SEASONAL MUSINGS-- Misstarts, Mishaps, Misadventures, and Near Goners

by Sally Seymour, Sally W 37VT42

It's launch time in the Northeast. Elsewhere east of the Mississippi, tugs are already plying the waters, with owners seeking new adventures. Occasionally the stars line up to deliver launches without mishaps, and adventures free of frustrations. Conversely, sometimes the alignment causes universal havoc and panic.

On the niggling side of annoyances, John Isaksen launched Neptune 37VT35, on April 20.  But, he says, “Once the cover was off it was not a good place to be sitting. Right next to me they haul boats to be washed and painted.” Oops.

When Sally W 37VT42 was launched, Allan Seymour backed her out. For the previous seven years, spring launches were flawless. Once clear of the slings, he turned the wheel and nothing happened. Quick thinking and use of the bow thrusters brought her alongside the dock. The yard mechanic who was on board had already found the problem. During installation of new cutlass bearings last winter, the steering cylinder had not been reconnected to the yoke when the shaft was refitted. Problem solved, and out into the harbor for a check run. Problem #2: a moderate vibration was detected. And so began the game of “Whose Fault Was That?” Had the the shaft been installed properly or was it bent? Long story short, the tug was hauled, shaft pulled and sent off to be trued - just in case. It is suspected that it had not been aligned properly.  In retrospect, the steering problem was a fortunate stroke of serendipity because it brought attention to cracks where the yoke is welded to the arm. Off to the welding shop.

Meanwhile, the inimitable, unstoppable, always seeking howling new adventures, daring to attempt what others wouldn’t dream of, (you know who I’m talking about) the  Howells, Nellie D.  37VT63, have decided to undertake a multi-year cruise of the "Great Loop" in reverse and upstream. Heading west from Florida in March, heavy spring rains in the south made tough going. They spent two weeks in Fairhope, Alabama waiting for water levels on the Tombigbee River to drop. After many false hopes, they were able to start north, dodging logs and debris washed from shorelines during downpours. The severe weather even brought hail the size of eggs.  When asked about their adventures, Bicki said, "I have to say, people do the rivers all the time.  It is just a matter of learning what will kill you and figuring out the details.  We seem to thrive in that.  It has been a true learning experience and an adventure."