Rough day at the Inlet.

[Hammerhead]

Took my nephew out for some fishing today. Boat ran fine from the ramp about 7 miles to the inlet. Tide was running out, wind was blowing in. Waves were stacked out about 5ft and close. A Coast Guard boat was hanging out behind the riprap in sheltered water.
I was determined to get out so I went for it, bumped the tilt up a bit so's not to take any waves over the bow. It was pretty hairy but, I figured once out it would be a lilttle calmer. Made it out. No sweat. Got another fifty yards and ...the motor cut out!!!! aaaccckkk. wind turned the bow sideways to the waves. We started rockin'. I jumped into freak out mode and got the kicker cranked and running full blast in forward. ( 6hp) No way I was gonna head on out so I headed back in. Made it
about 20 yards with a following sea right on my stern
till the tide caught me and then I was in a holding pattern....then the sailor in me said " Hoist the mainsail"...(Biminitop). I rasied it from it's down position and set it towards the front with the boathook holding it up. WHEW. Twix the motor and sail I was able to make headway back thru the inlet. The CG boys all gave me a thumbs up and motioned if I needed help. I shook my head no. I sailed and motored for a couple miles till I had to make a hard right, took down the bimini top and limped the rest of the way with the kicker. What'a day.