The trio, Walt, Rod Minkler and myself were constant companions during high school, and were always looking for new exploits.

Our buddy Rod was a craftsman builder and he came across an article in Mechanics Illustrated for a "water skimmer".  It was basically a raft, about 4'x5'x6" depth.  The design had a central mounted tall handle bar, the operator then in standing position could guide the raft merely by shifting his weight from one side to the other while holding onto the handle grips.  The transom would accommodate a smaill motor allowing the raft to plow through water at a walking speed.  It seemed like it took forever for Rod to finish "our" long awaited ship.

Finally it was ready.  The plan was for Rod to haul it out to the lake and Walt and I would stop at a fishing tackle store and rent an out-board motor.  We told the store guys we were going fishing and opted for an 7.5 hp motor.  We put down a $25. deposit and away to the lake. We got the raft in the water and mounted the motor.

To be fair, we did the fist over fist on pole to see who would be the Captain for the initial sea trial.  That lucky Walt got the last handhold so he was soon standing proudly at the helm as Rod and I swam and pushed him out about 50 feet to make sure that he was out in the clear.  We swam back to shore to observe.

Walt gave us a wave, and moved back to the motor; placed his left hand on the motor and with his right arm gave the starter lanyard a sharp pull!  Bah, no start!   Another, no start!  Phooey!  No start!  And then,,,,,and Rooaarr Instant Power at 6000rpm!

The raft took off from under Walt and ejected him over the motor...  OMG!  The raft is now careening toward the bank on the other side of the inlet from where we were observing..  Walt was fine, swimming in, but the raft was now on the opposite bank.  The motor was still roaring and the propeller was throwing mud and rocks as it tried to climb out.  Rod and I dove in to reach the raft.  Rod would have normally been over there super quick, he was a great swimmer, but he was laughing  so hard he could hardly breathe.

It was pretty comical, but I wasn't laughing much because I was worrying about my $25. deposit.  We finally got the motor shut off.  Rod got out his tool box and did his best to cover up the dings on the propeller.  Finally we were good to go.

There were more adventures that day, and all I will say is that after some more trials, the motor was no longer working.  We took it back to the Fishing store to complain about it---"Ruining our Fishing Day."

Captain Walt, we forgive you for abandoning the ship.

Sail On Captain!  Keep a watch for us!  God Bless You.

Bob aka Abdul