FREE BOAT QUESTION, FOR THINKERS!
- Thread starter sailormanbigd
- Start date
- Status
Ross, that is how I learned to work a hammer
my dad had to drill through the finger nail to release the preasure. We learn under fire. I think sailormanbigd will be fine. How fast is the old boat going to go anyway? The sail must be blow out. The motor is on it's last good leg. Sailormanbigd you should be more worry about the fuel system. If it gets rough, the fuel filter might clog, and then the engine will not run. You should drain all the old fuel out and replace said fuel. Then change all the fuel filters. You'll be fine buddy! I wouldn't push the boat too hard. You should be able to sail hull speed without a problem. Check the rigging as best you can. Look for missing or loss cottor pins. Reef early and drop the jib if it get dicely. Most demasting happen when sailing under jib alone. Ross, what is the difference between 6 and 3 knots? I don't think his boat will ever see 8 knot like mine. It is not big enough.
my dad had to drill through the finger nail to release the preasure. We learn under fire. I think sailormanbigd will be fine. How fast is the old boat going to go anyway? The sail must be blow out. The motor is on it's last good leg. Sailormanbigd you should be more worry about the fuel system. If it gets rough, the fuel filter might clog, and then the engine will not run. You should drain all the old fuel out and replace said fuel. Then change all the fuel filters. You'll be fine buddy! I wouldn't push the boat too hard. You should be able to sail hull speed without a problem. Check the rigging as best you can. Look for missing or loss cottor pins. Reef early and drop the jib if it get dicely. Most demasting happen when sailing under jib alone. Ross, what is the difference between 6 and 3 knots? I don't think his boat will ever see 8 knot like mine. It is not big enough.
Wait, I might be wrong here
sailormanbigd if you don't feel you have the experience to bring this boat home, hire a captain. That is what I did when we purchase our first big boat. You can negation a deal with the captain if you act as crew. If you don’t have the experience going slow is not going to save you from what can happen out there. PS: Get unlimited towing from Boat US or some other towing company.
sailormanbigd if you don't feel you have the experience to bring this boat home, hire a captain. That is what I did when we purchase our first big boat. You can negation a deal with the captain if you act as crew. If you don’t have the experience going slow is not going to save you from what can happen out there. PS: Get unlimited towing from Boat US or some other towing company.
- Jul 24, 2006
- 628
oh ye of little faith
Hi all, Got a late start yesterday-musles still sore, hands starting to heal, and too dam cold. Made it to Tampa at 1200, was thinking about all the post while i was driving the one hour trip, and i was apprehensive about seeing it-it had been 4 days since i left it. I told myself that if it has sank then i will abandon the free boat, donating my time and gas money. When i pulled into the marina "Natasha" was laying way over on its side. "Ut-oh,she has flooded and now is listing and sitting on the bottom". My heart just sank, got this choked up feeling, and turned away an grabed something out of my truck not think of it, and closed my eyes. What a fool, should have listened to those that said, "nothing is for free", Run away, look for a better boat,junk,etc... Yeah has'nt been the first time i tried something semi outlandish and failed. SO, i slowely made it to the gate, fumbled for the key to undo the lock, sat the thing i got out of the truck down(don't remmember what it was even-did'nt matter, mind somewhere else) Slid open the hatch and...WHAT, WHAT, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT--DRY AS A BONE IN THE DESSERT!!!!!!!!!!!!A smile came to my face and i lept into action, started back on my todo list, Hurray!!! I guess what had happenned is the bottom is now more slick from scrapeing and it somehow settled closer to the dock-shallower, and the tide was way out. I made a note, move the boat out at the dock, retie dock lines properly. Got stuff done, first inspected packing nut for rudder tube. Nut threads were fine, the shaft had lost the first thread almost all the way around-except one sharp raised spot-easy fix, just file the thing smooth again. But i didn't have a file in my little tool box. So packed the nut and the shaft with toilet bowl seal wax and tightened