View Full Version : Mount engine failure?
catman2
10-24-2006, 07:43 PM
I was just contacted by a friend who was aware of our adventure on the "Mount" Friday night. He said he heard through the LR Fire Dispatch that the mount suffered an engine failure on Saturday and had to towed.
Anyone hear anything about that?
(He is a Capt. in the fire dept)
Weirs guy
10-24-2006, 07:58 PM
She's here at the Weirs right now (a major repair would be done in Center Harbor?) and she did go out Sunday morning at 10 on schedule, so if there was an issue it couldn't have been too bad.
skprbob
10-24-2006, 10:38 PM
I can say with certainty that the Mount did NOT have an engine/mechanical failure of any sort on Saturday or any other day around the events under discussion. catman2's friend heard wrong.
Weirs guy
10-25-2006, 06:17 AM
skprbob, being a man of "connections" in all maters of the winni flagship corp, is my statement that she'd need to go back to Center Harbor for a semi-major repair correct? Seems to me not much can be done at the Weirs from a repair standpoint? While I'm off topic and on stupid questions, where do the girls gas up? I've never seen it happen here, but that doesn't mean I just haven't missed that part.
Dave R
10-25-2006, 07:14 AM
Maybe is was some random boat that broke and engine mount and someone heard it wrong on the VHF...
WeirsBeachBoater
10-25-2006, 07:49 AM
There was a call to LR Dispatch sat night of a boat in distress. I was listening to the scanner, and the Mount reported that they saw the boat under tow, as Meredith Police and others were searching for it. I think that is where the confusion came in.
skprbob
10-25-2006, 08:32 AM
Hi Weirs guy - We can accomplish the vast majority of internal above-waterline repairs at the Weirs but hings such as rudder or propeller damage would likely require going to Center Harbor and pulling the vessel. For example, things such as replacing a cylinder head and/or gasket can be done on site. The main engine cylinder heads are individually replaceable. We keep spare heads on board and have been known to do the job overnight and be ready to go next AM.
Regarding fuel, we have a fuel line from Lakeside Ave down to the pier. A fuel truck can connect to the line on the road and the line connects to the ship at the dock. Doris and Sophie are fueled by pumping over from the ship.
Weirs guy
10-25-2006, 12:01 PM
Thanks skprbob, I did not know that you could do so much at the Weirs, but in retrospect I guess she doesn't go back to drydock all that often during the season.
My son had asked about fueling the girls up and I had no idea. The funny thing is we were down there last night for a walk and despite me looking around (again) the gas lines aren't something that stick out like a sore thumb. Looks like we have something to keep an eye out for on our next walk.
You and WeirsBeachBoater have the best jobs darn it, but thats what I get for picking the Pier Restaurant to work at as a teenager instead of the Mount. :emb:
I remember sometime back in the 1980's, my brother and I were going to take a cruise on the mount. As we came over the top of Tower Street, the lake was covered in fog. We didn't want to pay for a ride in the fog so we skipped it. That was the day the Mount lost all power and drifted into an island. I guess we should have gone!
That boat on Saturday night was spotted by me. I saw the flares go off. It was a 30' Flybridge that lost engine power and I spotted it heading up on eagle island. Luckily theowner of the boat dropped anchor in time. He was only in 3' of water. I got on 16 and radioed marine patrol but they were not "ON DUTY" which I think is the most assanine ridiculous thing I have ever heard, however thats another thread in itself. Luckily, SeaTow was in Sachem Cove and met me out there to assist the boater. Sea Tow hooked up and saved the day while I stood by. THe boat was then handed off to Lake Tow and All was well.
I still can't believe that the law enforcement and rescue body on our lake was off duty at the most important time as I see it. There was noone out on the lake and noone to help. If someone falls in time is so critical right now, yet they are not on duty? Seems ridiculous.
Cheers,
Will
catman2
10-25-2006, 05:02 PM
I
:) I guess WBB had it right..sounds like that is just what happened. Sorry to cause any confusion. I'm glad the "Mount" is fine...........hate to see anything happen to her. All the "girls" have always been a top-notch operation and the crew has always been terrific and very dedicated to their "mission"
Cudos to all crew past and present. We are lucky to have those boats around!
Silver Duck
10-25-2006, 06:42 PM
MWSP
It wasn't an island, it was a boathuse in Center Harbor. I took pictures while watching the whole episode. I posted them a few years ago; they're probably still somewhere in the photopost section!
