Buckethead 2016

Good deal Steve, Footers especially like high trans fluid with the increased propshaft angle.

Man I am really hoping the fishing is good. Didn't catch a damn thing last year.

Rumor around the campfire is that there may be 6-7 boats heading up the river around 7:00am to check where the good fishing is. 7:00am launching boats, 7:30 we head towards Napoleon. If you are above no-wake speed, please back it down while going through the bridge construction zone. I haven't heard of a fueling stop or 5-minute rest point, but I think we will learn more in the morning.

My 79 has never had a perfect tranny, it has always slipped or popped out of gear if you go WOT out of the hole... even after a quick and dirty rebuild- I suspect the pump is on its way out. It's getting a different 10-18 when it re-launches later this year.

I'd top off the fluid and not worry about running it. By top off, I mean put as much fluid in as it allows, right up to the point where it splooges out when the dipstick goes in. Per Eric, that is just fine- and I never had any come out of the overflow/breather. Just don't slam it WOT from a dead stop- ours never slipped if you rolled up the throttle like normal... Going WOT once up on plane was never an issue- YMMV.

Steve, top off your tranny fluid. If your boat is sitting cold it should be over the full mark, if hot and immediately shut down it should be at the full mark.

Bad news is I have a transmission problem with my '90 (slipping on high speed starts). Good news is we have a couple of backups. Looks like we will be bringing my '85. It has not seen water yet this year, so hopefully I can get her ready in time. If that does't happen, we have my buddy's '91. Who is heading to Buckethead? And, are you aware of the changes in regards to "racing"?

We are meeting up at Eddie J's in Napoleon Friday August 26th. This is the same place as Ricks, they sold earlier this year.

our same team of skiers will be there

Crew help = it's more than a job, it's an adventure

11, some guys never dropped both their skis...

I'm in as a spectator/crew help/beer runner.
Heard the main attraction at the bachelor party was Chrissy Quintler and she brings a tool box full of her special items.
From what I was told she travels with her manager/bodyguard (Gary somebody) that guards her tool box while she's working.
May be all rumors but I don't think I want to chance it

Sorry guys, I've been MIA for a while. No real reason, just busy.
This is the post that was put out by Audra regarding the Buckethead party;

Hey All- August 26-28 @ Maumee River, OH
Some of you know the info, others don't so I'm passing on what Brian wanted me to about this year's Buckethead Bash.
Please pass it on to others if they have not heard- all are welcome to come.
Pack a cooler of drinks and food for a fun weekend!!
There will be no organized race like in years past---they are wanting to get together, ski, barefoot, have kids games, and just gather together and have some fun. There has been talk about a group going out to ski Saturday morning for some fun.
Same place--at Crandall's House/Yard Friday night-Sunday- bring your tent it WILL be a good time.
Friday Night- hang out and just visit/ski/barefoot
Saturday Day- Games on and off the water for adults and children- more details to come later
Saturday Night- Band from last year will be playing
Sunday- Play on the water and wrap up the fun to head home for the work week.
Ben will be attending in a bubble ball so we can stay all weekend for the fun o' festivities.
Can't wait to see everyone!

We (me, Shawn, Brendan, and whomever) will be bringing a team...er..I mean group of footers. I guarantee there will be some high speed runs up the river with boats, side by side, towing skiers without skis. Nothing official, just like minded souls not wanting to buy the beer if finishing last.
Regarding the race and insurance, USA Water Ski will not touch the race unless every driver is certified. Some of us are certifiably nuts, but that doesn't count.
On the topic of how to run a good race; it's called endurance barefootiong. The longer your runs, the better you do. Transitions kill you. They slow you down, and increase the risk of blowing a start. The teams that get out in front by having a couple of long runs do very well. The water is better, and the traffic is less. I'm no expert, but I've been through a couple of these.
Gotta go, but I'll keep an eye on this thread.
BTW, been so busy, I've not even footed behind my boat this year.   

Stay away from docks then

see you at rick's, then again at the ramp around 7

I thought racing was pretty fun... Are there going to be river police out Saturday morning preventing anyone from racing that wants to?

Cara posted some details on Facebook I've been told.. just some fun for the couple days.

As far as the river being low, it's not that bad down Crandall's way.. it can get a little hairy up In the bends if you don't know where you are going..

As always though even if you know it well, it sometimes bites back...