yeah yeah, I know I have been MIA for years. Thanks for everyone that continues to contribute. I have only had my boat out about 4 times in the last 8 years. I keep moving. I am back in California after my stint in Washington and pulled the boat from my parents place to mine to clean it up and use it. I will use it this summer then takle a partial core replacement. My multiple skag setup has created a soft spot (it's 44 years old so not bad). Here is a couple pics. Daniel 2MERCS on the plate and the back of the boat.
Hey Daniel: Good to see that you are back, even if occasionally. These Hydrodyne's are a labor of love as they get older as it relates to the re-core for the tracking fins that you have to deal with. Those twin 6 cyl towers always looked so right on the 18. My 20 I/o is in the garage and will be prepping it for the 4th weekend. Happy 4th of July, Kevin-
Good morning Daniel and Kevin, It is good to hear from both of you. I have not been on much lately either. My boat still goes out occasionally. My Grand daughters are here for a few days. We had the Dyne out yesterday. It still runs great. No issues. I will be 80 on the 12th. I am still riding my motorcycles. My favorite is a 20 year old Ducati Monster. It is so light that it will not change some of the lights in Mt Dora FL. The light weight makes it easier for me since I am not as strong as I once was. I ride the Harley occasionally, but I think I will sell it. The Buell is fairly light but sort of cumbersome compared to the Italian bike. Let's keep this going, Jim
Hey Jim: Yes, it has been a while. I swing through the site every now and then but the traffic has been a little slow. I haven't fired up the 85 yet but will do so tomorrow. I don't know what all this climate change rubbish is about. W never seem to get into the days of summer until the 4th and then it feels like its half over. Thought about paying for a slip so that the boat was more user-friendly but everything gets so weathered and the zebra mussels also take over so storage in the garage on the hard. Good to hear that you are still riding. Really have to watch your surroundings with all the media addicts out there talking and texting. I am downsizing to the boat fort the summer and placed the 1968 firebird on eBay to get a sense for interest (eBay #222557080479). Just hate to see it sit. Almost made the reserve $ 20K but will relist as a buy-it-now and it will be down the road on the weekend. Not going to launch a boat tomorrow as there will be way too much traffic on the local lakes, but looking to the weekend. Take care and Happy birthday Sir, Kevin-
I hate to tell you that there were only three boats on the lake on Sunday including us. I ride early in the mornings before it gets hot and only on secondary roads. Not much traffic where I ride either. It is dangerous, and I don't recommend it. But the Ducati is a blast. Mine is a 97 when they were mostly hand built. I have shimmed the desmo valves and re-jetted the carbs. It really runs well. It will putt around town and pull your arms off if you get on it. I still have the 11 5.0 Mustang. I will keep it as long as I can drive. Thanks for the birthday wish, Jim
Good to hear from you both. I don't nearly get to do the things that I used to because of the demands of work and family. I don't go to the desert to ride Buggies anymore and the Hydrodyne, well it sits patiently waiting in the garage. I did add a Bimini top to it (Against my will of course since it is kind of ugly) since half of my family gets red thinking about the sun let alone spend any time in it. I had it up and running yesterday, fired right up after its almost 3 year slumber. As I stated before it has developed a soft spot just behind the rear left seat (Its not huge but noticeable when you stand on it). I will get some use out of it this summer then tear into it this winter.
