When you purchase something new there is always a break in period before heavy use. For me, it is a pair of Xtratuf fishing boots. For my friend Boo Kandas of Tall Tale Charters, it is a boat repowered with new 300hp Yamaha outboard motors and a new deckhand. Sure, boots are important, but getting an ocean boat ready for the season is essential.
I got to work on both this past week.
I met Boo at the Homer harbor at 6:30 am for break in day. A couple of his friends arrived shortly thereafter. It was a chilly 42 degrees and raining when we left the dock.
Boo’s “new” deckhand is his youngest son, Oliver. Even though he is only fifteen years old, Oliver has more time and experience on the water than people twice his age. He has been on the Red Ryder his entire life. Literally.
Being a newbie or a greenhorn is just a formality for Oliver.
I’ve really enjoyed watching Oliver follow in his dad’s footsteps. Above is ten year old Oliver running a boat on the Kenai River. Working with his dad this summer is a natural part of his fishing education and evolution.
Above is Oliver running the Red Ryder when he was eleven. He wasn’t tall enough to see over the bow of the boat so he had to stand on a cooler.
Today, no more standing on a cooler.
The shakedown/break in fishing trip went fine. The boat was in top form and so were Boo and Oliver. And, if you’re wondering, my Xtratuf boots kept me dry and prevented me from slipping on a wet boat deck. It was win/win/win for all.
One more thing before I go. The City of Kenai completed a fire inspection of the cabins. We’re good to go for another season!
See you next week.
River Run