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Having always worked in the Auckland based marine industry, I wish to refute Foggs claims but find that I can not. In fact personal experience backs them up, and further to that having worked for some of these larger operators I am shocked how little time or effort was put into technical or on the job training, these are the same ones (people) working on the superyachts, luckily many of the superyacht 'engineers' these days only seem to know how to pick up a phone. Back when I started all marine companies-be they chandlers sailmakers riggers engineers had a system of putting the newbies under

pawls are pesky little spring loaded components that love to make a leap for freedom into the tide when you lift the drum off the shaft🤣

Our eldest is nearing the end of his apprenticeship (Electrical) and this is how he's spent most of his time and it shows - I was quietly impressed when he habitually pulled out a small bubble stick to verify a light switch he had just reinstalled was plumb after checking something minor at home. I think the issue might be challenged by the attitude and work ethic he's described of some of his peers. That and the fact that the older hand has limited means to correct said attitude and behaviour. I couldn't handle 8 hours with a feckless handbrake 5 days a week...

Reminds me of a very expensive generator oil change back in 1999 we were billed for on a superyacht . Ironically right next door to pier 21 , it was the generators first service so the well known Company that supplied the kit sent the apprentice down to do it . invoice came in at $1200 bucks for oil and filter +plus a run up to check all was good . Skipper gave them an earful and I guess it worked the invoiced was reduced substantially and the company is still going and still one of the bigger crowds in the field .

unfortunately it is not just the little guys nor is it just the marine industry. It is really a case of finding some good guys and sticking with them. That being said one employee from a local boatbuilder is banned from ever setting foot on my boat again, still have the glue stains and other damage he left behind A mate had a new engine fitted to his launch, brand "C" (so you get 2 guesses), there were some minor problems that required attention, and altho he could have repaired them himself, he insisted the supplier attend to them, the number of visits it took to resolve was ridiculous.

Yes. Up to a point. Many of the gripes I’ve had with shabby service would not actually cost anything to fix. These are real examples that would not cost a small business anything extra to improve but make the difference between me being happy or unhappy with the service: 1. Contractors not turning up on time with no courtesy call to explain why they’ve wasted 2hrs of my time to travel to/from my boat. But they have no problem charging me for their travel time FFS. 2. Contractors going to my boat in my absence (usually after they started a job when I was there but have to come back to

The marine services industry is another NZ paradox to me. Over 20yrs of small boat (35-50ft) ownership in NZ I've experienced catastrophically bad service experience so many times that the number of providers I trust to work on my boat can be counted easily on one hand. Even if you've had a few fingers amputated. And I'm not alone judging from trusted friends' own experiences plus the marina banter about lawsuits from disgruntled owners who have run out of patience. But at the other end of town the NZ superyacht industry allegedly enjoys a worldwide reputation for great service. I use the

Was working in Westhaven when Pier 21 building was first built - for marine related activities - yeah right. Could not get tenants that fitted profile (surprise surprise) and was suddenly full of advertising companies, a de facto pub on ground floor and various bit players a few of which were possibly marine related. Like the new bar/nightclub moving into the new building ex J marina carparking - marine related? Insidious but relentless, the facility that was originally funded by boat owners buying into the concept of a boat harbour for boaties through the old Harbour Board has be

Someone told me the dyed mullet blew forward and the person formally known as KM thinking he was blind has reinvented himself , a bit like Prince did a few times. Only time will tell..