Old Boats Breaking Down
I had a chance to examine a Cheoy Lee LRC about 60', built I believe
about 1980, about 2 years ago. Keep in mind that I am not picking on
Cheoy Lee here. My comments are directed at boats over about 15 years old.
The CL boats are similar to a lot of other boats in that there is a
lot of equipment packed into a small space. In too many cases the
equipment is wedged in one component at a time and in order to work
on any particular piece, the pieces installed last, often have to be
removed before the desired piece can be got at or extracted in order
to work on it.
This has several side effects. The first rule of thumb is that any
task that can not be accomplished easily will invariably not get
done. If you were to do a survey or a simple study taking into
account each major system installed on a boat, make a list of the
expected maintenance tasks that have accumulated that should have
been done to that equipment, remove from the list all the tasks that
have been done routinely; you would in effect have a reasonably
complete list of the accumulated maintenance deficit.
The size of this list of undone things, would, in many cases astound
you. In order to successfully attack such a large amount of work, you
need either a lot of money to pay others to do the work or a lot of
time to do it yourself. And, regardless of which method you adopt it
would not hurt if you could do the process in a highly efficient manner.
The most useful tool in this efficiency battle is documentation. The
original documentation for all the boat's equipment is the first
place to start; users manuals, spec sheets, installations manuals,
drawings of the boat, electrical, plumbing systems, etc. In many
cases this material has been lost. If you have access to the internet
you can in time accumulate much of this material in digital format
which can be printed out and placed in binders. It is not easy to
find this material, but it is not impossible as I have been
conducting my own test of this idea.
Not only should you collect docs for the equipment, but it is just a
useful to collect the documentation on all the materials used on or
for the boat; coatings, paint, sealers, compounds, cleaning agents,
bolts, lights, fittings, gaskets, rigging, booms, masts, etc. You
will save yourself money, time and effort by knowing and referring to
this material as you plan and execute your maintenance work. Taking
digital pictures of each of these items will help since you can refer
to the pictures when the equipment or materials are not at hand.
Every mistake that you prevent from coming about is one less mistake
that you have to do over again. The more packed your equipment is
aboard the boat the more important it is to have a high efficiency
maintenance program. The older the boat the more components of your
equipment that are nearing breakdown. In the case of a 20 year old
boat that has had a lot of usage, the amount of work needed to get it
into shape to make major passage is almost overwhelming.
Unless you can get a step ahead of the maintenance, you are always
going to be "behind the eight ball". This is not a pleasant place to
be with a boat. It is even more undesirable to be in a foreign
country and wrestling with the dragon in the closet.
Now that you have all this material collected you can get added
benefit from having a maintenance log. It is not easy putting all
this into practice. But, I have been experimenting with this strategy
for many years. Perfecting it a bit at a time and I am well pleased
with the results of the latest attempt.
Regards,
Mike
Capt. Mike Maurice
Tualatin(Portland), Oregon
Great advice! I have a checklist made up from all the manuals and past
experience that is a Word table. It's sorted by monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually, annually, and longer intervals as required. I also have a
second part that lists things by running hours and/or time frame. Works very
well for me, and is constantly being modified. I'll send anyone a copy who
is interested for a starting point.
Another thing I do on rainy days or whenever I have to go to an equipment
manufacturers web site... I download any manual that I can find in
electronic format... .pdf or other. These are all in a specific folder in
the computer, and make for great reference tools. I also have a list of
links to mfgs for things on my boat in a single folder for quick reference.
Be sure to rename the link as necessary so you aren't looking for "Welcome
to ABC company" under the "A's" when it'll be under the "W's". Assign it a
title that makes sense (hint, hint to web designers!).
The final item is an inventory list for spares, fluids, etc. It can be made
up on a computer (I have another Word table), but is certainly easier to
keep it printed out on a clipboard where you can just modify manually as you
use / replace things. Ditto for the maintenance list.
