Did my maiden voyage today!

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manticore999

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Well, finally! After all the engine work that was done we finally were able to take our maiden cruise today. I've never piloted a boat with twin engines before, so I had a few friends with me who have tons of experience. It was great day for cruising - mid 70's and sunny on the water. Just a mild breeze, maybe 5mph max - perfect for a nervous, inexperienced captain! We practiced docking around the marina and then went out on the river for a bit. Cruised around for about and hour and came back and tried docking some more. I must say, I didn't embarass myself as much as I thought! It was nice to have a few guys on board to talk me through it. We'll see what happens once it's must me and the admiral and wind is blowing - probably make for a nice show at the marina! I did notice that one engine seemed to be 'smoking' a little more than the other. White smoke, though, and the temp guages were both right where the should have been - so I don't think it was an overheating problem.

Any ideas?
 
Congratulations. You know the saying "practice makes perfect", so keep doing it.
Are your twins inboards? If so the white "smoke" may be steam, if so nothing to worry about, but i dont know the boat and dont want to make assumptions for you, especially since you have just had engine work done.
 
try taking the boat out but stay in the marina. slowly cruise around the docks and do a bunch of "touch and go" dockings. you'll be a pro in no time at all.
 
I'm glad you had a nice first experience. Meanwhile, here in Cleveland, we dug out of 2 feet of snow!
 
Hey - I grew up in Pittsburgh, lived in upstate NY for 12 years and then Chicago for 4 years. I KNOW what that kind of weather is like - and I don't miss it a bit!! I also used to travel to Cleveland every week for my job at Key Bank. Spent many a night down in the flats at one bar or another!
 
Steam may or may not be a problem. Both engines should be producing equal amounts if it is normal and not a problem.
 
Yeah, gas engines do put out some steam at various times- keep an eye on the temp gauges, though. Also, when the engines are at temp go put your hand on the tops of the exhaust risers (where the hoses are hooked up to) - they should be warm, but not so hot that you can't touch them at all. If they are going to burn your hand, they'll burn those hoses too!!!

Congrats on getting out on the boat!!!
 
not to hijack the thread, but where in Pittsburgh Manticore?
 
I grew up on the South Side 'slopes'. I still have some family there, but I don't get back much at all. Given the differences in weather I can't even say I miss it much! Plus, I've been away so long that it's not really home anymore.
 
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