Going fast is good, I think
 

I've been boating for 40 years, had 40 boats and been married to the same woman on 9/6/09 for 40 years. I just realized this today. No, I didn't forget my anniversary, just the 40 thing.

My focus, when I could afford it, was on the top end number. I invested (blew) much coin to get a bass boat, fishing boat, jet ski, or go fast to do the big number. I had a good time but as I reflect I think I probably was off course a little. Maybe a lot.

The 27 Lavey cat with a 1000HP BBC that ate drives for breakfast is a good example. Nothing wrong fundamentally with boat or engine, just the direction (ego) of the owner. There is some middle ground.

Going fast is fine as long as you are committed with your money. Most of my fellow boating friends are committed to the fast thing, not the money thing. It is not wise to think you can have speed and with no cash commitment. Speed costs money.

So, for most of us we need to decide what is important. After all this time I'll take "good" speed coupled with reasonable manners at cruise, simple operation around the dock, and no drive issues.
Will I be some where back in the pack at the poker run? Probably. But I will be able to run on all the other days of the week? Probably.

Maybe I'm getting old. Actually, I am. 90mph daily for 3 years with nothing but oil changes in the 24 Lavey Ilmor is good. I'll break. Its inevitable. But the time running back in the pack and still be running all the rest of the days of the week has been worth it. To each his own. Got to go buy an anniversary present. Safe boating to you. Quent

A wise mechanic once told me " going fast in boats takes money, but remember there is always someone who has more money and will go faster." I am getting older and not breaking is more important than being first. Cause I don't have enough money to be first.

Wow, you got married the exact day I was born. Happy upcoming anniversary. :circle:

Any pics of the Lavey? I think I know the boat. I am going to guess it was traded in at LCM maybe?

oh so true!!!

Yeah, I'm done with fast. Wanted to get in mid 90's this year but I keep blowing drives before I make it. I did go 88 before the last on blew. Still had stick, just no gears! Detune is in my future.

I saw your Lavey at EB's when I was picking up parts earlier in the year.

This isn't directed at you, but to the "wise" mechanic:

Who cares?

Using that logic, does that mean people shouldn't buy a sportscar or a motorcycle, since they will never be a good/fast as Jeff Gordon, or Travis Pastrana? Someone shouldn't play golf either, since travelling to nice courses, equipment, & green fee's are expensive, and you'll never beat Tiger Woods? Why cook your own food, since you'll never be Emeril Lagasse, etc, etc.

Just because you're not likely to go as fast as some other guys, doesn't mean you can't still have fun doing it. My boat is fast, but it's not the fastest, and I don't care. You can also have a VERY fast boat that runs every weekend these days. 1000hp on a Bravo drive is NOT the "fundamental" way to do it however.

If everyone used that logic, life would be incredibly boring.

I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK.

Absolutly correct.

Last night we had my 84 year old mother in law out for a ride and we ran about 45 mph, she had a couple beers and said it was fast and fun !!!
ed

Fix it when it "Don blowed up"

5 minutes at 130 mph is better than 120 hours at 67 mph... I can use the other 119 hours and 55 minutes to pay for the parts to fix to get another 5 minutes maybe at 133 mph that time!!! :drink: IMHO

BTW Congrats on that Forty boats and boating years thing.

For the 40th Marriage Anniversary Congrats also and a great gift would more than likely be a 14-71 Blower with a Chiller an intake and a very small top pulley,,,

I know it would be a Knock out gift at my house...

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...ojudsonip0.gif

Who the fack is Emeril Lagasse???

Did you go gay on us again Brandon???

I think you may need to install some carbon monoxide sensors in your home G. :lolhit:

Bottom line in my opinion is everyone will justify what they like and prefer....

It's like asking or me defending why I have an over powered Apache when I can go out and get a skater with the same power and go twice as fast... Or asking why people run boats designed to run offshore in lakes. Or like saying blondes are better than brunettes and vice versa...

It's really a silly debate in my opionion. It's your money so spend it how you want! Have fun and be safe, no matter what you prefer!

Read this in a motorcycle magazine once,
Unknown Racer Quote:

I don't believe in a risk free Society,
where the trills of living are traded
for the safety of existence.

Just got done watching the mile flat track and Moto GP last weekend,,,, man I think alot of those guys live this way.

"Going fast is fine as long as you are committed with your money. Most of my fellow boating friends are committed to the fast thing, not the money thing. It is not wise to think you can have speed and with no cash commitment. Speed costs money."



Very few guys walk the walk on this.

All these guys blowing themselves about how competitive they are really make me laugh.

Just got back from a 300 mile trip on the water & I had a guy in a 40 ft fountain following me yesterday from Redondo Bch to the entrance at Del Rey because he couldn't see where he was going.
He was waiting at the front of the fog bank until someone came by with radar that was "going home".

Get your wife something nice for putting up with you!
Does she have a sister?

UD

tssteph, here are a couple of pictures of my Lavey. By the way it was enlightening to read how different folks perceive their boating experience. That is what makes it entertaining. Best regards, Quent

I agree with you Quent. When I was growing up around boats my dad had an Imperial boat with twin 100hp mercs on it. Now that is when 100hp outboard was the king. It was the fastest boat on the Ohio River back in the day. He kind of told me the same story you just wrote. I have been boating in a month it will be 44 years, and always wanted a "fast" boat but when I built the couple that I have had yes they were fast but not the fastest and I can go and turn the key, they run they idle and I know I enjoy boating a heck of a lot more. It is much easier and cheaper to use a towel on them instead of a wrench. Nobody in their right mind digs sitting in a bilge or standing on your head when it hotter than he!! trying to get something to work right.

I'm with flight club...... Brandon get down to 954....miss you brothera :coolcowboy:

Jr