How Breaking Down Renewed My Lust For Classic Boats
I am thrilled. yes, thats my happy face. Inside. Where it counts
Well. What a difference the weather makes. here in Virginia it was 70 and amazing. So I decided to take Stinky to get her first fill up of the season. She runs so well.. Just zips along at 30 no problem. Sounds great.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
I stopped at my fuel place Buzzard Point in Reedville, and the throttle got wonky. And the battery went dead. Just like that. Of course with all these boats you just don’t even get fazed by it. I filled up. Gloves Mask all of it, and started in on the battery, loose cable and throttle, Did some jiggle doodad stuff. Moved it around on the carb and then it started right up! ZOOM!
The “Pass Gas Special” is doing her thang
Now a funny thing happened. I loved it. A little drama and need for me to fix, and reminder that the human connection is part of it all. A reminder that our living breathing boats need us and we need them. I was able to help with a problem and then solve it myself. A small yet much needed bit of control, in a time of lack of control. It didnt take a meeting, A brief, research, more meeting. Just a hammer and screw driver. I have to say, that ride was like Make Up.. Well. Lets just say it was a make up ride.
This is what its all aboat! A boat! its a new word. Just roll with it.
One thing I have yet to figure out. Do you wave? Or put your elbow wave? Anyone? I will be here all week. Try the Veal.
A short stop at Jimmys to say hi from 30 ft away.
I love this little Stinker.
I am sure I am not alone in this and also not alone in getting the boats out this weekend 6 ft from others.
Bob Kays sent us this wonderful photo from Lake Hopatcong. Everyone there is respecting each other. New Jersey Style. Waving with just one finger!
Wow Matt you are up early this morning! Yes I love working on the boat as much as riding in it! It’s such simple technology we can fix it without computers.
I haven’t been able to put boats in yet. Very busy with work right now working on Saturday that is not the usual for me.
I am also having permanent lifts installed at the lake house now.
Finishing those will be my next project in a few weeks.
Thanks for your post every day helps me get through till I’m able to get out there.
I think I have been on the receiving end of that “New Jersey” wave more than the giving end. It is nice to learn that it is meant affectionately.
(I am so glad I caught the pontoon in this shot.)
I really like the shot from above of you in Stinky. It looks very similar to the 1937 Chris Craft catalogue picture of the 16′ Special Race Boat. Thanks again. Howard
Yeah, I had a breakdown in my best Whirlwind while Going Boating yesterday….brand new 4 stroke motor….weird….crank crank, nothing…just ran out and died.
Saw the fuel line laying in front of the transom…disconnected…dumb as s–t….hooked her up and ran all day….nearly 80…and MANY folks have abandoned social distancing around here???? sand bar parties in full bloom.
Had dinner at Eric and Jill Zelman’s last night…well apart at a well served meal! Toured his latest project….he has been breathing fumes so long I think he is immune from virus.
John in Va.