Well I'm a New to Me owner of a 1974 Cal 35 Cruiser (pilothouse style) sailing vessel. It came at a good price but with deferred maintenance. I am excited with the acquisition and the opportunity to get my fingers dirty cleaning and remodeling this boat for my own use. As a friend said on our first sail - "she has good bones. just needs a little sprucing and care."
One of the deferred maintenance issues is the engine. I'm not a diesel mechanic. At least not yet. One difficulty for a new guy - how do you find a responsible mechanic to resolve the issues currently beyond your experience. I see in the blogs and comments the complaints about marina mechanics and costs. So where can a person turn to find a responsible and reliable individual. I know when you find him you nurture the relationship. For a new boat owner it feels like stomping through a mine field.
I just had a negative experience which lasted 3 months (2 months of lost sailing) and a 100% cost which solved 60% of the identified problems. Ended in boat less with out of town guests not enjoying the promised cruise.
So I pose to my new fellow boat owners, where's the Angies List like resources to help the new boat owner through the first season.
I know I'm going to be ok, but I feel for the next guy who hires the charlatan who told me he was an experienced diesel mechanic.
John S
S/V Hadley
One of the deferred maintenance issues is the engine. I'm not a diesel mechanic. At least not yet. One difficulty for a new guy - how do you find a responsible mechanic to resolve the issues currently beyond your experience. I see in the blogs and comments the complaints about marina mechanics and costs. So where can a person turn to find a responsible and reliable individual. I know when you find him you nurture the relationship. For a new boat owner it feels like stomping through a mine field.
I just had a negative experience which lasted 3 months (2 months of lost sailing) and a 100% cost which solved 60% of the identified problems. Ended in boat less with out of town guests not enjoying the promised cruise.
So I pose to my new fellow boat owners, where's the Angies List like resources to help the new boat owner through the first season.
I know I'm going to be ok, but I feel for the next guy who hires the charlatan who told me he was an experienced diesel mechanic.
John S
S/V Hadley