Hi Tom, I didn't mean to skirt any of the safety issues involving jet outboards. They can be very dangerous and are certainly difficult to dock. The manufacturers recommend them for shallow water mainly for rivers and lakes where the bottom is rocky and dinging a prop or ripping off the lower drive unit is much more likely to happen than sucking up debris. I don't think we see many of them down here in South Florida because of the sandy bottoms in shallow areas, which I imagine would do a real job on the impeller. You brought up some great points. Robb

Well, I think Iggy's hammered now. He's talking some crap about insuring my motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, car, and boat....love that accent, though! I'm out for the night. Thanks for a really funny time. Look for more Iggy postings in the morning. Goodnight all! (For our international members I'm referring to the Geico Insurance company commercials with the Gecko. I don't know if those spots are international or just U.S.)

Yeah, I read that on the National Geographic Web site. Iggy hasn't done that, but he does give me the "eye."

Sabin, He is a baby. But now Iggy's knocking on the door asking for another rum.

I've removed all Lousiville Sluggers from the boat.

Bug spray? I thought Iggy's next best attribute was catching the bugs with his tongue!

WIth those creepy little "Hands" he has on both his legs and arms, Iggy could run the Teleflex forward/reverse throttles and still serve drinks at the same time as we dock. I might have the ultimate first mate in training. Plus his british accent is considered "cute" by most "marina chicks."

I can't imagine "snuggling" with Iggy. As captain of this boat (At least in my mind) I'm gonna put him to work!

Iggy's bold but if he stays much longer, I'm gonna teach him to tie us off and clean the heads.

Ken, so you tell me this AFTER you tell me to ply him with rum?

Tom, we've decided on two-hour on-off watches. Stacey has the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth watches. I'll take the one that starts at 10 AM.

Sorry Tomm from guy name Robb that was a big typo! lol

Nice Tom!

I just gave Iggy a shot of rum and he's mellowing out a bit. But if he asks to stay the night, I have NO idea what to say.

Ken, I was out there like Matt Damon in Bourne Identity trying to crawl across the bow without him turning his head....sneaking closer and closer...but he kept looking at me...giving me the "eye"...you know the "eye"....I was afraid that three-foot tail was gonna whip out and smack me like a woman scorned.

BTW Ken, when Stacey writes robb in all caps...it has about three syllables....sorta like Raaaahhhhhh--aahhhha---aahhhaa-----aaahbbbbbbbb!

Wow, I am obviously trying to type too fast. In the "TYPO" alert I made a typo and wrote "type." So now you must be really confused. Anyway what I was trying to say was...from the white line in the picture to the top of the piling is about three feet...just info for those who want a scale of Iggy's true, massive size...

Don't talk to Stacey about "Rubber snakes in the bed," Ken!

type alert that should read "from that white line"

Wow, I always thought the camera added ten pounds but Iggy does look small in that picture. From that while line to the top is about three feet. He's got a three foot-snap-like-a-whip tail, too.

He has a British accent, too.

Rum! That's it! He actually smiled and offered to sell me insurance...

You got it Ken!

Capt. Stacey's gone to don a suit of armor to go get the laundry. Me? I'm not going out there! lol Do iguanas like Gin or Vodka? He doesn't look like a scotch guy to me...

Maybe "Iggy" isn't a politically correct name and he's offended? I'd love to have Mike Rowe stop by...maybe he could scrape my hull while he's here as a "dirty job."

There's no doubt in my mind he's gonna be spending the night with us. The way our boat sits in the slip, the starboard side is much closer to the piling than the port side. He's just a short crawl from joining us for dinner and drinks.

Okay, big news. He just jumped in the water and did an end-around–swimming around the bow of our boat to the other piling on the starboard side where he's out of sight from the cockpit. I've named him Iggy and offered him a cocktail. So far I've gotten the cold shoulder.

Now I'm starting to feel sorry for him. When he made the daring leap to the other boat and missed, I went out on the bow for a closer look. My cries of "Bring me the boathook," went unheeded by Capt. Stacey. Now he's half in the water half our clinging to the piling and won't move. He's either a calculating creature or just plain slow. And, yes Ken the tail is a defense tool, and like the "Razor sharp teeth" (quoting the national geographic Web site) can be used when he feels threatened. I'd be fine if Stacey hadn't said, "What if he climbs through one of the openings of our boat into the engine room?"

