Nautique out on the great barrier reef

[pjdave]

We took the 220 19 nautical mile off the Queensland, Austalia coast out onto the great barrier reef and whitsunday islands for a bit of snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and even got a set in on the glassy water.

The reef is usually home to big motor crusiers but the 220 took it all in its stride (including some 4ft swell)

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Nautique out on the great barrier reef

Sweet little weekend trip for you. I love the boat colors against the sea water.

My wife and I are going to a friends wedding in Brisbane Feb 2010, and planning on a few days up in Cairns, but most of it out in the sea.

[Gasman87]

RE: Nautique out on the great barrier reef

awesome !! that is a big time dream of mine !! the 220 puts it over the top !! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

[GoBig]

RE: Nautique out on the great barrier reef

That is too cool! I wish the weather was like that here right now. Nice pics, thanks for posting. Cheers!

[Grant_West]

Dave That's Awesome My dad is down is Aus right now. So how did the boat handle out there. Were you afraid of swamping it.

[bkhallpass]

That is very cool. Not many can tell that story. BKH

[pjdave]

Couple more teaser photos for all you guys in winter.

Photos of whats actually under the water, more riding in the ocean and the balcony shot shows the islands in the distance.

Grant, we were not too sure how the boat would handle out there, but kept an eye on the weather forecasts as it can get really nasty. We didnt take any waves over the bow, it was all about maintaining the correct speed with the swell and pumping some water into the rear tanks when needed. Once we hit the sheltered bays it was all "clean sailing" Where is your dad traveling?

Wakeslayer, Didnt i see you at our local boat ramp once before?

The 220 was such a great boat to take, room for six people, 4 scuba kits, 2 wakeboards, 4 fishing set ups and enough drink and food all in the lockers.

[WakeSlayer]

PJDave. Yup, that was me. I want to say it was Nov06. The friends that I was with just bought that Python Super Air from the US. We should hook up when I go back again !! IMG_1815 is so cool. You don't see htat color of water where I live.

Mike

[CradGen2]

WOW that is cool.... I couldn't imagine riding that far out into the ocean is a "N". Great pics, wish I had water that clear. The biggest waves I've seem are in Lake Norman, NC when I go visit my uncle. Sweet looking boat, I've always said the 220 was a great riding boat. Glad it was a safe round trip.

[Hollywood]

Looked like a lot of fun!

[srock]

I can't imagine bringing 4 scuba tanks on my boat along with six people especially 19 miles from safe harbor. I've found these boats cannot handle the type of seas you could encounter, or should I say rapidly changing conditions, before getting back. Sounds like you had a great trip but I would not recommend it to others.

[surfdh74]

IMG 1809 needs to go into the 2010 calendar.

[SkiTower]

The biggest waves I've seem are in Lake Norman, NC

Yep! Especially during holiday weekends. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[Grant_West]

Dave: My dad and oldest brother are both in Sidney now. They were there to say good by to my Grandma. She passed away before Christmas. My Dad and brother were down there taking care of all the stuff. Now they are relaxing having fun. Not sure where they are now. Yesterday they said they were at Bondi Beach having lunch in 80 degree weather. Damm Im jellous. You guys have it good in AUS this time of year. Its cold here.
We are gonna come to AUS this time next year. Hopfully we can hook up when we come out. The boat looks great.

[pjdave]

Condolences on your grandma.
Bondi is the great aussie beach, right near the city. All visitors have to go there.
Im located 12 hours (drive) north in Brisbane, the reef is another 12 hours (drive) north again. Anytime of the year is a good time to visit the northern part of the country. Dave