former member needs help

[krush]

sorry to ask such a foolish question, but I'm new....what boat is this?

 

[Passages]

sorry to ask such a foolish question, but I'm new....what boat is this?

1974 58' triple cabin.
Hey Krush - wanna go for a ride? I'm sure Randy has an open seat.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Not to mention a need for some EXPERTISE !!
Randy needs a quartermaster, navigator, electrician, mechanic, deckhand, cook, valet, and a big shoulder to cry on !! Pic is FREEBIRD. ws

 

[krush]

1974 58' triple cabin.
Hey Krush - wanna go for a ride? I'm sure Randy has an open seat.

tell me when/where. As long as it doesn't interfere with me going to Oskosh

I got lots of tools and am pretty good at keeping stuff running out on the water.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Oshkosh aint nothin' compared to a trip with the 'BIRD. LOL ws

 

[67hat34c]

Update, my brother just called at 730pm, they were south of Clearwater FL, Johns pass. boat is running fine. very slow going however, they are not pushing the one engine. The boat will be docked somwhere in clearwater, not sure how long. Guess as long as it takes to get her ready for the big trip.

He needs to find another place in Clearwater or area and quick the Dock he is going to is charging 2/foot per day, he cant afford to pay that kind of rate.

 

[Passages]

Is Randy still planning on running the big trip solo?

 

[thoward]

I was able to keep my 60 in Crystal River at Petes Pier for 100/week but was a max of 2 weeks. I would head on up to Dog River as it would only add 1-2 days of running time... Hope he paid his Towboat US bill.

 

[Boatsb]

No. he is looking for other boats to follow or run with and anyone for crew. If anyone wants to volunteer he spoke of getting people flights through a continental connection he has.

I have volunteered to be there Tuesday to go over the systems before he runs her on a longer trip. Randy will be calling me later I hope with a report. I have my bicycle pump ready in my toolbox and am ready to be his new bilge monkey.

I have to be in NY for a wedding and cant help much until early August. The dock he is heading for is looking for $2/foot per day which will kill him if he needs to wait for me.

 

[thoward]

He is not really going to be able to drop anyone off. Once he passes Clearwater the only inlet he can get into is Crystal River and I would not try it on low tide! Also you can NOT get outside of the markers!!! It is a 24 hour deal at hull speed. Have him call me if he needs anymore help....

 

[Boatsb]

My estimate without having charts handy is a 30 hour crossing from Clearwater area to somewhere in the panhandle where the water is deep again.

If he waits until I return from the NY trip I can make that crossing with him or even be the ground support and drive out to pick people up. Either way it is a long run and he cant do it alone.

 

[67hat34c]

I as well could be in the running if he can wait for a couple of weeks.

I think it would be a good trip with right crew. Yes he does have tow boat us and it is current.

I believe they made it fine to day, will call my brother tonight and find out.

 

[Genesis]

Clearwater City Marina is where I'd go if they have room.

Best deal around, clean, has decent fuel prices, and walking distance to the necessary spots.

From there at displacement speeds he can go direct to Mobile if he has the crew, or come into Destin or Panama City. Destin's inlet is FAR trickier and the markers, once inside the jetties are WRONG. MOST of the time you'll get away with it but the pucker factor as you see single digits on the sounder will get your attention! Appalachicola is not tough but you MUST do it during the daytime; there is no margin for jacking around and you WILL ground if you try to get cute.

There is nowhere north of Clearwater that works unless you want to go into Steinhatchee and that's a waste of time and distance as its the wrong way. I wouldn't even think about Crystal River.

I'd probably go into PC and then run the ditch. Its an easy shot into the ditch from the PC inlet and once there as long as you can read a chart and stay inside the markers you have a clean shot all the way to Mobile.

That route goes right past my house (literally)

From Clearwater to PC straight across at displacement speeds it is under 24 hours (depending on your definition of "displacement speeds.")

 

[Boatsb]

Thats the information I think he needs. You seem familiar with the run so I appreciate the input.

I believe he will be able to maintain 8 kts. Thats what looks like it will run that engine at 1400 RPM and thats the target for temp and stress I would suggest.

I take it PC is Panama City. Mobile is a bit farther but may be an option for a long weekend run.

The only problem right now at Clearwater is the transient slip price could break him in a week.

 

[67hat34c]

Genesis, you interested in making clearwater to PC run? bet randy would pay for your transport down to clearwater.

I have some time comming to me from work so i could take a friday off for the trip but cant do it this week and besides I doubt it will be ready that fast.

Scott (boatsb) is going over tomorrow to work through what ever he can and get it up to par.

Think randy should rent an Epirb from boat us for the trip, he will not need it in TN for river stuff.

 

[Genesis]

Can't - got kid, she'd not like it.....

If I was single and kidless, sure... but I'm not....

 

[67hat34c]

Understand that. Going to be tough for me to do it but depending on scheduling i may be able to make it.

For those of you who have posted advice,I thank you as does Randy. He does read this forum still and I know he is truely gratefull.

 

[krush]

Hey guys, I'm interested as mentioned.

I live in VA, so getting down to florida is a concern. I don't mind driving, but getting back to my truck would be a minor problem to solve. Bringing all my tools by flight would be tough.

I HIGHLY recomend towing along some sort of good running boat. I have a 25hp yam and a 20 hp merc that run like a clock that I could throw in my truck if somebody has something to clamp them too (hp rating won't matter because we wouldn't be going fast).

I would volunteer my 18 foot achielles, but I don't have it rigged yet, and it won't be done till the end of summer (at the earliest). At the very least you have something to move the boat while trying to fix the the main if it takes a dump.

Also, I need broadband internet access wed nights from 6-7:15 for my online class!

My seamanship is fair. I can read a chart and plot etc, but I don't have any experience piloting thru heavy current inlets. I did grow up on the potomac and it's 8 miles wide where I am, I'm pretty good at night, and very useful, but I wouldn't rely on me for that stuff.

Somebody have a service manual for that engine? An engine is an engine, but specifics on certain components, torques, etc is always nice to have.

Sounds like a fun trip. My senior year of high school I bought a 1956 GMC dump truck off ebay in CA and drove it back to VA over spring break. the 4-53 howled and would pull 50mph on the FLAT.

I'm still a poor college student...with that said, I DON'T need to be paid, but I can't afford to pay

edit: oh yeah, liferaft and epirb are mandatory if I go...

 

[thoward]

Clearwater is where we got great fuel prices last year. Nice folks there too. I wonder if it would not be worth it to have the prop pulled? Take your fishing gear as you will be going over some prime areas.....

 

[Boatsb]

Now that makes sense. I need to get Randy rigged with a couple of trolling rods and a spinner so he can catch food along the way. Anyone have a spare water maker.

I think he can maintain a decent trolling speed for the trip if he runs as planned.