Knowing your boats systems

[tracie]

This is why I've crossed to the Bahamas at least 40 times in the past 50 years in my boat without a " buddy boat " - I know my boat , its condition, it's systems and if need be, I can fix them - I don't know " crap " about my buddy's boat and in most cases, nether does he !

 

[AusCan]

I have always been the type who needs to pull things apart to see how they work. When I first got by boat I squeezed my body into every tight little crawl space I could to follow the cooling system, the wiring, steering controls, fuel lines, fresh water system, all thru hulls, drains, etc until I had a basic understanding my boat.
There is no way I could take her out to sea, and not know what is under me.

I try to do all maintenance myself - sometimes to my detriment the first time. Once I completely understand how it works, then I am more likely to hire a mechanic to do it for me.

Still - I have heard of people who have crossed the Pacific without knowing how to tighten their rudder shaft packing (and lived).