Aug 11, 2010 continued

After much thought, I have decided on a new strategy. Close projects and prepare boat for guests by the 20th of August. The reason for changing my strategy is as follows:

• Doing the through holes, and replacing the rudder shaft bolt may prove far more time consuming then I originally thought. Bolts are already free spinning. One of the factors it is free spinning may be due to corrosion along with the amount of torque needed to spin the nut free.
• Every project that has been tackled has consumed more man hours then originally thought. One of the reasons for this is as simple as a rusted nut and bolt, versus a lubricated nut and bolt. The lubricated nut can take as little as 17 seconds to remove. The rusted bolt could require cutting. Depending on the thickness and location of said nut and bolt, this can literally take hours (trust me, I have seen it happen too many times).
• Once projects are begun, they must be committed to. There is no knowing how much damage and repair must be done to resolve the problem until the project is under way. Call it exploratory surgery. I can't give any answers until I see what I'm dealing with.
  
• Availability of material will not be known until the project is also under way. This has proven to be a consideration. Everything we need is available, for a price. The secret is to find a balance between what you need and what you want and how much your willing to pay for it. Bottom line: Saving money takes time.
• If you plan to be here on the 30 of August and use the boat, it must be ready. 10 days minimal would be prudent to leave as a trial period of all systems. This would allow for the testing of air conditioners, water maker, navigation system, steering, propulsion, jet ski, tender, and lets not forget weather.

Things can always go wrong. Preparation is great medicine.

I will have your boat as safe and as ready as I can make it By August 30th.