Just chattin

[lobsta1]

My mistress the NITES OFF has just been sitting in my slip since my surgery on 7/28. Weekend before last was going to attempt to take her out. However, on Sat. morning the Admiral slipped going down the steps to the v-berth. She was sorta in shock & laughing. She didn't realize what she had done. I took one look, took my sling off & assisted her onto the futon. Immediately raised, wrapped & iced her ankle. Sat. nite unwrapped it for a look see. Saw her big toe going off at a funny angle. Said at hi tide in the morning we were going to the hospital. Diagnosis: broken big toe & a fractured fibula above the ankle! Callie is now in a knee hi boot until 9/18. My new name is now Step-n-fetchit. Dockmates are now saying I should rename my boat to either THE REHAB or the QUIET ZONE. Sunday, I said screw it. Asked a couple of dockmates to go out with us & headed to Gloucester, Ma to see the schooners. With full water & fuel & 5 persons onboard ( one heavyweight of over 400 lbs)I could only get 3200 rpm. On the way back it was up about 200 rpm more. There is no grass fur growing along the water line, so I assume the bottom is still fairly clean. Wonder if I have barnicles on the props, plus the heavy load. I still can't lift my right arm. I can use it from the elbow down. driving the boat was interesting. Sitting at the helm with my elbow locked at my side. I would lean my upper body over to hit the throttles, then lean back to see the tachs. Lean forward & repeat process until satisfied. When docking, had to jump back & forth to use my left hand for both throttles & shifts. Got tied up & we then had an impromptu dock party. Overall a great day! Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

[Extractor]

Al, My bet would be lots of those tiny little white barnacles that can cover your running gear. You can lose a thousand rpm's in a heart beat. May be time to have a diver scrubber take a look. Sorry to hear about the accident. I have teak and holly in the cabin and down to the vee berth , but installed a nice berber carpet on steps to avoid just such a mishap. Best wishes, Extractor