Actually it was 9 years and two months since this thing last saw water.
Thanks to hurricane Fabian on September 5th 2003 while hauled out for the storm it was whacked by something airborne moving at about 140mph . Everything from (and including) the rubrail up had to come off before repairs could start.
Then the service provider went behind our backs and colluded with the insurance company while we were in dispute . Took 'em to court. Won the war but still lost the battle .
Anyway , it finally went back in last Friday. Just in time for winter !
A near gale warning in effect all I could do was idle it back to the marina about a third of a mile away. It still felt great , and the engine sounded strong and smooth.
Maybe later today we'll put some extra gas in and take it out for a run and see if there's any gremlins yet to be exposed !
Thanks to Matty for the picture insertion . (may take a while before he can get to it)
Steve