Death of the Sea Lion

Mr. Fisherman · 08-28-2003, 03:22 PM

It is a sad day folks. My fears are confirmed. #1 cylinder has lost compression. I suppose it could be a head gasket but I think not.
I'm going to pull the head after I have a beer, or 2... or maybe I should just not count.

seasquid · 08-28-2003, 03:28 PM

Sorry Ray,

Seems like there have been a lot of problems the last couple of weeks with us "Dogs"...bad Salty Dog Karma.

Looks like a mess on the ocean all weekend, so I'll be landlocked again.

Again, sorry...I know your pain.

ss

rainrshine · 08-28-2003, 03:32 PM

Ray, dont count just keep going!! Ok so maybe that is not the best advice but in all honesty man I feel bad for ya and wish I could make it better. The Sea Lion will ride again

Again, you did an awesome job out there today [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] May the Sea Lion be on the Salt again soon!!

Rainrshine

Sea Jypzee · 08-28-2003, 03:36 PM

Ray - Hang in there. I'm sorry to hear of the problems. Just know that there's lots of us who'll offer ya a ride when ya need to get out.

Fishplay · 08-28-2003, 04:04 PM

Sorry to hear of your trouble. Hope it turns out better than you expect.

Threemuch · 08-28-2003, 04:13 PM

And as a guy who lost his boat engine a year after getting the boat, I can tell you that this year hasn't been bad at all. Not one weekend have I wanted to go fishing and not been able to go because I didn't have a ride. Plus a honda 90 is only $8K, the 225 is $16....

KB

OceanBlue · 08-28-2003, 04:14 PM

Ray! Say it ain't so!

Arrrgh!

TWB · 08-28-2003, 04:44 PM

Ray, I passed you in Salem at about 2PM today, it looked like you were headed home. I was guessing that you either hammered the fish or was blown off. Loosing the engine didn't cross my mind. So sorry to here that it has gone down, glad to here everyone is in and all hands are ok.

I feel your pain, as mine went down earlier this year. I got off rather easy by pulling the head and replacing a valve. I hope that it turns out to be something as simple on yours.

I will be gone for a week, but as others have said, if you want to fish later, you have an invite on my boat anytime.

Jerry

graybeard · 08-28-2003, 04:50 PM

Cheer up, Ray. I see a dependable fuel efficient 4 stroke in your future. The Sea Lion will roar again!

gb

Mello-Yello · 08-28-2003, 04:59 PM

Hang in there Ray. There are hills, and there are valleys...right now you're in a valley. One of these days (hopefully sooner than later), the Sea Lion will roar back to life. Life is long, and this is just a short delay in the 'big picture'.

Glad you had what you needed to get home. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Metal Manipulator · 08-28-2003, 06:17 PM

sorry to here your missfortune. Hopfully like TWB said it will be as simple as a valve replacement. Check previous posts on how to determine possibilities or like Jerry said just pull the head and see.

skein · 08-28-2003, 06:35 PM

Oh man, Ray, I'm hurtin' for you. There's nobody in the fleet who is prouder of his boat, or who has poured more positive karma into it than you.

I don't know what I can do to help, but I'm as close as a posting. Maybe I could chase parts while you're at work or trying to catch some Z's after your shift.

Are you thinking of taking it to someone or are you going to try fixing it yourself?

...and you know you have a seat - anytime.

Skein

CAPT KUJO · 08-28-2003, 06:38 PM

Ray,
$3900.00 and you're back in the saddle. USe it a couple of years and up grade to a 4 stroke. They'll be lighter, faster and less expensive.

CAPT KUJO

Popeye · 08-28-2003, 06:42 PM

Ray,
Sorry to hear it buddy, but it'll live ta see another day! If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. Don't forget, I've got a machine shop if it helps. Give me a shout, we'll get it goin

Mr. Fisherman · 08-28-2003, 07:06 PM

Thanks for the support everyone.
The head is a little stubborn and after I pumped my slurry box full of Herring scales into my tool box I decided it was time to step away.

I took the beer off ice and decided to relax and get a movie. I wanted to watch Perfect Storm but they couldn't find it at the video store. I told them it was just off the Depoe Bay coast but they didn't get it

.

I hope it is a valve. I have a parts motor. I'd love to get a 4 stroke but it just isn't in the budget right now. Hmm, the possibilities. Kujo, I am considering your offer but I would likely have to replace my controls too and I have dual helms. That adds to the cost of a re-power. I'd rather do it all at once and get a 4 stroke but I will evaluate all this once I have determined what the root cause is.

I love my boat and it will not sit for long.
I had 2 different guys ask me if it was for sale on the way home (one at the dock). Can you guess what I said? [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img] It rhymes with NO!

Jim, I don't think I have mojo comparable to the Halibut Queen and I don't want to rub any of this funk off on your new vessel but it is very tempting and I have been curious....

But if I have time to fish I have time to work on my boat and I kind of enjoy it. I can't say that about any of the boats I have had in the past. I love my C-Dory. She will be back... sooner is better... I don't think I can take a whole winter without spilling Tuna blood all over her :grin: .

