Attentive audience...

With the boat back and the dock and buttoned up ahead of the incoming weather change, we have some house time.  Joan has started another quilt project, I brought out the X10 to the living room to play for her.  It wasn't long before Rufus came to join me on the couch...

When I play on the couch, he will often come to sit by me - with his hind-quartrers against the lower bout of the guitar.  The X10 is pretty lively: you can feel the vibrations against your belly.  Or, in Rufus's case: against his rump.  The boy likes it when I play for him.  Well, I'm playing for Joan, but we tell him it's for him, too.  ;-)

Back Home...

Yeah, we've been back home for just over a month... but, the boat is back home.  New fuel pumps, plugs changed, and some "magic elixir" to clean the injectors.

There is a storm a brewin' in this area, supposed to blow in tonight.  The decision: put the boat in the water today or wait until the storm moves through (probably a couple days).  I decided to live with the boat in the water rather than in the driveway.

When we got back to our island, we dropped the boat in the parking lot and Joan took the CR-V to our house to get the registration for the boat.  While she did that, I prepped the boat.  When she got back, we hooked up...

... and took it to the ramp to launch.  It ran smooth down the ICW and through the canal to our house...

The real test will be when we can get it out in some open water and run it hard - can't do that between the ramp and our dock.  The wind wind was starting to kick up when I pulled up to the dock; you can see the ripples in the photo above.

While Joan flushed the trailer, I loaded our person stuff back on the boat, cleaned it up (smashed a lot of bugs in the various trips to the river), and put the cover on it...

Mid-80s, windy, and high humidity during all of this.  Joan cut up some fresh fruit for refreshment and re-hydration when I came in.

Rufus was happy to see me...

"That's a bit close, big fella!"

As those who live in warm climates know, it was shirt-changing time.  That heat and humidity take the spunk out of an old guy.

How you know you live in a small town (village): I went to our mail box to pick up a couple packages Joan said had been delivered.  I visited with two ladies from the village on the way out - after discussing pets and "How ya doin'?" stuff, I was asked, "Is everything OK with your boat?  I saw you pulled it out the other day and now it's back in."

;-)

Back to the river...

The dealer called this morning while we were eating breakfast, asking if we wanted to meet at that same boat ramp to test out the boat - they have replaced both fuel pumps.

Yes, we do.  We met them there and launched the boat... it ran like a champ... until it didn't.  It stalled once after bringing down the RPMs fairly briskly.  Then, I couldn't get it to do that again.  A fluke?

After running the boat more, there was a "hesitation" between 3,500 and 4,000 RPMs - it didn't stall, just that hesitation.  It is 90% better than it was.  Then the rub: I couldn't get it to replicate that hesitation again.  I considered taking the boat home and using it to determine if it was something that would show up more with extended running.  They hooked the computer to it while we were on the water, but it didn't show anything wrong.  Discussing it with the mechanics, we decided that they would take it back to the shop and consult with the manufacturer.

Yesterday, I was pissed.  Today, I am more understanding - they are being thorough and willing to work with me to get through the issue.  I am over the shock of them taking my boat out without discussing that with me first (especially since I was right there in town at the time).

So, we are back home without a boat.  Maybe for a few days while they try to come up with a solution.

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At the boat ramp where we met, as I was getting ready to back the boat off the trailer...

A tug pushing a barge down the river... yeah, I think we'll give it a minute or two to let the water settle down.

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This afternoon, a call from the mechanic - a call to Mercury came up with "try changing the spark plugs and running some 'cleaner' through the engine."  Their stuff, not good ol' Seafoam that I've been using in boat motors for decades.  Also a suggestion to run the motor harder and faster more often - we spend a lot of time at slow speeds.

My last thought is a problem with a spark plug wire, and that is darn hard to diagnose if the issue is intermittent.  The mechanic checked, cleaned and gapped the plugs, but I told him to go ahead and put fresh ones in; and I'll pick up some of their "cleaner" when I pick the boat up tomorrow.  The hesitation I felt on the water today was barely perceptible - all three of us were being hyper sensitive to any abnormality.  If it runs at least as good as it did on the water today, I am a happy boy.

Crappy weather moving in tomorrow for a couple days, so it is likely we won't put the boat back in the water for a few days.

So, I went back to check on my boat...

We took the boat to the dealer.  Even though I had made arrangements on Saturday to bring the boat in today, the service writer had no idea who I was or why I was there.  I explained the situation and under what circumstances the boat was stalling.  I specifically said, "It seems to be a fuel delivery problem, my guess is the fuel pump is crappy out sporadically."

