(All lessons are free today!)
#1 Use the right tool for the job.
#2: Wear the right pants for the job.
#3: Acetone is good at removing the outer layer of plastic and skin.
#5: Wear gloves. Nuff said.
#6: And masks!
#7: Selfies at the shipyard are not cool.
#8: Clean the boat out before hauling out (but leave Band-Aids).
#9: Cover the entire boat in butcher paper the minute you get to the yard. (And don’t thumbs up a dirty boat. It’s not a sign of hard work, it’s a sign of not protecting your decks. We are still cleaning up this mess. Bad Annie. Bad!)
#10: Cover anything that might get stained or marred with towels or blue tape (preferably before you stain or mar it)!
#11: Label every single screw (nut, bolt, washer, etc.) you take out.
#12: Label every boat part you take off and where it goes (starboard aft, port fore, 1, 2, 3, etc.). Generally no part on the boat fits into a different spot. It must go back from whence it came!
#13: Measure twice, cut once. (Often once is the only opportunity you’ll get.)
#14: Anytime you think of something that needs to be done or procured write it down. Get it on the list before you forget.
#15: (Even when covered in bottom-job paint) shipyard selfies … still not cool.
#16: When disconnecting electronics, make a detailed chart.
#17: When reconnecting electronics, do not consume alcohol. (We found two stray chard caps in the bilge post-shipyard. Bad Annie!)
#18: Anti-fog. Nuff said.
#19: Try to find beauty in every day.
#20: Try to find a little humor along the way. (Honest to God strip club we passed often on the way to the yard.)
“Don’t worry, your mom quit,” the sign says. “Come on in!”
#21: If at all possible, leave your mark where it won’t be visible.
#22: Working in places that aren’t really visible is no excuse to do sloppy work (Brandon rule).
#23: No matter how big the job may seem, it is always (always!) worth it.
#24: No matter how big the job may seem, it is never (ever!) over. (Post-yard mast climb to get the stack pack squared away!)
#25: Even mid-mast-climb, selfies … still not cool Annie. Not. Cool.
A big thanks to all my Patrons who help make these fun lessons for newbie cruisers possible! If you want to go cruising, get inspired. Get on board.
