EDITORIAL
Even with modern technology, tried-and-true seamanship techniques still get the job done.
Iplagiarized the title. It’s the catchphrase of the late, great Capt. R.D. “Pete” Culler, boatbuilder, mariner, and author of several notable books and innumerable magazine articles. It’s not just that Cap’n Pete would describe how to use tallow as a lubricant, or mix linseed oil and kerosene as a wood sealer, or use roofing tar instead of the goop featuring a picture of an anchor on its package, but he’d tell you why these things were as good or better than store-bought products for a given application. At a superficial glance, the jaded might call Culler a Luddite or a cheapskate. Discerning reading makes it clear that Culler’s concoctions, like his opinions on building and running boats, were born from decades in the doing.
I was reminded of Culler while testing a new Beneteau powerboat with factory captain and warranty manager Eric Guerette. Guerette holds a 200-ton Master credential and retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Bosun W2.
As often happens, after we exchanged pleasantries and cast the dock lines ashore, the friendly banter of fellow boaters bubbled like prop wash. We had just met, but we spoke to each other with the candor the landbound reserve for old friends. Boating lubricates sociability as effectively as lanolin lubricates the valve stem of a bronze seacock.
At one point, we got to discussing navigation equipment, and I wisecracked about using a lead line for depth finding.
“What’s wrong with that?” he asked with a look blanker than the view during a foggy day at sea. “I used a lead line regularly while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. In ice, transducers don’t work, since the signal gets disrupted by chunks of ice under the hull.”
I tried mustering an unflappable expression, but before I could slap my chin to close my open mouth, Guerette went on.
“Ever hear of a sounding pole? We used it in mud and to find the edges of banks. Very effective in river work.” Now composed, I delivered a most erudite riposte. “Huh.” I visualized Cap’n Pete wearing a knowing smile. Even aboard boats run on governmental budgets and crewed by professional mariners, in some of the most challenging conditions afloat, old ways work.
Enjoy the issue.
At one point, we got to discussing navigation equipment, and I wisecracked about using a lead line for depth finding.