We always hear that “Destry Rides Again” Well so does ‘Mate Murphy’. You know our buddy who shows up when not needed or not necessary and plays his game of ‘Havoc”. Just enough to make a Twenty minute job last two hours or rain just after the last brush stroke of paint. Yep! He is that guy. I can tell you that I am not an expert yet, but close to it on the “Vac-uflush” head system, the changing of a hot water tanks and various and sundry pumps aboard my 57’. What really gets me is what I consider the simple jobs that I choose to take on. You know, the ones that look like a cake walk from the Git-Go? The other day I had a “GFI” plug in the galley go bad — no big thing — turn off electric, take of the cover plate, pull the plug from the wall box, loosen up a few wires, put wires on new plug, put plug back in the wall box, put on cover plate and turn electric back on.

Time used, 20 minutes. Makes sense right?! Two hours have gone by and the electric is still not back on. Why, you may ask, did you encounter your difficulty. . .it would seem that just in that critical moment, between the dark side of the moon, and the impending light that would surely greet the brand new day when the new receptacle had been successfully installed, Murphy would make his inevitable appearance. So John, you may ask, what seemed to be the problem? Well folks, it goes something like this: the new GFI replacement receptacle that I have had in my spare parts box for so very long, thats right, the one that has brought me months of joy, and a certain sense of security, just knowing that we “had that base covered” in the event of an “I need one,” which I DO, does not have screws that will extract all the way out, and go back in. To add an additional element of frustration to my already wounded handyman ego, the old wires have “closed terminal crimped ends” (which they should have with boat wiring). What now, you guessed it — change the terminal ends to work with the new receptacle. . So let me ask you, can you ever remember a minor task that didn’t involve at least one trip to the Depot, or your favorite hardware store? I didn’t think so. It was after all a good day for a road-trip, and I do so enjoy a good hardware store. Usually much, much, more, . . . When I am not going there to look for something inparticular to finish a job that should not have used up the better part of the day! Wires newly crimped, screwed, glued and otherwise fastened, cover plate installed and, with great anticipation, we flip the breaker back on. Does it work? You bet! Then comes the fun part of the ole’ “GFI” receptacle. . .trying the “Test” button, over , , ,and over. . . and over again, to get our “Joys Worth,”so to speak, for another run in with my most attentive assistant, “Murph,”as I have fondly dubbed him. I do have a few choice words for the “Murph Meister” though —”MISS THE BOAT”! But I do know better, he will show up at least three times this weekend, or any for that matter, when I am trying to get through the “List,” so I can go boating like the rest of you, who have never made murphys acquaintance!

One thing for sure though ladies and gentleman, any good surveyor will point out the sound reasoning behind “GFI” breaker type receptacles in certain areas and applications on board. Primarily they are most often installed (should be) around the Galley, Head, Cockpit, and/or any area where the receptacle might come in contact with water. There purpose is to act as a “ground fault breaker” in situations where you might be likely to become the “conductor” or a lightening rod!!! It is also the first place to troubleshoot an electrical outage aboard. They are often the cause of a localized interruption in just one part of the vessel and can go undetected for hours while you scratch your head. Beyond that, have a look and see if yours are indeed, “GFI” breaker type receptacles as these are the ABYC standard and may not be present on older boats. A worthwhile upgrade!