He said, "Yeah, we'll put the computer on it and it will tell us if the fuel pump is bad."

I said, "It won't be apparent if you run it at low RPM and without a load on it.  Can you just put a vacuum on it to see if the pump is drawing properly?"

To which he said, "The computer will tell us."

I went back to the car and said to Joan, "They are SO not going to be able to replicate the problem."

We went out for breakfast and did some shopping.  I was told they would have some info for me within an hour or so.  Two hours later (no word from them), we drove back to the dealer... my boat was gone.

"So, where's my boat?" I asked.

Another service guy said, "They took it out to Rio Hondo to run it, 'cause they couldn't find anything wrong with it."

I was not happy.  Mostly because there was NO safety equipment on the boat, nor the registration - I had removed all that stuff from the boat in case it had to sit out at the dealer.  Frustrated, I said to Joan, "Let's just go home (45 miles) - I'm sure they will call when they get back."

We had been home about 20 minutes when they did call... "Yeah, there's nothing wrong with your boat.  I think maybe you just didn't open the vent on the fuel tank."

I exploded!  That service guy didn't know what to do, so he said, "Let me get the service manager."

I exploded on him, as well.  Yeah, it was the guy who wrote up the service order.  Hollering at him may have not been the nicest was to go, but they are wasting their time AND mine, and they took my boat out on the water WITHOUT me along.  I could have saved us all a bunch of time if the dumbass service writer hadn't farted me off.

"What do we do now?" I asked.  "Because if I come get the boat, I will guaran-damn-tee you it will stall again because you didn't do anything to fix the problem."

He mentioned the fuel tank vent again... "Do you really think I am so stupid that I would go through the work of getting the boat out of the water, hauling it an hour to you, and NOT know if the vent was open or closed?  And, your techs are incompetent if they didn't open the vent before they started the engine!"  Opps, I was hollering again.

"I will come to Rio Hondo - have someone meet me there with the boat.  I will be there in 45 minutes."

I met the two mechanics at the boat ramp there (closest one to their shop), loaded the proper safety equipment and paperwork onboard, and we launched the boat.  "I'll drive," I told them.

Less than 25 minutes later, the engine stalled.  Then again.  And again.  "So, we now know that I am not just some crazy ol' gringo, right?"

"No, sir, we never thought that."

Riiiiiiiight.

Just listening to the engine, one of the mechanics said, "Yeah, that's a fuel pump problem.  There are two fuel pumps on this motor - we'll change them both."  (a lift pump and a high-pressure pump)

"So, it is probably too late to get this back to your shop and change those out today, I suppose?" I asked.  "So, can I pick it up tomorrow?"

"Well, that depends on whether we have both pumps in stock."

"Rather that wait 'till you get back to the shop, why don't you call Tony (parts manager) and find out NOW, so I will have some idea of what to expect."

He did.  They have the pumps.  They will call me tomorrow.  Maybe.

Communication.  And LISTENING.  I really don't like it when they think "the computer" will give them all the answers.  One simple phone call when they decided to take my boat to run it on the water would have eliminated all this unpleasantness.

For the record, I have had very good service experiences with this place in the past.  The previous service manager listened and kept me informed.  It makes a difference.

Coming out...

Seriously?  This conversation again?  Yes, it is time to yank the boat out again.  After getting the trailer from our storage unit, we took most of "the stuff" off the boat before pushing off from the dock.  Joan once again reminded me how lucky I am that I have a wife who haul the trailer around to the ramp and back it in so I can drive right on when I bring the boat around to the ramp.  We have our system down and it works.

Some photos bringing the boat around...

With the boat in the driveway, we cleaned it - the hulls were surprisingly not scummed up considering the boat has been in the water for 4 weeks, but the weather has kept us off the water for at least half of that.  As long as we had the pressure washer out, we cleaned up the Honda, as well.

We took the last few things off the boat.  Tomorrow it goes to Tracker Marine to see what they can do for the engine stalling.  It runs fine as long as I keep the speed down.  And, we do most of our cruising around at 5 knots or so - we aren't trying to make miles and the boat is very efficient at that speed.  Cruising for nearly 4 hours yesterday, we used about 2 gallons - that is some pretty inexpensive on-the-water entertainment.

When I would push the engine above 3500rpm, it would stall.  Sounds like a fuel delivery problem to me.  We dealt with this last season, but replacing some fuel tank related things seemed to cure it... or not.  It's under warranty, so we'll see what they come up with.  Of course, that means taking it out of the water and hauling the boat to Harlingen (about 45 miles away)... so it isn't something I want to do on a regular basis.

