Chicken Cove
N 34 31.1541
W 082 40.162
Knowing V-drives, wiring harnesses and bilge pumps inside-out ain’t always enough. Sometimes you gotta know a little bit about people, too.
Here’s a hypothetical: an overwrought owner calls at
He explains that the last time he used the boat everything worked perfectly, but now he’s got no idea what’s gone wrong. What coulda happened? The only thing he knows for sure is that he promised his friend a boat ride, and they’ll be arriving at
“It’s gotta be something minor,” he sobs. “It’s always worked fine before.”
You’d think the bank was coming to foreclose on his house, seize his car and sell his children to a Third World work farm … and that his wife would divorce him as a result.
“Please … can you help me out?”
We’re already overloaded and running almost two months behind, but it’s hard to ignore such desperation and urgency (even though every other owner wants his boat ready in time for the weekend, too) … so we swing by to take have a look at the problem.
Four hours later we know why the boat wouldn’t start, though we coulda guessed what happened 3 hours and 59 minutes earlier. Either,
(a) the owner had decided to do a little “work” and make a few “improvements” himself, and then overlooked mentioning anything about it
Like we'd think the fire hazard of wire bundles running to his new plasma TV was factory installed … or not notice the owner had installed a plumbing valve designed for mobile homes (which is likely to stick open, and create a situation we’ll call “logging some bottom time”) to save a few bucks when installing his own toilet.
(b) Deferred maintenance: the owner is focused on having fun with his boat on weekends and expects it to be ready to go & run perfectly every time … but neglects the manufacturer’s warnings and refuses to put any effort into maintenance. Not even to re-charge the batteries, much less check for fire hazards and leaks.
Oh, owners like that will never bother with changing the oil or tuning the engine because maintenance costs … but then ends up frustrated and angry at the manufacturer when something breaks, things don't go just his way, and leaves him stranded or adrift.
At the risk of sounding like a boat legalist, here’s two simple suggestions to make your life simpler and more enjoyable:
(a) You aren’t smarter than the manufacturer: he knew more about what he was doing than you ever will … and didn’t happen to create your boat by accident. So don’t try to second guess or fine-tune his design, modify his plan or make “improvements” for your own amusement or enjoyment. Consult the standards guide frequently to learn what’s approved, and what is not.
(b) Read the Owner’s Manual as often as you can, even if the words seem outdated or irrelevant, to avoid breakdowns and unpleasant, unnecessary repairs in the future … as well as how to avoid unsafe practices or dangerous maneuvers.
. Forget all about deferring maintenance, even when services seem inconvenient or interfere with your boating weekends.
“It’s Saturday So I’m Turning Off My Phone, and Your’re On Your Own Till Monday (I Wish)” Playlist:
Holy is the Lord
He Calls Me Friend
Amazing Love
Bring the Rain
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