Obviously everyone involved is very disappointed, but it is all part of boating.
White Rock Bluffs
The luxurious Pirate Marina Cove
The Clubhouse at Pirate Marina Cove in Pickensville, AL. Folks here have been very friendly and helpful.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Transmission Trouble
Not every day is peaches and cream. We took off this morning at 6:45 and planned on another big day. The boating gods saw it a bit differently. About 9:30 this morning we lost the starboard transmission. Boat had been running great and all the fluids were fine. We limped in on one engine 90 miles and pulled into a small marina in Pickensville, AL and had a local transmission tech come take a look. Unfortunately, he has diagnosed the issue as a rubber hub/coupler has gone bad, most likely due to a bad bearing. So now we will need to travel about 140 miles north to Iuka, MS where there is a travel lift large enough to haul out the boat and repair the transmission.
Obviously everyone involved is very disappointed, but it is all part of boating.
White Rock Bluffs
The luxurious Pirate Marina Cove
The Clubhouse at Pirate Marina Cove in Pickensville, AL. Folks here have been very friendly and helpful.
Obviously everyone involved is very disappointed, but it is all part of boating.
White Rock Bluffs
The luxurious Pirate Marina Cove
The Clubhouse at Pirate Marina Cove in Pickensville, AL. Folks here have been very friendly and helpful.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
On to the metropolis of Demopolis
Well, we had an exciting day. Have I mentioned I hate fog....
We had buckets of heavy, dense fog today. My nemesis. Pulled off the dock this morning at 6:35. Ran out to the first set of markers and thought we might not be able to get back to the dock. I have never seen fog roll in that quickly and heavy. WOW! We got back to the dock and tied up and waited another 20 minutes or so. Fog lifted a bit and we headed out at 7:00. Ran up to the top of Mobile Bay, about 16 miles, where we were again stopped by thick fog. We go to a working dock and had to stay about 100 yards off to keep a point of reference. At one point, the fog was so thick we couldn't see the dock about 100 feet away.
After an hour and half of just idling next to the dock, the fog lifted at 9:30 and we finally got moving. After the fog was gone, the day was about perfect. It was bright and sunny and the temperature while moving was delightful. We ran the first 117 miles to Coffeeville Lock and arrived at 2:00pm. We only had about a 15 minute wait at the lock before they put us through. We keep the boat moving really well the rest of the day. We arrived at the Demopolis Lock at 6:15pm. Once through the lock we tied up at the Demopolis, AL Yacht Basin. We covered 233 miles today. Fuel at the marina was $2.69 a gallon and the dockmaster let us borrow his car to run to dinner at the Red Barn Lounge where we had a great meal. Got back to the boat just before 10:00pm. We are both looking forward to a good nights sleep.
The Black Warrior River and the Tenn-Tom have been great. Very easy to navigate, deep water and, much easier than the ICW. Here are some pics from the day.
That tug and barge were only 100 yards away.
Now that is some thick fog. Couldn't even see the tug and barge.
The fog finally lifted and that is downtown Mobile.
The lock doors of the Coffeeville Lock as they close behind our boat.
Jeff has the boat tied to the bollard.
Getting ready to enter the Lock
A beautiful ride up the river today.
We are preparing to enter the Demopolis Lock after the tow goes in and gets settled.
We had buckets of heavy, dense fog today. My nemesis. Pulled off the dock this morning at 6:35. Ran out to the first set of markers and thought we might not be able to get back to the dock. I have never seen fog roll in that quickly and heavy. WOW! We got back to the dock and tied up and waited another 20 minutes or so. Fog lifted a bit and we headed out at 7:00. Ran up to the top of Mobile Bay, about 16 miles, where we were again stopped by thick fog. We go to a working dock and had to stay about 100 yards off to keep a point of reference. At one point, the fog was so thick we couldn't see the dock about 100 feet away.
After an hour and half of just idling next to the dock, the fog lifted at 9:30 and we finally got moving. After the fog was gone, the day was about perfect. It was bright and sunny and the temperature while moving was delightful. We ran the first 117 miles to Coffeeville Lock and arrived at 2:00pm. We only had about a 15 minute wait at the lock before they put us through. We keep the boat moving really well the rest of the day. We arrived at the Demopolis Lock at 6:15pm. Once through the lock we tied up at the Demopolis, AL Yacht Basin. We covered 233 miles today. Fuel at the marina was $2.69 a gallon and the dockmaster let us borrow his car to run to dinner at the Red Barn Lounge where we had a great meal. Got back to the boat just before 10:00pm. We are both looking forward to a good nights sleep.
