Dinghy Motors Problems Continue (Day 119)

LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195

Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W

NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.

Weather: Mostly sunny, E Breeze @ 15 – 20 knots; High 70s, low 70s

Comment: The dinghy motor stopped running again. This time, I took all the fuel lines off, cleaned them and reinstalled them. While at it, I took the carburetor off thinking I would clean it again. I found that the choke butterfly was broken. Dave graciously picked Anna Marie up and took her ashore. She walked to Eric’s (Inflatable Boats of the Florida Keys) who exchanged the carburetor for a new one since it is still under warranty. When she arrived back, thanks again Capt. Dave, I reinstalled the carburetor and we took off for a fresh water run. Boy do we have power now. The engine never ran so fast.

Unfortunately, a new problem has arisen. The motor doesn’t idle anymore. Once back on board, we made a quick call to Eric. He was out on the water working on another boat but Fran patched me in and the three of us had a conference call. Eric said he would meet me at the dinghy dock at 1745 hours.

He took off the cap and immediately noticed that the gaskets were installed in the wrong sequence. I assured him that they have been that way for months. I know this because that’s the way we put it back together in Jekyll Island, low those many months ago. It’s that sequence that I have been following.

Eric quickly (less than five minutes) made the correction, fired her up and, hey, she idled nicely, thank you very much!

I was back aboard SUNSHINE in a flash for our farewell dinner with Capt. Dave. He’s heading to Ft. Meyers tomorrow. We hope to see him in a couple of months when we head north.

I can’t say enough good things about Eric. He is very responsive, is an excellent trouble shooter and mechanic, fair and an all around nice guy. It is certainly a pleasure to do business with him. Anna Marie feels the same. We’d go out of our way to do business with him.

If you ever find yourself in Marathon and need any kind of marine parts, service or advice, especially pertaining to dinghies, gives Eric a call. You won’t be sorry.