The U.S. House and Senate passed bill S. 2766 "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" exempting recreational boats from proposed EPA permitting for 35 years. It now goes to the white house for the president's signature.

yeah Ken, maybe just plain "Cheesy" would have been better! lol

Thanks all! It was campy and fun. It's great to hear nice things because we were a little embarrassed when we first saw it. Robb

So true. Thanks.

At least you're only 40 Bruce! Happy Birthday. It's also my daughter's birthday, so we'll toast you both.

Keep in mind we're getting closer to the deadline for the Clean Water Act!

No, I have to watch for the flying objects! Sorry Stacey, I accidentally filed that post before I finished writing it. (Computer problem) But I did want to get some discussion going on the increasing fees we boaters are seeing on top of the price of fuel!

This should probably be moved to a fishing forum, but here's another example of the US Govt. figuring out ways to charge recreational boaters and anglers. More at www.countmyfish.noaa.gov

NOAA Proposes Rule to Require Saltwater Angler Registration

NOAA’s Fisheries Service is seeking comment on a proposed rule that requires anglers and spearfishers who fish recreationally in federal ocean waters to be registered before fishing in 2009.

The rule would also require registration by those who may catch anadromous species anywhere, including striped bass, salmon and shad that spawn in rivers and streams and spend their adult lives in estuaries and the ocean.

Fishermen would be required to be registered annually and NOAA will not charge a registration fee in the first two years. Beginning in 2011, the annual fee will be an estimated $15 to $25 per angler. Anglers under the age of 16 would be exempt from registering and fees would be waived for indigenous people, such as members of federally recognized tribes. NOAA’s Fisheries Service recognizes that many indigenous people fish for food as part of ancient cultural traditions.

Wow Scott, you know your Canadian history. A lot of people in the US can't tell you what the Fourth of July is! lol

You're too busy!

I think your boss is too tough on you!

Tim and Andrea, that's why Stacey and I are so concerned. We just changed careers and got into the marine industry. It doesn't often take just one thing to bring an industry to its knees, but a combination of bad events. First the home foreclosures started, then the price of gas went through the roof, now add-in another stumbling block to keep people away from boating and it just might be the straw that broke the camel's back. We spend a lot of time in my business discussing ways to remove obstacles from boating. It already takes a hardy crowd to tow their vessel to the lake, or load-in supplies and head out into the ocean. We don't need to make it more difficult. Also keep in mind that fiberglass now costs boatbuilders three times more than it did three months ago because of the price of oil. Major hits all the way around.

Thanks to all who have sent mail to congress. It is a last ditch effort to stave off what Bruce so eloquently points out. "There's money in them boater's pockets, and we're gonna git us some!"

Stacey, maybe this discussion should be titled something like "Hey everybody, how would you like a $32,500 fine...for starting your engine?"

I hope all of boaters can rally enough support through boatblue.org to get this thing moving through Congress. Somewhere in DC, everytime we click on that site an aide or an intern has to process it, and make sure the congressperson sees it. Every little bit helps!

That's a long boat ride, Stacey, and a long, long, long winter!

Just the fact that the EPA is seeing that time is running out will have all 50 state governments looking at this as a new way to raise revenue in tough times. You won't even be able to WASH your boat without this permit....unless Congress steps in and passes the Clean Boating Act.

C'mon folks, it's really easy to send your wishes through boatblue.org. It takes less time than it does to read this post. I've gotten replies from all of my Senators and Representatives since sending my "Click" on boatblue. The last thing we need is another "Permit Requirement" regulated by individual states. Congess could easily drop the ball on this and we will pay the price.

Now THAT was funny!

hear hear!

I wondered why my plastic tool box has "Fischer-Price" written on the side!

Everyone makes mistakes. On the air in New York once, I said "And, we'll show you a way to share your infection on this Valentine's Day.." It was supposed to be "Affection." I thought my co-anchor was going to have a heart attack she was laughing so hard, and I was like "What? What did I say?"

wow Bruce, that's a list...I do carry a raw water impeller and some other small parts. My tools? Don't get me started or Capt. Stacey will step in with her stories about me and my tools (or lack of) on board and the yelling she has to endure when I'm working on a rusty bolt with a little six-inch wrench.

What do you think are the most valuable spare parts to keep aboard? With me it's hose clamps of all sizes followed by waterproof tape. That's excluding oil and filters.

