Splash! Splash!

[Patriot]

Patriot is in the water for the season and life is good! I launched yesterday, and then pulled out 20 minutes later when the drive would not engage. With the help of a BOC expert on Volvo-Penta drives, I determined that someone sold me the wrong coupler to go between the upper and lower units. Did you know that one is about 3 inches long and one is about 2 inches long? As the Admiral always says, size matters! Anyway, the guy made good on the mistake, delivered the right part to me on a Sunday morning, bought me breakfast, and within two hours I had it put back together and was on my way to the boat ramp.

So two launches for the price of one: $355 for 103 gallons of Union 76 premium. That'll last for a week or two.

It's good to feel the boat under my feet again.

Now can I gripe about all of the dolts on the boat ramp? Nobody has figured out how to get rid of stupidity. The second best idea is taxing it. That's called the Oregon (or Washington) Lottery.

[SomeSailor]

Sounds like you're all set Ken. I tell ya... there are times that I sure miss my 2355, but when you guys start talking about $350 a fueling... I feel better about it. :eek:

Did Rick take care of ya down there? He seems to know his share about those VP drives.

[Patriot]

Rick is the man! Anytime I need VP answers I go to Rick (AKA 2850 Bounty). He did all of the seals and internal work on my drive, and saved me enough money in the process to pay for my first load of fuel. He knows a lot more about these drives than the big-name marinas and boat dealers in this area.

[SomeSailor]

We had him posting on here for awhile helping local guys out, but he didn't like the software back then. Maybe he'll come back around now.

Gene (Heymagic) is an awesome mechanic and runs a business down in Elma if you ever run into a tough one, I'm sure he can help as well.

Haven't seen much of him lately though... must be getting the boats ready.