Trip Report 9-22-06
We were scheduled for an overnight trip to the Bidavind, but the weather was not cooperating. I switched it to a one day Algol trip. In, and out before the weather turned we headed out at 5 AM, affectionately referred to as zero dark hundred We sailed on calm seas 33 miles to the wreck site. It being a Friday, we had the ocean to ourselves.

Captain Rich jumped in to set the hook. Captain Steve, worked the deck, Tim & I were on the sticks. After a short time the bag was up and we anchored in. Tim immediately jumped in, while Steve waited with me for Rich to return. I took the opportunity to snooze. Rich returned with glowing reports of warm water with no thermocline, as well as 50 Ft. Of vis. Another great day on lake Atlantic !!!

The day went very smoothly, We pulled the hook, and headed home just as the seas began to build. Captain Rich drove us home, right into the slip. I was in the cabin calling my wife to let her know we were back. She asked ( as she always does) how was the trip ?? I reply Text book, a great day to be a dive boat Captain With that, the high water alarm goes off. What s that noise she asks ?? Nuthin Gotta go bye. I hang up on her as she equerries me further. Now I hear water running, not a good sign. Steve has just finished tying the lines. I open the engine room hatch, just as Rich shuts down the engines. The engine room boards are floating, and I can her water rushing in. Steve jumps in to take a look. Joe, call Gardner, and have him haul the boat, were sinking !!!!

The prop shaft is 2.5 inches in diameter. It goes thru a 3 inch hole in the boat. An elaborate drip less seal keeps the water out. Ours, had failed on the port side, allowing tons of water in. While we were moving forward, the venturi effect kept the water out. Once we stopped, it came pouring in, faster than the bilge pump could let it out. Steve called John Gardner at Tottenville Marina in S.I. Rich and I threw Tim off the boat at the slip. Bye, see ya, gotta go !! Once underway, the venturi effect kicked in, and the water stopped coming in. I used the lull in the action to call my wife and update her on my textbook trip. We sailed 25 Min. To the Marina, where John stood ready to haul the boat. He had her hauled and on the hard in no time, safe and dry.

Over the next few days the yard made the necessary repairs. It is amazing how fast John gets things done. I made several trips during the week to check on her. On Wed. Captain Rich & I, with the help of Rich s son Christopher sailed her back to her slip, none the worse for the wear. Needless to say the yard bill, while fair, was hefty NOT a good day to be a dive boat Captain !!!