Above West Atlantis on 8/21

[Parapapam]

For the sake of "keeping it real" I will post a Non-Fish Report.

Took my buddy's new Edgewater 29 Pilot house south for the first time. I was a little worried about a new boat and an electronics package that I was not very familiar with... espcially going past the Mutton Shoals Island in the dark... But the electronic (Garmin 4812 based package) was so easy a 10 year old could do it in their sleep. I could only run them if I was awake... which I was.

We executed the plan I laid out (the cold side of the warm water break above Atlantis / West Atlantis). Found the break and worked west and south. Porpoises steaming past but not much else... Picked a few tiny mahi off the pots. Targeted one more small isolated puddle of warm water heading north... still nothing. Well that sucked.... oh well.

The only other viable plan available to us was to zig south and east (into the warm water), rather than zag south and west.... Maybe a shot at a marlin.... who knows? Monday morning quarterbacking. Given the time we had and the information available, I would still run the same play...

We ran north and got about 20 miles south of the Hooter and the alarm bell goes off and the port engine shuts down... Not good, but could be worse. Valkerie out of green harbor motors over to make sure we are OK... Thanks guys! The gauges say the engine is over heated (Temp of 161). The pee hole water is much hotter in the port than in the starboard.

How long will the rest of the trip take on one engine? We will be late for supper, but it could be worse.... The crew of Valkerie seemed to really know the Merc Verados we were running. They suggested to wait 5 minutes and fire them back up under the idea the Merc has the diagnostics variances so tight, they will not let you hurt the engine. We do, and she starts right back up. The rest of the trip the two engines were at 145 and 147... Ideas??? We think a saltwater intake obstruction? Plastic bag or something over the intake? If it were an impeller, it would over heated again but it didn't.

So all is well that ends well. For the boat's maiden voyage to blue water it was disappointing not to catch much, but it got some of the kinks out. Great day on the water with my kids and one of my best friends!!

Mike

[Fffiisshh0]

those mercs its important to keep an eye on temp and pressure. That would tell you quick if there was an obstruction. You can watch your water pressure drop as you trim up, make sure pressure doesnt drop too much, or drop the motor back down a touch till pressure come up! Especially when running long and hard.