I found some time for boat projects last weekend.  When I got out of the truck at the marina I was greeted by a nasty stench.  It wasn’t the usual beach smells that accompany a low tide and a warm day.  It was more powerful than that.  My first inclination was to look toward the nearby refinery, sometimes the source of unusual smells, lights, noises, flames, explosions.  I completely overlooked the little white boom on “C” dock. When I reached the dingy dock at the bottom of the ramp the visual helped my nostrils pinpoint the odor.  Diesel fuel and too much of it.

	I didn't press for details, but the instant diagnosis would be a leaky fuel tank and a functioning automatic bilge pump. Accidents happen in spite of our best efforts. Luckily this one dispersed quite quickly with detergent and a fresh breeze. Is there a moral to the story? Hmmmm....well.......keep on top of the details, and always remember: ALL BOATS LOVE MAINTENANCE.