For our first big trip we decided to go to Annapolis. We were there for the boat show last Fall and enjoyed the restaurants and bars, so it seemed like a interesting place to dock the boat for a couple of days.
We were a little concerned about the heat problem on the starboard engine, but since we planned to take our time, and keep the speed around 8-10 knots, we figured we would give it a go.
At that speed, we knew we could not make the trip in a single day, so we made arrangements to stay at the Delaware City Marina, at the C&D Canal. It was approximately the halfway point, and we saw some very good reviews about the helpful staff and dock hands.
We had a great weather, and good luck with the tides on the way down and made it there in about 6 hours. When we got close, we radioed the marina and they gave us instructions on entering the small canal where they are located. It is not difficult, but anyone going there should definitely radio ahead so that they know the best approach. The canal is rather narrow and shallow during low tide. It feeds into the larger C&D Canal and has a strong current when the tide is coming in or going out. Fortunately, we got there at slack tide and it did not really matter.
The dock hand was at the fueling dock to greet us and help with the lines. Since the canal is narrow, and has a low bridge at the far end, all boats tie up on one side and are required to turn around to head back out the way they came. This made me a little bit nervous but the dock hand said they would be there to help if I needed them. After fueling, I planned to go to my slip and turn the boat around immediately, while we were still at slack tide. Only one problem – the boat would not start!
The batteries were fine, and the starter turned the engines fine, but they would stall immediately after I let go of the ignition key. I tried repeatedly. The dock hand even came on board to give it a shot. Someone on the docks suggested we might be vapor-locked, and perhaps letting the engines cool down might help. So, one of the marina employees towed us from the gas dock to our slip and Lyn and I walked down the street to the local pub for dinner – hoping for the best. It was Friday night, and the marina’s mechanics were off until Monday. If the boat did not start we might be stuck there for 3 days.
A kielbasa sandwich, a martini and two beers later – we were back at the marina with our fingers crossed. Both engines started! It was as if there was never anything wrong to begin with! Perhaps they were right and it was vapor-locked. But both engines at the same time – it just seemed too unusual.
The following morning, while standing in the marina store getting ready to pay my bill, I noticed the gasoline additives sitting on the shelf. Damn, I had been forgetting to put in the additive the last two times I got gas. Could that be it?