JimmyDubai
Member
- Oct 13, 2015
- 351
- Boat Info
- Sundancer 290 1996, one big block Mercruiser 7.4 LT
Simrad Go9 XSE + 3G radar
- Engines
- One, Mercruiser 7.4 V8, 310 HP
Hey folks,
I left Dubai back in May and after spending a few weeks in Denmark, France and Spain I am now in Florida. The Searay plant in Merritt Island is just a short drive from where I am in Port St Lucie so I decided to phone our buddy Captain Rusty to coordinate a visit; I took my brother in law with me and off we went. I've heard on the forum that Captain Rusty was a nice guy. Well, the word "nice" falls short. He is an awesome person. Captain Rusty showed us the different sections on the plant and introduced us to a few members of the great Searay team. What we saw was impressive; everybody working hard to get the final units through the door before the facility is shutdown later this month unfortunately.
What about the "added bonus".... well, Captain Rusty was given the task of testing the very last Searay l650 Fly and he invited us to join the team. Little did I imagine that I would have the chance to drive the massive yacht itself!!! This is historical guys, drive the very last 650 from the production line of the plant that for years manufactured the largest Searay yachts.
Very few people know how passionate I am on boats, and for someone who has sailed just a 290 Sundancer and suddenly be at the helm of a $3.5 million dollar 65 ft long superyacht is just awesome. Captain Rusty certainly made my year, not my day.
Thanks a million Captain Rusty for your time and generosity; we had so much fun. You have a true friend here. I'll see you in Dubai!!
These are the molds of the largest hulls made over here
One year ago this section would be packed with boats in the making
The interior of the l650. Captain Rusty checking on the information for the sea trial. The target: confirm what speed the boat reaches at WOT.
Captain Rusty at the helm passing under a bridge.
You wouldn't think that a 90,000 lbs yacht can make it through this narrow passage which is the only exit from the Searay dock; he made it perfectly, not even touching a leaf!!
Same passage back to the dock
This experience will stay for ever in me Captain Rusty, thanks so much.
I left Dubai back in May and after spending a few weeks in Denmark, France and Spain I am now in Florida. The Searay plant in Merritt Island is just a short drive from where I am in Port St Lucie so I decided to phone our buddy Captain Rusty to coordinate a visit; I took my brother in law with me and off we went. I've heard on the forum that Captain Rusty was a nice guy. Well, the word "nice" falls short. He is an awesome person. Captain Rusty showed us the different sections on the plant and introduced us to a few members of the great Searay team. What we saw was impressive; everybody working hard to get the final units through the door before the facility is shutdown later this month unfortunately.
What about the "added bonus".... well, Captain Rusty was given the task of testing the very last Searay l650 Fly and he invited us to join the team. Little did I imagine that I would have the chance to drive the massive yacht itself!!! This is historical guys, drive the very last 650 from the production line of the plant that for years manufactured the largest Searay yachts.
Very few people know how passionate I am on boats, and for someone who has sailed just a 290 Sundancer and suddenly be at the helm of a $3.5 million dollar 65 ft long superyacht is just awesome. Captain Rusty certainly made my year, not my day.
Thanks a million Captain Rusty for your time and generosity; we had so much fun. You have a true friend here. I'll see you in Dubai!!
These are the molds of the largest hulls made over here
One year ago this section would be packed with boats in the making
The interior of the l650. Captain Rusty checking on the information for the sea trial. The target: confirm what speed the boat reaches at WOT.
Captain Rusty at the helm passing under a bridge.
You wouldn't think that a 90,000 lbs yacht can make it through this narrow passage which is the only exit from the Searay dock; he made it perfectly, not even touching a leaf!!
Same passage back to the dock
This experience will stay for ever in me Captain Rusty, thanks so much.