As you know the alternator on my Bukh went crook. The forum gave me very viable suggestions which gave me a way to proceed to fix the problem, but it all stalled when the guy I was dealing for a replacement decided to go walk about. So I hit the internet. My initial path was to adapt a 'close enough' unit to fit my engine. I had already gone to Repco to price up a unit that was more or less the same for $485. On the internet I found the EXACT unit I had in Germany. The price and postage cost were in Euros, when I converted to AU$ it was $254 delivered to my door, so I ordered it and it arrived last Tuesday delivered by courier. I fitted it on Wednesday, perfect. I can't believe I got the part from halfway across the globe for virtually half price. I must thank the guys on the forum especially HGO2 for all the help. As Richie Benault would say - Marvellous.

Great job. It pays to shop around for parts.

Same thing applies to "service providers," such as mechanics. There a huge variation in prices.

I'm no good for my Missus any more........since I bought my boat I'm missing an arm and a leg.

Haven't we just topped the list as the most expensive country to live in???. No wonder!!