The Steamboating Forum

Once I was in a hurry to retrieve Folly and had a bit too much of a fire left over (wood fired). The pressure was creeping up towards a safety valve pop. I left the boat tied up the the dock while I went to get my tow rig. There was a small crowd watching and making smart comments. I had explained about hydro tests and safety valves.

As I jogged away I said, "Hope it doesn't blow up." About the time that I reached my rig in the parking lot I heard the safety pop. I backed the trailer down the ramp past a very empty dock and retrieved the boat in solitude.

My favorite question: " is that a real steamboat"?

My answer " no, the fire and whistle are fake".

Trips people up pretty good.

Alex

If they look knowledgeable enough to get it, I go into the Sand Pebbles routine about dead steam being turned into live steam by the devils in the boiler. "Main Stimp Valve!"

It's surprising how many people have seen The African Queen but have forgotten about it until I remind them. "Oh, Yeah! The steam boat!"