Good point, Connie.....to an extent. I think even you purchase items such as fittings and such from professionals because you either lack the time, skills, inclination or any combination thereof to do it yourself. While it might be fun to learn how to mine aluminum ore, smelt it, make an extrusion device, and make my own mast, it really is not THAT high on my priority list, thank you. If that is what floats your boat, so to speak..... I would rather have pros take care of those details for me and I'll settle on maybe installing a few (purchased) fittings and not delude myself that I'm so superhuman that I can do it all. However, some things are fun to mess around with and although it wasn't worth it to learn gelcoat matching at Busca's expense, I will be doing all the repairs and installation on the Tartan. I just have to keep reminding myself that the results will inevitably be of less-than-professional outcome. Tod (who has NEVER done his own taxes and NEVER will and knows he would gain no satisfaction whatsoever in gaining THAT skill) (who also knows that he could practice the piano 12 hours a day for the next 20 years and STILL never be mistaken for Van Cliburn. So if he wants to hear a piano that sounds like it's being played by someone really good, he buys a cd or attends a concert instead of wasting time banging piano keys himself) -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of chbenneck@juno.com Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2005 1:53 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats:Thanks everybody Hi Bob, You're absolutely correct on that one. The fun is that you keep learning something new with each project you undertake. First you get the idea................. Then you do research on how best to solve your problem, and after a lot of head scratching - the more the better - and navel contemplating, - you are ready to, Summon up your courage and drill that hole; or fix that craze crack; or add a cleat; or paint the hull. Just remember that once you learn carpentry; fiberglass work; varnishing; painting; sail repair; doing rigging work; outboard maintenance; each successive job become easier to undertake because you have gained experience and self confidence. To truly be a sailor means being totally independent. You can rely on your knowledge and capabilities to be master of your fate once you are out on the water. It's immensely satisfying to be the total master of your floating universe. Connie _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats