I must have had some really old starters because in order to get the bendix back in, either the engine would kick it back in or when it was off the starter guy would hit the teeth against a wire wheel and it would pop back in.  My starters didnt have any type of spring that i remember but I think I do remember it being some type of ratcheting type o' thing. Thats just what happened to me anyways.

Just to give updates, moved the starter and it worked perfectly all weekend. The lake was a bit choppy but Saturday night was nice and Sunday was ok monday was perfect! Thanks for all your help. Mike