Lesson Learned: Paying Upfront

August 2021, we received a recommendation on a gentleman that was known to perform brightwork and other topside tasks. We viewed some of his work and were excited to get in touch with some work we wanted done on the boat. We later contacted him and was given a quote to sand and repaint our topside decks with new non-skid paint. The quote for the topsides came to roughly $3500, with an additional $1000 if he were to include the cockpit. This person, we shall call him F__, assured us…

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Surprise Tow and Arrival in Oriental, NC

As some may remember, right before Hurricane Florence, Banjo experienced some engine problems.  We later realized she has water in her oil, which has various possible causes.  After Hurricane Florence, and subsequently Hurricane Michael which came right on Flo’s heels, we investigated some of the possible causes of our mystery.  Thanks to some friends, and a couple local contractors, we were able to rule out a couple of the possibilities.  Unfortunately, this left Banjo in a pickle.  Since the issue was not due to the possibilities checked, it left us…

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Under This Wedded Jewel

Under this wedded jewel

In the distance, the whooshing hum of evening traffic is almost deafening, as rubber tires spin across hardened pavement. Those modern, mechanical carriages are so close to us, and yet we are invisible to them, mostly. The occasional traveler may catch a glimpse of us here in this place. We see you as you whiz by. We hear you as you move deliberately towards whatever destination you have selected. I wonder where you are scurrying, to and fro. We sit idle, calm, and patient, in this pool of mirrors with…

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Marine Diesel Repair: Perkins 4.236 Starter Removal, Rebuild and Re-installation

Perkins 4.236 Starter Removal

We recently attempted to start the 85-hp Perkins 4.236 Marine Diesel Engine on Banjo as directed by our hired marine diesel mechanic, Chuck Courtney. (EDIT: 2019Jun25: I was directed to over-crank the engine but not let it start.  Unfortunately, we have since learned this is never a recommended practice, but i didnt know it at the time and followed his instruction.  I was instructed to over-crank anywhere between 7-10 times.  See THIS POST for more information on the full damages incurred and the out-of-pocket cost to fix.) As the engine…

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