99% successfull day!!!

[2kwik4u]

Took a few minutes this afternoon, and drug the boat out of the garage from it's cold winters nap.

Hooked up the battery, turned on the hose and hooked up the muffs. Turned the key.....FIRED RIGHT UP!!! W00H00 Stumbled for a few seconds then got to running nice and smooth.

So, cleaned up my mess and headed to the lake. After the 13 mile drive I found the ramp completely empty aside from about 2-3 fishermen coming in off the lake. Dropped the boat in the water, it fired right back up, and off I headed to the courtesy dock. It's now that I remember I've left my life vests, dock lines, and all safety gear in the storage unit  :oops:

So I headed back over and put the boat back on the trailer....SO....While I didn't get to open her up and get on plane, I was able to confirm that the bellows, and block survived the winter unscathed. I had been a bet worried since I had to store the drive in the up position, and didn't use stabil in the gas or antifreeze in the block.

In the end I would call today a success, and I get to move forward. Have to order new numbers for my registration, need to get a set of smart tabs and install them, as well as giving it a good bath. Good lord it needs a bath!

Most excited I've been since I was headed down to pickup the boat for the initial purchase!!!!

[DaleM]

Super sweet!!!   Too bad you couldn't get some more time on it.

[kjrinker94]

All of us Northerners are jealous and getting anxious.  We are still about 8 weeks out up here in Michigan.  I'll be holding my breath as well - this year I winterized it myself.  Followed all the steps but I'll breath a sigh of relief when I know there's nothing cracked.

[2kwik4u]

I typically wouldn't have pulled it out until the First of April, however I have a special event I want it out for on March 28th.

Dad has never been on or around boats, and I've gotten all my exposure through my Moms side of the family. Well he's going to be in town the weekend of the 28th, and I really wanted to take him out, and hope he can see why I spend so much time and money on the boat and the lifestyle that goes with it.

We're going to put in At Cox's park here in Louisville and cruise up to Captains Quarters for dinner. We usually spend the Friday he's in town for the truck show discussing life, women, work, politics, and other points of interest over a few beers. This year we're going to discuss them on the water over a few sodas, and see if we can start another tradtion.......assuming the weather holds that is.

[Dream 'Inn]

Sounds like you have a nice time planned with your father!  Hope the weather holds out!

I got my full canvas off this weekend and put on the regular camper canvas.  That is a job in itself.  The winter canvas goes down below the waterline, probably weighs 70lbs or more.  Gotta float on a little raft to untie it, since the boat is on a lift.  And then, take down all the pvc that holds it up.  Was sure a beautiful day out there though!  It was just so nice to be back on the boat!  I wanted to take her for a spin, but I said I wouldn't until I took apart the elbows/exhaust manifolds to see how they're holding up...so, that'll be next weekend.  But, there were others out...I think spring has sprung here!

[Dan&Darci]

The 18th annual St. Patrick's Day boat parade was last Saturday, the 15th.  The admiral and I dewinterized just the motors, fired 'er up and headed out  :fish1: ) and raining.  Perfect weather to kick off the season!   , and 3 Pig's Smoked on the Water BBQ.  

No one fell in (as opposed to last year  :dance: .  A great way to start the season!!!!!!

[Dream 'Inn]

Dan, that sounds like a great time!...I could only imagine how could it might be to fall in!  My foot went in the water Saturday while I was "rafting"...brrrr...good thing I know to bring a second pair of shoes .

[PartsMan]

Dan, that sounds like a blast! Cold or not it would just be great just to be on the water.

[PRLATINCPL]

[-o<   Just praying that the time gets here soon enough!!!

[Greg]

Sounds like a great day.......

Greg