the nut, whalla, dry! Next i pulled everthing that wasn't bolted down out of the seete compartment, a bit cramped down there, if i get any bigger i won't fit thru the oppenning. I wish i could figure out where to fill the hydraulic steering at? Gotta check the books later. Everything went well, got alot done, the bilge is dry, the boat floats, the hull deck joint caulked with 4200-dries quicker. Now today i am picking up my 22yo lazy bones-no count-slap the mother son, and we are going to load the outboard into the dinghy, mount the bracket, and motor. He is gonna help. I can't carry it anymore like i used too, since i broke my leg. I guess i will not inform this forum on my actual departure date, or time. Someone might inform the coastgaurd of my intentions and they might cuff me to the dock or something, or tell bay news nine that some lunatic is attempting to sail a bathtub thru the skyway and out to see. IT IS A SAILBOAT, BUILT VERY HEAVY TO TAKE THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS THAT ONE MIGHT RUN INTO WHIlE CRUISING.The majority if bulkhead and stiffenning componets are in place. I'm not gonna sail it around the world like this, just up the coast in favorable conditions/winds. Noone should feel bad or responsible for telling me to go for it, or anything-im gonna do it anyway, with or without blessings. Patrick
Hi all, Got a late start yesterday-musles still sore, hands starting to heal, and too dam cold. Made it to Tampa at 1200, was thinking about all the post while i was driving the one hour trip, and i was apprehensive about seeing it-it had been 4 days since i left it. I told myself that if it has sank then i will abandon the free boat, donating my time and gas money. When i pulled into the marina "Natasha" was laying way over on its side. "Ut-oh,she has flooded and now is listing and sitting on the bottom". My heart just sank, got this choked up feeling, and turned away an grabed something out of my truck not think of it, and closed my eyes. What a fool, should have listened to those that said, "nothing is for free", Run away, look for a better boat,junk,etc... Yeah has'nt been the first time i tried something semi outlandish and failed. SO, i slowely made it to the gate, fumbled for the key to undo the lock, sat the thing i got out of the truck down(don't remmember what it was even-did'nt matter, mind somewhere else) Slid open the hatch and...WHAT, WHAT, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT--DRY AS A BONE IN THE DESSERT!!!!!!!!!!!!A smile came to my face and i lept into action, started back on my todo list, Hurray!!! I guess what had happenned is the bottom is now more slick from scrapeing and it somehow settled closer to the dock-shallower, and the tide was way out. I made a note, move the boat out at the dock, retie dock lines properly. Got stuff done, first inspected packing nut for rudder tube. Nut threads were fine, the shaft had lost the first thread almost all the way around-except one sharp raised spot-easy fix, just file the thing smooth again. But i didn't have a file in my little tool box. So packed the nut and the shaft with toilet bowl seal wax and tightened the nut, whalla, dry! Next i pulled everthing that wasn't bolted down out of the seete compartment, a bit cramped down there, if i get any bigger i won't fit thru the oppenning. I wish i could figure out where to fill the hydraulic steering at? Gotta check the books later. Everything went well, got alot done, the bilge is dry, the boat floats, the hull deck joint caulked with 4200-dries quicker. Now today i am picking up my 22yo lazy bones-no count-slap the mother son, and we are going to load the outboard into the dinghy, mount the bracket, and motor. He is gonna help. I can't carry it anymore like i used too, since i broke my leg. I guess i will not inform this forum on my actual departure date, or time. Someone might inform the coastgaurd of my intentions and they might cuff me to the dock or something, or tell bay news nine that some lunatic is attempting to sail a bathtub thru the skyway and out to see. IT IS A SAILBOAT, BUILT VERY HEAVY TO TAKE THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS THAT ONE MIGHT RUN INTO WHIlE CRUISING.The majority if bulkhead and stiffenning componets are in place. I'm not gonna sail it around the world like this, just up the coast in favorable conditions/winds. Noone should feel bad or responsible for telling me to go for it, or anything-im gonna do it anyway, with or without blessings. Patrick
Patrick..
