Having many hours at the helm of a 35 OA single screw boat, Herb is excited to have a go at the 66 foot twin engine vessel. Capt. Ryan of Port A is happy to take him out for a few moves.
All eyes are forward as we observe the orientation of piloting On Your Mark.
One interesting aspect of backing up is to wrap your head around the dual throttles and we see Herb grin as he 'gets it!'
I am struck by Ryan's comments on driving bow in or stern in to a slip and learning how far he is from the dock. This is crucial to know if case he ever has to single hand. Herb thoroughly enjoys this cruising lesson and looks forward to the day we cast off for the Bahamas, or as we say, "go east."
With the make-over done, we await delivery of the dinghy, an eleven foot Boston Whaler. The dinghy also has had a refurbishing and looks really classy, we think. Joe and Pearl's grandson Josh and wife Lorrin transport the Whaler from the farm near Cleburne on a flat-bed trailer. What a sight to see! They get many comments like, "Well, this is the first time I ever saw a boat trailer like this."
Josh launches the Whaler and drives around to put it on the swim platform.
Instead of a lift to get the dinghy aboard, the platform is lowered into the water so the dinghy can be driven on.
Next step is to raise the motor and float onto the platform.
Find Willie's ride to shore....
Willie of Willie's Tug,
and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
This is all so wonderfully cool. I'm with you.
ReplyDeleteYou could just see Herb's brain cells lighting up as he looked to the stern while backing up, and manipulated the throttles one way or the other to accomplish his moves. He did really well. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteTwin screw is a whole different animal from a single screw (even with thrusters) - it is a great skill to have. Of course, you know that will be on Herb's Christmas list this year, Wilma. ;-) We are excited for you 4 on this cruise!
ReplyDeleteI am glad for him to have experience with other types of vessels, but he needs to remember that Santa rewards those who have been good and not naughty. ;)
DeleteWillie, are you not cruising on Willie's Tug this summer? I enjoyed your trip to Alaska!
ReplyDeleteWe would have been on Willie's Tug, but our friends in Texas invited us to go with the on their boat -- bigger than ours -- and a great opportunity to see another part of the continent.
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