Parting thoughts, 2000

In two charters, we've had three breakdowns. Is this due to poor maintenance? ... bad charterers (We have met the enemy and he is us?) [Walt Kelly] ) ... bad Karma*?

The loss of oil pressure incident blame would have to lie with a bad sending unit. That's not a maintenance issue*.

The clog in the fuel line appeared to have origins from when the boat was built 4-5 years ago. A piece of plastic-like material (hardened sealant?) became stuck in the inlet to the fuel filter. It then collected a backup of junk that otherwise would have been caught by the filter*. The filter itself had been changed a short time before.

The boats appear to be very well maintained. The only criticism I'd lodge would be for not repairing the broken window beforehand. That held us up and should have been done earlier.

Last year's bad alternator perhaps should be lumped in with the broken window in that it should have been checked and repaired before the season began.

This is not to suggest any lack of effort on MLN's part. The large cleaning & prep crew was a beehive of activity.

As far as our treatment of the vessel goes, we treated the equipment better than if it were our own.

And in all cases when we had a problem, they hustled to make it right. It was handy to have a cell phone along, though.

All in all, the boats are beautifully constructed and well maintained.

Would we rent from Mid-Lakes again? Absolutely. For now, we think we've seen enough of that part of the Erie that we're planning to go elsewhere next time.

Then again, MLN is building a new base near Macedon (west of Erie Lock 30) that would offer a chance to see the far western parts of the canal. We may be back another year.