Silver Duck
webmaster
10-27-2006, 06:20 AM
It wasn't an island, it was a boathuse in Center Harbor. I took pictures while watching the whole episode. I posted them a few years ago; they're probably still somewhere in the photopost section!Click here: http://www.winnipesaukee.com/mount/oops/
Silver Duck,
After I got to work and told the story again, I remembered it was a boathouse. If I had only gone out that day, I would have pictures to remind me!
Coolbreeze
10-28-2006, 09:05 AM
With regard to the Marine Police not being on duty for the disabled boat, I have learned by some unfortunate incidents of my own on the lake that you are better off handleing them yourself and carrying a cell phone or radio on the boat. If you sit and wait for the MP you are just going to do just that...sit and wait. When they do finally respond especially in the off season, all they are really good for is writing a report of the incident. My point is you are on your own out there. Prepare yourself for anything during the off season. Sometimes a call to 911 will get you a faster response for help than calling the MP as a first call. Be safe .
Winni
10-28-2006, 06:59 PM
With regard to the Marine Police not being on duty for the disabled boat, I have learned by some unfortunate incidents of my own on the lake that you are better off handleing them yourself and carrying a cell phone or radio on the boat. If you sit and wait for the MP you are just going to do just that...sit and wait. When they do finally respond especially in the off season, all they are really good for is writing a report of the incident. My point is you are on your own out there. Prepare yourself for anything during the off season. Sometimes a call to 911 will get you a faster response for help than calling the MP as a first call. Be safe .
What, did I actually hear someone say a *cellphone* might be your most reliable source in an emergency??? No; it just can't be!
The sad news is, it won't be unless we get some functioning towers in here! Good luck in an emergency. Gosh; where have I heard this all before?
Silver Duck
10-29-2006, 10:02 AM
There's really no need to "be on your own" out there. There are two professional towing services available on the lake (Sea Tow & Tow Boat US) that are set up for towing, which the MP really isn't.
The membership fee is short money compared to the possible alternatives, and, while they probably don't monitor VHF Ch. 16 around the clock, I know that Sea Tow (the one to which I belong) can be reached 24 - 7 at their national phone number.
Silver Duck
John A. Birdsall
10-29-2006, 05:14 PM
There's really no need to "be on your own" out there. There are two professional towing services available on the lake (Sea Tow & Tow Boat US) that are set up for towing, which the MP really isn't.
The membership fee is short money compared to the possible alternatives, and, while they probably don't monitor VHF Ch. 16 around the clock, I know that Sea Tow (the one to which I belong) can be reached 24 - 7 at their national phone number.
Silver Duck
Well that is just ducky, so your out on the lake and the cell towers do not pick up your tone. And I have not seen signs anywhere with their phone number on it. so they can monitor 24-7 and what do you do? Maybe their are public telephone booths on all islands.
Some may say your on your own out their, but look at what happened last night and today for the poor fellow that fell off the Mount.
Years gone by, if you had trouble you did not need sea tow people were there and would lend a hand, and some still do. I know if I see someone in trouble I will stop and try to help them.
Airwaves
10-29-2006, 05:28 PM
J.A.B. & Silver Duck
Even if Sea-Tow or Tow Boat/US aren't monitoring VHF16 24/7 at Lake Winnipesaukee, Coast Guard Group Portland is listening. If Marine Patrol, Sea-Tow or Tow Boat/US are not monitoring VHF16 then hail the Coast Guard and ask them to relay the message via land line.
Coolbreeze
10-29-2006, 05:57 PM
Well, I know that we are on an island and have phone service (land line) working year round. I think If I was in trouble on the lake I would try to get to a island or shoreline. This is why we carry paddles on our boats, I think. I would break into as many cottages until I found a operating phone or to get out of the elements. I'm sure after finding the owners and paying them for the damages, that they would understand the circumstances. (Do you think Mr. Behr would understand why I used his personal potty?!?)
GWC...
10-29-2006, 07:16 PM
(Do you think Mr. Behr would understand why I used his personal potty?!?)
Sooooo, if we use your name, we will get a good seat?! :D
Airwaves
10-31-2006, 10:39 PM
Coolbreeze wrote:
I think If I was in trouble on the lake I would try to get to a island or shoreline. This is why we carry paddles on our boats, I think.
