Systems/Structural Experience?

[rjg23]

I hope that this is the right place for this post.

I have a owned a 26' Paceship for a couple of years now and have been tooling around Casco Bay, ME. During this time I've done a lot of reading (have numerous subscriptions and this website) and have done a lot of staring at my the parts of my boat that I've been reading about.

I'm comfortable with the sailing aspects but am terrified about touching any of the systems/structural on the boat (diesel engine, marine electrical, repacking, etc.). Looking for general advice/specific places (in New England/Maine) to get experience with this stuff. Or do you "just do it" and hope that it all goes well.

Thanks.

[nolatom]

RJG,

you may want to post this in the "gear and maintenance" thread rather than the "learning to sail" section. Lots of good sailors (I'm thinking racers here, and some instructors) couldn't identify a stuffing box or a diesel compression relief lever if you put it on their dining room table.

Try it there. You'll gain courage, and good luck

[rjg23]

I have a owned a 26' Paceship for a couple of years now and have been tooling around Casco Bay, ME. During this time I've done a lot of reading (having numerous subscriptions and monitoring this website) and have done a lot of staring at the parts of my boat that I've been reading about.

I'm comfortable with the sailing aspects but am terrified about touching any of the systems/structural on the boat (diesel engine, marine electrical, repacking, etc.). Looking for general advice/specific places (in New England/Maine) to get experience with this stuff. Or do you "just do it" and hope that it all goes well.

Thanks.

[sailingdog]

Just remember, most of the repairs on any boat are 5% esoteric knowledge and 95% common sense. There are a lot of ways to get the 5% esoteric knowledge, but most people are lacking the 95% common sense, which, unfortunately, isn't all that common.

The electrical systems are usually pretty straight forward. I'd highly recommend getting Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual, which is effectively six books in one. It's a good starting off point. If you have any friends that are experienced in automotive electrical and maintenance, recruit them, since much is similar between the two systems.

[chucklesR]

rjg,
Since the time to learn how to repair a flat tire is before you have a flat tire may I suggest you loaf around your marina and offer to fetch tools for folks working on their boat in exchange for educational opportunities.
Such helpfulness usually leads to 'well, let me have a look at your...' moments and is the best way to gain hands on knowledge without having hands on.

[padean]

I was in this position not too long ago, and finally just started working on parts of the boat I thought I couldn't damage beyond repair. It is amazing how easy much of the maintenance and repair work is on a small boat once you just try. I second SailingDog's suggestion for Don Casey's book, and there are a number of others out there that may help. Mainly you just need guidance on what steps to take, and then start out. What i have found is that what seems intimidating because I have no experience, often turns out to be relatively easy as long as you take it in small steps. Don't attempt to add or change thru-hulls as your first epoxy work, but smaller projects will give you confidence for the larger ones. Also, this site (and others) is great for quick advice if you get stuck in the middle of a project. Unlike magazines and books, there are a lot of sailors with years of practical experience that can give useful advice not found in books for that unique and puzzling situation you will find yourself stuck in from time to time. Good luck.

[camaraderie]

Related thread merged.