We left St Barts after and enjoyable 2 day stay....great food and shopping. The morning we left was clear with some winds. After we got into the open waters, the winds did pick up.....half way to St Kitts the seas got pretty lumpy. Thumper took it all in stride. But we were towing the dingy, an old heavy Avon 10 foot RIB (rigid inflatable boat) , with a Tohatsu 18 hp outboard...one of the last 2 cycle workhorses.
Well, as we got nearer to St Kitts, the engine jumped off the transom !! It had a tether so fortunately was not lost. I quickly de-powered the boat and jumped into the dingy. Even with adrenalin flowing I could not lift the beast back onto the transom. Sooooo, just continued on our way.
At times the winds were full, and the engine's throttle handle would point straight up....the boat speed was not phased much. However, as we got into the lee of St Kitts, the OB (outboard) became one true sea anchor. With no wind, the old Perkins did all it could to make 4 knots. If I pushed any more the temp would creep up......but we finally made it into St Kitts marina, and into a nice slip.
Normally at many of the Caribbean Islands at that time were charging for potable water ~~~ water was definitely a premium. We lucked out ~~ the water was free at that time.....I was tired after clearing customs, so left the engine in the water overnight.
Next morning, with the assist of a halyard (a line that raises the sails), got it onto the transom. Removed the two plugs and watched as sea water freely flowed out. Took the carb apart and removed the fuel lines and flushed them. Flushed the engine with many gallons of fresh water...then fogged (lubricating it with oil or WD40) it all down.....took the carburetor apart, and found a syringe ~~ and using acetone, flushed it clean and dry. The acetone cleans it and as it evaporates, it removes any and all moisture
Well, guess what ~~ the engine started after a few pulls and thankfully ran for many many years after that.
Word to the wise ~~ Clamping it to the transom and using through bolts will make it more secure. So I did drill mounting bolts through the transom ~~ apparently, the engine clamps simply vibrated loose..
LIVE & LEARN!!!
