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Take a repair course
Stupidly, last season I had my Carburetor rebuilt for $250 dollars. Knowing how easy it is to actually fix things (its diagnostic work thats hard for me), I heard some rumors about outboards that scared me away from fixing it myslef. This winter, I took a $600 dollar course that tought me almost everything about a small engine repair. I figure the work I will do on the outboard myself this spring will almost pay for that program.
Stupidly, last season I had my Carburetor rebuilt for $250 dollars. Knowing how easy it is to actually fix things (its diagnostic work thats hard for me), I heard some rumors about outboards that scared me away from fixing it myslef. This winter, I took a $600 dollar course that tought me almost everything about a small engine repair. I figure the work I will do on the outboard myself this spring will almost pay for that program.
wrench and a beer.
we have a 1978 venture, we love the boat and have made many updates to it. but with a old boat you better have new tools, cold beer and a great attitude. Oh, and don't forget the duct tape. this is what makes you a better sailor and just ads to the fun...
we have a 1978 venture, we love the boat and have made many updates to it. but with a old boat you better have new tools, cold beer and a great attitude. Oh, and don't forget the duct tape. this is what makes you a better sailor and just ads to the fun...
Doesn't hurt to try
Bought our first boat (h23) of any kind in Sept., began sailing in Oct. Rope starter wasn't catching real well, but we wanted to get in some sailing before winter and I figured to get it fixed during off-season. Sure enough, it quit altogether in the middle of the lake on the third or fourth sail. Five times the rope didn't catch at all, sixth time maybe the last three or four inches, and so it went for 30 minutes. I was so ignorant. Didn't even know how to take the top off the motor. Didn't know three bolts held the recoil assembly. Didn't know just exercising the parts a little would get it working fine again. Didn't know an emergency rope was another option. I felt helpless out there, but mostly was disgusted with myself for getting my wife in this jam as well. Strong wind coming right out of the marina so there was no way to sail up the narrow channel to reach an open slip I knew was at the end of a dock. I was considering a beam reach and then drop the sails and go hard port to reach that slip, when finally, after 30 minutes, one of those three-or-four inches caught and started up that little, 18-year-old Nissan. Considered taking it to a shop when an uncle, an engineer, said take it apart and see if a little WD 40 will help. It didn't, but taking it apart and exercising the parts did. Saved a bundle. Learned a lesson. Another needed repair was a gear shift left that snapped off during the moving process. Turned the gear shift stub with a crescent wrench all fall. Again considered taking the motor to a shop because I knew the power unit had to be taken apart to replace shift lever. Last weekend, though, finally got the head off, found the little bolt down there that holds the shift lever and put everything back together. Saved another bundle. Never did anything like that in my 55 years and never would have considered it until this boat came along. Mac
Bought our first boat (h23) of any kind in Sept., began sailing in Oct. Rope starter wasn't catching real well, but we wanted to get in some sailing before winter and I figured to get it fixed during off-season. Sure enough, it quit altogether in the middle of the lake on the third or fourth sail. Five times the rope didn't catch at all, sixth time maybe the last three or four inches, and so it went for 30 minutes. I was so ignorant. Didn't even know how to take the top off the motor. Didn't know three bolts held the recoil assembly. Didn't know just exercising the parts a little would get it working fine again. Didn't know an emergency rope was another option. I felt helpless out there, but mostly was disgusted with myself for getting my wife in this jam as well. Strong wind coming right out of the marina so there was no way to sail up the narrow channel to reach an open slip I knew was at the end of a dock. I was considering a beam reach and then drop the sails and go hard port to reach that slip, when finally, after 30 minutes, one of those three-or-four inches caught and started up that little, 18-year-old Nissan. Considered taking it to a shop when an uncle, an engineer, said take it apart and see if a little WD 40 will help. It didn't, but taking it apart and exercising the parts did. Saved a bundle. Learned a lesson. Another needed repair was a gear shift left that snapped off during the moving process. Turned the gear shift stub with a crescent wrench all fall. Again considered taking the motor to a shop because I knew the power unit had to be taken apart to replace shift lever. Last weekend, though, finally got the head off, found the little bolt down there that holds the shift lever and put everything back together. Saved another bundle. Never did anything like that in my 55 years and never would have considered it until this boat came along. Mac
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Can I fix it? Yes I can!
