A Second Tolman
by Kevin Beddoe
Hi Chuck:
Just finished the construction and final outfitting of my second Tolman skiff- a 24' JUMBO. The hull was stretched to 24' and I incorporated a cabin and pilothouse based on the Downeast Lobster Skiff style. This boat will be used for fishing offshore in the San Diego/Northern Baja area.
I installed a 24 mile radar, Furuno FCV 600L fishfinder, Garmin 182 GPS chartplotter, autopilot and probably the best feature of all, some Mariner Pilot Seats. These shock absorbered/spring loaded seats are absolutely the best investment I could have made for the comfort they provide.
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She has two 52 gallon belly tanks and is powered by a 140 Suzuki four stroke. Range is estimated at over 300 miles so I will comfortably be able to fish 100 miles offshore with plenty of reserve (weather permitting). The pilothouse is 6"8" tall inside and the cabin height is comfortable to sit under for the average person. Bunk length is 7' long (I'm 6'5') so stretching out on those long trolling days will be possible.
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A 38 gallon bait tank along with underdeck fish storage provide plenty of room to load up offshore.
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Construction from start to launching can be seen on the website I set up to document the construction. www.kbeddoeboats.com. It took me a total of 15 months to get it in the water for her shakedown cruise and another four months for the final fitting out and finishing.
I launched my Tolman Standard 10 years ago this July and I remember thinking then that someday I would do it again. While glad to be done with this project, I'm already looking forward to my next project.
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I don't know what it is, but one thing I do know is that boat building gets in your blood and it won't be another ten years before launching my next project.
Regards:
Kevin Beddoe