The Black Warrior River and the Tenn-Tom have been great. Very easy to navigate, deep water and, much easier than the ICW. Here are some pics from the day.
That tug and barge were only 100 yards away.
Now that is some thick fog. Couldn't even see the tug and barge.
The fog finally lifted and that is downtown Mobile.
The lock doors of the Coffeeville Lock as they close behind our boat.
Jeff has the boat tied to the bollard.
Getting ready to enter the Lock
A beautiful ride up the river today.
We are preparing to enter the Demopolis Lock after the tow goes in and gets settled.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Welcome to Alabama
I thought I would have my first mate Jeff write up the blog tonight.
"We finally left Panama City at 9:55 this morning after 2 false starts with coolant alarms again. Help arrived quickly and we left for Mobile. The Gulf was beautiful and flat which is the good news.
After about 15 minutes the fog greeted us and decided to accompany us for about the next hour. By the way, Keith really hates fog! A good radar system and quickly activating the fog signals and we came out of it just fine. We ran 190 miles today and the rest of the ride was beautiful blue water. We arrived at the Grand Mariner Marina in Mobile Ala. The boat ran flawlessly at 30.5 MPH. We begin the river run early tomorrow hoping to make Demopolis."
Thanks Jeff for the write up tonight.
Here are a few pictures I took during the day.
After the first "false start" this morning, Jeff and I had a cup of coffee while we waited for the mechanic to arrive and help with the coolant problem.
A pirate ship as we came out of the Panama City Inlet this morning around 10:00am.
About 2 miles outside the inlet, we were greeted by fog.... I HATE fog! Visibility was about 100 yards.
Beautiful calm waters in the Gulf of Mexico today.
I have no idea what this was, but it was big!
Lighthouse at the entrance to Mobile Bay
That is one big Confederate flag on the back of that boat.
Jeff enjoyed the cell service being tied up tonight at Grand Mariner Marina
"We finally left Panama City at 9:55 this morning after 2 false starts with coolant alarms again. Help arrived quickly and we left for Mobile. The Gulf was beautiful and flat which is the good news.
After about 15 minutes the fog greeted us and decided to accompany us for about the next hour. By the way, Keith really hates fog! A good radar system and quickly activating the fog signals and we came out of it just fine. We ran 190 miles today and the rest of the ride was beautiful blue water. We arrived at the Grand Mariner Marina in Mobile Ala. The boat ran flawlessly at 30.5 MPH. We begin the river run early tomorrow hoping to make Demopolis."
Thanks Jeff for the write up tonight.
Here are a few pictures I took during the day.
After the first "false start" this morning, Jeff and I had a cup of coffee while we waited for the mechanic to arrive and help with the coolant problem.
A pirate ship as we came out of the Panama City Inlet this morning around 10:00am.
About 2 miles outside the inlet, we were greeted by fog.... I HATE fog! Visibility was about 100 yards.
Beautiful calm waters in the Gulf of Mexico today.
I have no idea what this was, but it was big!
Lighthouse at the entrance to Mobile Bay
That is one big Confederate flag on the back of that boat.
Jeff enjoyed the cell service being tied up tonight at Grand Mariner Marina
Monday, April 6, 2015
Coolant & Coast Guard
A pretty good day on the water. We left this morning at 7:00. Wind was east at 12kts and the seas were about 3 feet. It was not too bad as the waves were on the quartering stern for the most part. We turned out of Clearwater and set a waypoint near Port St Joe, 191 miles away. We had our sights set on Panama City as a final destination. We set the autopilot and watched the miles and hours go by.
All was well until we had a few alarms go off during the day. We continued to get a low coolant alarm. We had a gasket on the outboard side of the starboard engine that was leaking. Not much we could do, but continue to top off the coolant while underway. We would slow the boat down, turn off the stb engine, Jeff would drive while I went down in the engine room and add a gallon of coolant. We had to do this 3 times today, but it got us to Panama City without any issues. We had the local Man dealer meet us at the marina about an hour or so after we arrived. As I type this, they are in the engine room replacing the leaking gasket, cleaning up the coolant that leaked out and they hope to have us on our way in the morning. I can't begin to thank these guys enough for going out of their way to help us.