My last comment for the day... even if you keep these items, it's probably
not a good idea to show to a prospective buyer, at least until after the
sale. IMHO, most boat buyers would be scared sh-tless by the amount of work,
and the fact that you kept it up probably won't increase the value of your
boat to them. If you find someone who would really appreciate this
documentation and the work put into the boat, you have found a rare bird
indeed.
Keith
If electricity comes from electrons, does that mean that morality comes from
morons?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Maurice" mikem@yachtsdelivered.com
The most useful tool in this efficiency battle is documentation. The
original documentation for all the boat's equipment is the first
place to start; users manuals, spec sheets, installations manuals,
drawings of the boat, electrical, plumbing systems, etc. In many
cases this material has been lost. If you have access to the internet
you can in time accumulate much of this material in digital format
which can be printed out and placed in binders. It is not easy to
find this material, but it is not impossible as I have been
conducting my own test of this idea.
Not only should you collect docs for the equipment, but it is just a
useful to collect the documentation on all the materials used on or
for the boat; coatings, paint, sealers, compounds, cleaning agents,
bolts, lights, fittings, gaskets, rigging, booms, masts, etc. You
will save yourself money, time and effort by knowing and referring to
this material as you plan and execute your maintenance work. Taking
digital pictures of each of these items will help since you can refer
to the pictures when the equipment or materials are not at hand.
At 01:42 PM 11/8/2005 -0600, you wrote:
The final item is an inventory list for spares, fluids, etc. It can be made
up on a computer (I have another Word table), but is certainly easier to
One of the things I noticed while trying to get this set up was that
fact that I kept finding things that I had missed. Even the list that
I provided earlier is incomplete. I missed the spreader lights until
last night. So I went to the Perko catalog and grabbed the pertinent
page. But it so happens that I have no picture of the spreader light
spare, so I can't be sure that it is a Perko and I may have to
collect the correct material later.
However, it appears that I am closing in on all the stuff involved in
this particular boat project and the frequency of identifying
something not yet listed is becoming very slow.
Having everything well identified, like serial numbers for every item
that has them will speed up the buying of replacement components when
you get around to needing something. I always seem to need the part
number for something that I can't identify properly. This process
that I have outlined will cut down considerably on this kind of
problem cropping up.
Being sure of the part number will pay dividends when you are in a
foreign country.
If you scan everything on the computer then even if you loose the
paper original you will have something to fall back on.
Mike
Capt. Mike Maurice
Tualatin(Portland), Oregon
I would appreciate a copy of your checklists.
Timothy A. Johnson, Jr.
One Leeward Island
Clearwater, FL 33767
tjohnso1@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf
Of Keith
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 2:42 PM
To: Passagemaking Under Power List
Subject: Re: [PUP] Old Boats Breaking Down
Great advice! I have a checklist made up from all the manuals and past
experience that is a Word table. It's sorted by monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually, annually, and longer intervals as required. I also have a
second part that lists things by running hours and/or time frame. Works
very
well for me, and is constantly being modified. I'll send anyone a copy
who
is interested for a starting point.
Another thing I do on rainy days or whenever I have to go to an
equipment
manufacturers web site... I download any manual that I can find in
electronic format... .pdf or other. These are all in a specific folder
in
the computer, and make for great reference tools. I also have a list of
links to mfgs for things on my boat in a single folder for quick
reference.
Be sure to rename the link as necessary so you aren't looking for
"Welcome
to ABC company" under the "A's" when it'll be under the "W's". Assign it
a
title that makes sense (hint, hint to web designers!).
The final item is an inventory list for spares, fluids, etc. It can be
made
up on a computer (I have another Word table), but is certainly easier to
keep it printed out on a clipboard where you can just modify manually as
you
use / replace things. Ditto for the maintenance list.
My last comment for the day... even if you keep these items, it's
probably
not a good idea to show to a prospective buyer, at least until after the
sale. IMHO, most boat buyers would be scared sh-tless by the amount of
work,
and the fact that you kept it up probably won't increase the value of
your
boat to them. If you find someone who would really appreciate this
documentation and the work put into the boat, you have found a rare bird
indeed.
