While out today, I came up on a 27 Fountain, mid-nineties. His engine hatch was up and I saw serious steam.

I approached him to see what the story was, when close enough he says "T-stat won't open, I'm over heating" Hmmmm

I circle around him and see ZERO water in his exhaust and suggest that his raw water pump might be fried. At this point I realize that he is running in idle about 100 yards and then letting it sit for 5 minutes and repeats. Also he was headed up-river, and losing 50 yards every time. I tell him I wouldn't keep doing that, it may harm the motor.

At this point I notice the look on his wife's face (I know that look ) and offer to tow him to the marina about 1 mile from where we are. He says "No thanks, I'm at public launch ramp cvxx. Well excuse me thats 10 miles further. He's probably still out there. No guilt, right guys

Wife says I should have towed him to his truck, I say the closest, safe marina and he can always go get his truck and trailer and haul it out there. Do you agree?

No guilt at all, you offered he refused, end of story, ,,,, well almost,,, I will not tow farther then I have to, but I would have offered to tow him to the closest marina and give him a ride to where his truck/trailer were.

I would be greatful for that if it was me stuck out there.

I was stuck earlier this year, 2 people refused to tow me, but offered to call Sea Tow for me. I said no thanks I will call them myself. $400 bucks later I got back to the ramp. Oh well. I don't think too many people offer to tow anymore because of the liability. You did the right thing, you offered to tow them in at least. Did you offer to call Sea Tow?

Kentz, you did exactly what I would have done. I will not/can not ride by someone in distress. Been there too many times myself. But, I also know that I would NEVER turn down a tow to the nearest marina if I am sitting dead in the water. And would not expect to be towed any further.....unless it's a good friend or not out of the way.

Thanks Guys, I have towed in before and been towed. The folks around here are awfully good about stopping if your engine hatch is up!

I guess I was dumbfounded that he was not willing to go to the nearest marina. It was his call and he did thank me

Kent,

He must have changed his mind cas' I saw somebody getting towed in what looked like a 27 beaker. Probably after he smoked a head gasket he thought better of it.

ya' did what ya' could...

Water was a jammin' Sunday though...nice chop. Should have come back out to play!