Or at least I'll give it a shot. I love every thing about sailing! Everything! From hooking up the trailer, bending on the sails, to reparing halyards and making a plywood rudder in a garage of a friend when mine mysteriously went missing! Oh by the way I am female. Now I only have owned a 15'& now a 17' O'Day Daysailer II, but I will always make an attempt at least of keeping things ship-shape. I have taken my boat in to an excellent repair shop only to get out on the lake after paying a couple hundred bucks to have work done ie. new halyards and hardware only to get out on the lake thinking I am really ready to sail to find the main halyard about 11-15" to long. I then had to drive into town go into the local hardware store and buy some little u-clamps and go out an repair the experts work. But, I loved even that. I love to sail, yes everything about sailing! Maybe if I ever get to a bigger cruiser I'll need to look for more help, but I'll be inclined to find sailors to help me than anything else. Good winds to you all!
Or at least I'll give it a shot. I love every thing about sailing! Everything! From hooking up the trailer, bending on the sails, to reparing halyards and making a plywood rudder in a garage of a friend when mine mysteriously went missing! Oh by the way I am female. Now I only have owned a 15'& now a 17' O'Day Daysailer II, but I will always make an attempt at least of keeping things ship-shape. I have taken my boat in to an excellent repair shop only to get out on the lake after paying a couple hundred bucks to have work done ie. new halyards and hardware only to get out on the lake thinking I am really ready to sail to find the main halyard about 11-15" to long. I then had to drive into town go into the local hardware store and buy some little u-clamps and go out an repair the experts work. But, I loved even that. I love to sail, yes everything about sailing! Maybe if I ever get to a bigger cruiser I'll need to look for more help, but I'll be inclined to find sailors to help me than anything else. Good winds to you all!
Not everyone has your money,but
Guy, not all of us are bankers nor do we have your money. I will have owned 3 boats including one cruiser and not have spent your repair bill! But, we can all love to sail and for me figuring out how to jerry-rig something to keep sailing is part of the fun! Happy sailing Jr., I you ever decide to pay someone to do the sailing for you, look me up!
Guy, not all of us are bankers nor do we have your money. I will have owned 3 boats including one cruiser and not have spent your repair bill! But, we can all love to sail and for me figuring out how to jerry-rig something to keep sailing is part of the fun! Happy sailing Jr., I you ever decide to pay someone to do the sailing for you, look me up!
Self-sufficiency
When I first bought Someday Lady - a 1984 H34 - four years ago, I was warned by my surveyor that I was taking a maintenance project on, though she was basically sound. I was an experienced sailor, including racing and cruising in the Great Lakes as a youth. But I knew very little about sail repairs, mechanicals, electrics, plumbing, etc. So I've taken classes, read a lot of books, fumbled through repairs on my own (and with help from others, for which I am greatful). I could have afforded to pay others to do many of the things I've done. But I find it more satisfying to do it myself, when I can. A by-product is that I know my boat better after each project. And in a sense, become her partner, task by task. Most recently I rebuilt the head. Got Peggie's book, read it cover to cover, planned my project, executed it, and now have a smoothly working head. Thanks again Peggie (shameless plug). The admiral is impressed, and guests are relieved. But more than that, I feel like one more element of Someday Lady is a mystery no longer. If this sounds preachy, it's not meant to be. I don't judge anyone who has a different view. It's just that I thought I was buying a boat to sail. And I got a rich and rewarding avocation in the bargain.
When I first bought Someday Lady - a 1984 H34 - four years ago, I was warned by my surveyor that I was taking a maintenance project on, though she was basically sound. I was an experienced sailor, including racing and cruising in the Great Lakes as a youth. But I knew very little about sail repairs, mechanicals, electrics, plumbing, etc. So I've taken classes, read a lot of books, fumbled through repairs on my own (and with help from others, for which I am greatful). I could have afforded to pay others to do many of the things I've done. But I find it more satisfying to do it myself, when I can. A by-product is that I know my boat better after each project. And in a sense, become her partner, task by task. Most recently I rebuilt the head. Got Peggie's book, read it cover to cover, planned my project, executed it, and now have a smoothly working head. Thanks again Peggie (shameless plug). The admiral is impressed, and guests are relieved. But more than that, I feel like one more element of Someday Lady is a mystery no longer. If this sounds preachy, it's not meant to be. I don't judge anyone who has a different view. It's just that I thought I was buying a boat to sail. And I got a rich and rewarding avocation in the bargain.
A check-writer's lament
With a 50-60 hour a week job, Little League coaching responsibilities and the like, I need to be be under sail for most of my boat time, or it just wouldn't make sense to own a boat at this point in my life. I realize I'm missing one of the rewards of ownership when I have someone else do most of the work, but that's one of life's many compromises. I'm reasonably handy and enjoy doing jobs that I know I can finish quickly -- but even that much time away elicts groans from home. Maybe one day all this will slow down and I'll have time to putter on the boat.