Ron White told another ship joke. There's a magician on a cruise ship who works with a parrot he can't stand. Every time he does a trick, the parrot gives it away. "Squaaaaak!! he put it behind his back, or Squaaaak!!! he put it up his sleeve, or Squaaaaak!!! he hid behind the chair." Eventually the magician had enough. During the act he pulls out a gun and shoots the parrot. Well the parrot ducked, the bullet hit a propane tank behind the wall and blew the ship to smythereens...not one piece bigger than a wood chip left. The magician and the bird were the only survivors. As they're floating around in the ocean amid the debris, the parrot finally breaks the silence and says, "Okay ya got me. Where did you put the boat?"

I have to thank BIll Engval for that one

Here's one from the Blue Collar guys. The captain of an old wooden ship in the 1400's is on the bridge when his lookout from the crow's nest runs up and says, "Captain there's an enemy ship a half mile off our port side." The Captain says, "Okay, go get me my red shirt." So the crewmember gets the shirt and brings it the Captain who proceeds to take off his white shirt and put on the red. The crewmember says "If I may ask sir, why did you change into your red shirt?" The Captain replies, "It's simple. If I get shot in the middle of battle, the crew will continue to fight for their ship because they won't see my blood." Nothing happened. The next day the crewmember from the crow's nest runs to the bridge yelling, "Captain, I see 23 warships a half mile from our starboard bow!" The Captain replies, "Get me my brown pants."

Thanks Ken! Being the "ugly duckling" of the couple, I appreciate the comment. It's really fun going into theboaters.com office to do the taping. Those guys are all really cool and we laugh a lot. (The just think I talk a little bit loud.)

I'm holding my breath until I see the new homepage. Goodnight everybody!

It's nine o'clock...do you know where your boaters are?

Capt. Stacey says "No, no, no" like Amy Winehouse to the HD thing! lol

Ken, my hands are shaking....can we handle up to 24 hours without "theboaters.com"?

We're just minutes from the re-tool! I wonder what "theboaters.com" has in store for us!

"The only thing that saltwater doesn't corrode....is saltwater."

Hey Scott, We're not going out either this weekend. We have way to much maintenance to do!

We have underwater halogens. I know they're outdated. I just saw that there is a new product that is one light that fits in the garboard plug and runs to a DC outlet. Pretty cool, but I don't know how wise it would be to put a light in your drain plug.

We need details on this. There's nothing on the Web.

ROTF–Good story!

I probably should have let that bridle thing lay, except I love this post. Anything I can learn to make my boating life easier and more enjoyable is...priceless.

I thought the same thing! I wish I could make a diagram. Captain Stacey thought I was nuts when I suggested the bridle idea. We'd been anchored in a strong wind for a couple of days and four of the six bolts holding our anchor chute down on the bow had sheered off. I wasn't about to let that ruin my weekend, so I went to work on a bridle system. It's actually pretty simple, but describing simple things in writing is very difficult. Think about describing how to back into a parking spot in your car would be very difficult without diagrams, hand gestures, or better yet, pictures. I guess there's a good reason a picture paints a 1000 words....

We have a U-line. They're supposed to be bullet-proof, but the module on mine went out, and the there was an issue with the wiring. I think I'm snake-bit when it comes to problems with the boat.

It's not like it never happens. I can't say I never awoke to the sound of something rubbing against the gunnels, and found my Sundancer up against a moored sailboat in a heavy squall. It was five AM–the time when anything that's going to go wrong, goes wrong. Luckily, no damage to either boat. After exchanging brief comments with the captain on the sailboat, I fired-up the engines and moved back. Turns out, the anchor had picked up a glob of goop from the bottom and lost its hold. It doesn't happen in sand as often (or not yet, but I'm probably tempting Neptune with this post.) It's just funnier when it happens on a sunny day with a 20 knot wind. At least funny when there's no damage and no one gets hurt.

I'd love the ribeyes! And yeah, she can get around the galley pretty well. As long as it comes in a box and fits in the microwave!

Stacey, do you know the recipe for ice?

We've had that happen. And like Ken mentioned with the fishermen, no one on the drifting raft-up was looking our way. They thankfully slid by on the port side, but the looks on their faces when one of them heard us say "Hey, watch were you're going," was priceless. The didn't know their anchor had pulled loose and they were moving.

Thanks Ken, I guess I should talk to it more often when it's producing ice, instead of the $%$%^#$^$$# when it's not!

