Mae-C: Storm Dog's adventure

Molly Brown · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 7:50 am Post subject:

Glenn!

Now you understand the reason for an air conditioner. I always thought it was to be cool but the real benefit is being able to close up tight to hinder those pests, be they mosquitoes or horse flies or any other flying critter. Once on Lake Dexter off of the St.Johns we had 6 billion bugs swarm the boat, I kid you NOT! Not to mention it also sucks the moisture out of the interior of the boat hindering pesky odors especially during long trips when things tend to get ripe.

Anyway, it was a nice visit and satisfying to render service to a fellow Brat cruising through our area. Looking forward to updates as you continue your journey......

James

P.S. My apologies to all the Mississippi boaters who I thought hailed from Michigan. And those from Michigan that I now realize are not Canadians! LOL

Storm Dog · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 8:50 am Post subject:

Outdoorsygal, thanks for your kind good wishes and traveling fortune!

I need to correct an omission in my trip journal.

When I made it to Norfolk area, Steve of Osprey put up with me for 2 nights and let me stay at his dock. He not only ferried me all over so I could get boat parts and consumables, but invited me into his home for a meal and libation and let me use his shower! Steve is a storehouse of knowledge on boats, sailing and the sea. He gave me much great advice to increase my fun and skill at seamanship. He provided shelter and a friendly face when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed at the undertaking of this journey having little boating experience when I began.

Thanks again, Steve!

Storm Dog · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 7:17 am Post subject:

Well Friday I made good time coming North around St Pete. and past Tarpon Springs. I ran out of intercoastal waterway so I plotted a course to Crystal River around 52 miles to the north. Ran well with light chop 15-20 mph. As I made it to the mouth of the river I was checking for the channel to stay in when I hit a submerged rock. The impact bent the prop and I found out later it also bent the prop shaft. I limped to up river to King Bay to find a slip for the night but all was close down. I anchored out just off the bay near a bunch of sailboats. The next day I went to the Pete's Pier marina for fuel and to find there were no slips available. Then I looked up the on site mechanic at A&B Custom Performance Marine. He said he would pull the prop and shaft Tuesday and sent it for repairs getting it back Thursday, installing the parts and presumably I could be on the water Friday. I told him of my journey and said I have no place to stay with limited funds. He told me he had a slip behind his shop and that I could stay there. He even hooked me up with shore power and got a key for the shower from the marina. His name is Artie and is a great guy that cares about people. Now I'm standing by for the work to start.

Outdoorsygal · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 8:18 am Post subject:

Storm Dog,

So relieved you found safe refuge. Despite the setback, you have made tremendous progress. Your success sounds like the result of your ability to think on the fly and your resourcefulness. You must be a problem solver by nature. Continued best wishes and sending more waves of safe travel mojo.

Molly Brown · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 8:57 am Post subject:

Teresa....

Being a boater forces you to be a problem solver, if not by nature, by necessity, LOL, Fortunately, Glenn is finding out that other boaters are helpful by nature and that good things happen to good people.

Glenn....

Man, did you luck out. Granted the damage is unfortunate but you found a safe place, right at the repair shop. Not bad for a transient boater with no local resources. I trust the repair will go smoothly and timely. Here's to hoping the weather gods cooperate for your crossing to Carabelle.....You'll be telling the story of this trip for years to come. Thanks for sharing and keep the updates coming.

Fair winds,
James

gulfcoast john · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 10:02 pm Post subject:

Glenn
Bummer, Ouch!
We hope the repair cost will be less than a Boat Unit.

Teresa,
A Boat Unit is $1,000, and almost anything that goes wrong on a boat will cost a Boat Unit (or 5) to fix.

Welcome aboard!
Less if you can work on your own boat...
John

thataway · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2020 5:16 pm Post subject:

Storm Dog crossed the Gulf of Mexico from Crystal River to Carabelle and should be anchored or tied up for the night in Apalachicola. Congratulations to Glen. The rest of the trip, mostly in the Gulf Coast ICW, is going to be much easier than the first 2000 miles!

Molly Brown · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2020 6:47 pm Post subject:

And the repair was less than a boat unit! Very Happy

James

gulfcoast john · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2020 8:30 pm Post subject:

James,

In that case, we must assume he doesn't have a Yamaha. The cowling decals alone are $350.

John

Molly Brown · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2020 8:32 pm Post subject:

John...
You are absolutely correct! He has a Suzuki and it’s the reason I’m about to repower with Mercury’s, once I sell my vintage Honda’s that is.

James

Storm Dog · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 8:13 am Post subject:

I didn't anchor at A-cola as there were too many pots out. I should have squeezed in though. I went as far as St Joe and didn't like any anchorages, so stayed at the free dock at White city. Was good. Got some free fish from folks that caught too much. Need gas at the end of canal have only 1/4 tank. Then on to Panama City.

The travel day was long, 214 miles. The gulf crossing was long, (140 miles) with manageable seas. I averaged 18 mph. Starting early is essential. Happy the wind and waves were with me. Thanks for everyone's tips, advice, and tracking!

hardee · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 6:36 pm Post subject:

Glen, Sorry I got behind for a while, (near a month), but back with you now and you are making good time. Sorry about that bump, but glad it's all better now. Stay safe as you continue. Thanks again for sharing and keeping it interesting.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Storm Dog · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 7:10 pm Post subject:

gulfcoast john · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 10:23 pm Post subject:

Hi Glenn!
You haven't opened my last PM from Sat PM, but now you are past all that x Hurlburt Marina and Spectre Island anchorage.

Hope to see you tomorrow at Sherman Cove if you continue to trounce the "50 max cruising miles per day" rule.

Welcome to central daylight time!

Safe Travels!

John and Eileen
228 257 6937

Storm Dog · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2020 8:03 am Post subject:

Hi John,

I'm confused about which marina you're at. Bayou Grande, Sherman Cove, McCree cove. I'm unfamiliar with the area.Looking forward to meeting!

Glenn