Long run home?

[No Bail]

Losing an engine out past the 125 line was unnerving. Looking at our position and possible speed with one engine, and not being able to raise the other outboard put us crossing the Columbia bar at 9 PM - midnight. Not my idea of fun at 8 knots.

We had just found jumpers, and got ready to slide next to them and cast to them. I turned off the motors and Ken cast to them. No hookups and they kept traveling. I went to start the engines to get in front of them and the starboard engine wouldn't start. The gauges came up but every time I tried to turn it over I'd lose the gauges and no turnover. Couldn't raise the engine. Looked like a long run home. We forgot the jumpers and started heading in.

Checked some fuses and didn't see anything wrong. The electrical house and starter is separate so the radio worked, but when I called just to notify someone of our position I couldn't get any answer although I could clearly hear one other tuna guy talking to others down south. The ocean was nice and there was no danger, but it was looking like a long day. One of us settled in for some sleep to be sharp for the bar.

On the way in I was on my belly tracing the power wires from the engine to battery and ACR etc. I finally found a loose cable going into the new switch, when I jiggled it I got a little spark. Holding it just right the gauges came back up, and holding our breath, the engine turned over and started just like normal, first try.

It was nice to coem back in 22-25 knots and cross the bar before the peak ebb.

In reviewing, we were not worried about the seas as we knew the forecast, and 8-9 knots was a safe speed. The wind was calm and it was just going to be a long night. Having the house and starter systems completely separate is a good thing. I have two handhelds and PLB, but it is nice to see the 25 watts on the Icom. However, I think I need to get my antenna checked. I should have been able to reach those other boats. On the way out I had called one boat but could not really understand each other. He got my boat name and I could hear him a little, so I knew we were a long ways off from each other. Later, I could receive other boats fishing to teh south, but I guess they couldn't hear me. Just in case I broadcast that I was starting home on one engine in case they could hear. It was never a case of notifying the CG, the ocean was too nice for that. However, I would have called the CG when we got close to the bar.

Anyway, last trip of the season for the boat. Time to get her clean and detailed. I'm thinking a larger boat, so I'm thinking I'll put her up for sale and take a serious look at a boat with a wider beam and about 29'. Still can trailer, but just a little steadier in the wind chop.

[Bob5]

No wonder you didn't return my phone call you were out playing.

Nice to find the problem on your own dime.

[fish_on]

Randy that sounds just like a problem I was having with my boat before I sold it. I had an Icom 422 and was having a hell of a time contacting anyone even people real close. I replaced the antenna with a digital antenna, still had problems. Finally I replaced the radio with an Icom 504 and everything was great. I took the 422 up to Icom in Seattle, turns out it had a faulty connection to the mic inside the radio. Pretty unnerving when you can hear people but can't contact them.