The Saturday of the 6th we headed down to lake Miccosukee amidst a looming thunder storm. When we got there all these guys were heading to the hill in their bass trackers, and here we are putting in. They all looked at us like we were crazy. The pictures have a blue tint because the clouds were pretty dark. So after waiting in line we put in and backed her off the trailer. Took her out for a spin and about the time we get to the middle of the lake the overheating buzzer goes off. So we turn around and start limping back to the ramp and wouldn't ya know it the bottom falls out.
Yea, we really looked like chumps at this time the buzzer was so loud everyone was looking at us even from inside their trucks. But I didn't care my baby was in the water. 
After over a year of working on her she was finally floating. The overheating kinda bummed me out but I was more excited than ever to get her out on the flats. I noticed the motor wasn't peeing so I figured it was the impeller. I decided to go ahead and service the entire cooling system so I ordered a water pump kit, thermostat and exhaust housing gaskets from Central Florida Yamaha. I didn't want to change the impeller only to have pieces of the old one plugging up the water channels. On Monday I took off the lower unit and checked the impeller. The woodruff key that holds the impeller to the drive shaft was stripped. So the impeller was actually in good shape just not spinning. I had already removed the thermostat and exhaust cover and decided to clean out the corrosion and replace them anyways. This is where I learned a lesson the place I ordered the parts from had them all except the inside exhaust gasket. So I'm never ever gonna take a part off that doesn't absolutley need replacing unless I know I can get a new one. They said it was on backorder and they would have it on Aug 31st. So now I'm crying. I replaced the thermostat and water pump but now I was waiting on a stupid gasket that I didn't need to take off. I wouldn't have minded otherwise, I'm a big believer in preventative maintenance but now I couldn't go fishing on account of that gasket. I called around and Mike's marine said they could have it in 3 to 4 days. Shield's said they wouldn't even order it until they had about $50 in Yamaha parts to order. I called Mike's on Wednesday and he said it should of come in that day but it was on backorder. I thought to myself, is the gasket coming by ship from Japan?? 
So now I'm getting desperate thoughts of RTV and Gasket material are going through my head, how can I make one?? But this morning while we were on our way to get gasket material from car quest Mike's called and said it was in so we made a bee-line to Panacea. This afternoon we finally got to test her out. The boat is very stable you can walk from side to side and she barely rocks. The boat drafts 4 1/2 ". I am considering changing the scuppers as the ones I have don't work for squat. The doors don't close to keep the water out so I'll probably change them out for the ping pong ball scuppers. They are usually above water unless you stand back by the motor then some water comes in. The boat is actually drier than I thought although lake Miccosukee is by no means the gulf. I did run around in circles though to try and create some waves. The front of the boat is out of the water far enough back that when the spray is crated it goes by you. This of course can change with strong winds and chop but I am pleased so far. She topped out around 27 mph so she is no speed demon. I do need to adjust the motor I think it needs to be raised a few inches. As it sits now the cavitation plate is about halfway between the top of the tunnel and the bottom of the boat. So under full power the water coming off the tunnel hits the motor and sprays up. I've never had a flat bottom boat or a tunnel hull so It's gonna take a few runs to see what adjustments need to be made to get the most out of her. When running full speed straightaway and turning it seemed to cavitate some which I don't understand because the motor seems to be too low but it seems to cavitate as though it's not getting water. I think it might be due to the fact that water is hitting the motor and creating a hole or pocket so the prop isn't getting as much as if the motor was higher and out of the way. I'll have to figure that out. If anybody has any suggestions or ideas it would be appreciated. But on the whole I am happy and pleased. For a completely home made boat a few adjustments are to be expected. The clear pictures are from today. 
Just got back from wally world with my new fishing license and Duck stamp so as soon as I get the motor adjusted I'll be at the lighthouse. If ya see me say hi, I'll be hard to miss since shes the only one like her.