Seeing as your going to do this, regardless of any advice, that you actually asked for, please take some wise precautionary measures. I'll start a list of items you MUST have on board, at a bare minimum, and hopefully others will chime in. #1 Good anchor with properly sized rode (should have back up as well) #2 Spare halyard (at least one) the UV has most likely destroyed the ones on the boat and they could break at any time. #3 Compass (must be properly adjusted & swung!) #4 Charts (marine charts NOT road maps) #5 Coastguard safety package (flares, life jacket, horn etc.) #6 Working running lights #7 Dinghy or life raft #8 Rubber inner tube and a good collection of hose clamps and large zip ties #9 Hack saw #10 Basic navigation tools (calipers, dividers etc..) #11 Buckets, bailers and hand pumps #12 VHF radio (not just a hand held unit) #13 Back up steering mechanism (either a tiller or another source) #14 A set of wooden plugs #14 working and operational bilge pumps #15 A charging source for the bilge pumps with enough amperage to keep up with the draw #16 Towing insurance #17 Liability insurance (if it winds up on a reef or beach you are LIABLE to get it off! Think BIG $$$$$$$$) #18 A USCG safety inspection #19 A way to reef the sails easily and reliably #20 Strobe light for your life jacket with fresh Lithium AA batteries #21 MOB recovery plan and mechanism for recovery #22 EPIRB (Can rent for very little money) #23 Radar reflector #24 Working knowledge of course plotting and DED/DEAD reckoning skills #25 Valid registration and or USCG documentation #26 Two or three sharp knives #27 The technical ability and knowledge of your vessel to successfully sail her off a lee shore
Seeing as your going to do this, regardless of any advice, that you actually asked for, please take some wise precautionary measures. I'll start a list of items you MUST have on board, at a bare minimum, and hopefully others will chime in. #1 Good anchor with properly sized rode (should have back up as well) #2 Spare halyard (at least one) the UV has most likely destroyed the ones on the boat and they could break at any time. #3 Compass (must be properly adjusted & swung!) #4 Charts (marine charts NOT road maps) #5 Coastguard safety package (flares, life jacket, horn etc.) #6 Working running lights #7 Dinghy or life raft #8 Rubber inner tube and a good collection of hose clamps and large zip ties #9 Hack saw #10 Basic navigation tools (calipers, dividers etc..) #11 Buckets, bailers and hand pumps #12 VHF radio (not just a hand held unit) #13 Back up steering mechanism (either a tiller or another source) #14 A set of wooden plugs #14 working and operational bilge pumps #15 A charging source for the bilge pumps with enough amperage to keep up with the draw #16 Towing insurance #17 Liability insurance (if it winds up on a reef or beach you are LIABLE to get it off! Think BIG $$$$$$$$) #18 A USCG safety inspection #19 A way to reef the sails easily and reliably #20 Strobe light for your life jacket with fresh Lithium AA batteries #21 MOB recovery plan and mechanism for recovery #22 EPIRB (Can rent for very little money) #23 Radar reflector #24 Working knowledge of course plotting and DED/DEAD reckoning skills #25 Valid registration and or USCG documentation #26 Two or three sharp knives #27 The technical ability and knowledge of your vessel to successfully sail her off a lee shore
I might alter a few.
A few extra lines (for tossing, tying up), one tied with a huge knot on one end, for tossing. (cheap poly at HD will do, but better off with real nylon) Cheap binoculars (dollar store) 1,000,000 spot light. Charged. (dollar store) Wax toilet rings for holes. Its on the list - add info - Wooden plugs (start looking at tree lawn furniture and get the legs.) #10 is not a necessity. rags for stuffing into holes. #18 - don't do it! On your tub they will arrest you for impersonating a sailor!!! Added info #26 Two or three sharp knives with serrated edges.(dollar store steak knives) A tossable life ring with or without a line attached. A small LED flashlight for each person...and one to hang from your neck while sailing at night. (dollar store) A flashlight with a red lens...I have one I made using a trailer brake light lens. But a bicycle riding light would work. Red kills the light so it has to be a pretty strong light to begin with in terms of lumen output. Use this for at night so you don't go blind using a white light. If your interior lights work, replace one bulb with a red one where your charts will be. Magnifying glass, 4" (at Dollar store) for reading charts at night.($ store) Ready made coffee in a gallon milk type jug. Doesn't have to be warm coffee, just coffee, or whatever your caffeine treat is. Quick foods...smokies, crackers, etc. for eating. Cheap leather gloves...them thar lines git rough on yer hands pard..($ store) A pull on hat...or a hat with a brim, not a baseball hat, for cold at night and sun in the day. CHEAP SUNGLASSES!!! (couldn't resist) Some type of boarding ladder..make one out of stout rope or borrow a swimming pool ladder. Make sure you can get back in the boat. Super glue and peroxide for accidents...but being a nurse you already knew that.
