Yes folks, it's that time of year again, lift-in day arrives
This means that when the boat is lowered into the water, the questions arise...did I fit that replacement through-hull fitting properly?, will the engine start?, where is that water coming from?, why didn't I sort out these tasks months ago?
As the boat settles in the water, the slings are removed, the key is turned and the engine starts first time, you breath a satisfied sigh of relief. You knew, really, it was all going to be OK. The boat is finally back where it belongs, it now moves with a rhythm that you remember, that tells you everything is fine. Motoring out to the mooring, you listen carefully to the engine note, sounds just right.
Time to leave her for her first night alone on the water in months. Yes, you did check that there was no water slowly trickling into the bilges, stern gland looked fine, tiny drop of water every now and again, but that's OK, isn't it? Yeah, she'll be fine...
Later, lying in bed, listening to the wind rising, wondering, wondering...
….But what if……….