We met Spike at 8AM and after setting up a cruise plan, departed the slip.  Of course dumb me not being accustomed to the electronic engine controls tried to use the combo shifter/throttle as a shifter  and went to full power on both engines for a fraction of a second, lesson learned.  The winds were calm and the water was flat so we were able to pick a reference point and put the boat through several maneuvers including spins, backdowns, etc.   The Makai is a pleasure to drive.  The 38000 pounds of mass and wide 15’6” beam makes for a stable platform that goes where you tell it to go and stops when you tell it to stop.  Couldn’t ask for more.  Then we headed for the fuel dock to top off the tanks taking on 357 gallons of diesel at $2.40 US per gallon.

We backed the Makai into her slip, tied up and reviewed the lesson with Spike. Later that evening, we all met aboard the Crowe’s Nest for burgers and good drinks.