It was about 5:00 when we finished with the boat.  When I came in, there was a text on my phone... from someone I have never heard of... telling me who I should vote for... and calling me "Kevin."  Now, Kevin is a nice name, but it isn't my name.  So, I responded...

"OMG - I was going to vote for Dusty, but thanks to your stupid ass texts (not to mention my name isn't Kevin) now I won't.  Stop sending these messages.  The political system is a joke.  You probably don't even exist, Elise, but I feel better letting you know your text had the opposite effect.  I will also tell my friends, neighbors, and family to vote for None Of The Above."

Yes, I am aware that this is a robo-dial message.  I don't care - I felt better after responding.  I'll be glad when Tuesday passes.  The political bullshit is never-ending.

A true "Chamber of Commerce" day...

I've used that term before - for those not familiar with it, it is the kind of day that you see on tourist brochures: blue sky, calm water, smiling faces, not too hot and not too chilly.

Today is that kind of day.  We started our morning out with a scooter ride across the causeway for breakfast at Pier 19...

It was 69º when we left the house - cool enough to comfortably wear long pants and our scooter jackets.  There are many days where it is just too darn hot for "all the gear, all the time."

The meal was great and we had a table right by Andrew, the singer/guitarist - this man knows that he is there for background music for the dining patrons; he plays mellow music artfully, that people can hear but still enjoy their own conversations.  My acoustic rock 'n roll versions would not be a good fit here.

We rode around the island a bit.  No, I didn't have a camera mounted on the scoot or my helmet... probably should have, because it was the prettiest view I've seen from the causeway in quite a while.  Blue/green water, blue sky, and a smattering of boats.  Yes, we did see some dolphins as we crossed our swingbridge on the way to breakfast.

We ran a couple errands on SPI and PI on the scoots before heading back home.  Lunch for Rufus, and now we are getting ready to head out on the boat.  The high today is supposed to be 78º; the humidity is reasonably (around 60%) thanks to that light northeast breeze.

More to talk about when we get back this afternoon...

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Just as beautiful this afternoon, and out on the boat, with the small boat channel that runs along the bay side of South Padre Island.

As we headed towards the causeway, we saw a couple dolphins - Joan was looking, but they were too far away to get a decent photo.  Moving on...

In the channel by the causeway, Joan laid out our lunch...

Turning into the small boat channel...

On the right used to be Palm Street Pier - one of the first beach bars we frequented here.  It is now Lobo del Mar (Sea Wolf); right of that used to a spring break club (Tequila Frogs), but has now been completely restructured and is Longboards...

We'll have to give them a try.  A nice house on the bay...

Louie's Backyard and Coconuts...

We've had lunch a few times at the Painted Marlin - here's what it looks like from the water...

Some houses and condos...

Ka Motion (one of the sailing excursion boats) coming down the channel...

Heading back south in the channel, you can see some of the high-rises on the other side of the island (only 3 blocks wide in this area)...

Under the causeway and heading for the ship channel - Pier 19, where we had breakfast this morning...

A pair of pelicans...

Just past the Coast Guard Station, the Aerostat is up...

 And a look at the tether...

Out in the ship channel, there was a tanker heading out to the Gulf...

We threaded through the anchored fishing excursion boats to watch the ship go by...

And this dumbshit excursion boat kicking wake everywhere...

Heading for home, the motor started acting up... cutting out when I got above 3500 rpm... I think we're going to need to pull the boat for some service.  Likely a fuel pump.  Unlike the dryer, this is under warranty, so Tracker will get to look for the issue.

My little girl said...

"You are whole again."

That is completely different from what I thought the text said at first glance: You are an a-hole again.

Yeah, I'm kidding.  I am not an a-hole again, I am an a-hole still.  Still kidding.  I am sweet... just a little ray of sunshine.  Ask Rufus.  Cats don't lie (or joke) about this stuff.

Digressing.  Again.  Still.

By "whole again," she was acknowledging that I got my molar implant today.  And, it is a nice one.  And all the way to the back so no one gets to see it.  I may do more yawning.  For sure, I am going to eat more meat.  I'm kidding again, I am eating meat.  Still.

Before got to the dentist, we stopped at Lowe's to pick up a dryer hose connection Joan wanted.  When we went into the store, I was immediately taken with the large Christmas decoration display...

