[ocuyler]

I call it the "stupid factor". I always have the desire to do the project and love to tear into it. At some point, it becomes apparent that it's more difficult than originally considered. So the bogging down sets in for days, weeks or months. Then the motivation to finish comes back, it is usually under duress of finishing sooner, rather than later.

That's when the "errors" begin. I often get in a hurry and get going a little too fast. Here are my top ten "oops" items to avoid when working on your SeaCraft:

1. Consider what's behind or under the thing you're drilling a hole in...

2. Stripping screws is really stupid...

3. Dry fit things BEFORE opening the tube of 5200...

4. Golf spikes and gelcote don't mix... (don't ask)

5. Not wearing gloves when working with epoxy or 5200 and touching your eyes is a bad deal...

6. Not wearing gloves when working with epoxy or 5200 and taking a leak is an even worse deal...

7. Measure 4 times - cut once...

8. That smoke you see is your $250 VHF (w/ DSC) you installed without an inline fuse, not your helper smoking a bowl under the console...

9. If you paint or re-gel your boat - you will inevitably "touch" the dock in a way you never thought possible...

And although there are scores more - my #10 "oops" is:

10. Budget your project and add 25% more money, 50% more time and 100% more beer...