I know spring is not right around the corner, but I have been back in California long enough to start missing being on Buzzards Bay.
You may recall that the start of my 2024 season was a bit traumatic. On April 29, I had to take Maritimo’s Customer Service Director – Captain Tom, out for a Seatrial.
The boatyard had left me in an awkward spot.
Amazing Grace was docked all the way back near the Surfside Smokehouse requiring a tight reverse turn and aft docking amid a strong crosswind.
At the end of 2023, it wouldn’t have been a problem, but I hadn’t been at the helm for 6 months, and that nasty 15-knot crosswind would be pushing me toward the rocks!
As I contemplated all this and stared at the power panel and engine controls I had a mild panic attack…
What do I do first?
Then what?
There are far too many little details to remember on a boat as complex as the M60; more importantly, way too many critical things to forget over the winter!
Then an idea popped into my head!…
Why don’t I write down everything I know about running the boat?
That moment was the genesis of the operating manual and over the course of last season, it was created.
The Amazing Grace Operating Manual
I’m hoping this manual with accomplish multiple objectives:
- Help me reacquaint myself with how to operate the boat in spring before I get behind the wheel.
- Help Peter and Mrs. Horne in their quest to Captain Amazing Grace one day.
- Get new owners of any Maritimo owner acquainted with their boat before delivery.
- Provide curious guests with information on what I’m doing as I operate the boat.
- Motivate other boat owners to create their own operating manual.
It’s a Living Document!
The M60 Operating Manual is live on this website.
The Maritimo M60 Operating Manual
If you find any errors or have suggestions for additional information, please email me at davidjameshorne@gmail.com.
This is valuable information Dave. Thanks for posting. Can’t wait for our boat to arrive in March.