Underway - Pacific Crossing Notes: A Sailor's Guide to the Coconut Milk Run - page 147

Diesel Mechanic
Like Alex, a number of working cruisers maintain some ties to their former employers,
such as Robert DeLong of Cricket , a 1967 Alberg 37. Periodically throughout his trip from
British Columbia to Panama, the mechanic would fly home for a few months of work, then
pick up where he left off. Once he set out across the Pacific, though, he was able to work
exclusively from his boat. Once word spread through the cruising fleet that there was a
qualified marine diesel mechanic in their midst, he had plenty of offers of work. Enough so
that if he wanted to, Robert could cover all of his cruising expenses (approximately $500 a
month). But like other working cruisers, Robert limits his working hours to better enjoy the
locations he visits. For him, the income allows luxuries such as restaurant meals and moor-
ings that his modest budget wouldn't normally permit.
Surprisingly, his line of work is light on equipment. “My toolbox weighs about 600
pounds! I can't bring it on board,” he explains. Since different engines require different
tools, he relies heavily on the boat owner's tools along with his own basic kit. On the other
hand, the work calls for a highly specialized skill set. Robert is an experienced marine dies-
el mechanic, not “just” a general repair man. “Time and time again, I'm repairing things
that are done by 'professionals.' Boat engines are amazingly complicated systems and very
unforgiving,” Robert warns. His qualifications are one reason Robert is in such high de-
mand. Another is his generous approach. “For every hour I can charge, I spend two to three
hours giving free advice,” he admits. But, as he says, “It's my community and I'm helping
them out.”
Work often impacts Robert's cruising schedule. “It affects my freedom because you make
commitments. There's been a couple of times when I've stayed behind because I had an-
other two to three days of work to finish. You're suddenly responsible for two boats mak-
ing their weather window.” On the other hand, because he often stays longer in one place,
Robert finds that he gets to know the local scene better than many cruisers who breeze
through more quickly.
Because Robert is a singlehander, work provides a social avenue. He enjoys meeting other
sailors and encouraging them to do their own repairs. In doing so, he says, “I'm helping
somebody become more proficient at living their dream.” The satisfaction this brings has
become an important aspect of Robert's cruising experience. Like Helena, the SCUBA in-
structor, Robert is careful not to tread on the toes of local business people. Much of the
work he does is in out of the way places. Just try calling a mechanic in Fatu Hiva or Min-