Keith
If electricity comes from electrons, does that mean that morality comes
from
morons?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Maurice" mikem@yachtsdelivered.com
The most useful tool in this efficiency battle is documentation. The
original documentation for all the boat's equipment is the first
place to start; users manuals, spec sheets, installations manuals,
drawings of the boat, electrical, plumbing systems, etc. In many
cases this material has been lost. If you have access to the internet
you can in time accumulate much of this material in digital format
which can be printed out and placed in binders. It is not easy to
find this material, but it is not impossible as I have been
conducting my own test of this idea.
Not only should you collect docs for the equipment, but it is just a
useful to collect the documentation on all the materials used on or
for the boat; coatings, paint, sealers, compounds, cleaning agents,
bolts, lights, fittings, gaskets, rigging, booms, masts, etc. You
will save yourself money, time and effort by knowing and referring to
this material as you plan and execute your maintenance work. Taking
digital pictures of each of these items will help since you can refer
to the pictures when the equipment or materials are not at hand.
Passagemaking-Under-Power Mailing List
RE; Your check lists, I would like a copy of your check lists, Thanks in advance Joe Schlichte, La Salle Michigan.
Tim Johnson tjohnso1@tampabay.rr.com wrote:I would appreciate a copy of your checklists.
Timothy A. Johnson, Jr.
One Leeward Island
Clearwater, FL 33767
tjohnso1@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf
Of Keith
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 2:42 PM
To: Passagemaking Under Power List
Subject: Re: [PUP] Old Boats Breaking Down
Great advice! I have a checklist made up from all the manuals and past
experience that is a Word table. It's sorted by monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually, annually, and longer intervals as required. I also have a
second part that lists things by running hours and/or time frame. Works
very
well for me, and is constantly being modified. I'll send anyone a copy
who
is interested for a starting point.
Another thing I do on rainy days or whenever I have to go to an
equipment
manufacturers web site... I download any manual that I can find in
electronic format... .pdf or other. These are all in a specific folder
in
the computer, and make for great reference tools. I also have a list of
links to mfgs for things on my boat in a single folder for quick
reference.
Be sure to rename the link as necessary so you aren't looking for
"Welcome
to ABC company" under the "A's" when it'll be under the "W's". Assign it
a
title that makes sense (hint, hint to web designers!).
The final item is an inventory list for spares, fluids, etc. It can be
made
up on a computer (I have another Word table), but is certainly easier to
keep it printed out on a clipboard where you can just modify manually as
you
use / replace things. Ditto for the maintenance list.
My last comment for the day... even if you keep these items, it's
probably
not a good idea to show to a prospective buyer, at least until after the
sale. IMHO, most boat buyers would be scared sh-tless by the amount of
work,
and the fact that you kept it up probably won't increase the value of
your
boat to them. If you find someone who would really appreciate this
documentation and the work put into the boat, you have found a rare bird
indeed.
Keith
If electricity comes from electrons, does that mean that morality comes
from
morons?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Maurice"
The most useful tool in this efficiency battle is documentation. The
original documentation for all the boat's equipment is the first
place to start; users manuals, spec sheets, installations manuals,
drawings of the boat, electrical, plumbing systems, etc. In many
cases this material has been lost. If you have access to the internet
you can in time accumulate much of this material in digital format
which can be printed out and placed in binders. It is not easy to
find this material, but it is not impossible as I have been
conducting my own test of this idea.
Not only should you collect docs for the equipment, but it is just a
useful to collect the documentation on all the materials used on or
for the boat; coatings, paint, sealers, compounds, cleaning agents,
bolts, lights, fittings, gaskets, rigging, booms, masts, etc. You
will save yourself money, time and effort by knowing and referring to
this material as you plan and execute your maintenance work. Taking
digital pictures of each of these items will help since you can refer
to the pictures when the equipment or materials are not at hand.
Passagemaking-Under-Power Mailing List
Passagemaking-Under-Power Mailing List
I would appreciate a copy of the document.
