We all know our boats demand a lot of tender loving care to keep them working and looking great. But how much of your total boat time is spent working on your boat as opposed to sailing it? Do you resent this as an intrusion of your time on the water? Or do you see boat maintenance and improvement projects as another aspect of sailing? Are there particular types of projects you enjoy or hate? Share your thoughts and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (A re-run by Gary Wyngarden)
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We all know our boats demand a lot of tender loving care to keep them working and looking great. But how much of your total boat time is spent working on your boat as opposed to sailing it? Do you resent this as an intrusion of your time on the water? Or do you see boat maintenance and improvement projects as another aspect of sailing? Are there particular types of projects you enjoy or hate? Share your thoughts and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (A re-run by Gary Wyngarden)
All Part of the Game
I enjoy working on Wanderlust almost as much as sailing her. I get a real sense of satisfaction making improvements to the boat and making sure her maintenance is done properly (by me). The "caring for" is part of the joy of ownership. And when I'm way off the beaten path in some remote area, I like the confidence that comes from knowing she's been properly cared for, and that if something does go wrong, I probably have the tools, spares, and knowledge to fix it. And I enjoy being down at the marina. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
I enjoy working on Wanderlust almost as much as sailing her. I get a real sense of satisfaction making improvements to the boat and making sure her maintenance is done properly (by me). The "caring for" is part of the joy of ownership. And when I'm way off the beaten path in some remote area, I like the confidence that comes from knowing she's been properly cared for, and that if something does go wrong, I probably have the tools, spares, and knowledge to fix it. And I enjoy being down at the marina. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
All Part of the Game
I enjoy working on Wanderlust almost as much as sailing her. I get a real sense of satisfaction making improvements to the boat and making sure her maintenance is done properly (by me). The "caring for" is part of the joy of ownership. And when I'm way off the beaten path in some remote area, I like the confidence that comes from knowing she's been properly cared for, and that if something does go wrong, I probably have the tools, spares, and knowledge to fix it. And I enjoy being down at the marina. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
I enjoy working on Wanderlust almost as much as sailing her. I get a real sense of satisfaction making improvements to the boat and making sure her maintenance is done properly (by me). The "caring for" is part of the joy of ownership. And when I'm way off the beaten path in some remote area, I like the confidence that comes from knowing she's been properly cared for, and that if something does go wrong, I probably have the tools, spares, and knowledge to fix it. And I enjoy being down at the marina. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
No option
I guess it depends on one's disposition: Spectator, or participant? Sailors, generally speaking, are more actives than passives. Meaning we're participants in the whole sport. Ya play every position including maintenance, retro-fit, renovate, and build from scratch. My first boat was a "16 Ft Hartley Trailor Sailor," built in my High School Wood Working Shop as part class project. Building it was every bit as enjoyable as sailing it. My present "Grampian 23" is an ungoing R&D project. From chopped mast to Fat-Top, to Gaff rig, to Elexan Bimmini it is the Club grin-getter, and my pure delight. No end to improvements. But, that's just me, eh
Roger
I guess it depends on one's disposition: Spectator, or participant? Sailors, generally speaking, are more actives than passives. Meaning we're participants in the whole sport. Ya play every position including maintenance, retro-fit, renovate, and build from scratch. My first boat was a "16 Ft Hartley Trailor Sailor," built in my High School Wood Working Shop as part class project. Building it was every bit as enjoyable as sailing it. My present "Grampian 23" is an ungoing R&D project. From chopped mast to Fat-Top, to Gaff rig, to Elexan Bimmini it is the Club grin-getter, and my pure delight. No end to improvements. But, that's just me, eh
RogerNo option
I guess it depends on one's disposition: Spectator, or participant? Sailors, generally speaking, are more actives than passives. Meaning we're participants in the whole sport. Ya play every position including maintenance, retro-fit, renovate, and build from scratch. My first boat was a "16 Ft Hartley Trailor Sailor," built in my High School Wood Working Shop as part class project. Building it was every bit as enjoyable as sailing it. My present "Grampian 23" is an ungoing R&D project. From chopped mast to Fat-Top, to Gaff rig, to Elexan Bimmini it is the Club grin-getter, and my pure delight. No end to improvements. But, that's just me, eh Roger
I guess it depends on one's disposition: Spectator, or participant? Sailors, generally speaking, are more actives than passives. Meaning we're participants in the whole sport. Ya play every position including maintenance, retro-fit, renovate, and build from scratch. My first boat was a "16 Ft Hartley Trailor Sailor," built in my High School Wood Working Shop as part class project. Building it was every bit as enjoyable as sailing it. My present "Grampian 23" is an ungoing R&D project. From chopped mast to Fat-Top, to Gaff rig, to Elexan Bimmini it is the Club grin-getter, and my pure delight. No end to improvements. But, that's just me, eh
Roger
I Like Workin'On It...
