23/05/2026
The joys of being your own boss and a Charter owner /operator.
This isn’t meant to be a whinge story but 1 that says don’t give up 👍👍👍👍🙏🐟🤛What’s the saying “Don’t give up”?
Last year has been one of the most challenging years I have ever experienced. Operating a charter and suffering a tear to my left quadriceps tendons in December were significant setbacks. The first injury occurred while I was having fun dancing with my 7 year old daughter when unfortunately her temu wig fell off and I slipped on it and knew I had torn something especially after having a few beers lol.
And a week after I did a Christmas lights tour for Andrew from Gas Illusion log fires in which I have been doing for a few years now which required me climbing up and pulling down the anchor light to navigate under bridges. Unfortunately, while descending from the roof, a ski boat created a large wake that while I was climbing down I again tore the opposite quadriceps tendon. 🤪🤛😵💫
I should have just went home but still did the light tours.
I also have also been dealing with additional health issues, including a torn left shoulder, a torn right tricep, and back pain since a work injury back in 2001 which is something I am used too.
Nonetheless, I have continued to work to support my Family but honestly I couldn’t have done it without the fantastic crew of Oscar, Cooper, Edward,Matty, Scotty and Zoran that I have built up over the years.
They have been legends and is great that they all get to have time off and it’s shared between them all so no one is overtired etc.
Recently, I have almost completed maintenance and renovations on our 9.7-meter vessel, which has been upgraded to 10.5 meters thanks to Steve’s Custom Welding. This upgrade will not only facilitate easier access for divers and swimmers but also simplify the process of removing line wrapped around the 30-inch Mercury 250 outboard legs.
I appreciate the excellent work done by Dean from Bayview Marine on the electrical system. Yesterday at home I couldn’t help myself grinding underneath and then applying primer, and then anti-fouling the underside, sides and rear section while it was still on the trailer.
Stiff and and sore today 😵💫🤪 that’s for sure lol but good exercise 💪
Remaining work is to put on stands at Hastings and then rubbing down and priming the rear underside before applying fresh anti-foul.
The vessel will be back in the water this week, ready for its next charter. I am grateful for the loyalty and dedication of my work crew.
The decision I made this year which was tearing me apart for not going to Portland / Port Fairy fishing for Tuna which is 1 that I love to hunt and fish for due to injuries etc.
Hopefully next year it will be different as this is why I purchased this awsome vessel to be off shore and be comfortable in most conditions.
The joys of owning a commercial vessel and wanting your vessel to be 1 safe and comfortable vessel for everyone.
Cheers everyone and keep safe on the water 👍👍
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