Thanks,
Randy Hamblin
randyha@comcast.net
-----Original Message-----
From: passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:passagemaking-under-power-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of
Keith
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:42 AM
To: Passagemaking Under Power List
Subject: Re: [PUP] Old Boats Breaking Down
Great advice! I have a checklist made up from all the manuals and past
experience that is a Word table. It's sorted by monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually, annually, and longer intervals as required. I also have a
second part that lists things by running hours and/or time frame. Works very
well for me, and is constantly being modified. I'll send anyone a copy who
is interested for a starting point.
Another thing I do on rainy days or whenever I have to go to an equipment
manufacturers web site... I download any manual that I can find in
electronic format... .pdf or other. These are all in a specific folder in
the computer, and make for great reference tools. I also have a list of
links to mfgs for things on my boat in a single folder for quick reference.
Be sure to rename the link as necessary so you aren't looking for "Welcome
to ABC company" under the "A's" when it'll be under the "W's". Assign it a
title that makes sense (hint, hint to web designers!).
The final item is an inventory list for spares, fluids, etc. It can be made
up on a computer (I have another Word table), but is certainly easier to
keep it printed out on a clipboard where you can just modify manually as you
use / replace things. Ditto for the maintenance list.
My last comment for the day... even if you keep these items, it's probably
not a good idea to show to a prospective buyer, at least until after the
sale. IMHO, most boat buyers would be scared sh-tless by the amount of work,
and the fact that you kept it up probably won't increase the value of your
boat to them. If you find someone who would really appreciate this
documentation and the work put into the boat, you have found a rare bird
indeed.
please send me a copy of your check list
----- Original Message -----
From: "Keith" keith@anastasia3.com
To: "Passagemaking Under Power List"
passagemaking-under-power@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 2:42 PM
Subject: Re: [PUP] Old Boats Breaking Down
Great advice! I have a checklist made up from all the manuals and past
experience that is a Word table. It's sorted by monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually, annually, and longer intervals as required. I also have a
second part that lists things by running hours and/or time frame. Works
very
well for me, and is constantly being modified. I'll send anyone a copy who
is interested for a starting point.
Another thing I do on rainy days or whenever I have to go to an equipment
manufacturers web site... I download any manual that I can find in
electronic format... .pdf or other. These are all in a specific folder in
the computer, and make for great reference tools. I also have a list of
links to mfgs for things on my boat in a single folder for quick
reference.
Be sure to rename the link as necessary so you aren't looking for "Welcome
to ABC company" under the "A's" when it'll be under the "W's". Assign it a
title that makes sense (hint, hint to web designers!).
The final item is an inventory list for spares, fluids, etc. It can be
made
up on a computer (I have another Word table), but is certainly easier to
keep it printed out on a clipboard where you can just modify manually as
you
use / replace things. Ditto for the maintenance list.
My last comment for the day... even if you keep these items, it's probably
not a good idea to show to a prospective buyer, at least until after the
sale. IMHO, most boat buyers would be scared sh-tless by the amount of
work,
and the fact that you kept it up probably won't increase the value of your
boat to them. If you find someone who would really appreciate this
documentation and the work put into the boat, you have found a rare bird
indeed.
Keith
If electricity comes from electrons, does that mean that morality comes
from
morons?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Maurice" mikem@yachtsdelivered.com
The most useful tool in this efficiency battle is documentation. The
original documentation for all the boat's equipment is the first
place to start; users manuals, spec sheets, installations manuals,
drawings of the boat, electrical, plumbing systems, etc. In many
cases this material has been lost. If you have access to the internet
you can in time accumulate much of this material in digital format
which can be printed out and placed in binders. It is not easy to
find this material, but it is not impossible as I have been
conducting my own test of this idea.
Not only should you collect docs for the equipment, but it is just a
useful to collect the documentation on all the materials used on or
for the boat; coatings, paint, sealers, compounds, cleaning agents,
bolts, lights, fittings, gaskets, rigging, booms, masts, etc. You
will save yourself money, time and effort by knowing and referring to
this material as you plan and execute your maintenance work. Taking
digital pictures of each of these items will help since you can refer
to the pictures when the equipment or materials are not at hand.
Passagemaking-Under-Power Mailing List