Speaking of bridles. If you have a powerboat with a windlass and anchor chute, it's a good idea to make a bridle when you're going to anchor for an extended time or if it's windy. This will take the side-to-side strain off of the chute and the center cleat. As you probably know, you should always tie-off the rode once you've let it out with the windlass. Never let the windlass hold the boat. So here's an easy way to create a bridle. Let extra rode out with the windlass after you've cleated it off in the center. Make a loop in the rode abaft the center cleat. Have two lines ready to make the port and starboard sides of your bridle. Push the loop of the starboard line through the loop in the rode and send the bitter end through the starboard line's loop. Do the same with the port line. Then, take both bitter ends from the port and starboard lines and run them through the metal loop at the end of the anchor chute. Tie them off on the port and starboard cleats. Uncleat the rode from the center and let all three lines, and the looped knots, slowly run out of the chute until the port and starboard lines becomes taught. Then adjust the rode with the windlass and cleat-off at the center once again. Now you've got the anchor fastened at three points of the bow taking the strain off of the center cleat and your anchor chute.

Real funny. I'm the one who thinks the ice maker is the most important piece of equipment on board! We won't be sharing our most recent problem, will we? Unless we get a huge bill, I guess.

Who has one? Do you like it? What kind of problems?

We've had guys pull right up beside us to ask ridiculous questions, like "Where is the tiki bar?" when we're out in the middle of nowhere. Sad thing is, they're just trying to get a look (NOT at me!) and they've got wives or girlfriends and their kids on board. And we know lobster season! Aside from the traffic I spend most of my time under the stern with a knife untangling stray ropes left floating in the water to eventually be wrapped around my props and shafts.

Sorry I couldn't join the fun last night, but the internet connection at he marina was down again.

yeah I can see being close in tight little anchorages or harbors (No Name harbor here comes to mind) but when you've got room, and a lot of it, I just don't get these folks who toss in the hook right next to us. I didn't want to sound like a hermit, but I like to get out there to get away from it all...and on the other side of that point, I don't want to feel I'm bothering someone else. What if I want to take a quick shower on the transom? Can't do it if there are kids around, and frankly I don't like to do that when there are other adults so close by and gross them out. I'm like, "hey, quit staring!" Anchor 100 yards over there and use your binocular if you want, but no front row seating.

When you're gonna drop the hook in a popular anchorage, how close do you think is acceptable when there's plenty of space. I know you always have to consider your scope and the conditions, but sometimes people just get too close in my opinion. When you can hear all the conversation coming from next door and practically feel the splashes from the kids jumping into the water, I think that's just too close when there's room to spread out.

Thanks guys for the well wishes for the weekend. Just got some bad news today on our starboard engine. Needs a new ECM and wire harness. That's why they call it BOAT–"bring on another thousand." (we still may sneak out for a while at idle speed because of the problem and the price of fuel!)

I'll take anything over frozen food.

Ironically we have a segment coming up on "theboaters.tv" addressing the price of fuel (which is keeping us at the dock) and some ways to stretch your fuel dollar. (shameless plug here). At least it's free, and coming your way in two weeks.

Wow Bruce, you eat well!

Now THAT is funny!

Guys, I know I don't write much on these forums, but tonight is really tough. We have new members who don't know all the dirty laundry–whether funny or serious–and it's probably scaring them. Only one percent of the world's population has the privilege of boating, so let's not let those who are new to this sport think we're all a bunch of ego-maniacal, personal-attacking, name-calling nimrods. I want everyone to realize this is a Web site that should be providing valuable information to all of us boaters, especially those who are new. Color me blue, because this whole thing is really depressing. Stacey and I both feel like you are all family, and watching a family fight is never fun. Ken I hope your health improves rapidly. I'm not preaching, just wishing for the old days–before I was butch enough to post my thoughts–when we all seemed to be excited and looking forward to the summer boating season.

Hey, check out "Kayaks 101" page 110 of the May issue of Southern Boating Magazine. I know I work there and we don't advertise on this site, but there's some good info there. If you can't buy the book, there's some info on "southernboating.com". Hope it helps.

I also agree with you Tomm. Plus, I like the way you spell your name! I'm afraid to get involved.

Really nice job. We should all pause to remember during our barbecue's and other long weekend celebrations.

Now, in financial news...After years of spending billions investing in the electronics industry– Garmin today returned to the weathervane as its chief source for directional information...

captain miller wins. hands down!

