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Nick Burnham: What’s interesting is that it always seems to be the other year – the expensive one
And suddenly, it’s that time again! Time to lift Smuggler’s Blues 2ashore for the winter works, and a few upgrades. Every year the engine is serviced and every other year the outdrive gets a full service (rather than just an oil change) too. What’s interesting is that it always seems to be the other year – the expensive one. I’m sure it’s not, it’s like it always seems to be raining on your birthday. Statistically it can’t be true, but it always feels that way. And this year, of course, it’s that time, the expensive one. Two grand please! Except it’s not two grand, because when they drained the outdrive oil, they discovered that it was emulsified, which suggests that a seal has been damaged. Fishing line around the prop has been held as the most likely reason, although there was no trace of it. That’s another £500. And, of course, the berthing fees are due at exactly the same time. There goes another five grand, ouch! I feel I get my money’s worth out of the berth, however. It’s more than double what I used to pay for my council slot in Torquay, but it’s many times the quality of both marina and facilities, from the bathrooms to the undercover parking, plus the eight weeks ashore are included.
Away from the boring financial necessities, there are some frivolous upgrades happening while the boat is ashore that I’m rather excited about. You might recall that when I first bought the boat, I upgraded the stereo to a JL Audio head unit and speakers. Well, this year we’re going all in. There’s a new Garmin MFD going in, and linked to that will be
