The Gambler

Most people take it for granted

that a power-boat is made to do this,

not realizing a working powerboat 

is a finely tuned machine.

With all the care and attention this one got,

and the low running hours it receives,

major problems shouldn't be an issue.

However a few hi-tech plastic thru-hulls,

sun, time, 

and probably an overly enthusiastic diver/cleaner,

this one sank to the bottom.

Typically a newer waterlogged outboard is toast,

having two lowers the chances

and a handful of mechanics agreed. 

The owner and was persistent,

and his assistant Steve was optimistic,

and hey how could I resist the challenge!

Fortunately Steve had flushed the oil 

and watered them down,

but there were serious issues outside the blocks,

mainly corroded electrical parts,

which meant replacing the full wiring harnesses.

The only parts unavailable 

were these main fuse connectors.

A little cleaning and solder and they were good enough.

(We still should replace the whole fuse assembly)

The STD (chit to do) list was so long,

we just kept plugging away.

Fixing obvious problems have reassurance,

but there's always that hidden doubt of the  not-so-obvious.

When we fired them up,

it was like winning the lottery.

They sounded great!

The engines were only part of the problem,

and that took more of a toll on me!

Wiring, hoses, pumps...

all the stuff that shouldn't be underwater.

I got a little fried.

Holey Chit!

This part was fun.

The console wiring had the smallest access.

This little hatch on the ground.

I musta slid back and forth a hundred times!

A but tortuous with the sun blisters.

We had a July 4th deadline,

and a little discomfort wasn't gonna get in the way!

Mostly buttoned up,

each connection was either replaced or cleaned.

The first sea trial is always sketchy,

full of "what ifs" and unknowns.

After a slow run,

Steve got that thing screamin' at 40+ mph.

Pretty good gamble!

TP