KathyD19
Petty Officer 1st Class
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
- Messages
- 369
SUCCESS-The Re-Launch of my boat after 40 years! When I started this boat motor restoration this summer I knew absolutely less than nothing about anything mechanical. The only help I had was YouTube videos, advice from a former neighbor who mainly only knew newer motors and thank God I found this forum. Every picture I posted, every question I posed was answered quickly, advice was given with years of experience and wisdom backing it and only kind words were offered at even my most basic newbie questions. You see, this has been a labor of love getting this old boat back on the water. It was my dads and he passed away in 2004. We had so many wonderful Sundays with the whole family piled into this little thing, I have great memories. My mom is in her mid 80's and health is getting worse. I wanted to get the boat going so I could take her out on it again while she still could. My dad was who I always took everything to for repairs when I was young. From a musical teddy bear that had a broken music box and needed "open heart surgery" to bicycles with flat tires to a car with carb problems...dad fixed it all. And yeah, I was daddy's girl. But he's gone and I miss him so much, it was so hard to have this huge project and he wasn't there to ask. I want you all to know that having you all here to ask my questions to and having you answer me was as close as I could possibly get to asking my dad and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm actually teary eyed writing this. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Yesterday I launched my boat again, first time since 1972. Motor started right up and ran like a beast. Throttle/shift/steering...everything worked great. I was even able to wire up the original lights and horn again (with original bulbs!) and they worked as perfectly as they did the day she was put out to pasture. Tomorrow, if she feels up to it...I'm taking mom out for a boat ride again for the first time in 4 decades. Couldn't have done it without you all, bless your hearts!