A few extra lines (for tossing, tying up), one tied with a huge knot on one end, for tossing. (cheap poly at HD will do, but better off with real nylon) Cheap binoculars (dollar store) 1,000,000 spot light. Charged. (dollar store) Wax toilet rings for holes. Its on the list - add info - Wooden plugs (start looking at tree lawn furniture and get the legs.) #10 is not a necessity. rags for stuffing into holes. #18 - don't do it! On your tub they will arrest you for impersonating a sailor!!! Added info #26 Two or three sharp knives with serrated edges.(dollar store steak knives) A tossable life ring with or without a line attached. A small LED flashlight for each person...and one to hang from your neck while sailing at night. (dollar store) A flashlight with a red lens...I have one I made using a trailer brake light lens. But a bicycle riding light would work. Red kills the light so it has to be a pretty strong light to begin with in terms of lumen output. Use this for at night so you don't go blind using a white light. If your interior lights work, replace one bulb with a red one where your charts will be. Magnifying glass, 4" (at Dollar store) for reading charts at night.($ store) Ready made coffee in a gallon milk type jug. Doesn't have to be warm coffee, just coffee, or whatever your caffeine treat is. Quick foods...smokies, crackers, etc. for eating. Cheap leather gloves...them thar lines git rough on yer hands pard..($ store) A pull on hat...or a hat with a brim, not a baseball hat, for cold at night and sun in the day. CHEAP SUNGLASSES!!! (couldn't resist) Some type of boarding ladder..make one out of stout rope or borrow a swimming pool ladder. Make sure you can get back in the boat. Super glue and peroxide for accidents...but being a nurse you already knew that.
Float Plan
Some more items for thought. You can go north in the ICW for another twenty or thirty miles, up past Dunnedin. This will cut your offshore travel some. If you don't have a decent depth finder, get one, or as a last resort make up a lead line. Plenty of shallow water in that neck of the woods. By all means get some tow insurance, as mentioned by others. That is the best 150 bucks anyone can spend on a boat. If you never ever use it, still a good investment. And last but not least, and I am very surprised this hasn't been mentioned a bunch. File a float plan. Let someone know when you are expecting to arrive, and tell them to notify the coast guard if you don't. Make sure they have a good description of the boat, and the correct numbers to call. Watch your weather and just go for it. Most of us on this board have done things that are just as risky, or worse than what you are planning. Just some don't want to admit it, since they have called you stupid, so admitting to their poo-pahs would make them stupid.
Some more items for thought. You can go north in the ICW for another twenty or thirty miles, up past Dunnedin. This will cut your offshore travel some. If you don't have a decent depth finder, get one, or as a last resort make up a lead line. Plenty of shallow water in that neck of the woods. By all means get some tow insurance, as mentioned by others. That is the best 150 bucks anyone can spend on a boat. If you never ever use it, still a good investment. And last but not least, and I am very surprised this hasn't been mentioned a bunch. File a float plan. Let someone know when you are expecting to arrive, and tell them to notify the coast guard if you don't. Make sure they have a good description of the boat, and the correct numbers to call. Watch your weather and just go for it. Most of us on this board have done things that are just as risky, or worse than what you are planning. Just some don't want to admit it, since they have called you stupid, so admitting to their poo-pahs would make them stupid.
can't think of a title
Nice N Easy said: "Most of us on this board have done things that are just as risky, or worse than what you are planning. Just some don't want to admit it, since they have called you stupid, so admitting to their poo-pahs [bahs]? would make them stupid." Didn't recall reading anyone "say" he was stupid. Lots of us have admitted to doing some pretty dumb things but not intentionally planned or easily anticipated which differentiates this issue. I'd also question the logic behind rationalizing what he plans based on your argument that others have done dumb things. As far as admitting I'm stupid, I don't feel the need to as my lovely and intelligent bride reminds me frequently... The C.G. courtesy inspection is the cheapest and most important item you might consider. The folks who do these have no enforcement power but do typically have lots of experience and good counsel.