I've never tried to paddle a 30' flybridge cruiser, how do you reach the water with the paddle? :laugh:
Will is correct:
I got on 16 and radioed marine patrol but they were not "ON DUTY" which I think is the most assanine ridiculous thing I have ever heard
With technology available today there is no reason that a call from VHF16 isn't answered by Marine Patrol, even if it's an on-call officer based from his/her home.
Til then be aware the Coast Guard does monitor VHF16 24/7 and you can raise them from Winnipesaukee if needed. Anyone remember CG efforts to get Winnipesaukee boaters to move off channel 16 a few years ago because the chatter was inteferring with operations in Portland?
upthesaukee
10-31-2006, 11:10 PM
Well that is just ducky, so your out on the lake and the cell towers do not pick up your tone. And I have not seen signs anywhere with their phone number on it. so they can monitor 24-7 and what do you do? Maybe their are public telephone booths on all islands.
Some may say your on your own out their, but look at what happened last night and today for the poor fellow that fell off the Mount.
Years gone by, if you had trouble you did not need sea tow people were there and would lend a hand, and some still do. I know if I see someone in trouble I will stop and try to help them.
I think that Silver Duck's point is that for fairly short money, you can be covered and your membership card has the national number on it. I have my local towing service local number on my cell phone. I had the misfortune to snap a lower unit and had to be towed in, getting caught in a terrible thunderstorm along the way, and it cost me almost $400 for the tow. (thanks MB). I have over the past few years towed folks 3 or 4 times, sometimes without so much as a thank you, and the last time, i towed the individual from near the east end of Rattlesnake to Roberts Cove. It wasn't until we were about a third of the way to Roberts Cove that he took out his cell phone to call a friend to pick him up at Roberts Cove. He certainly didn't use it to get assistance when he was broken down, and no real thanks.:(
In the future, I'll stop, I'll suggest dropping an anchor, and will gladly place a call to TowboatUS or the Marine Patrol, but my days of a freebie tow are over, except for a close friend or someone in imminent danger.
In the future, I'll stop, I'll suggest dropping an anchor, and will gladly place a call to TowboatUS or the Marine Patrol, but my days of a freebie tow are over, except for a close friend or someone in imminent danger.
I hope you will reconsider. I too have towed people on several occasions, and have had those instances where there was little or no "thank you" or signs of genuine gratitude. But in the spirit of trying to do little things to keep the Lake friendly (heck, we even still wave to other boats!:liplick: ) like it used to be, I will not hesitate to offer a tow in the future. It also demonstrates to my kids the old-fashioned value of people helping those in need.
And if you believe in Karma.... :coolsm:
Silver Duck
11-01-2006, 09:17 AM
Folks
Not to put down the "Good Samaritan" approach, but unless you have the right equipment and know exactly what you're doing towing can be very dangerous (for people in both boats).
A typical twisted nylon line can stretch enough to pick up a lot of energy when used for towing. Heaven help anybody in its way if it parts during a tow - or, even worse, a cleat pulls out and it comes at you on the end of the line. :eek: The pros use special kevlar-reinforced tow lines, and have properly engineered tow points to attach them to. Much safer for everybody concerned!
Though I'd never ignore a boat that was in trouble, the only way I'd take somebody under tow would be to get them out of danger until a pro arrived. (Sorry, but I just don't want to take the chance of hurting somebody!) And, if I were to need a tow, I'd want somebody with the proper equipment and who knows exactly what they're doing on the other end of the line.
Flame away, but I think towing is better left to the pros (Sea Tow, Tow Boat US, and experienced folks from the marinas).
Silver Duck
Coolbreeze
11-01-2006, 09:31 AM
Well, I think a general rule of any boating, regardless of the size of the boat, is to anticipate problems and pmake a rough plan in your mind on how to ssafely resolve them. If you have a big boat, plan on thinking about someone who can help you with the potential problems associated with your big boat. I have small boats, so I bring all the required equipment for my boat, and that includes a paddle. I'm sure the crew of the mount have a plan for mechanical problems as well as other scenarios associated with that vessel.
Weirs guy
11-01-2006, 01:57 PM
A typical twisted nylon line can stretch enough to pick up a lot of energy when used for towing. Heaven help anybody in its way if it parts during a tow - or, even worse, a cleat pulls out and it comes at you on the end of the line.
An old off-roaders trick is to wrap a towel/jacket/ect. around the line before you pull. Believe it or not the cloth wrapped around the strap absorbs a lot of the kinetic energy and has saved me a few windshield's.
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