anchor light? check! steaming light? check!

... constant, vague sense of confusion? Check!

I stand amazed. My brother-in-law Terry is super-skilled at wiring projects.... and is also a master of 'how to do things efficiently and with high quality.' Terry offered to install the electrical system in the new boat. We delayed launch day long enough to wire the masthead anchor light and the steaming light. (I remembered to attach the new Windex before we raised the mast too -- woohoo!)

So here's the brainteaser: After drilling holes at the masthead, mid-mast, and at the base of the mast, we organized our supplies:

• 30' wire for anchor light
• 20' wire for steaming light
• 25' conduit to surround and protect the wires within the mast
• 25' fish tape

It would have taken me - conservatively - about 30 minutes with pencil and paper to figure out the sequence of events needed to fish the conduit up through the hole in the base of the mast (or down the open mast "cap")... then fish the two wires (one at masthead and one through a hole at mid-mast (and in the conduit at the same place)... and then end up with everything in the right position to connect the lights to the wires. Terry, on the other hand, paused for perhaps 10 seconds (at most) and then jumped right in with the hole-drilling and "fishing!!"

If it was up to me, I would probably still be up at the boat lot with fish-tape in one hand and conduit in the other and a completely puzzled look on my face. I guess we all have our own individual gifts. Basic problem-solving apparently is not one of my gifts, but I guess you probably already knew that.

Also, my bro-in-law ROCKS! Next up on the electrical to-do list: stereo and speakers!

yes, it has come to this

Meanwhile, back at the NTB, I've decided to continue my game of 'Where's Waldo ?' with this blasted book. I can't believe I missed this one! On the cover of the book is a full-color shot of a man standing on his boat wearing what appear to be "Mom Jeans."

Krikey! Sure wish my car was ready!
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perhaps I spoke too soon

_Modern_Boat_Maintenance_ book report update!

I'd never want to exaggerate, so I must set the record straight: on closer inspection, I found this androgynous creature on page 167. There are also a few disembodied hands sprinkled here and there throughout the text.
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book report: _Modern_Boat_Maintenance_

Here I am at the NTB tire store sitting in the 'customer lounge' listening to the strains of a rapping contest on tv and waiting for my tire to be repaired. (What a glamorous life I lead.). At least I had the presence of mind to grab a library book from the car before I turned over my keys. I've been voraciously reading every boat renovation book I can get my hands on lately.

This book is not really scratching my boat-reno itch, unfortunately. I'm sure that its contents *were* "modern" boat maintenance practices -- back in the mid-90s when it was published! This book is *ancient*! For pity's sake, iPods had not even been invented then!

If that wasn't enough to fully discredit this book, let the record also reflect that the illustrations are all lame black and white line drawings... and there isn't a single boy pictured anywhere (not even a stick figure.) Also, this book does not seem to have an author gutsy enough to put his name on it.

In summary, spend your (1994 inflation-adjusted) dollars on some other boat maintenance book.
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