The feel-good story that took a sad turn has finally produced the happy ending we all hoped it would. Last fall Operation Restoration was an effort to bring back to life Captain David Biemer’s Caravelle Intercepor runabout. A variety of businesses in the Scottsdale, Ariz., pulled together to surprise Biemer with the restored boat and initially, the project was a rousing success.
Then the vendor who provided the motor said it needed some adjustments before Captain Biemer could take possession of the boat. To shorten a long story, the vendor stole the motor and the Glendale, Ariz., police got involved.
Captain Biemer, who is now living in Texas and is based at Fort Hood, took the boat to Texas Boat World in Harker Heights, Texas. Service manager Josh Bingham worked with Progressive Insurance, with whom Biemer has coverage, to get a new engine. The Mercury Remanufacturing 357 small-block V-8 was installed in the boat and after tracking down some hard to find parts to make everything work, Biemer was hoping to get on the water early this season.
