Mr./Ms. Fix-it?

[Howard Edson]

Mr. Good Wrench

Since I have a chronic problem of "champaigne taste and beer budget" I reach for the wrench whenever I can. That means that I do about 50% of my mechanical/upgrade/fixit/ projects myself. But on the big stuff I'd be dead in the water (in fact I have been) without the good folks at Old Lyme Marina.

 

[Robert Rodriguez]

mr./ms.fix it ?

The answer is two fold ; To serve as a learning experience and to save money !

 

[T Brennison]

Wrench first, then checkbook, then the bottle....

Usually I'll attempt to fix the problem myself, especially if the troubleshooting isn't too difficult. When the frustration sets in, I'll get up and walk away from the problem, (as long as the boat isn't going down if I walk away) and lo & behold, most of the time I come back and can fix the problem. When it gets to the heavy stuff, involving haulouts or electronic repair, I'll whip out the checkbook. It also depends on my disposition at the time of the failure. There are just times when it's best left to the pirates... er I mean the professionals.

 

[Jim Booth]

That is part of the trip

I find repairs and renovation on boats to be almost as enjoyable as sailing. You know, gotta get it right, if you don't you'll discover that you didn't at the most inopportune moment - sort of like sailing.The more I know about my boat and boats in general, the more capible I am as a sailor.

 

[Jim Booth]

Re. welding bow pulpit

I have sucessfully repaired a broken stanchion where it caught a piling in a storm and broke away form its base. Yes the material was all stainless. I actually brazed it with an oxy-acetalene torch using what I think was silver solder - bought at my local welding supplies shop - I asked what was suitable for repairing stainless...Seems to have held up nicely, I polished the repair after I was done and it looked fine too.

 

[Islandgirl34]

Try the Forums first

I do 99% of my repairs, but usually get some ideas/help here first. Just recently remodeled our H-34. Replaced the exhaust mixing elbow on the Yanmar. Came off engine fine but took some "work" to get pieces apart to save the $100+ elbow (I will replace the "mixing elbow"). This has been a chronic cooling problem, but hopefully this will solve it. Over all as long as you take your time and research the job it's not that difficult. Parts are pricey (just say "$anmar") but the other alternative is to quit sailing... NOT!

 

[Brian Bailey]

put in or get out

First of all, to me and should be to everyone owning a boat, if you own it , you should be willing to put the necessary time in keeping her up. The old saying that "a boat is a hole in the water is not true for me for I maintiain my boats and rarely do I run into any problems. If you have problems it is because you didn't perform the task involved (and mainly simple task as the same you would do on your car. If this is done it doesn't become expensive and you can enjoy the waters as much as you like. Simple checkovers and regular maintenance is all that is required.I work on other people's boats because I enjoy it and it takes away the stress from the week. I have run into people who didn't even know that you should winterize a boat or even just drain the water out of the block or manifold. This is rediculous. Everyone that has a boat should know that, especially powerboaters. anyway If you're not willing to put a little fun time in maintaining yourself, you don't need a boat. That's when it becomes espensive is when you have to take it to the dealer and have them perform the task at what #65.00 an hour. That adds up quick. I am the type that will take on a project right down to installing a base or new engine for someone if need be. Usually that comes from their not knowing about how to take care of them. go buy a model boat and sit it on your coffee table if you're the type that can't perform these regular maintenance checks, unles you are just so rich that it doesn't matter to you. then you are the type that can just throw the money away. Bring it to me if your going to do that. My opinion only. You shouldn't own if you can't do some work on it and make it fun at the same time. *5

 

[Bob Van Horn]

Busted Knukel

Part of sailing is being a good shipwright

 

[Jeff M21319]

Is the marine repair industry really that bad?

Reading through all these postings, it sounds like the marine repair industry is pretty hurtin'. Although I've never paid anyone to work on either of my boats (skiboat and sailboat) I have talked to people who have had work done on their boats by 'professionals' and they always seemed just about ready to strangle the guy that 'worked' on their boat. Now I read all of these stories and it really gets me to wondering. I'm especially interested because I have thought about taking on some marine electrical work and perhaps even starting a new division of my company dedicated to installing and repairing marine electrical and electronic systems. (I'm an electrical contractor/engineer) Probably 80% of my work comes from referals from previous clients and general contractors who know that I'm extremely meticulous and take great pride in doing top shelf work. Even building inspectors comment how clean and well laid-out my jobs are (love it when they do that in front of the client!) so I have a constant source of encouragement to do the very best that I can for my clients. Don't these marine guys have any pride in their craftsmanship? Don't they care what their clients think of their work? And what's this about showing-up TWO DAYS LATE for an appointment?! You gotta be kidding me! Standard policy for any decent shop is the 'fifteen minute rule', that is, if you're going to be more than fifteen minutes late for an appointment, you call the client and let them know. Just common courtesy and a no-brainer since cell phones came around. Well, I guess it's time to get off the soapbox, but I'd really be interested to hear from people if these problems are anomolies or more like S.O.P. for the marine repair industry.Thanks,JeffP.S. An old-timer once told me "If you do a good job for someone, they'll tell a few friends. If you do a bad job, they'll tell everyone they know."

