Two months in a Boatyard!
The boatyard is not where you want to be if you are a person who lives full time on their boat, sail, yacht, trawler. However, from time to time you will find yourself here. For Simplicity, Hugh, and I, we just completed a two month visit to the boat yard. Unfortunately, since November 8, 2018 this is our 2nd extended visit to a boatyard. We know every inch of Simplicity and each piece of work, who did it, how it was done, and have an intimate relationship with our home. We know that the soul of this sailboat is good. We also know that we have done extensive work to renovate this Oceanis 381 to have great quality electronics, craftmanship – thank you Tom Noeker, Dave Stanger, Drew Orr, Butch and Miguel. We have worked hard to have her in good, solid working order.
The Boatyard late May to late July is hot, dirty, oppressive, and slow. The marine industry is like no other. Frankly, that is not a compliment. Missed appointments, late, not having the required tools, poor customer service, rude, phone calls not returned, emails and texts messages not responded to, poor workmanship, sloppy, jobs not being done correctly, not closing valves, or tightening clamps, high rates, extortionists, poor business practices. Are there good people? Yes, absolutely. However, having to navigate this other stuff, when you are displaced, is like driving bumper cars. I have met boat owners who will hire a boatyard and not check the work and assume it is right. With what I know after living on Simplicity with all the work we have done, I could never do that. I would recommend to you to be there, watch, listen and learn.
We have learned to do so much ourselves. I can only say that for those of you who have yet to experience this, unfortunately it is part of owning a boat. Cherish the craftsman that you come across and learn from each and everyone of them. Check the work, of the mechanic, check the prices being quoted and most importantly, talk to other boaters! You will get the lowdown quick. If you are dealing with an insurance surveyor due to an accident, they have their favorite vendors and you have every right to ask for more than one quote. Go with your gut instinct.
Finally, I want to give a huge Thank you to GEICO Marine Insurance for working closely with us and having fantastic Customer Service.