Another bucket list item bites the waves. Simon had a surprise for me turning up with a brand new Fishpro. Only 1 hour on the clock of merry go round stuff on the dam. So still running in on this trip. Another surprise to see us off and wish us a safe trip was Jason from Ski & Sea Safe Boat Training.
We didn’t get away until 520 waiting on the sun rise. Striking a bit of slop probably made worse for me with a little extra weight on the back. We weren’t real keen on a 360klms of this and thought to see it out the other side of Brampton Island and assess. Seemed to be on the improve deciding to go for Anchor Isles to reassess.
Perseverance and 50ks put it behind us. Around the Anchor Isles sea started to flatten.
Running a bit behind of plan we pushed through to Shute Harbour with the sea getting flatter with every mile.
Approaching Long island we went up the western side the inside. The Fishpro is a good touring ski. Only thing I would change would be the seat and put the saddle type with the high back it helps from sliding back. I’d probably piss the sound system off unless the VHF could run through it.
Shute Harbour at about 8am for our first refuel after 105klms were they had unleaded 95 with high jetty’s and not much chance of tying up Skis. Could of managed but would of been a task.
We had no concern of fuel issues and headed around to Airlie, Coral Sea Marina. They like you to ring them or Radio on channel 9 (make a booking if you can). This is more to keep fueling births clear for the commercial boats that may of booked a time slot.
They have fueling births near the boat ramp eastern end that seemed to be used both times I had been there. The other end seems quieter ? Simon handled the phone call with no issues. My ski took 50lts Simon”s ski took much the same.
Its 850 leaving Airlie and time becoming precious. Forecast had the wind picking up slightly around noon in the the area south of Anchor Isles. Knowing full well we wouldn’t beat it. Not wanting to be any later we high tailed it to Bowen.
Hello Dingo Beach, hello Hideaway Bay.
Hello Echo Resort
Bowen in a hour checked out the jetty. I could see the big Mango.
I would of liked to of gone into the Harbour and took photos of their ramp and fuel jetty. Forsake that and headed back to Airlie.
I emptied a jerry can in at Gloucester Island on the way back.
My ski only took 34lts as I had added 20 up at Gloucester. Octane 95 @ $2.20ltr.
Just north of Shute Harbour I radio VMR Mackay to confirm my log for trip and a radio check of loud and clear. Thank you VMR 448 Mackay for the coverage.
We were south of Long island bearing for the Anchor isles when I spotted a couple of skis over in the direction of Lindeman Island bearing on us. Rebecca had told me Melanie and John were going from Shute to Lindeman and to keep an eye out. So we diverted to them had a quick hello and chat. Nice to catch up even for a short time. They were on there way to Palm Bay Resort for some cocktails of sorts.
Moving on north of the Anchor Isles I am anxiously looking into the horizon looking for any lumps. Seeing a couple I was bracing myself for the worst. Turned out to be nothing and a easy 60kph run down to Mackay staying wide of Green Island.
We arrive back in the Harbour 1400hrs as we had planned from the outset. Congratulations all round and to Seadoo machines they did not miss a beat. Simon so pleased with his and mine well !… 368hrs well into 10,000 sea kilometers she is amazing.
- Kilometers 369
- Fuel 155lts
- Time 9hrs
- Cost $313.00
I left the Harbour with 100lts on board could of done trip without carrying any. To arrive at fuel births with less than 10lts onboard on long trips is stupid. I finished trip with 30lts on board = 75klms. Hope it wasn’t to long. Until next time.
Jet Ski North Queensland 
Another blog well put together