Nice N Easy said: "Most of us on this board have done things that are just as risky, or worse than what you are planning. Just some don't want to admit it, since they have called you stupid, so admitting to their poo-pahs [bahs]? would make them stupid." Didn't recall reading anyone "say" he was stupid. Lots of us have admitted to doing some pretty dumb things but not intentionally planned or easily anticipated which differentiates this issue. I'd also question the logic behind rationalizing what he plans based on your argument that others have done dumb things. As far as admitting I'm stupid, I don't feel the need to as my lovely and intelligent bride reminds me frequently... The C.G. courtesy inspection is the cheapest and most important item you might consider. The folks who do these have no enforcement power but do typically have lots of experience and good counsel.
There are two adages that can be applied here:
Experience is the best teacher> Experience is the teacher of fools> If I read of people that have had adverse experiences and they have told of the circumstances and I go out and repeat those efforts in those circumstances Then I count myself as a fool.
Experience is the best teacher> Experience is the teacher of fools> If I read of people that have had adverse experiences and they have told of the circumstances and I go out and repeat those efforts in those circumstances Then I count myself as a fool.
Wind
Relative to or apparently aware of the windy sailors docking this site you ask the ultimate question! Were it not for the best of wind sailors could not no doubt lie. If we value direction more than speed, a trait in sense to modern worlds, we go forth in absentia of masses bragging their velocity, and come steady into worthy ports of our goals. Moved in some way to experience our choice of course? Not always first but in time accomplishments by sailing much more than using wind most efficiently. Make up your own mind when to reef your ambitions or raise your best sails. The measure of a ship gives fools folly to brag in mean wind only earning real portage control under more steady breaths of our solice. Winds are not silent. They speak. The blouse of sail, the creak of everything, the wave of waters and colors of cloud. The howl of a gale. The whispers of pressure. Experience, knowledge, trial and error. You are to the wind just a choice in season, or student of reason, never passing perfectly a straight line course. You are just a sheet, my friend, a sheet in the wind. Go about your "U Turns" in the correct way safely returning in realization a voyage has two most important points: the cast off and the tie down. What can happen in between is the ultimate test of sailing: luck versus skill. Some say wind begats skill more than luck.
Relative to or apparently aware of the windy sailors docking this site you ask the ultimate question! Were it not for the best of wind sailors could not no doubt lie. If we value direction more than speed, a trait in sense to modern worlds, we go forth in absentia of masses bragging their velocity, and come steady into worthy ports of our goals. Moved in some way to experience our choice of course? Not always first but in time accomplishments by sailing much more than using wind most efficiently. Make up your own mind when to reef your ambitions or raise your best sails. The measure of a ship gives fools folly to brag in mean wind only earning real portage control under more steady breaths of our solice. Winds are not silent. They speak. The blouse of sail, the creak of everything, the wave of waters and colors of cloud. The howl of a gale. The whispers of pressure. Experience, knowledge, trial and error. You are to the wind just a choice in season, or student of reason, never passing perfectly a straight line course. You are just a sheet, my friend, a sheet in the wind. Go about your "U Turns" in the correct way safely returning in realization a voyage has two most important points: the cast off and the tie down. What can happen in between is the ultimate test of sailing: luck versus skill. Some say wind begats skill more than luck.
I dive too Ross
There is a big difference between diving and being outside in the middle of no where. I guess it effects every one different but no one is 100% ready for everything. That losing a rudder or hitting a whale. Sure you know what to do but how well do you handle the stress. Still, I kind don't know what you are saying. Are you saying that anything I can do you can do without fear? Cause I have to be honest manny times outside I was scarced poopless.
