DIY or Boatyard ?

[Celestialsailor]

Being a Machinist/Welder/Engineer, there is not too much I cannot build or imagineer (self made word). I rebuilt most of my diesel myself except for the Machining required by a diesel shop. It was out of necessity that I did all this.
I purchased this last boat in a yard and was stuck using them for the bottom job as they no longer allow people to sand or paint bottoms. I was quoted $1000 for a sanding rough areas and a single coat of bottom paint of my choice. What I got was...no sanding at all and a mixture of various colors of bottom paint they had lying around. The color was a purple/grey. I seriously doubt they used the brand I specified. Then they wanted $350 more! I had to remind them of their quote. I,m just glad to be back in the water and out of there. I plan to strip and barrier the bottom in less than 2 years anyways.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Bash

Goodness, isn't there a way to be a do-it-yourself boater without engaging in self-righteousnes? What about the highly competent professional who works hard five days a week and then wants to spend the weekend sailing rather than sanding? Is there a place for these people in the forum?

"

Perhaps self-rightous is a stronger word than needed. "Is there a place for these people in this forum"? Yes...in the forum. On a boat?...questionable.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by cat man do

On my last boat I did my own gas and had it signed off by a gas fitter.
It's hardly rocket science , yellow teflon tape and check joints for leaks.

Fine if you know a gasfitter willing to sign off on someone else's work. I did the "roughing in" ie. installed the copper chemlag piping, (required in Qld) but the gasfitter was only willing to certify the boat if he did all the connecting work.