GEOO
10-13-2002, 04:18 PM
I was working all week trying to replace the fuel pump, fuel tank pick-up, fuel lines, filter etc. so I could do the NPBA "Brunch Run". The run goes from Manhasset Bay, (north shore of Long Island) down the east river to the Statue of Liberty then up the Hudson and across the Harlem River. A nice calm area to run my Donzi. I woke up this morning and it was a rainy, drizzle type of day . I figured what the heck lets go, I haven't gone for a ride since Lake George. I launched the boat, checked the fuel pressure every thing was fine, no leaks. Put on my Life Line Jacket, foul weather gear, goggles and clipped in to the kill switch. Cruised over to Manassett Bay in 3-4 foot waves; not very fun. Then I meet up with several boats waiting to start the run. We started in the sound cruising at 50-60, a little calmer then my ride over, but still 2 footers and boat wakes. I was at the back of the pack with a 37 Outer Limits, 31 Sonic, 33 Fountain, Progression, 32 Skater with 300X's, a Power Play and several other Boat's joined in. I was trying to pick a spot so I wouldn't get in the way; find my own rumb line. I had the tabs down a little and the drive at mid trim. By now we were getting closer to the east River, approaching the Throgs Neck Bridge, it was starting to calm down. A few of the guys started to throttle up, I saw the Outerlimits take off then the Skater, the others followed, By the time we went under the bridge we were all crusing in the 80's, some faster. The water was calm and no boat wakes, I trimmed up a little more, picked up the tabs and I was cruising in high 80's low 90's; caught up to a few boats and pasted some on the way. I was with six to seven boats abreast. Oil pressure was good, water temp steady, engine running around 5700 rpm's. The adrenaline was pumping pretty hard by now, I had to keep my cool and watch the water. Here, I was in the middle of bunch of 30-40 foot Hot Boats, I was in heaven. The only Donzi in the group. The conditions were perfect, so I put her to the pins, the wind started to hurt my ears. The small block was humming, could not look back, I had to concentrate ahead. Glaced at the speedo going around 95, then I trimmed up a little more the boat accelerated, But got a little loose and squirely, back off and got back on, played with the trim a little more found that sweet spot again and aired out the hull; this time I could stay on the throttle for a good 10-15 seconds run, doesn't sound long, but it felt like several minutes. We passed under the Whitestone Bridge and La Guardia Airport was in sight. I backed off to 80 mile per hour cruise to look around. The Outer Limits was off the my starboard and 200-300 yards back, the Skater was of my port and 100 yrds back. They were all way behind me!!! Holy SH!!. :D :D
I had tears in my eyes, It was awesome...
First time I ran the boat agaist other boat's in calm water.
Then I got on the throttle again and engine sounded a little funny, hum, lost some power too, only could run in the 80's. I backed her down openned the hatch, the damn blower belt fell off. It took me 15 minutes to put it back on but broke the power steering belt in the process. An inflatable CG boat stopped by to see if I was OK. Then he asked if I was with those speeded boats that went by. YES, Then he said they were doing over 85 and the speed limit was 35. He waited a few seconds then he told me he was only joking. Cruised home at 30 in 3-4 foot chop, not fun, but I still had the smile plastered to my face.
Just a little story about my day, hope you enjoyed. I did add a little lib, but wanted to make it interesting. wink What a day!!!
Griz.. Why does my belt fall off? Too loose?
Chris, how's that deck??
I had tears in my eyes, It was awesome...
First time I ran the boat agaist other boat's in calm water.
Then I got on the throttle again and engine sounded a little funny, hum, lost some power too, only could run in the 80's. I backed her down openned the hatch, the damn blower belt fell off. It took me 15 minutes to put it back on but broke the power steering belt in the process. An inflatable CG boat stopped by to see if I was OK. Then he asked if I was with those speeded boats that went by. YES, Then he said they were doing over 85 and the speed limit was 35. He waited a few seconds then he told me he was only joking. Cruised home at 30 in 3-4 foot chop, not fun, but I still had the smile plastered to my face.
Just a little story about my day, hope you enjoyed. I did add a little lib, but wanted to make it interesting. wink What a day!!!
Griz.. Why does my belt fall off? Too loose?
Chris, how's that deck??