Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

[Sea Rider]

Just wanted to share a strange but very pleasent experience we had while breaking in a brand new out of the box Tohatsu 18 HP; while on plane at 1/2 throttle at open sea, made a stop to drink a cold beer, at the distance saw this nice sea lion approaching our rib, when got side to our tube, the animal looked completely exhausted and lost, still 20 kilometers to his home located on a small islet known as Palomino Islets.

Almost pleaded to take him aboard, so grabbed him by his front fins and with a vigorous pull he was compeletey flat on top air mat, thought for a moment he would turn aggressive bitting the crew, but to our astonishment and delight simply positioned himself groaning on top tank, one hour latter after having the cruise of my life reached the islets, helped the sea lion to drop into sea, once in his element, turned, stood still looked at us like saying thanks and dissapeared between more than 200 camrades who came to his side to give him a warm welcome back home.

Happy Boating

 

[Pontoon24]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Yer living in a Disney movie. Nice story.

 

[sje0123]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

That's Awesome.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

I think he was pouting because he wanted to drive. This goes in the Nice Save column.

 

[TGuy]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Awesome story. Sure sounds like he was glad to catch a ride with you! Good thing you were there to help him out.

You should repost this story & pic on the Tohatsu Facebook page (www.facebook.com/tohatsuoutboards) I'll bet they'd get a kick out of it

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Awesome story. Sure sounds like he was glad to catch a ride with you! Good thing you were there to help him out.

You should repost this story & pic on the Tohatsu Facebook page (www.facebook.com/tohatsuoutboards) I'll bet they'd get a kick out of it

Yes we were very lucky to find this troubled teenager sea lion and he to spot us while at a complete stop sipping cold beers, sea lions can reach weights near 300 Kg. Will repost this exceptional story on that blog to share with other Tohatsu boaters, thanks.

Happy Boating

 

[erwinner]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Man, I wish I lived in Peru!
Great story, Sea Rider.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

You like sea lions a lot more than I do.

 

[CapeAnn]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

This is a terrific story and says a lot about the intelligence of these animals. One - it knew you were a kind person, and second it knew enough to be able to make a decision to let someone help him home. I do hope the sea lion teen is OK because it's unusual for a wild animal to let people handle, or give aid. My experience with pinnipeds (adults) wasn't as nice because they typically perceive humans as a threat. They snarl, snip and act hissy.

Question: I do notice a little scarring on the right side? Was there any labored breathing?

Cheers

CapeAnn

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Great story and what a great experience for you and your crew.

 

[dtj]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Just wanted to share a strange but very pleasent experience we had while breaking in a brand new out of the box Tohatsu 18 HP; while on plane at 1/2 throttle at open sea, made a stop to drink a cold beer, at the distance saw this nice sea lion approaching our rib, when got side to our tube, the animal looked completely exhausted and lost, still 20 kilometers to his home located on a small islet known as Palomino Islets.

Almost pleaded to take him aboard, so grabbed him by his front fins and with a vigorous pull he was compeletey flat on top air mat, thought for a moment he would turn aggressive bitting the crew, but to our astonishment and delight simply positioned himself groaning on top tank, one hour latter after having the cruise of my life reached the islets, helped the sea lion to drop into sea, once in his element, turned, stood still looked at us like saying thanks and dissapeared between more than 200 camrades who came to his side to give him a warm welcome back home.

Happy Boating

Did you offer him a beer?, looks like he needed it.

With him on top of the tank/seat, drivers space looks a little cramped for the inbound trip...................................Don

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Question: I do notice a little scarring on the right side? Was there any labored breathing?

Cheers

CapeAnn

Not all all, breathed normally, sea lions are perfect skin divers, can hold their breath on water for quite some time. About the apparent scar can't tell, probably was hit by a wave runner on a race held day before on that same route, that could explain the fatigue and disorientation when found. Will pay him a visit soon, but mission impossible to find because he's part of a huge 3,000 sea lion colony with whom you can bathe with no issues at all. Just initial panic untill you are used to see hundreds of them swimming and pirouetting next to your side. Definitely once in a life total experience.

Happy Boating

 

[CapeAnn]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Thanks for the info and the pictures Sea Rider! Glad that there wasn't any labored breathing and that his prognosis is good.
Also, all I can say is that with your pictures of lovely ladies and friendly sea lions - got to go visit my pal who lives in Lima someday soon! Too much fun to be had in Peru! All we've got going on in the Northeast US is some dreary cold weather and possible snow flurries!!! Yuck. We look forward to your next reports.

Sincerely,

CapeAnn

 

[WA2DGQ]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

I believe he was participating in the Fourth Annual Sea Lion Triathlon and that by picking him up like that you disqualified him. Well I won?t tell anyone if you don?t. Seriously though...heartwarming story.

 

[TGuy]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Great pics of the ladies swimming with the sea lions. I had no idea you'd be able to get in there with them and have fun. I really need to go to Peru now! simply awesome!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Well, if any Iboater plans to visit Lima on his way to Cuzco, will gladly take him to visit Palomino Islets and have a bath with hundreds of cool and very friendly sea lions, while cruising will drink some nice pisco sours, our national drink, by the way we are entering summer which officially starts Jan 1?, right now at pleasent 22? C.

Happy Boating

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Are Sea Lions good to eat? And if they are, what do they taste like? Don't say pollo

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Tohatsu In Contact with Mother Nature

Are Sea Lions good to eat? And if they are, what do they taste like? Don't say pollo

TG, will hunt down one, bake, fry or BBQ and let you know Usually swim with them, don't eat them...

Happy Boating