We also had a bit of excitement on our voyage of 244 miles to Panama City today. As we rounded St Vincent Island, which is between Apalachicola and Port St Joe, we heard a distress call on the vhf. A sailboat had run aground and was afraid of capsizing. The sailboat Navi contacted us and we stopped to try and lend assistance. Unfortunately, the water was too shallow for us to approach. So we simply stayed close by until the Coast Guard arrived. The Coast Guard sent a helicopter to pick up the stranded sailor. There was real terror in the sailors voice as he repeated back to the Coast Guard that he would need to get in the water for the rescue swimmer to help hoist him up. However, in all the stress and turmoil, the sailor asked if he could take a fishing pole that his dead father had given to him years ago. He said it was more valuable to him than the boat. The Coast Guard told him to bring it.
The Coast Guard, to their credit, got him. It was a weird feeling to see the helicopter fly off while the boat, stranded on the sandbar was left abandoned. It was also strange for us to drive off with the boat just sitting there. We hope that Tow BoatUS or Sea Tow was able to salvage the boat for the owner.
A valuable lesson on several levels. Double check your charts and make sure all of your safety gear is in order and operable. The sailboat tried to fire his flare as we passed, but it did not go off. The charts clearly show the shoal and low water. Not sure what he was thinking as he tried to cross the bar.
All was well until we had a few alarms go off during the day. We continued to get a low coolant alarm. We had a gasket on the outboard side of the starboard engine that was leaking. Not much we could do, but continue to top off the coolant while underway. We would slow the boat down, turn off the stb engine, Jeff would drive while I went down in the engine room and add a gallon of coolant. We had to do this 3 times today, but it got us to Panama City without any issues. We had the local Man dealer meet us at the marina about an hour or so after we arrived. As I type this, they are in the engine room replacing the leaking gasket, cleaning up the coolant that leaked out and they hope to have us on our way in the morning. I can't begin to thank these guys enough for going out of their way to help us.
We also had a bit of excitement on our voyage of 244 miles to Panama City today. As we rounded St Vincent Island, which is between Apalachicola and Port St Joe, we heard a distress call on the vhf. A sailboat had run aground and was afraid of capsizing. The sailboat Navi contacted us and we stopped to try and lend assistance. Unfortunately, the water was too shallow for us to approach. So we simply stayed close by until the Coast Guard arrived. The Coast Guard sent a helicopter to pick up the stranded sailor. There was real terror in the sailors voice as he repeated back to the Coast Guard that he would need to get in the water for the rescue swimmer to help hoist him up. However, in all the stress and turmoil, the sailor asked if he could take a fishing pole that his dead father had given to him years ago. He said it was more valuable to him than the boat. The Coast Guard told him to bring it.
The Coast Guard, to their credit, got him. It was a weird feeling to see the helicopter fly off while the boat, stranded on the sandbar was left abandoned. It was also strange for us to drive off with the boat just sitting there. We hope that Tow BoatUS or Sea Tow was able to salvage the boat for the owner.
A valuable lesson on several levels. Double check your charts and make sure all of your safety gear is in order and operable. The sailboat tried to fire his flare as we passed, but it did not go off. The charts clearly show the shoal and low water. Not sure what he was thinking as he tried to cross the bar.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Happy Easter
A short day today. We ran up from Marco Island, FL to Clearwater. Total distance today was only 163 miles. We departed this morning at 7:00am and arrive in Clearwater just before 1:30pm. Clearwater Beach was crazy with people for Easter Sunday. The beaches were packed as we ran up the coast today. Seas offshore were just a bit bumpy to start the day; around 3 to 4 feet. However, with an east wind we were able to run up against the beach which smoothed the water out considerably. "Long & Large was "christened today by Dan. He had salt spray all over her from top to bottom. We gave her a good bath once we got in.
A funny thing happened today during the trip. I went down to use the head and bring up a bottle of water and a snack for Dan. Well with the seas a bit bumpy while I was below, the salon door slammed shut and jammed. I was down in the cabin about 10 minutes trying to do everything I knew how to open the door to no avail. I thought about trying to go out one of the hatches, but with the seas and water coming over the boat, I knew that was going to cause a real mess. I then tried calling Dan on my cell phone and texting him as well. But with the open flybridge and the noise from the engines, wind and water, he couldn't hear it. Finally, I remembered I had a handheld VHF radio in my cabin. I called Dan on the radio from the cabin and asked him to stop the boat and come down to see if he could try the door from the outside. After about a 10 minute ordeal, we finally got the door open. Glad this happened off shore and it was easy to just stop the boat. It could have been more challenging if it happened on the ICW or a narrow channel. Once we got in to the marina, we took apart the door lock, sprayed it with WD-40 and she is all fixed and as good as new.
