Dave-R
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2008
- Messages
- 441
Yesterday we were boating at Lake Powell up by Rainbow bridge. We thought we would take in one more canyon before we headed back to Antelope point. We got down to the end of Cathedral Canyon, and my Four Winns boat died. Acted like a bad fuel pump. My Son in law was driving it with his family. I was in our Cobalt 226, and we hurried and tied off, and started a slow tow in tight canyon. It was about 6:30 PM. What would of been a great ride home, was now a great worry for all. I had what I thought to be about 25 gallons of gas, and a some 7 gallons in cans. I was now towing an 18' boat and had 50 miles to go. I could get about 8 miles per hour, with 13 kids and Adults . And it was getting Dark. I wasted a half hour of light by fueling at dangling rope marina, but I couldn't risk running out of gas. so at 7:30 pm, and 40 miles to go off I went. About this time we were able to text my other son in law who just pulled his boat out at Antelope to come and get the kids. He was able to meet us at 24 miles out and getting dark. I kept the skinniest Son in law and sent the rest in the rescue boat. I had a real good docking rope tied to the four Winns, and to this I had a long heavy rope tied to the Cobalt two tie down u-bolts. I gave her the throttle and by heck the 320 hp. Duoprop had us planning at about 23mph. with no effort. With my Son in law watching the tow boat, we able almost make Antelope before dark. The last 1/2 hour was in the dark, and even with our hand held light, and at wakeless speed, it was awful. We did all make it back and loaded up okay, but I kept wondering if I had made the right choice. I had a marine radio, but was unsure if this was an emergency to call for help. I have towed many boats before, and at a safe speed. I would not recommend this practice to anyone, but it saved me four more hours of pitch black. By the way the flashing lights on the channel buoys were a life saver. Dave-R
