ranger58sb
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2013
- Messages
- 7,311
- Location
- Annapolis
- Vessel Name
- Ranger
- Vessel Make
- 58' Sedan Bridge
Given qualified technicians cost a bazillion $$/hour, and/or can't be found, and/or can't get there inside of the next six months...
And given it's hard (and often counter-productive) to filter out the "qualified" guys from the wannabees via unsuccessful personal experience (trial and error)...
A self-help program, at least to the extent possible, is usually the most acceptable option... both for peace of mind and to keep the wallet happy.
But...
Lest any lurking newbies are beginning to think we're suggesting budding cruisers need to be experienced engine mechanics, plumbers, riggers, electricians, HVAC techs, sanitation engineers, refrigeration bubbas... etc... before ever buying their first boat...
I think I'll add "willingness to learn" (all that stuff) is the more important part. Maybe a measure of "aptitude" (or more likely, ability to gain some) is probably helpful, too. Might be likely that many of us here came from whole 'nother careers, maybe even not knowing what a hammer looks like or what it's for. First step: Be willing to learn about hammers. Learn about hammers. On to the next challenge.
Being limber enough, and/or the right size, to do work in odd places and personal configurations -- behind an engine for example, upside down and behind your left shoulder, using a mirror and extension tools -- will be a plus.
-Chris
And given it's hard (and often counter-productive) to filter out the "qualified" guys from the wannabees via unsuccessful personal experience (trial and error)...
A self-help program, at least to the extent possible, is usually the most acceptable option... both for peace of mind and to keep the wallet happy.
But...
Lest any lurking newbies are beginning to think we're suggesting budding cruisers need to be experienced engine mechanics, plumbers, riggers, electricians, HVAC techs, sanitation engineers, refrigeration bubbas... etc... before ever buying their first boat...
I think I'll add "willingness to learn" (all that stuff) is the more important part. Maybe a measure of "aptitude" (or more likely, ability to gain some) is probably helpful, too. Might be likely that many of us here came from whole 'nother careers, maybe even not knowing what a hammer looks like or what it's for. First step: Be willing to learn about hammers. Learn about hammers. On to the next challenge.
Being limber enough, and/or the right size, to do work in odd places and personal configurations -- behind an engine for example, upside down and behind your left shoulder, using a mirror and extension tools -- will be a plus.
-Chris
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