marlboro180
Lieutenant Junior Grade
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2009
- Messages
- 1,164
Our family had a cottage, Grandpa bought it in 1954, and in 1969 he bought a brand new Johnson Reveler 155 tri-hull speedboat. It was off- limits to me, and most of the family, ( adults included) until we could demonstrate that we were responsible enough that we could handle the boat on our own. I was one of just a few of the younger generation around that compelled him to let me take the helm on my own.
This was the first speedboat I ever drove, and it meant the world to me that Grandpa trusted me with it, and that we kept it kinda to ourselves, lest someone become jealous over such a situation that the young boy could take out the speedboat, but uncle so and so could not...
Grandpa died some years ago, and the cottage remained in the family, but needed someone to look after the place. My girlfriend and I became the caretakers, with updates all the time to Grandma. House needs this, piers need that, and I will take care of it for you, and for the family. This went on for quite a number of years, and the decision eventually was made to sell the place.
Late in October, 1998, my lovely girlfriend and I were taking out the Reveler for one last hot lap around the lakes, then into the boathouse for winter layup. Well, it was on that day , out on Grandpas boat, that I proposed to my now wife.
I had taken the owners manual and paperwork home with me to check on a couple things so I could get some parts, and when I got back to the cottage to return it , the boat was gone.
Well, the place got sold , took 3 years , , and the boat was inherited by my cousin that had moved to another part of the the country, and had it moved there. The owners manual was still in my possesion, but we had moved 3 times, and I could not find it, though I desperately wanted it to go with the boat to my cousin. She did not even know that I had it....:redface:
Well , yesterday I was in one of my old houses, searched around quite a bit, and found up on a support beam the original owners manual , owners registration card, and a list of the last repairs I did to the outdrive and engine, in 1998! I jumped for joy, then cried a little bit and clung to that paperwork like I was giving Grandpa a hug like I was a liittle boy, after driving the boat under his watchful eye..
I have now found out that my cousin has restored the boat, rebuilt the motor and renewed the outdrive, and cares for it very, very well. I had my doubts at first, but I was wrong and she the same feelings of nostalgia about that old boat, and it makes me feel really great that it is in caring, capable hands. I wish I had it, but am glad it went to her and it is so well cared for.
I now have the opportunity to send her the manuals and paperwork , which I feel will make the boat whole again. I kinda want to hang on to the manual, but I know the right thing to do is to send it along, which is what I am going to do.