Not too many pictures today. Jeff Harris jumped on board tonight after Dan left to head back to IL. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.
A funny thing happened today during the trip. I went down to use the head and bring up a bottle of water and a snack for Dan. Well with the seas a bit bumpy while I was below, the salon door slammed shut and jammed. I was down in the cabin about 10 minutes trying to do everything I knew how to open the door to no avail. I thought about trying to go out one of the hatches, but with the seas and water coming over the boat, I knew that was going to cause a real mess. I then tried calling Dan on my cell phone and texting him as well. But with the open flybridge and the noise from the engines, wind and water, he couldn't hear it. Finally, I remembered I had a handheld VHF radio in my cabin. I called Dan on the radio from the cabin and asked him to stop the boat and come down to see if he could try the door from the outside. After about a 10 minute ordeal, we finally got the door open. Glad this happened off shore and it was easy to just stop the boat. It could have been more challenging if it happened on the ICW or a narrow channel. Once we got in to the marina, we took apart the door lock, sprayed it with WD-40 and she is all fixed and as good as new.
Not too many pictures today. Jeff Harris jumped on board tonight after Dan left to head back to IL. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
50 foot Viking from Miami to Grafton, IL
There are some things that you just cannot make up. I picked up a 50-foot Viking in Miami yesterday named "Long & Large". The new owner Dan will be renaming the boat as soon as he docks it in Grafton, IL about 40 or so miles north of St Louis. The new name will be "Son of a Son". Try hailing "Long & Large" on the radio a few times. You tend to get quite a response. 
Anyway, Dan I departed Miami this morning. We had a late start as we needed to top off the fuel tanks which required over 500 gallons. Once we topped off the tanks, we headed out Government Cut, turned south toward the Keys and made our way to Channel Five just south of Islamorada. Once through the cut we would head back north toward Marco Island.
The boat performed flawlessly today. She cruised at over 32 mph (27kts) with a pair of 820hp MAN diesels. She burned about 55 gph and we achieve .56 mpg. We covered 200 miles today from Miami to Marco. Tomorrow we will continue north up the west coast of Florida to Clearwater where Dan will unfortunately have to get off and fly home so he can return to work on Monday. Jeff Harris, a MYO member and 408 owner, agreed to help me on this trip up to St Louis. I am looking forward to having Jeff on board during the trip and I know we will have a great time. Dan is hopeful that work responsibilities will easy up next week and he hopes he can jump back on board with me and Jeff at some point late next week.
Here are a few pictures of the boat in Miami yesterday and some taken today on the run up from Miami to Marco.
Dan at the helm of his new boat with Miami in the background.
Miami skyline.
Tied up in Marco Island
A happy day for Dan. The first run on his new boat was a huge success. The beer was cold and the prime rib was medium rare with a great view of the water as we watched the final four.
Anyway, Dan I departed Miami this morning. We had a late start as we needed to top off the fuel tanks which required over 500 gallons. Once we topped off the tanks, we headed out Government Cut, turned south toward the Keys and made our way to Channel Five just south of Islamorada. Once through the cut we would head back north toward Marco Island.
The boat performed flawlessly today. She cruised at over 32 mph (27kts) with a pair of 820hp MAN diesels. She burned about 55 gph and we achieve .56 mpg. We covered 200 miles today from Miami to Marco. Tomorrow we will continue north up the west coast of Florida to Clearwater where Dan will unfortunately have to get off and fly home so he can return to work on Monday. Jeff Harris, a MYO member and 408 owner, agreed to help me on this trip up to St Louis. I am looking forward to having Jeff on board during the trip and I know we will have a great time. Dan is hopeful that work responsibilities will easy up next week and he hopes he can jump back on board with me and Jeff at some point late next week.
Here are a few pictures of the boat in Miami yesterday and some taken today on the run up from Miami to Marco.
Dan at the helm of his new boat with Miami in the background.
Miami skyline.
Tied up in Marco Island
A happy day for Dan. The first run on his new boat was a huge success. The beer was cold and the prime rib was medium rare with a great view of the water as we watched the final four.
Friday, April 3, 2015
New Home Sweet Home
We finished up the trip today. We ran up the ICW from Cabbage Key to Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto, FL after another 82 miles. It was just a perfect day on the water. It is certainly much better than the cold weather we left in Virginia. I met Gene and Julie for drinks and dinner at the marina last night. It could not have been a better start to their new home on the water. Thanks for following along. I fly out tomorrow to Miami to pick up the next boat.
Sunrise at Cabbage Key
Sunrise at Cabbage Key
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