There is a big difference between diving and being outside in the middle of no where. I guess it effects every one different but no one is 100% ready for everything. That losing a rudder or hitting a whale. Sure you know what to do but how well do you handle the stress. Still, I kind don't know what you are saying. Are you saying that anything I can do you can do without fear? Cause I have to be honest manny times outside I was scarced poopless.
Jersey Jim, Not at all ! I am as cautious as a
cat. I will study a problem from all sides until I am satisfied that I can follow the endeavor without bringing harm to myself or those around me. I am a risk taker but only carefully considered risk not random chance. I typed dRive not dive
cat. I will study a problem from all sides until I am satisfied that I can follow the endeavor without bringing harm to myself or those around me. I am a risk taker but only carefully considered risk not random chance. I typed dRive not dive
Nice quote Joe, who wrote it?
It sounds a bit like Joseph Conrad or other such notable writer. Patrick, If you want to do everything by the book check MainSail's list or at least do as much of it as you can. Letterman also has some good suggestions. My suspicion is you will do it your way, a la Frank Sinatra: "I Did It My Way". Please do keep an eye out for doing it safely though. We are all enjoying the repartee whether yea or nay sayers. I will share a story of unbridled optimism that I experienced. It was not my plan but I offered to help a buddy deliver his new to him MacGregor 26S from the Great South Bay on Long Island back up the Hudson River to Yonkers. A few things did not sit right with me once we set out: we had not done any shake down sail with the boat, we had no EPIRB or life raft, the 8 HP outboard ("Sparky") was new to us and unproven (I am always suspicious of outboards), we had never sailed the Great South Bay or out on the Atlantic Ocean in this boat. My buddy was a merchant marine for a decade so I had some faith in his knowledge and abilities. I had purchased a chart book of the south coast of Long Island and brought along my handlheld GPS. He brought his 15 year old son along for the adventure so I felt pretty sure he expected to arrive alive. The Great South Bay was not a problem as it was not windy which meant mostly motor sailing as the haze/fog cleared (it had been too foggy and rainy to leave the day before so we did wait a day for a weather window). My buddy was determined to get his new baby back to his home port and I was determined to help him so I checked the tides for Fire Island Inlet before we got there. I figured that going with the current (ebb) was not such a bad thing as that is what I do when going down or up the East River. Slack tide would have been a better time as it turned out. Once we reached the intersection of out-flowing water from the Great South Bay into the Atlantic we could see a field of white water, large waves kicked up by the outgoing current as the normal swell rolled in. The waves were 10 - 11' and my buddy just kept steering our course towards the channel markers out in the ocean. There were some tense, white knuckle moments as many of the waves we headed into and over could have rolled us (fortunately the CG station is nearby but the water was still pretty cool (late June). The outboard engine would complain as we drove up and over each of these large, mostly breaking waves. I halfway expected the engine to die as it came out of the water at the crests. For a moment or tow I began to think that my buddy was a bit crazy but I remembered that he had his son along and was reassured that he was not trying to end it all right there. As we neared the edge of the race a few big waves lifted us up and probably pushed us backwards a bit. My buddy asked me to increase the throttle on the outboard as he was glued to the engine tiller and looking forward. I gave old "Sparky" a little more juice and in a minute or two we were out of the danger zone and on the Atlantic where the boat handled the 3 - 4' swells with no problem all the way to NY City some 50 miles away. The next day we sailed the boat up the Hudson to Yonkers. It was fun, exhausting and a bit scary for about 10 - 15 minutes. The rest of the trip was a blast and not without challenges. Lessons learned. 1 - Don't expect any leg to be a piece of cake even if you have done it before (which I hadn't). 2 - Even people you like and respect who seem all salty can be a little off their rockers. 3 - The Coastal Pilot for your area and local knowledge can be useful (refer to #2). The CP for that inlet warned of dangerous wave/race formations as did our local friend. 4 - ALWAYS add 2 stroke oil to the gas can when refilling (if you have an 8 HP engine affectionately called "Sparky". That is why we sailed all the way up the Hudson.) 5 - Being outside the COLREGS demarcation line for a short while does not necessarily mean you absolutely have to have a life raft and ditch out bag. We had a fair amount of safety equipment including VHF, PFD's, even flares although the CG probably would have been a bit upset with us with a minor on board. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Only this time I would expect conditions to be worse and would try to prepare accordingly. Which of Ross' adages best fits my story? I am still not sure - a bit of both perhaps. In some senses we were a bit foolish yet I learned a lot that I would not have if I had not been there and done that. Fair winds and following seas.
