Shipwright Artisan - Thomas Avery

Working with Mr. Avery was an excellent experience. Having limited experience with catamarans, I asked if I could follow him around as a learning experience. He immediately began explaining not only what he was doing, but why he was doing it. He covered probable causes of each deficiency, all the possible solution (with pros and cons), and how to prevent the problem from recurring. On the more mundane maintenance items, like rebedding items to the deck, he would show me on one and have me do the next with any necessary coaching. As we moved around the boat, I would ask unrelated questions about other systems. He would give me brief classes and point me to more thorough explanations and resources. His easy interpersonal style and professional workmanship made the day more valuable than simply finishing the work list. I don't know what standard rate is in Key West, but I will happily pay for Mr. Avery's craftmanship, work ethic, and style the next time I need work done on my boat (and there is always something else that has to be done on a boat).