Wildturkey added a comment on the event "MacDill Airfest".
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Wildturkey added a comment on the event "Sailmonster Raftup".
While returning home from the raftup, we experienced mechanical trouble. The engine was getting hotter and hotter. We were about 4 miles up Sarasota Bay when it got too hot for me, so I dropped the hook off the channel so I could check the intake strainer for debris. Cleaned some out, but not enough to overheat it. Then the engine3 wouldn't restart. Let it cool but no luck. Reluctantly sail back to SSS and sail into a slip. Danny was still there and helped me with a place to swtay and get a mechanic to check it. SRQ Yacht Repair was great. Came out Sunday night to look at it for me. He found a water pump that needs to be rebuilt, and one cylinder not getting any fuel. He got it running for me so I could get home first thing Monday. A long 12 hr sail with some slow idling up ICW. Thank you for everyones help. We still had a great time at the raftup! 

I've sailed and anchored in Bunces pass near the camp ground for Ft Desoto yrs ago. It is nice. The pass is super tricky if the tide and wind are opposed and its classic west coast shifty channel can eat you alive if you're not on top of your game. Actually I was anchored in there 3yrs ago when the kayak marathon to the everglades/keys started but I couldn't roll out of the sack to see it. you were probably one of those paddlin' kooks doin' their thing
. Stay in touch and we'll get together sailing soon.
M&K
That was in Bounces Pass? I used to sail a Hobie out of there and it is really shollow on either side of the channel in that region around the camp sites and the area to the north. I'm surprised you guys used it. The chart shows 4' at the end of the channel going out so I don't think I'd have gone in myself. I think I'd have tried the edge of the entrance to Tierra Verde just NE of Shell Island. Anyway, it sounds like you guys had fun and adventure's the name of the game
Actually now that I think of it the leg between the north tip of Ft. Desoto and Shell Island is deep and a lot of people anchor next to the beach there and there is good enough depth. Hmm...
Maybe it's not such a bad spot if you time it right with the tides... I'm looking forward to meeting up with you guys when I can sail. I'm hoping to go out next Saturday to practice some boat handling so we don't crash into anyone at the Morgan Invasion if we race the following weekend. So we might be out there next weekend.

