Oct 7  Old Point Comfort Marina





I had a nice night anchored out next to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Amazingly the traffic noise is not bad there. In the morning the engine started but still need the fast idle. The wind was a bit on the nose so I didn’t raise the sailed and motored out toward Norfolk. Just when in the middle of the tunnel channel the motor died. There was a tug with a large barge heading for me and I was frantically trying to start the engine. After a couple on minutes I gave up and hoisted the sails…not the easiest with no motor to point you into the wind but I got them up enough to start moving. Meanwhile the tug did see me and headed up…probably thinking why is this crazy guy raising his sails in the middle of the tunnel channel. The wind was now behind me so I quickly got out of his way and back to the Forte Monroe anchorage. I got the motor going but only by leaving the choke out….and that was not a good way to start a several hundred mile trip. I decided I better check into the near by marina and regroup.


The sick motor was an 8hp Mercury 2009….but I had another an 8hp Honda 1999 at my house in Mathews…a little over one hour drive away. I called my wife who had a full schedule for the day plus would need help with the engine anyway. 


I called my good friend Charles who did not hesitate to pickup the spare motor and bring it to me. He also did all the physical work getting it from truck to boat. And took the sick outboard back to my house.


I was able to treat him to dinner at the Deadrise Restaurant at the marina but I still do owe him big time! I would highly recommend this restaurant especially the cheesecake! 


Now how is this 23 year old engine going to be on this trip? It starts easily and seems good but who knows?



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