Rookie idiot

Post by **Eerman** » February 19th, 2005, 7:13 pm

That refers to me.

Went out today and was going to try Spring Creek. Jumped in the boat at Panacea Harbor Marina and made the run over in not so smooth water. Got inside Spring Creek and made a drift. Went to start the motor and...notta. Just that lovely "click".

Made sure I was in neutral, checked my connections, checked the kill switch, everything is good. Electronics are working fine; but, no varoom...varoom. Messed around until I was out of ideas, then flagged down a passer by. He and his lovely family (including a most friendly retriever) offered to tow me up to the landing at Spears. Unfortunately, he pulled me up to the dock and then kept on motoring so I did not get his name or get to thank him properly. So I yelled my thanks, and tied up to the dock. Now what? Called Panacea Harbor Marina and the response was "We'll be there in a few minutes." Sure enough, 1/2 hour later, the manager pulls up. He jumps in my boat, plays around a few minutes, listens to the click of the motor, grabs a knife (this is when I start thinking I'm an idiot), cleans my battery contacts/terminals, and fires up my motor

. He jumped out. Said "We're a full service marina. I'll see you back there". Gets in his car and leaves. I motor back to the marina with my tail between my legs. Needless to say I feel like a moron and didn't get in a bit of fishing. However, it's good to know that there are still great people in this world who are more than willing to bend over backwards for a stranger. Thanks to all those folks who helped an idiot rookie and did it with a smile on their face.

I think I'll be installing a switch and extra battery very soon.

Post by **Chalk** » February 19th, 2005, 7:41 pm

But you learned something didn't you.....

Post by **mjsigns** » February 19th, 2005, 8:11 pm

I believe we all have one or a few of those days when we feel like idiot rookies. What you need to do to feel better is help out a complete stranger (a rookie or an idiot) to help sooth your conscience........... Now it's your turn to bend over back-wards and help out a complete stranger........

Could you please send me a money order $365.00 to cover the cost of re-sealing my lower unit?

Post by **Eerman** » February 19th, 2005, 9:41 pm

Chalk, definetly learned something. MJ, I'll trade your lower unit bill for my tax bill this year and we'll call it even.

Post by **rocket** » February 21st, 2005, 9:27 am

Talk about an idiot, I usually have a boat on the water on any given weekend. Last Saturday, I put my Jon boat in at Lake Miccosoukee, and forgot to install the plug.
Luckily some nice fellas helped me drag it up on the hill, let it drain, then helped me push it back in the water.

Talk about an idiot. I guess we all have those days.

Post by **Sir reel** » February 21st, 2005, 9:44 am

Thanks for sharing the experience with us Eerman. Especially good to hear about folks willing to tow fellow boaters and "full service" people in business. We need to let them know we have heard about them and appreciate their attention to us!

Littoral · Post by **Littoral** » February 21st, 2005, 10:36 am

Good story. Troubleshooting is something like fishing, can't always figure it out even when we have the tools.

GT Fisherman · Post by **GT Fisherman** » February 22nd, 2005, 1:58 pm

Eerman, been there, done that. It is now on my check list to clean the terminals before reconnecting the battery. Checking the plug is also on the list.

Ain't experience a fine teacher!