Talk me off the ledge!

[Skywalker]

I'm working my way down what has been a looong list, nearly two years of effort, and I'm close. Rewire. Check. Recore. Check. Paint entire deck, non skid, smooth. Check. Re bed all hardware, fill, drill. Check. New chainplates, bulkheads. Check. And on and on.

Putting the carb on today after re installing the oil sump hand pump. Piece of cake until....SNAP! The flange on my old carb gives out.

Not repairable.

Just when I was ready to order the new salon sole, a Nuteak faux teak and holly, about $475.

Now, my early version A4 needs a new lung, which will cost me just north of $400 with all the adapters and shipping.

I'd rather have 10 hours of labor right now then spend more money.

Damn.

Needed to vent.

Thanks for listening. Move on people, nothing to see here...

[ILikeRust]

Ah, the never-ending joys of boat ownership.

[Ajax]

Brother, you have truly put some serious work into your beloved vessel.
I am genuinely sorry to hear about this latest setback.

Put the cosmetic stuff on the back burner, and give her the new lung. Go sailing, then do the cosmetic stuff.

Getting some actual use out of the boat will justify everything you've put into her, and make you feel better.

[Skywalker]

Ah, the joy!

I'm calling Ken in the morning. I'm launching the old girl next month, even if it kills me.

Hey, what's another $400 bucks on my credit card.

It's amazing what a couple of beers can do!

Since I'm not superstitious, I'll say this...

After all I've done, my big fear is my sweet old A4 giving it up soon. Not that it's the end of the world, because I will rebuild her if needed. I just want a season or two without a major job. I need to sail, get my kids out there, see my friends. These setbacks just let negative thoughts creep in.

And I've gotta say, my lovely wife just asked if I ordered the parts yet, because it's time move on and stop thinking about it. She doesn't sail, gets seasick easily, but she's awesome.

[ndutton]

Shortly after launching my previous boat I had her out under power. The engine started knocking like someone was hammering on the side of the block. Oil pressure was good, temp was good so I reduced RPM and nursed her back to the slip. My wife (at the time, but that's another story) was in total panic mode, the Perkins diesel engine needed deep repairs or replacement, what in the world were we going to do?

I told her, "We should always have such problems. The engine in our yacht is making noise. I'm sure there are many who dream of being in a position where their yacht needs a little attention."

I'm not belittling your problem but please appreciate that you're living the life many can only fantasize about. We are fortunate.

Carry on.

edit: it turned out our worst fears were not realized. The problem was injectors. It's funny but diesel engines know only two ways to react to problems: sour fuel, they smoke. Everything else, they knock.

[Skywalker]

Good point.

[sastanley]

Originally Posted by Ajax

Brother, you have truly put some serious work into your beloved vessel.
I am genuinely sorry to hear about this latest setback.

Put the cosmetic stuff on the back burner, and give her the new lung. Go sailing, then do the cosmetic stuff.

Getting some actual use out of the boat will justify everything you've put into her, and make you feel better.

Skywalker...Neil and Ajax speak the truth. I whine and complain about working until 4:00 PM so I can rush out and change into dirty clothes and work (play) on my yacht in the afternoons.

I also agree with Ajax on the cosmetic issues..he's been on my boat and knows what it looks like. Almost anyone on this forum probably also follows my trials and tribulations about he A4, so you know where I am at with that part of it.

I am also confident with the structural (& hopefully A4 related) work I've done, I could sail it almost anywhere tomorrow, but it still needs a lot of cosmetic work. I'll take the functional over the pretty right now.

As long as she is floating, I can always be anchored in the same harbor as the mega-yacht.

my $0.02

[romantic comedy]

Skywalker I have one of those kind of wives too.

Way back, we had a Columbia 22. We chartered an island packet 32 in the Virgins. She said we need a bigger boat. We got the Tartan 34 soon after.

Recently, when we were anchored out, as we were bumping into each other, she said "we need a bigger boat".

I said "no way". I will have this one till they pry it from my cold dead hands.

Go sailing now!! Forget the pretty stuff.

Ledge? what ledge? this is sailing!

[lat 64]

Originally Posted by sastanley

..
As long as she is floating, I can always be anchored in the same harbor as the mega-yacht....

I always feel sorry for the other guy in the mega-yacht. He has to look out over the harbor and see my crappy little boat. All I see when I look out is a nice harbor. And I never feel sorry for myself when hanging out in the docks.

R.

[Skywalker]

Thanks, guys. Great thoughts to wake up to.

It felt like I rounded third, heading for home, but I missed the bag!

Well, at least the inning isn't over yet.

