Good Enough To Fish
Down at the boatyard, out back, aboard whatever random project boat, there always seems to exist that lure, that temptation, that irrational motivation to pursue perfection. If you really have the skills, the patience, and the deep pockets to chase after that golden ring on your own, go for it. Just be aware that perfection is a moving target, and that no boat is ever really done, finished, perfected, and complete.
We’ve fought the lure of perfection on every project of our own, and watched many others in the boatyard battle with various degrees of success and failure. To help both ourselves and others out of this cycle, we keep the following question at the forefront of our minds:
“What is really more important at the end of the day; having the ‘perfect’ boat, or just getting out on the water?”
Many excellent and accomplished yachtsmen have logged thousands of days and miles at sea aboard boats that were functional, robust, well-kept, and utterly imperfect. How else to describe these craft? The commercial fishermen would call it, “Good enough to fish.” Going one step further, it might be asked, “How lousy does a fishing boat have to be before it can’t catch any fish at all?”. We’ve found again and again that barely-functional is wildly better than not functional at all.
While you’re re-sanding to re-varnish that section of cap-rail you repaired two summers ago on your project boat that has yet to see the water, your motivation and impetus to continue is likely that vision of the excellent times to come once you finally have her afloat in all her perfect glory. That’s all very fine, and we completely understand. We also know that you’ll probably never again notice those sags in the paint or “imperfect” joinery fits once you’re out on the waves, wrapped up in the distraction of all the movement and power of the elements.
Whether you’re just starting out, or feeling perpetually dug-in, here’s a gentle reminder for you: keep your priorities on the water, not in the boat. It’s not about lowering your standards, it’s about raising your expectations for the great times ahead.