With a 50-60 hour a week job, Little League coaching responsibilities and the like, I need to be be under sail for most of my boat time, or it just wouldn't make sense to own a boat at this point in my life. I realize I'm missing one of the rewards of ownership when I have someone else do most of the work, but that's one of life's many compromises. I'm reasonably handy and enjoy doing jobs that I know I can finish quickly -- but even that much time away elicts groans from home. Maybe one day all this will slow down and I'll have time to putter on the boat.
Can I fix it? Yes I can! "Right On"
This is for Jeanne to reaffirm to her that there are more of us around that love more than just sailing. My husband said to me one day, after an absence from Texas and my sailing for about 5 months, that I was happy just trying to figure out how to get my mainsheet back on the boat properly....I've been sanding, varnishing, sewing bimini covers and, in general, beginning the arduous but happy task of learning about my (new to me) 1990 Catalina 22. I am coming from a COMPAC 16 (and years of Hobie sailing). I do have a "fisher type husband" who does lend a hand, but I am looking forward to the care and maintenance of my new sailboat. Congratulations and "hats off" to a lady I admire.
This is for Jeanne to reaffirm to her that there are more of us around that love more than just sailing. My husband said to me one day, after an absence from Texas and my sailing for about 5 months, that I was happy just trying to figure out how to get my mainsheet back on the boat properly....I've been sanding, varnishing, sewing bimini covers and, in general, beginning the arduous but happy task of learning about my (new to me) 1990 Catalina 22. I am coming from a COMPAC 16 (and years of Hobie sailing). I do have a "fisher type husband" who does lend a hand, but I am looking forward to the care and maintenance of my new sailboat. Congratulations and "hats off" to a lady I admire.
It is part of learning....I think I've learned as much about sailing when I'm working on my boat as I am when I sail it, which so far has been limited. Understanding how the wiring runs, how to pull the genoa, even how to handle an emergency, was equally learned fixing as it was at sail. However there are things I haven't done, and did have professionals do. Adding a motor, mounts, and remote controls were done for me, as reading didn't give me enough sense on how it should be done safely. As for the general question, if safety is in question due to being beyond my ability or experience, then it is time for the checkbook...
Let me clarify the facts on the $25,000
I mentioned that I had put $25,000 aside for work on the boat. The bulk of the money went for:radar and chartplotter;new sails as the old ones were blown out; new dodger to replace one that if you leaned against it, down it went; new furler - you should have seen the original; Forespar hardvang;new cables for the steering after the old ones froze up.This boat, while in good condition needed upgrades in every area and now I have no compunction about sailing anywhere on the New England Coast - Bermuda, not yet!!!!!!
I mentioned that I had put $25,000 aside for work on the boat. The bulk of the money went for:radar and chartplotter;new sails as the old ones were blown out; new dodger to replace one that if you leaned against it, down it went; new furler - you should have seen the original; Forespar hardvang;new cables for the steering after the old ones froze up.This boat, while in good condition needed upgrades in every area and now I have no compunction about sailing anywhere on the New England Coast - Bermuda, not yet!!!!!!
Taking theSaildrive out
Any advice regarding taking the SailDrive out. I need to pull it apart and it seems a lot of weight in a small space! Thanks
Any advice regarding taking the SailDrive out. I need to pull it apart and it seems a lot of weight in a small space! Thanks
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending March 21, 2004: When my boat needs to be worked on... 55% I will do all but the most technical repairs 27% I am the only one who will work on her 14% I do only the minor stuff 04% I prefer to sail my boat and hire the maintenance 1,321 owners responding
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending March 21, 2004: When my boat needs to be worked on... 55% I will do all but the most technical repairs 27% I am the only one who will work on her 14% I do only the minor stuff 04% I prefer to sail my boat and hire the maintenance 1,321 owners responding
Do my own work..up to a point!
I usually do my own work(80-90% involving my diesel), but there are some things I leave to professionals. Generally, anything requiring disassembly of the engine or drivetrain, or work on the hull, I leave to professionals because I don't have the time or knowledge, or, because if I screw up the result could be dangerous, like the boat sinking. I do all my own electrical work. On the other hand, when I have a problem I try to troubleshoot it myself, which may turn out to be a simple solution, or at the very least being knowledgable enough to know if a mechanic is blowing smoke. On the last point, I have had bad results with mechanics. This has forced me to learn more about the boat, which is in itself a rewarding experience.