 

[Brett]

Yards

I have had one encounter (and if I can help it my last) with a boatyard that did some work and had essentially the same problems as previously mentioned. Although I had no complaints necessarily about the work they did, the way they dealt with customers (me) was intolerable. They were rude, contemptuous, constantly gave me the runaround, and did not meet one stated time deadline. When I dare question them they would recoil in anger at me! I have heard similar stories from most everyone that's utilized a yard. I now avoid the yard like the plaque and do 95% of the work myself (except for very technical or risky below waterline stuff) and enjoy it immensely. I happen to enjoy that aspect of boat owning and think that if you like fixing/improving/working on constant projects then a boat is for you. If you don't you'll go crazy, sell your boat and say things like; "the two best days are when you buy and sell your boat" or "it's a hole in the water to throw money" blah, blah. And not to say that boat owning can't be expensive or sometimes frustrating, but for those who understand.....well, they understand.

 

[Jim Smith]

Brian Bailey, if I followed your logic

I obviously "should not" own a boat. It is interesting how adamant you are on what others should or should not do. Here is some perspective for you.Things do happen and things do break on a boat and it is not always the result of poor maintenance or a lack of attention. I have a brand new boat that I am taking delivery of this Friday. The starter needed to be replaced. Does that mean that it was neglected or due to poor maintenance?My response to this question is that if you can “do it” and you want to “do it” then go “do it”. If you can’t “do it” or do not want to “do it” then don’t “do it”. My response to you is that saying that if I can’t do it or if I do not have the time to do it or if I or just plain do not want to do it myself then I should not own a boat and I should stay home and play with models is a lot like saying that until you learn how to spell and punctuate correctly 100% of the time you should not post on this message board.Regards to all! -Jim-s/v Forever

 

[Steve G]

Re: Jeff M> Is the industry..?

Jeff,It's kinda like going out to eat on a Friday night. If the place has good food, You'll wait two hours to be seated. If you go to a place that can seat you right away, well.. you know. We do have a few specialist around here who've been around forever, if you can take a few weeks out of your boating season.Good luck on your business. If you prove to be good, you'll be popular and have a waiting list. Good for you. Even the most frugal and savvy boat owner needs an expert from time to time.By the way, it's not just the marine industry. I got a dealership coupon for a free oil change a ways back, and thought I'd save myself a little hassle. What could go wrong?...they forgot to put new oil in! Lucky for me I watch my guages.

 

[Jim]

Ever see the Visa commercial?

The one that shows the guy busiliy mowing his lawn and gardening to the voice over that goes something like: "There's nothing better then the satisfaction you get from keeping your property in tip top shape." Then it continues as it shows a crisp shirted guy lounging in a hammock with a cocktail:"Except paying someone to do it!"

 

[Ron]

Brian Bailey... I'm with you

Ya want to start up a fix-it shop? And Jim Smith; I think we went through that spelling and grammar thing a few weeks ago. I think that people who can't spell simple wurds shod knot post here.... So thear.

 

[Dennis Clark]

Bent Over ReLoaded

Unfortunately, There are things that need to be applied to a boat in a specific way whose technological secrets are not something shared by the guru's who can fix things. The integrated electronics where all systems are interfaced and the installation of an SSB unfortunately has forced me to bend once again. It's installed, tested and guaranteed which is more than I could have done myself.

 

[Daryl]

Hunter Owners Need TOOLS

I would be unable to be a boater if I had to pay the yard apes to work on my boat. These morons get paid about 12 bucks an hours and are billed out at $60/hr. I think they damage as much as they fix. I haven't found anything that can't be fixed yet with common sense and common tools although a diesel manual and wiring diagram is helpful. My time is valuable but ....Preparing for a long cruise I wanted knowledge and experience on all vessel systems. I know my Hunter better than I ever wanted to. By the time I was done I was sure I wanted a better boat.Daryl

 

[Jeff M21319]

Hunter owners need tools?

I'll tell you what, if ANY boat builder can come up with a boat whose owners don't need to own tools, I'm gonna buy one! You know, nanotechnology and all that. You cast these little buggers in with the fiberglass and anytime anything starts to wrong with the boat, they automatically fix it to perfection at the molecular level. Now, if they could also turn seawater into beer...

 

[Guy Cambria,Jr.]

Pay to Play

I pay to play- I was a banker before I retired and I found that the best accountants, attorneys and consultants made my bank a lot of money because I hired professionals who knew what they were doing. Same with boating - yes,I can change an impeller and fix some things but I have found that the maintainance guys in my marina find things and fix things that I did not even know existed. So - trying to save a buck here and there has turned in three or four cases of Harp Beer a season for them, and - when I come in with a problem, it is fixed correctly and I'm off to have more fun.In conclusion, when I bought the boat I put $25,000 aside for improvements,and routine maintainance and must say I have never regretted a dollar of it. When I'm sitting in my rocking chair, I can think about the great times I had on the water, alone, and with friends, knowing that my lack of mechanical skill was replaced by some guys who really cared about me and my boat.And as a byproduct, my mechanics and riggers have become very good friends !!!!!!!

 

[Ron]

Hey Guy......

For 25G's I'll be your friend too!

 

[Dennis]

WRENCH

Since I have more muscle than money, its the wrench every time!