Splashed my new Judge - Lots of pics
 

Splashed her for the first time Friday. I have family (in-laws) visiting, so couldn't do a lot of fishing, but I managed to get to as many WWDs as I could and did a little perch fishing as well. She lived up to my expectations both in Friday's 2.5' chop where I cruised at 30 knots into the wind with no problem, and today's skinny water when it took 18 inches to run her aground.

I looked at a lot of boats, and decided on the 27CC for several reasons. First off, I'm used to 26' boat having fished out of the Sea Ray for three years. I wanted something of similar length so I could fish in rough weather, but I also needed a boat that is easy to trailer to where the fish are. Other interests were a bass boat style casting platform, a place to duck in out of the weather or sleep in emergencies, a shallow draft for top-water spots, and a long comfortable warranty. Finally, price because I still owed a little on the 383 Stroker I recently put in my other boat. It came down to three brands and the Judge had the best price even after the modifications I needed.

I went with the 225 Honda after talking to as many people as I could about the engine with the deciding factor being high recommendations from some agency and tow boat guys. I added a Lowrance HDS-8 GPS/sonar combo and tagged on the Structure Scan unit 'cause it's so dern cool. (The first fish-finder I owned in 1974 was a Lowrance and I've never seen the need to change.)

My wife christened her today with mason jar of Tennessee's finest. Her name is "Thunder Road" after the song & movie, and is a tribute to my best friend who passed last year. He made the best corn liquor I ever tasted. We grew up along the original Thunder Road that Robert Mitchum sings about. Here are some pics taken over the weekend including a few fish I caught and released and some shots of the electronics in action.

http://www.mountainsoul.net/judgesplash1

http://www.mountainsoul.net/judgesplash

http://www.mountainsoul.net/3dkentpoint
http://www.mountainsoul.net/narrowsscan

http://www.mountainsoul.net/bowset

http://www.mountainsoul.net/aftsunset

http://www.mountainsoul.net/judgepit

http://www.mountainsoul.net/wyebridge

http://www.mountainsoul.net/judge27fish2 http://www.mountainsoul.net/judge27fish

http://www.mountainsoul.net/firstjudgefish

Man that boat looks nice! Congrats and I hope she's everything you wanted her to be.

-JB

I'll be keeping an eye out for you when I'm on the point at Oyster Cove.
Beautiful boat, looks muti-functional.
Congratulations!

Jeff

Shawn,
Schweeet boat! Looks a little small next to your 7' self.

Jim

Awesome boat Shawn! Congrats.......................Mark

Beautiful boat Shawn. Where are all the rocket launchers? That Honda 225 will do fine on that boat with great fuel consumption = more shine $$$.........Gary

that's a great boat. congrats.

Beautiful boat on a beautiful day catching some beautiful fish. Enjoy your time on the bay with her.

Nice boat...Long way from the boats you must have had down south....

Nice fish, of course it seems like you are always onto some....Great way to get her started...

Sweet boat Shawn. The name you have chosen for your boat is awesome as well, especially the story behind it.....Don