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Old 20-06-2009, 03:27   #1
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Top Ten Refit Lessons

1. Get a good radio with good music, find a dog that likes power tool sounds, resign from volunteer organizations, and say bye to the family for a few months.
2. Budget over-run will occur.
3. Get the more expensive version of the right tool, or expect to buy two when the first one fails.
4. Do not fail to chase something that does not look quite right, like an old water trail.
5. Measure twice and then cut; read twice and then do, and then expect to redo it.
6. Don't misplace that little black note full of critical notes about parts to pick up at home or the store, or take home to work on in the shop.
7. The parts box rarely contains the right bolt, nut, or washer.
8. Plumbing parts are found in 4 different stores.
9. After splashdown, expect to haul out again.
10. The satisfaction is enormous (if nothing goes wrong; and it will; keep the glass half full).
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Old 20-06-2009, 04:02   #2
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nice experience from your own project?
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Old 20-06-2009, 07:00   #3
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"I cut it three times and it's still too short!"
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Old 20-06-2009, 07:44   #4
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Good list. Unfortunately, I know this from experience!
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Old 20-06-2009, 07:50   #5
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Been there...done that. I could add a lot more rules than that.

Like, always buy 15% more wire than what you think you need.

Always buy at least one more fastener than what you think you need.

If you are spending more than 20% of your time looking for something, its time to stop what you are doing and do a thorough cleanup.

The longer you are in the yard, the greater the estimated cost multiplier becomes. One day = 1.1, One week = 1.2, etc.

The same multiplier applies to the percent that the yard gets the bill wrong.

Murphy lives in a boat yard.
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Old 20-06-2009, 07:58   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David M View Post
If you are spending more than 20% of your time looking for something, its time to stop what you are doing and do a thorough cleanup.
Ouch!!

If only someone had drilled that rule into my thick skull about 30 years ago....

Procrastination and clutter.... two flaws I might take to my grave.
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Old 20-06-2009, 15:20   #7
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Originally Posted by Waterborn View Post
"I cut it three times and it's still too short!"
Ouch that one hurts

1) don't keep starting new jobs, when it makes more sense to finish off others first
2) try and finish a job now and again - even if easy and not really a priority adds a feeling (illusion?) of progress and accomplishment
3) Tidy up now and again (esp. when you find that every job requires you to move half the boat contents around)
4) when you make a "to do" list including tools and materials needed to buy / bring from home don't leave it onboard - if making the list at home, don't leave it their before going to the store enroute to the boat ...........
5) put some things on your to do list that are easy to cross off.
6) make sure you can always power the Kettle
7) Always keep somewhere available to have a nap (my great weakness )
8) Concentrate on both the Job in hand and the overall end result - do not think about all the stuff in between. It can be depressing.
9) If you get offered some free plastic surgery go for a couple of fingers 10 inches long. each with 5 double jointed knuckles (may also be useful elsewhere...........)
10) don't spend way too much time on the internet - including CF.com
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Old 20-06-2009, 16:23   #8
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Safety, Money and Systems

Safety:-
1) Keep some Betadine solution, a few cotton buds and some band aids in a clean, easily accessible place. Clean all wounds before the blood stops flowing and apply band aids only as necessary. Seek medical attention for anything more than a scratch.
2) Use eye protection. Breathing protection is also important as is hearing protection.
3) Hole saws are probably the most dangerous tool, but others come close.
4) Immediately dispose of any tool (esp. power) or item of equipment that has a safety fault.
5) You cannot totally eliminate dangerous fumes with a mask filter. Use safe paint and chemicals and good ventilation. Consider a forced air breathing system.
6) Don't work when you are tired.
7) Keep the floor as clean as possible.
8) Falling off a boat on the hard will probably end your cruising (and possibly other) plans. Falling in the water drunk, or hitting your head could have the same result.

Money
Carefully cost your project before you start.
1) Work out the number of hours needed and triple the number. Multiply this by what you realistically think your labour is worth. Find out if this much spare time is available.
2) Add together the cost for all necessary parts, materials, equipment and rent. Double this amount.
3) Add 1) and 2) to the amount the boat would quickly sell for or the cost of what you are planning on buying.
4) Look to see if there is a boat in good or better condition available that does not need refitting for 2/3 or less than 3).

System
Always put everything away in the same place. If you notice anything in the wrong place put it in the right place immediately.
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Old 20-06-2009, 19:43   #9
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Never never look under or behind any thing unless you want to open a bigger 'can of worms'...
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Old 20-06-2009, 20:22   #10
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YOU choose where they place you boat.

Away from the power washing area.

Away from main dirt roads.

Not near a tree if you are painting. The fall-out and dappled shadows are killers.
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Old 20-06-2009, 21:31   #11
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put the hatch cover back on lest you brake 3 ribs collapse a lung and delay your trip
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Old 20-06-2009, 23:16   #12
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Here are my five refit lessons.
1.) It will always cost a lot more to fix than you think.
2.) It will always take a lot longer to fix than you think.
3.) If you only have one of something; you will always drop it over the side or in the bilge.
4.) If you drop it on the deck and there is any conceivable way for it to go over the side, it will.
5.) Murphy was an optimist.
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Old 24-06-2009, 17:55   #13
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All the above are excellent things to bear in mind. Heres my most important one.

Keep your sense of humor! Remember, the previous owner or designer or builder may not have been quite the genius you are, so be prepared to laugh at some of the things you discover during the refit.

With a 50 year old steel and wood boat currently in the refit stage, I've seen some things that make you go "Duh?", and things that make you go "@($%&#!!!!"

Having the sense of humor makes it all that easier.

--
Sabre

PS a kettle for tea and a bottle of spiced rum also helps
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Old 24-06-2009, 18:47   #14
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Most projects need a second go because your discover how to do it right the first time your attempt it.

When you start on one project you will always be sidetracked on another and another and it may take a lot of time to get to the one you started on.

Your muscles will always ache from the weird positions you have to work in.

Your eyeglasses which you use for reading and close up work don't work for half the projects because the correction is not on the top of the lens. Try wearing them upside down or get a pair with full lens correction for close work and you'll be able to see the head of the screws again.

Service loops come in handy. Use them for wiring and hoses.

The more fasteners you have in your parts inventory the harder it is to find the size you need. When you do find it, you will always be short one.
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Old 24-06-2009, 19:39   #15
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"The 51% rule"

Until you reach 51% completion of the refit, expect periods of anger, depression, hopelessness, intense fatigue (mental and physical), disappointment, and the gnawing fear that it will never get done.

At 51% completion a joy will come over you....that light at the end of the tunnel IS NOT A TRAIN!!!!

My favorite tool is a BIG write on wipe-off calendar with 4 months on it.....
It really helps the scheduling....and keep the PROPER MARKER tied to it with a long string.

Also buy your fasteners, connectors, wire, hose in bulk.....The inital outlay will be high....but thos $3.49 packs of three connectors, the $1.50 a foot hose/wire will add up and kill your budget
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