A last-minute surprise

"We had run the motor several times and were happy with all the connections. There were no leaks and it ran as smooth and quiet as you can imagine. I was very very pleased with what we had accomplished.

"However, when I put the stairs back, they now touched the moving parts at the front of the engine. Fortunately, I have a friend in the fine carpentry business who has worked on the boat (mostly teak work). He did a fabulous job and I am confident they will fit perfectly."