It sounds a bit like Joseph Conrad or other such notable writer. Patrick, If you want to do everything by the book check MainSail's list or at least do as much of it as you can. Letterman also has some good suggestions. My suspicion is you will do it your way, a la Frank Sinatra: "I Did It My Way". Please do keep an eye out for doing it safely though. We are all enjoying the repartee whether yea or nay sayers. I will share a story of unbridled optimism that I experienced. It was not my plan but I offered to help a buddy deliver his new to him MacGregor 26S from the Great South Bay on Long Island back up the Hudson River to Yonkers. A few things did not sit right with me once we set out: we had not done any shake down sail with the boat, we had no EPIRB or life raft, the 8 HP outboard ("Sparky") was new to us and unproven (I am always suspicious of outboards), we had never sailed the Great South Bay or out on the Atlantic Ocean in this boat. My buddy was a merchant marine for a decade so I had some faith in his knowledge and abilities. I had purchased a chart book of the south coast of Long Island and brought along my handlheld GPS. He brought his 15 year old son along for the adventure so I felt pretty sure he expected to arrive alive. The Great South Bay was not a problem as it was not windy which meant mostly motor sailing as the haze/fog cleared (it had been too foggy and rainy to leave the day before so we did wait a day for a weather window). My buddy was determined to get his new baby back to his home port and I was determined to help him so I checked the tides for Fire Island Inlet before we got there. I figured that going with the current (ebb) was not such a bad thing as that is what I do when going down or up the East River. Slack tide would have been a better time as it turned out. Once we reached the intersection of out-flowing water from the Great South Bay into the Atlantic we could see a field of white water, large waves kicked up by the outgoing current as the normal swell rolled in. The waves were 10 - 11' and my buddy just kept steering our course towards the channel markers out in the ocean. There were some tense, white knuckle moments as many of the waves we headed into and over could have rolled us (fortunately the CG station is nearby but the water was still pretty cool (late June). The outboard engine would complain as we drove up and over each of these large, mostly breaking waves. I halfway expected the engine to die as it came out of the water at the crests. For a moment or tow I began to think that my buddy was a bit crazy but I remembered that he had his son along and was reassured that he was not trying to end it all right there. As we neared the edge of the race a few big waves lifted us up and probably pushed us backwards a bit. My buddy asked me to increase the throttle on the outboard as he was glued to the engine tiller and looking forward. I gave old "Sparky" a little more juice and in a minute or two we were out of the danger zone and on the Atlantic where the boat handled the 3 - 4' swells with no problem all the way to NY City some 50 miles away. The next day we sailed the boat up the Hudson to Yonkers. It was fun, exhausting and a bit scary for about 10 - 15 minutes. The rest of the trip was a blast and not without challenges. Lessons learned. 1 - Don't expect any leg to be a piece of cake even if you have done it before (which I hadn't). 2 - Even people you like and respect who seem all salty can be a little off their rockers. 3 - The Coastal Pilot for your area and local knowledge can be useful (refer to #2). The CP for that inlet warned of dangerous wave/race formations as did our local friend. 4 - ALWAYS add 2 stroke oil to the gas can when refilling (if you have an 8 HP engine affectionately called "Sparky". That is why we sailed all the way up the Hudson.) 5 - Being outside the COLREGS demarcation line for a short while does not necessarily mean you absolutely have to have a life raft and ditch out bag. We had a fair amount of safety equipment including VHF, PFD's, even flares although the CG probably would have been a bit upset with us with a minor on board. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Only this time I would expect conditions to be worse and would try to prepare accordingly. Which of Ross' adages best fits my story? I am still not sure - a bit of both perhaps. In some senses we were a bit foolish yet I learned a lot that I would not have if I had not been there and done that. Fair winds and following seas.
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