[ 08-29-2003, 12:11 AM: Message edited by: Mr. Fisherman ]

Pilar · 08-28-2003, 08:33 PM

Ray, I am so sorry. Consider yourself 1st mate on my boat. You remember those days don't you my friend? Put the crew shirt on and have another beer. In other words you have a ride anytime you can go.

It was mean to grind on you about the weather, sorry. It was sloppy today but that is a different deal than dead motor. An unhappy coincidence. And besides, I fish water like that more often than I should.

Yes, you have a parts motor. So you are looking at stuff like gaskets, seals and reed valves. You already have all of the most expensive stuff. Use that grey matter and make it work, my friend. That will get you through the short term.

Call me bro.

HOGGEMIN · 08-28-2003, 09:22 PM

Sorry to hear this Ray, you can fish on my boat any time. If you need a hand let me know. Keep your head up and kep a true north compass heading it will be up and running soon.

crabbait · 08-28-2003, 10:07 PM

Remeber Ray, it's just boat bucks, not real money. What price the freedom of the sea?

Good luck on the repair.

08-29-2003, 07:25 AM

Bummer

Phil Layer · 08-29-2003, 07:35 AM

Speaking from recent, firsthand experience, there are a number of ways one can look at an engine failure in an ocean going boat:

1. It was bound to happen and thank God you got back to port without an incident.
2. Engine failures are inevitable in these operating conditions. Even the guys with the awesome new boats have mechanical failures.
3. Repairing the problem only makes your vessel more seaworthy for the next outing.
4. �It�s only money.� I know that is a hard one to swallow but the fact of the matter is, we really don�t have many choices. The boat must be repaired. We�re addicts and come hell or high water, we will return to that sea.

Ray, I know you have a very positive attitude about this. I can read it in your posts. And, you obviously have a lot of awesome friends on this board. Your wallet may be a bit thinner when this ordeal is done but you will return stronger than before. That which does not sink you only makes you more seaworthy.

Hang in there. Beers on me when I see you in Newport.

puffins crew · 08-29-2003, 08:42 AM

I know you will do whats right, and just. Good luck, Ray.

Peace, Tom

Orca · 08-29-2003, 10:22 AM

Ray, if you need any wrenching help, let me know

Labsforme · 08-29-2003, 12:00 PM

Ray,Sorry to see that the Sea Lion is down.There are 2 new Suzuki dealers in the Portland area now:Siglers and BoatworksII in Wilsonville.If you need a Suzuki mechanic I know a guy that does sidework.PM me.One of these days I'll get Tuna again,I grew up in So.Cal. and caught tonnage on the New Loanne and Qualifier 105.
Jeff

corrirod · 08-29-2003, 02:18 PM

:depressed:

Boy do I know how you feel brutha. This summer has been brutal for boats. I know after the last episode I had I was ready to throw in the towel but as soon as I drove past the ocean again...I knew I couldn't give up.

It really is an affliction. Just keep thinking about the good days. The one day you get that the dolphins are jumping, the whales are breaching, the birds are soaring, the sun is in your face, the poles are running straight and true, and everything is good in the world. That day will come again for both of us my friend.

You're welcome on my boat whenever you're ready!

Reel Creel · 08-29-2003, 04:41 PM

Hey i bought a new boat last year, and have had so many problems that ther going to give me a new 2004. Boat problems right in prime time suck

good luck

Mr. Fisherman · 08-30-2003, 11:25 PM

Well, It is worse than I had hoped for...
The ring on #1 broke and took the piston, head and cylinder with it

.
I have another head and block and 2 pistons that should be the same from my parts motor.
Maybe I can get away with cleaning up the spare block and head, honing the block and buying new rings...

Bruce, what do you think?

skein · 09-02-2003, 05:53 AM

Ray, email me. All my mail to you is bouncing.

Skein

Sea Jypzee · 09-02-2003, 05:57 AM

Ray - I am sorry to hear of the troubles. I hope that you're able to get back up and running soon. Hang in there and keep twisting those wrenches.

Mr. Fisherman · 09-02-2003, 06:13 AM

Jim, check your email

Nancy, I'm trading in the wrenches for stock certificates and finance papers. With any luck I'll be back in business soon.

Of course I won't be able to afford to go anywhere ;(

Mr. Fisherman · 09-02-2003, 06:20 AM

Jim, I flushed the Spam in the Jeeper account, it should have room for about another 10 minutes or so

sherry marie · 09-02-2003, 04:33 PM

Ray
I feel for you. Trust me, there is always some good that comes from things like this. Last year on the second weekend of the halibut I was hit broadside by a 18 year old. He couldn't see me coming...my bright red suburban pulling our newly aquired 22 sea sport. We had the suburban in the shop for over a month but the boat was a total loss. My partner, Mike and I were devistated. Gone was our boat with the seasons dreams. We lost all of last season dealing with the insurance and looking for another boat. People felt so sorry for us that the sympathy worked for our good, we got a real deal on the new boat and we had the wives feeling soooo sorry for us that a "new" boat was "their" suggestion... This year we have been riding high with the new 24' SHerry Marie.. It was tough while the boat was down but now we are glad with the way things truned out.. Sounds like you have me and everyone else feeling for you so something good is bound to happen.. Keep the positive going..
We will be watching for you at the dock..

Ray and Mike on the Sherry Marie