...because it gives me a brain-enema. Just go with the flow! If I wanna play, then I gotta pay!
...because it gives me a brain-enema. Just go with the flow! If I wanna play, then I gotta pay!
I Like Workin'On It...
...because it gives me a brain-enema. Just go with the flow! If I wanna play, then I gotta pay!
...because it gives me a brain-enema. Just go with the flow! If I wanna play, then I gotta pay!
boat maintenance and many improvement projects
are safety issues - there are no mechanics "out there" so I've learned how things work and how to fix them -- in the long run, it makes everything much more fun because of reduced "dependency" on the "outside world"
are safety issues - there are no mechanics "out there" so I've learned how things work and how to fix them -- in the long run, it makes everything much more fun because of reduced "dependency" on the "outside world"
boat maintenance and many improvement projects
are safety issues - there are no mechanics "out there" so I've learned how things work and how to fix them -- in the long run, it makes everything much more fun because of reduced "dependency" on the "outside world"
are safety issues - there are no mechanics "out there" so I've learned how things work and how to fix them -- in the long run, it makes everything much more fun because of reduced "dependency" on the "outside world"
Your life, your boat
In Latitude 38 several months ago there was an article about a couple who lost their new boat (thankfully not their lives) off Mexico. They hired a local to change the oil in their engine. The local put too much oil in (probably filled it to overflowing). When the couple worked the motor in a gale trying to keep off a lee shore (after ripping their sails and tangling their furling lines in the wind) the engine overpressured the oil compartment, blew gaskets, and failed. The boat drifted to the rocks, the couple escaped barely with their lives but the new 40-ish foot boat was lost. Are you kidding me? A couple loses several hundred thousand dollars of hard assets, lots of dreams, and almost their lives because they didn't want to (or couldn't) change their own oil? Who do you trust with your life, money and dreams? Some jobs are best left to boatyards who have the right tools and setup to efficiently do the work. But I know everything they are doing, double check their work, and let them know my standards. For most things, if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself. And boaters should know how to do it themselves-- when it all hits the fan, the owner's manual or the insurance policy or the 1-800 factory number aren't going to save you. Chris......................
In Latitude 38 several months ago there was an article about a couple who lost their new boat (thankfully not their lives) off Mexico. They hired a local to change the oil in their engine. The local put too much oil in (probably filled it to overflowing). When the couple worked the motor in a gale trying to keep off a lee shore (after ripping their sails and tangling their furling lines in the wind) the engine overpressured the oil compartment, blew gaskets, and failed. The boat drifted to the rocks, the couple escaped barely with their lives but the new 40-ish foot boat was lost. Are you kidding me? A couple loses several hundred thousand dollars of hard assets, lots of dreams, and almost their lives because they didn't want to (or couldn't) change their own oil? Who do you trust with your life, money and dreams? Some jobs are best left to boatyards who have the right tools and setup to efficiently do the work. But I know everything they are doing, double check their work, and let them know my standards. For most things, if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself. And boaters should know how to do it themselves-- when it all hits the fan, the owner's manual or the insurance policy or the 1-800 factory number aren't going to save you. Chris......................
Your life, your boat
In Latitude 38 several months ago there was an article about a couple who lost their new boat (thankfully not their lives) off Mexico. They hired a local to change the oil in their engine. The local put too much oil in (probably filled it to overflowing). When the couple worked the motor in a gale trying to keep off a lee shore (after ripping their sails and tangling their furling lines in the wind) the engine overpressured the oil compartment, blew gaskets, and failed. The boat drifted to the rocks, the couple escaped barely with their lives but the new 40-ish foot boat was lost. Are you kidding me? A couple loses several hundred thousand dollars of hard assets, lots of dreams, and almost their lives because they didn't want to (or couldn't) change their own oil? Who do you trust with your life, money and dreams? Some jobs are best left to boatyards who have the right tools and setup to efficiently do the work. But I know everything they are doing, double check their work, and let them know my standards. For most things, if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself. And boaters should know how to do it themselves-- when it all hits the fan, the owner's manual or the insurance policy or the 1-800 factory number aren't going to save you. Chris......................
