Days 93-94

Manitowoc WI, - Port Washington WI

• Start 7:45 AM
• End 2:10 PM
• Underway 5:05 Hours
• Distance 46 miles
• Total Miles on Trip 1728
• Av Speed 8.9 knots
• Weather Cloudy 80 Degrees winds SW 12 Knots

When we went to bed last night we did not know if we were going to leave Manitowoc and if we did where we were going. The forecast was very unclear, and kept changing. The plan was to make a decision in the morning with the latest forecast. Das Boot (Loren) and Irrational Exuberance (Loren & Lisa) had the same plan. When I looked at the 6AM forecast they were still calling for 1-3 building to 2-4. Based on that I planned on staying in Manitowoc for one day. Around 7:30 Both Das Boot and Irrational Exuberance messaged me, that they had left and the seas were around 1'. Off we went, still not knowing where we were going to head to. The first possibility Sheboygan was 24 miles, and the second Port Washington was 45 miles. Port Washington had a confirmed slip for me, so off we aimed for there.

Once again the forecast was wrong, They had the 1'-3' right in the morning, but by noon the wind shifted and the seas dropped to one foot and less.

Port Washington has the cheapest fuel we have seen in weeks, so the plan was to fill up before we went to our slip. OOPS what a mistake. Everything went well until I went to leave the fuel dock. The starboard motor would not start. Not a click, groan, or anything went I hit the ignition switch. I spent about 10 minutes trying to find the issue, than asked the dock master, if there was a local Tow Boat US. (A service similar to AAA, but for boats) There was not, but the local Sherriff's Office has a volunteer crew with an emergency response boat, and she called them. Their boat was dock 100 feet from me, and in 20 minutes they had me in my slip.

If the slip I was in, was easier to access, I could have gotten there on one engine, but to get there involved two 90 degree turns down a very narrow channel lined with very expensive boats.

Shortly after getting in my slip, the problem was fixed. The neutral safety switch was bad. This is a switch that prevents the boat from being started while it is gear. I was able to bypass the switch until I find a replacement switch.

Port Washington is a popular fishing port, and weekend destination. There are several restaurants, bars and shopping.

Our slip was along the sea wall, and several people stopped by to ask if we were really from New Jersey. It is definitely a conversation starter. One of the best parts of the trip, is the people we meet.

Sunday evening as we were relaxing on the back deck, someone called out "Hi Scott". Walt and Kelly who we meet in Sister Bay keep their boat here in Port Washington, and saw our boat. It was cool both that they remembered us, and to run into them again.

Our next stop is Miwaulkee.