The new long ranger Intrepid, years in the building, has made her maiden voyage and returned to her berth at Point Loma Sportfishing. She came in August 19 under skipper Dan Nichols' hand.

"We were just out on a day and a half trip," said Dan. "It was a family trip. The boat performed just fine; we had no problems."

Nichols gave Bill Roecker a quick tour of the new rig, including the engine room, which was clean, white, warm and noisy. The rest of the boat is extremely quiet.

Passenger Larry Brown said the new boat was so quiet, "I was sitting in the galley talking to another angler, and we looked out the window to see guys grabbing their rods and running to the rails. I didn't even know we were stopped!"

Intrepid is equipped with stabilizers, which should give a very steady ride while under way.

Like many of the San Diego boats on trips that didn't have to leave the albacore grounds too early, Nichols and his crew aboard the Intrepid found some willing biters just before sunset. The longfin bit like albacore are supposed to, and the family trip put 89 longfin on the deck before the new rig headed for the barn, where she arrived August 19, on a warm, glassy morning.

Next Wednesday, Intrepid leaves on her first multi-day venture. If she performs like the first time out, the new rig will do just fine.