In Latitude 38 several months ago there was an article about a couple who lost their new boat (thankfully not their lives) off Mexico. They hired a local to change the oil in their engine. The local put too much oil in (probably filled it to overflowing). When the couple worked the motor in a gale trying to keep off a lee shore (after ripping their sails and tangling their furling lines in the wind) the engine overpressured the oil compartment, blew gaskets, and failed. The boat drifted to the rocks, the couple escaped barely with their lives but the new 40-ish foot boat was lost. Are you kidding me? A couple loses several hundred thousand dollars of hard assets, lots of dreams, and almost their lives because they didn't want to (or couldn't) change their own oil? Who do you trust with your life, money and dreams? Some jobs are best left to boatyards who have the right tools and setup to efficiently do the work. But I know everything they are doing, double check their work, and let them know my standards. For most things, if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself. And boaters should know how to do it themselves-- when it all hits the fan, the owner's manual or the insurance policy or the 1-800 factory number aren't going to save you. Chris......................
Messin about my boat is
Therapy for me and I ditto Gary and just yesterday I was down making a list of small projects,maintenance and relized that this is the first year that there isn't a major project going on over the winter since I bought her four years ago. But the wheels are turning *!
Therapy for me and I ditto Gary and just yesterday I was down making a list of small projects,maintenance and relized that this is the first year that there isn't a major project going on over the winter since I bought her four years ago. But the wheels are turning *!
Messin about my boat is
Therapy for me and I ditto Gary and just yesterday I was down making a list of small projects,maintenance and relized that this is the first year that there isn't a major project going on over the winter since I bought her four years ago. But the wheels are turning *!
Therapy for me and I ditto Gary and just yesterday I was down making a list of small projects,maintenance and relized that this is the first year that there isn't a major project going on over the winter since I bought her four years ago. But the wheels are turning *!
Messing About is all good
Like most of the rest I enjoy working on my Ericson 29 The Other Woman. All things being equal I would rather be sailing but there is great enjoyment in tackling a project on the boat successfully and knowing it will maintain or improve her. If I want to sail I have to work for it which is just fine. The only jobs I don't like doing are the ones I have not done before so not real comfortable yet. Have always been able to figure it out though and that is where this board comes in real handy. I have a long list of things to work on this winter and slowly working through it.
Like most of the rest I enjoy working on my Ericson 29 The Other Woman. All things being equal I would rather be sailing but there is great enjoyment in tackling a project on the boat successfully and knowing it will maintain or improve her. If I want to sail I have to work for it which is just fine. The only jobs I don't like doing are the ones I have not done before so not real comfortable yet. Have always been able to figure it out though and that is where this board comes in real handy. I have a long list of things to work on this winter and slowly working through it.
Messing About is all good
Like most of the rest I enjoy working on my Ericson 29 The Other Woman. All things being equal I would rather be sailing but there is great enjoyment in tackling a project on the boat successfully and knowing it will maintain or improve her. If I want to sail I have to work for it which is just fine. The only jobs I don't like doing are the ones I have not done before so not real comfortable yet. Have always been able to figure it out though and that is where this board comes in real handy. I have a long list of things to work on this winter and slowly working through it.
Like most of the rest I enjoy working on my Ericson 29 The Other Woman. All things being equal I would rather be sailing but there is great enjoyment in tackling a project on the boat successfully and knowing it will maintain or improve her. If I want to sail I have to work for it which is just fine. The only jobs I don't like doing are the ones I have not done before so not real comfortable yet. Have always been able to figure it out though and that is where this board comes in real handy. I have a long list of things to work on this winter and slowly working through it.
I spend about 10%
Of my time on boat maintenance. This does not include my underwater time. I really enjoy going under the boat and checking out the fittings and just looking at the general condition. Above the water is more cleaning than anything else. Not much going on in the way of repair/replacing equipment.
Of my time on boat maintenance. This does not include my underwater time. I really enjoy going under the boat and checking out the fittings and just looking at the general condition. Above the water is more cleaning than anything else. Not much going on in the way of repair/replacing equipment.
I spend about 10%
Of my time on boat maintenance. This does not include my underwater time. I really enjoy going under the boat and checking out the fittings and just looking at the general condition. Above the water is more cleaning than anything else. Not much going on in the way of repair/replacing equipment.
Of my time on boat maintenance. This does not include my underwater time. I really enjoy going under the boat and checking out the fittings and just looking at the general condition. Above the water is more cleaning than anything else. Not much going on in the way of repair/replacing equipment.
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