All repairs take longer

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Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Last week I decided that I had to replace some fascia trim on my house. It is just a little piece about 28 feet long and nominally 6 inches wide. So I set about pulling the old piece down and the clamps that hold the electric service drop are all rusty. I can't put up new lumber and fasten the service drop with rusty clamps. So the clamps come down for some aluminum paint and the new wood gets a prime coat on each side. The primer is a long oil primer that takes two days to dry for re coating. Time to put the service drop clamps back but the builder used a low grade mortar. Too much sand and not enough cement. Clean out the mortar in the way of the clamp screws and re-point with proper mortar. Wait for the mortar to cure.
With boats it is even worse because the boat is fifteen miles from the house and all of the same sort of complications are involved. I sure am glad that I enjoy this kind of work because I can see where some people might shoot themselves.
 
Oct 18, 2007
707
Macgregor 26S Lucama, NC
Murphy's Law at work, Ross. Just be glad you know someone who will do a good job. -Paul
 
Jul 28, 2010
914
Boston Whaler Montauk New Orleans
When my wife asks how long something will take for me to do, I multiply what I think by 3, and then tell her double that. If I finish "early", I look brilliant.
 
May 29, 2009
98
Lancer 27ps Suisun City
arrggghh

For me the multiplier is 4, my wife gives me this verrrry skeptical look when I tell her "no sweat, just take a couple hours."
 

Gary_H

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Nov 5, 2007
469
Cal 2-25 Carolina Beach NC
The time a job takes usually depends on how many trips to Home Depot/ West Marine it takes.
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,219
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Funny, Ross. I am getting another lesson in exactly that today. I decided to change out the lift pump today because the old one is 25 years old.. I am not one to change out something just because it is old but this seemed like a good idea. Well I am glad I did because I can't imagine trying this at sea. Pretty much blind work installing the two bolts holding it to the block. Next I have the banjo connections to install. I got some of the new rubberized gaskets (and some new copper ones) when I picked up the pump..
The thought of replacing with an electric seems like a pretty good idea now. Yup, I am right at 4 times my time estimate .. and not quite done yet. but I still find it better than sitting at a desk!
 

gpd955

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Feb 22, 2006
1,164
Catalina 310 Cape May, NJ
That's why I leave the gun at home! It would be too tempting! Kidding...no one call crisis intervention! I do arm myself with the blackberry so I can search the site when I run into problems not covered in any manuals.
 
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