Not a farewell

[Dave Neptune]

Hi guys, I have been here on this site for many a year. I have truly enjoyed learning and passing on knowledge regarding the A-4, boats and engines in general.

Yesterday toasted a good by to Volador my marine housing for my A-4. I bought the boat in Oct of 83 with a seized engine. Broke it loose and replaced the #1 exhaust valve. At that time I was far more involved in performance engines and adapted a Crane EI for an ignition system. Basically the same as the now available Indigo system. The engine is tired and has run flawlessly since that time and has never left me stranded!!!!

I have told the new owner "Denis" to get on this site for all thing A-4. I also bragged as to the value that both Don & Bill offer up as free advise and their excellent service. So If "Denis" sings in the legacy of Volador's A-4 may continue.

Hanley, I did give him my HX set up that I did not get installed last year. You can encourage him to get it installed.

My wife and I have started into retirement. We sold our house in Huntington Beach, moved to the mountains (Lake Arrowhead) and kept enough for a newer boat. Funny thing the first complaint from the wife was "I don't like the smell", well that is just having a diesel. We upgraded to a Bene 393 with the optional 56HP Yanmar instead of the std 40HP. A really nice boat for us for sure.

I will not leave this site as I am an engine nut and ole flatheads and "open engines" are a favorite of mine to work on and impart any knowledge I have of them. Many of the questions I will have can probably be answered here with the knowledge base that this site offers up freely.

If any of you in So Cal see a Bene 393 "Solstice" on the water give me a shout on 16.

Dave Neptune

[CalebD]

Dave is the man.

Congrats on your new Bene 393 and retirement. You have earned it.
It would truly be a tragedy if we lost you as a member so I'm glad to hear you say you will stick around.

Three Cheers for Dave Neptune!

[thatch]

Congrat's on your Bene purchase, it should be a very nice "condo by the sea".
Being familiar with Lake Arrowhead, I have to ask the question, "do you have plans for a lake boat?" An A4 powered "Duffy style" launch would be perfect for evening "cocktail cruises" or for just running to the village.
Tom

[tomsailmaker]

Dave I was in Twin Harbors last weekend and there were 70 Benateau's there. They were having a RALLY and they were all having a good time. They do that 2 or 3 times a year. I was watching your listing on Craig's list but didn't notice it sold / CONGRATS.

[Dave Neptune]

Tom, I actually sold our "last" ski boat a couple of weeks back. I really have no desire to get on Lk Arrowhead as unless you "own" a dock there is pretty much nothing to do on the lake but a short cruise. I did by a Hobbie Caleboogie for the island and have considered getting it tagged for the lake.

Did you go to the races at Marine stadium this year? As another performance junkie you may be interested in this. A friend who builds cahsis for streamliners and fuel dragsters has a very interesting "HIGH DOLLAR" funny car build going on. My buddy told me to come on Saturday as the engines were being delivered for installation and testing. He told me I had to see them due to some of my Ford background on the hi-end stuff. I did not get b on Saturday but did on Monday. A big dollar guy from Australia also a Ford nut is bankrolling casting and limited production for this F-car. I walked in and saw an "iron Ford cammer" built for fuel and a complete spare aluminum block one ready to run. Now he is planning on competing and having 4~5 complete engines in the trailer as parts just are not available especially for fuel applications. I will say it looked really cool with a mustang body and an exotic Ford cammer to offer up the power.

Dave Neptune

[Dana Mace]

Dave
you have been a great help to me
many thanks
Dana

[Don Moyer]

Not a farewell

Dave, I'm so glad to hear that you'll he looking in on us from time to time. Thank you so much for the technical support you've provided over the years from your vast experience. On many occasions it has made all the difference in keeping us on track. Don

[Dave Neptune]

Tom, I was on the west end last weekend enjoying a stay on my mooring. A couple of friends in the club with Bene's did attend. I was not ready to yet and am still digging in the manual to get things understood and sorted.

At least the ole girl, Volador was sold to a sailor and not just for a cheap live aboard which is what most are looking for in "old boats".

Dave Neptune

[tomsailmaker]

Dave you need to read up on which button to push to furl the main or jib.You must have an inverter /gen so you can watch TV and the MICRO. Looks like yachting aint the same as it was with the ERICSON, enjoy

[Whippet]

tip of the cap

Dave

Thanks much for all the help over the years. This site has some real top talent and you have been at the core.

Fair winds

[Al Schober]

Congrats on retirement/new boat! I know what you mean about the diesel smell - I'm sure you're already snooping around for a flat head inline 6 to transplant to the Bene. Enjoy your new life - it's not a rehearsal.

[ndutton]

Congratulations on all fronts Dave. Thank you for the incredible posts in the past and for remaining with us now and in the future. This place wouldn't be the same without you.

[sastanley]

+1

Dave, I can only reiterate what everyone else has said related to the A-4.

Enjoy the stinky diesel!!

[romantic comedy]

I used to sail with a buddy on his Juneau 40. He smoked a pipe, so it smelled like diesel mixed with pipe smoke. I think the combination mellowed the diesel smell.

He has a Hans Christian 38 now, and does not smoke anymore. It smells like a proper diesel boat now.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Dave N.
May fair winds and smooth seas be with you.
You have been a real asset to the forum. I can truly say without your input on some A4 issues I would still be adrift.

TRUE GRIT