On Thu, 17 Mar 2005 10:32:55 -0500, "Dr. Dr. John Smith"
wrote:

How many people have a formal annual boat inspection and what do you include
in your inspection?

The problem below shows what can happen when you ignore basic maintainance.



"Steering Cables"
A policeman on routine patrol in the Texas Gulf was tossed out of his boat
when the steering cable broke suddenly and the boat spun out of control. He
was wearing a PFD, fortunately, but the boat circled back and the prop put a
terrible gash in his leg. He was picked up a few minutes later by another
police officer and eventually recovered. The example is telling because the
police officer had no idea the seven-year-old cable was deteriorated or even
that it could deteriorate.

That why all my marinas check steering cables, on every boat, no
exceptions.