It was right there by the lighted skulls (just to the left of this photo).  I am predicting the next holiday decorating item: a Pilgrim skull in a snow globe.  You would be able to keep it out for at least 3 months.  So, why can the stores put out Christmas decorations in September, but if you put out your Christmas lights before Thanksgiving the neighbors think you're crazy?  I'm kidding again - that's not why the neighbors think I'm crazy.

On the way back from the dentist, Joan wanted to stop at Bass Pro.  I didn't need to ask why: we are coming up on the end of our Bass Pro VIP card (for buying the boat), which means that the 10 or 20% discount (depends on the item) will go away.  Yes, we need to buy something.

Then, lunch.  Olive Garden.  They treat you like family... fix your own damn lunch.  I'm kidding again.  I'm in a kidding mood because of my new tooth.  Family doesn't tell me to fix my own damn lunch - they know I am not a good cook.  But, lunch at Olive Garden was tasty, and I got an additional $5 off because I used my "digital wallet."  I have never done that before, but managed to get lunch paid for without having a 12-year-old explain it to me.  On the really bright side: I got to chew my food on both sides of my mouth.

We stopped at our storage unit to check on the coach.  It's fine.  Then, back home, where we expected the last part we need to finish the dryer repair would be waiting at our doorstep.  It wasn't.  Didn't show up until 4:30.  You expect me to start the re-assembly process at 4:30 in the afternoon?  You do?  Oh, OK... I'll finish this post later.

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Update: We worked together to reassemble the dryer.  All told, 7 new parts went into it; the main one being the mangled heating element.  The toughest part was getting the vent duct hose connected back up... there isn't much room behind the washer/dryer stack.  Joan is thinner and more flexible than I am... she trusted that I would pull the unit back out after blocking her in behind it.

One of the parts that came in this afternoon was the high temp insulation... which looks like regular ol' foam insulation, with a higher price tag.  It took an hour for the adhesive on that to dry before we could fit the front door panel back on.  Joan did that while I was putting other stuff back together.

No parts left over.  Everything went back together just like it should.  Joan clicked the electrical breaker on and... it works like it is supposed to.  Whooohooo!  Well, it is running smoother.  :-)

Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up...

Put on a happy face!

If you said, "From the musical Bye Bye Birdie, 1960-61 on Broadway, 1963 movie," you get 500 bonus points.  I was a kid at the time, but seeing Ann-Margret in that may have kick-started puberty for me.

TMI?

Last night, our local NBC weather weasel said, "The gray skies and rainy weather of the past two weeks are over for the next week, at least."

Joan asked, "Will you take me for a boat ride?"

"Absolutely!"

This morning when I got up and stepped outside (checking the boat, part of my morning routine), it was foggy and overcast.  By 8:00, there was a "sun break."  There's hope!  Checking the hourly forecasts... well, I wouldn't call it "solid sunny," but there was a pretty good chance for a boat outing.

Later in the morning, I took the cover off the boat (first time in 11 days) and prepped it for going out.

Yes, there is sunshine in that photo above.  The engine fired right up and purred.  Joan put together some snacks.  And, we're off...

Yeah, there are plenty of clouds in that photo above.  Doesn't matter - we are heading out.  Held my breath as we went around the corner in the canal, concerned that the dredge would appear somewhere in our way.  It didn't, but you can see the pipe at left center above.

The wind was still out of the north and a bit chilly.  But, we were out on the boat.  :-)

No ships or barges in the turning basin; moving towards the ship channel, we saw our first dolphin...

We spent some time watching the 4 or 5 dolphins...

The bait shrimpers were out...

This one was getting a visit from a Texas Game Warden...

A lot of the LE entities around here use these inflatable fast boats (Coast Guard, Homeland Security, Game Warden).  Speaking of the Coast Guard...

Homeland Security also has other go-fast boats...

More dolphins in the ship channel...

And, some fine looking pelicans...

South Padre Island in the distance...

One of several shrimpers heading out...

Surf's up, dude!  We enjoyed watching some dolphins bow surfing as we matched the shrimper's speed...

We backed off and headed back in the ship channel.  Yep, more dolphins...

That fast paced behavior above is... porpoising.  ;-)  Most of what we saw today was feeding behavior; the only "fun" stuff was the bow surfing with the shrimp boat.

Some other birds on the way back in...

This osprey was a bit ruffled...

This Great Blue Heron near a (what else?) dredge pipe...

It got into the low 70s (about 10º below normal for this time of year), but that north wind made it feel cooler than that.  But, did I mention: out on the boat?  And, dolphins!