I do have to be reminded on occasion that everything doesn't have to be completed NOW. I'm sure Ken will have the new carb at my door by Monday. I'll use my weekend to finish up some odds and ends. The A4 can wait a few more days to be fired up.

Minor setback.

We are lucky bastards, aren't we!

Thanks again.

[Mo]

Yes we are fortunate. I've encouraged at least 5 people to purchase an old boat, fix it up, and sail on....and they have done it. Where else can I leave the house, drive less than 3 miles and be at the "cottage".

Around here people generally don't care how a boat looks...we have a saying: "he's on the water". Doesn't matter how the boat looks.

We have one guy at the club that bought a boat last year and very inexperienced. He brought her into the marina and "parked" her on the stern of Rick's boat (our Vice Com). He had no idea of what his boat would do or how to stop it...and he panicked. Some went ballistic on him and myself and Rick took it all in stride. He looked after the repairs etc. The poor guy was ready to give up boating but this year we gave him a slip as he hasn't hesitated to contribute to the club and it's well being since his mishap.

He'll turn into a good sailor...we'll make him one...and that's what it's all about. He doesn't know much about his boat and I've been aboard her a few times to show him important things he should do...and he does it. A big part of it is the journey.

[Hymodyne]

Originally Posted by ndutton

Shortly after launching my previous boat I had her out under power. The engine started knocking like someone was hammering on the side of the block. Oil pressure was good, temp was good so I reduced RPM and nursed her back to the slip. My wife (at the time, but that's another story) was in total panic mode, the Perkins diesel engine needed deep repairs or replacement, what in the world were we going to do?

I told her, "We should always have such problems. The engine in our yacht is making noise. I'm sure there are many who dream of being in a position where their yacht needs a little attention."

I'm not belittling your problem but please appreciate that you're living the life many can only fantasize about. We are fortunate.

Carry on.

-First world problems.

[2dogsfishin]

Originally Posted by Skywalker

... And on and on.

Putting the carb on today after re installing the oil sump hand pump. Piece of cake until....SNAP! The flange on my old carb gives out.

Not repairable.

my early version A4 needs a new lung, which will cost me just north of $400 with all the adapters and shipping.

I'd rather have 10 hours of labor right now then spend more money.

Damn.

Needed to vent.

**You deserve a good vent. I have an early type carb that needs rebuilding, that you can have for free, just pay shipping from 32507.

Tom Vandiver 850-572-1225 8AM to 12Noon only

...

My comments embedded marked **

I can ship it today

[Skywalker]

Tom,

Thanks a million. I'll call you after 8.

[ndutton]

Originally Posted by 2dogsfishin

You deserve a good vent. I have an early type carb that needs rebuilding, that you can have for free, just pay shipping from 32507.

I can ship it today
Tom Vandiver

WOW, just WOW!! Re: this forum, where else??

[JOHN COOKSON]

Originally Posted by Skywalker

Just when I was ready to order the new salon sole, a Nuteak faux teak and holly, about $475.
Now, my early version A4 needs a new lung, which will cost me just north of $400 with all the adapters and shipping....

One of my favorite marine truisms:
"A boat is a hole in the water into which one pours money"
In my observation one gets used to it or sells the boat.
I still dig what you are saying about the unexpected though.

TRUE GRIT

[hcrisp]

Cool move Tom. You are a rare human being!
Howard

[Antibes]

It is always nicer when an item breaks on the hard than when you are in a hard place.

Cosmetic work is very easy to do in the water with some nice sun and a beverage.

[Skywalker]

Update

I called Tom. He has a shop full of A4 parts to unload. He is "retiring" from this game.

What a terrific human being. Kind and generous. Its a great reminder that there are good people in the world.

Called Ken. Rebuild kit on the way.

This community is a real gift. You guys are the best neighbors.

Thanks again, Tom.

Chris

[2dogsfishin]

Hi Chris,
I am happy to help. It is better to give than receive, plus I have many "paybacks" for all the folks who have helped me this past 3/4's of a century.

Some of the smaller parts may be missing, you can take them from your old carb, but the top, bottom, etc. looks good. I dropped it by UPS yesterday at 1030. You may donate the $16.69 shipping costs to a local veteran's organization.



I do have a few A4 parts, 5 rebuildable blocks, plus more. I want it all to go away. Hopefully someone will make me an offer for all of it, come and we will load their truck.

At present I have 11 marine diesel engines in my shop being rebuilt. Since one old man can only do so much, I have taken on a young partner. He is only 68.

Tom Vandiver, Bayou Chico,FL

[Skywalker]

Terrific idea. It will be my pleasure. I'll talk to my father about his VFW hall, and some friends around here.

I'll let you know.

Skywalker