Guys, I never got a picture! Can you believe it? But she looked like Lara Croft! Complete with the boots, shorts and instead of bullets she carried rubber duckies!

3rd

Jimbo didn't know it was high tide at the lake...

"I have no idea what all this stuff does, but I just got this cool Old Navy sweatshirt and a free boat ride"

Did it work?

Have you tried clicking on "Edit Profile?"

Do you mean delete it from the Web site?

How to "delete a boat?" I don't know exactly what you want to do, but I can ask Capt. Stacey.

A "day late and a dollar short" as the saying goes.

Well, I'm here.

Sorry, I got called away again, Stacey. But everyone here's wondering what the heck I'm in here laughing at by myself!

Actually Stacey, I know this forum isn't the place I imagined telling you this, but my LA agent just called...and...we'll have to talk.

Hey Frank, I tried to find the article, but the website doesn't go back that far, and no one else was in the office today. They were all at the Palm Beach Boat Show. Nice pic of the Canopus.

I'm out! Hope to chat some more tomorrow. If anyone out there wants more info about Southern Boating Magazine I can pass that along later. Again, I really enjoy reading everyone's posts, and get a lot of great info. Plus, Stacey and I talk about you all as if you're family. regards.

Thanks Frank. I'm obviously not ready for that tonight. The cocktail hour is almost over! lol

Okay, we'll catch up tomorrow, I guess. Thanks for the reply Frank. BTW, can someone explain Skype to me? I don't have that on my new laptop. (Yes, Stacey and I both sit here with our own laptops typing away, although she's much faster.)

Wow, in the time I wrote that, everyone checked out. My luck as usual, other than being in the same boat with Stacey. Palm Beach Boat Show was interesting, and maybe we can all chat tomorrow if they don't work my fingers to the bone at SB.

So, hi guys. I was just sitting here across from the Stacey on the "Lois Mae" looking into the post about the "Plasdeck" installation. I finally signed on after about six weeks, and said "Hey, how come I don't have any friends, except you?" And she said, "If you'd post something once in a while, maybe you'd have more friends than just me." I laughed, and decided to venture into this forum because I read you guys all the time and feel as if I know you, but I don't often contribute. I took a new job a couple of weeks ago at "Southern Boating" magazine, and have been working ridiculous hours. I love the great info here, and hope to check in more often.

I'm in the same boat as bruce!

Hey folks. An idea on the flyers. If we had something on this site that we could all print at home, those of us attending those events that Capt. Connie mentioned, could print out a few and hand them out while we're there. If we all printed just a dozen (Or more, if affordable) it could help. Remember, it only takes one flyer in the right hands to make a difference. My best to Julie and Suki, who's also still recovering.

Hey, I'm really late to the game in this thread. I've had many a mishap, and all have happened either in front of crowded docks, or when I have a boatload of guests. The funniest story I've heard may simply be an urban legend. I can't remember who told me. It involves the guys who launch the boat, get it out into the water and can't figure out why it's handling so sluggishly. Finally some one realizes that the trailer is STILL attached!
And Doug, I agree about boat names. I always wonder what it'll sound like if you ever have to call for help over channel 16. "Mayday mayday mayday, this is the Wet Dream" , or this is the "Party Barge" just doesn't seem to cut it. But, on the other hand, creative names like that just might get more attention!
BTW -No offense if anyone has one of those two names. They're very common, and frankly quite funny. And on boat names, I had a friend who named his boat "After You"...so when he'd meet a woman in a bar he'd say "I named my boat after you." Needless to say once they saw his boat, they usually either slapped him or just walked away.

As a Sea Ray owner/operator, I've found the best thing about buying Sea Ray is the corporate customer service. I've had my share of issues (Bring On Another Thousand) but when you call the company and give them your hull number, an informed person (Yes an actual person) can tell you just about anything you need to know. I've done this three or four times and been amazed and pleased that they can answer all of my questions.
Then you can take your dealer or service rep. to "School" (Politely of course) when they come to make repairs that you can't do yourself.

BTW - I do love the Tiara! lol

"I'm not looking where I'm going, because I don't EVEN want to know!"

"Dude, I am sooo wasted!" (Nothing beats brokeback but Brendan, I did chuckle at the seagull comment.)

The guy with the bigger boat always has a bigger smile.

(Blonde) "I can't sit down here, the fish can see right through that cute little window in the bottom of the boat!"