our pleasant surprise we were able to quickly and comfortably reach the fishing grounds as we watched other craft wallowing and fighting to make meaningful progress. We waved as we passed lesser souls in regular boats; Rick had a big grin, and we all had a full and busy day fishing. This is by far the safest and most comfortable fishing boat of it's size I have ever enjoyed. Blackfeather seems to have figured out how to integrate all the engineering and construction disciplines into a smooth powerful and effecient craft. Howard Van Deusen  I got this shot of a tufted puffin while going 35 knots across Kachemak Bay on a ChilKat 30. Because of all the great windows and visibilty, everbody else on the boat got a similar shot. Unlike everyone else on the boat I've been guiding in Alaska for 12 years. In all those years I've used a lot of different types of boats and I've never gotten a shot as clear as this at these speeds. A lot of my clients are professional photgraphers and they really love this boat! The stabilty, speed and space on these ChilKats is better than any boat I've ever used. I wish all my pickup and drop offs could be in a ChilKat 30! Liz Buck - Sea Kayaking Guide Alaskan dreams Wanted to communicate with you's regarding our recent visit to Alaskan Dreams.What an enjoyable stay. The food was good. The family atmosphere was cordial and accommodations were more than adequate. Most of all the fishing was great. The real surprise was your new boat. Our party had not experienced riding in a catamaran. It's fast at over 50 knots and stable in seas that frankly I expected to be slammed. We kept holding our breath as we went from one swell to another waiting for the jarring landing. Instead, it was a smooth re-entry. The twin 4 stroke Honda's seem a perfect match for control and high speed. Rick must enjoy being able to take your guests to the fishing grounds in about one third the time required before. Both Colonel Tilley, and myself own mid size ocean boats. We fish all the time. The introduction to your Black Feather boat was quite remarkable. Perhaps in the future if the financial Gods are good to Krusty I certainly would like to purchase the 30 foot model. It would reduce my travel time from Moss landing to Big Sur from an hour and a half to 30 minutes. Bottom line...more time to fish. Good luck on the balance of your season. We have sent our deposit for next year. Look forward to the same great time next year. Thanks Having fished the Southeast Inner and Outer Waters for over 50 yrs. I have seen alot of different types of boat makes and models. One that truly impressed me was the ChilKat 30 from Black Feather Boats. During a typical wet windy day on the waters of Cape Spencer, I noticed a boat I had seen before cruising along at a decent speed for the conditions. I hadn't seen a boat ride the waves as smoothly and quickly as this boat was doing. As I watched it cruise off towards Graves Harbor, I suddenly realized I wished I was on that boat and not the 50 ft. monohull I was rolling around on. So naturally when my youngest son called me a year later and told me he was in a dilemma on which type of boat he should buy for his new charter company, I only had one answer, Black Feather Boats. I am happy to say that for once he listened. Life Long Commercial Fisherman & Master Guide Hi Gregor -- pushed it up today to see if we've got the right props. Ran right up to 6K, no creeping that last few hundred rpms, so if anything, we could go to a more aggressive pitch if we wanted to, but the boat was light accept for fuel so I think we've got a good prop match. Speed was 42kts. I don't think I've ever traveled that fast over the water accept maybe in in a float plane. 4k feels like a nice load on the engines and boat, and gives us 28 kts, so that's probably what I'll cruise at unless I'm running late. --Gart “It's client friendly. People don’t get sea-sick because of how flat and stable it runs and everyone has a great view. The /Chilkat30/ also maintains good speeds, is clean and quiet, fuel efficient, and easy to maintain.” Morning Gregor, I hope all is well in Juneau, the weather is wonderful out here. Little bit of fog over the water in Port Frederick and the sun is rising over Elephant Mountain. Take care and give the guys at Black Feather my best and tell them, job well done!! The boat is a dream. Ora Schoonover |
