Each year, and periodically through the year, every boat requires some specified maintenance - just as an automobile does.  Cruisers - unlike weekend sailors - frequently perform much of their own preventative maintenance so they can be prepared if a component breaks far from home.

After only 4,000 engine hours, both engines failed with broken pistons and other internal damage.  Click on the image at the left and take a look at the lump on the bottom of the page.  When you look at it, remember this engine was still running with this part inside!  See Yanmar Engines for more details.

We were accidentally hit and damaged,  Ouch!, and had a ten week enforced vacation from sailing while the Shearwater II was out of the water for repairs.  During this time, we changed the oil and replaced the zinc components that protect our equipment from corrosion (much as zinc protects galvanized steel).  The unexpected repairs make an interesting story.