What Goes Around, Comes Around.......
and Goes Around, Again?
In July 2008, Linda helped me launch the Ace at a ramp a couple miles from our place.
I had started the old Merc motor in the back yard
so I knew I could get it back home. It started all right but died every time I put it in gear.
Even if I used both hands....giving it some throttle right after putting it in forward....it died!
Linda asked if I wanted to take it back out of the water and I said "No way! But you might ask neighbor Erik to check on me."
The southwest wind was blowing towards our place so I sat on the bow and paddled to deeper water where I would
be blown straight to our beach.
Erik showed up with his Sea Ray and I accepted a tow.
The problem? Each idle screw needed to open 1/4 turn. I had suspected
that might have been the problem but I didn't have anything with me earlier that could get
into those recessed screws.
A few days later Linda and I were zipping around when we came across a familiar boat sitting still in the water. It was Erik's Sea Ray and his son waved us over. They were dead in the water with what turned out to be water in the gas!
What goes around does come around!
So, I towed them back home.
Our Ace at the proper end of a tow rope!
That should be the end of the story but, of course, it isn't. A couple days later, Linda and I wanted to take our
last ride of the season. And, I wanted to use up some gas so I wouldn't have to store too much over the winter. Linda asked if I had enough gas for this cruise. Of course, I had enough.
Well, about a mile from home I took a fast turn and the motor immediately died. Yep, outa gas!
It was a beautiful, warm, calm and even romantic early evening.
What a wonderful
time to paddle the Sande Ace!
Erik saw our plight and eventually came to the rescue. I declined his offer this time (I mean, we were even!!) and kept paddling against the tide. He took some photos showing Linda
relaxing while I paddled......or is she shrinking in embarassment?
A true gentleman never brings a paddle for his date.
Epilog
I hate to say it but water seeped into Erik's gas tank one more time and the Sande Ace went to the rescue again. I'm now one-up.