I usually do my own work(80-90% involving my diesel), but there are some things I leave to professionals. Generally, anything requiring disassembly of the engine or drivetrain, or work on the hull, I leave to professionals because I don't have the time or knowledge, or, because if I screw up the result could be dangerous, like the boat sinking. I do all my own electrical work. On the other hand, when I have a problem I try to troubleshoot it myself, which may turn out to be a simple solution, or at the very least being knowledgable enough to know if a mechanic is blowing smoke. On the last point, I have had bad results with mechanics. This has forced me to learn more about the boat, which is in itself a rewarding experience.
I'm lucky I have mechanical ability
I find myself fixing other peoples sailboats at sea or in the harbor.I own a 41 Morgan out island and can tear that 4-154 apart and put it back together if I have too.The motor is relatively new and I do regular maintanance,so it should last forever.Most problems people encounter are...overheating or clogged fuel systems.Use a big Racor filter and carry plenty of replacement fuel filters and know how to blead your fuel system of air.Maintain your engine properly and change your oil on a regular basis...every 200 hours.Carry spare water pump impellers and know how to change them.Also carry spare belts.Carry adapters that you can splice your coolant system hoses together should they burst.Sorry if I sound like a know it all,but I have been there and done that.One more thing,carry a spare battery,alternater and starter.Don't forget your tools.Good luck at sea.
I find myself fixing other peoples sailboats at sea or in the harbor.I own a 41 Morgan out island and can tear that 4-154 apart and put it back together if I have too.The motor is relatively new and I do regular maintanance,so it should last forever.Most problems people encounter are...overheating or clogged fuel systems.Use a big Racor filter and carry plenty of replacement fuel filters and know how to blead your fuel system of air.Maintain your engine properly and change your oil on a regular basis...every 200 hours.Carry spare water pump impellers and know how to change them.Also carry spare belts.Carry adapters that you can splice your coolant system hoses together should they burst.Sorry if I sound like a know it all,but I have been there and done that.One more thing,carry a spare battery,alternater and starter.Don't forget your tools.Good luck at sea.
Ya We Kin Do Dat too!
I started working on boats in the mid 50's when my dad needed help to do this and that. He always had power boats....from 14 to 33 ft over the years. I've been sailing for nearly 30 years, and I don't think there's much of anything on my boat that I can't do. However, common sense, arthritis, back problems, aging, etc suggest that some things are now more efficiently done by others. The quality of work I've seen in most of my local marinas is so poor that the only way I would let their people even look at my boat is to be there with them at all times. One of the so called 'better' yards in my area is notorious for their mechanics coming aboard with greasy work boots, fresh from the engine shop! Then they wonder why we're so critical of their 'work'? Actually, this is a topic I probably shouldn't get started on..... _/) _/)
I started working on boats in the mid 50's when my dad needed help to do this and that. He always had power boats....from 14 to 33 ft over the years. I've been sailing for nearly 30 years, and I don't think there's much of anything on my boat that I can't do. However, common sense, arthritis, back problems, aging, etc suggest that some things are now more efficiently done by others. The quality of work I've seen in most of my local marinas is so poor that the only way I would let their people even look at my boat is to be there with them at all times. One of the so called 'better' yards in my area is notorious for their mechanics coming aboard with greasy work boots, fresh from the engine shop! Then they wonder why we're so critical of their 'work'? Actually, this is a topic I probably shouldn't get started on..... _/) _/)
Mr. Fix It
I would say "all of the above". When anything I own breaks or needs work, I do it myself if I have the time, even if the cost to have someone else do it is less than what MY time is worth. I do it partly to save money, (it's difficult for me to pay someone else to do something that I could do myself). But it's mostly because I love working on things. I'm a tinkerer and a builder, a certified aircraft mechanic, carpenter, woodworker and all-around handyman, so it's only natural for me though. The only things I might not do myself are those which are incredibly tedious and I just might not enjoy (like cleaning the bottom of a hull!) or a job that requires speacialty tools (or something that is just beyond my ability). Although I have been known to spend as much on tools as a job would have cost me to have someone else do!
I would say "all of the above". When anything I own breaks or needs work, I do it myself if I have the time, even if the cost to have someone else do it is less than what MY time is worth. I do it partly to save money, (it's difficult for me to pay someone else to do something that I could do myself). But it's mostly because I love working on things. I'm a tinkerer and a builder, a certified aircraft mechanic, carpenter, woodworker and all-around handyman, so it's only natural for me though. The only things I might not do myself are those which are incredibly tedious and I just might not enjoy (like cleaning the bottom of a hull!) or a job that requires speacialty tools (or something that is just beyond my ability). Although I have been known to spend as much on tools as a job would have cost me to have someone else do!
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