Long Distance Boat Buying - Part 5

4/15/2008
9:15PM

Well, last night's sleeping was miserable. I tossed and turned all night as the boat pitched and weaved in her slip. The wind was howling and I felt it. The waves slapped on her stern all night long. I guess I finally went to sleep some time.


Captain Todd Wood arrived at about 5:45 AM to assist me in moving her. We got away from the docks at about 6:45 AM and proceeded to the inlet.





Problem!



After multiple attempts to get her on plane, she just would not do it; about 10 knots is all she would do. We quickly decided it had to be the bottom. When a boat gets barnacles or other growth on her bottom, it impedes her ability to move; the Southern Serenity had been almost 4 weeks with out a diver on her. We had two choices, fine a diver or a yard to haul her.




Captain Todd, being local , knew a yard manger and made a call. Come on in and they would haul us immediately they said. When she was hauled, yes, the problem was obvious. For you new boat buyers, always remember that a boat in salt water will required diving on the bottom every 1-2 months to remove growth from the bottom and/or running gear. Barnacles love to make boat bottoms their homes.


2-1/2 hours later we were back in the water. It was now 9:30 AM. Back in the water she planned up to speed at 22 knots...perfect. But the water was really sloppy with the winds coming out of the North.


The winds had shifted,however slightly to the NE last night so we took advantage of that and kept close to the beach as we ran south in the Gulf. The forecast was for 5-7 foot seas, but we had 3-4 at the worst when we kept in our trough.























We made a quick stop in Venice, Florida for some fuel ( the NASCAR boys would be proud), and left immediately . If time would allow, we would run all the way to the Keys so we had to be topped off.


At 5:30 we pulled into Marco Island for the night. After taking on more fuel, we decided that we had 2-1/2 hours of daylight left at best. We could not make the Keys before dark. The boat ran perfect all day long.


Since it was a long time since lunch, Todd recommended a waterfront restaurant not far away, the Snook Inn. A sort cab ride took us their. I got a call on my cell from a buddy in Virginia, Dave Becker. He visits Marco Island every year and could not actually believe I was there. To prove I was I went up to the entertainer on stage and asked him to speak to Dave on the cell as well as pose with me for the Snook Inn web cam. Dave loved seeing me and Todd there. You can view the webcams at http://www.snookinn.com/. Get there early and you may see me pass by on camera 2.

Oh, and the food was spectacular too.

It's 6AM and the coffees on. We'll be underway in about 45 minutes.

PS - I slept like a baby last night.


Later,

Mike