What just happened?

Why is Frankie smiling?
To keep from crying!

Three days from hauling the new research vessel back to Charleston, the engine seized during its final test run.  A piston ring on the #4 cylinder broke free. The light coloration of the center piston is the splattering of melted aluminum. The other cylinders and pistons are absolutely perfect. It was likely a manufacture's defect that never manifested itself because of the light use and low hours generated by the previous owner. Although losing the engine was a huge blow, I have to step back, put down the temptation to be anxious, and be grateful that this didn't happen in bad seas with a load of children aboard.

Thanks to Capt. Marty of SeaTow Morehead City NC  for getting up from the dinner table and hauling us back to the landing. 

It will take at least 2 months to secure the funds and rebuild the engine. In the meantime, the SCKs are turning inland. It is a common belief the stone crabs are not suppose to be in the warm, shallow water this time of year. However, I can no longer risk following them into the open waters. It's just too rough for our small boat. If we spend this time pulling blanks (empty traps) then we can provide scientific proof that the 'stones' are seeking saltier, cooler water. But, if we find pockets of 'stones' in the back water, that, in itself, should be of interest to SCDNR.

 When the engine is rebuilt we will resume our original strategy.

Sooooo......in the meantime, we are rising up, keeping our word to SCDNR, pressing forward, and finishing what we have started.