Not to take anything away from "farm mechanics" but they can't hold a candle to the guys that have to keep commercial fishing boats running (in their element)...IMO of course...
Imagine making a repair to an engine or a hydraulic system with only the parts/tools/supplies you have on hand...a few hundred miles from terra firma (let alone a dealer or parts house) often in very uncomfortable conditions...
I am shopping for my first tractor...I've never laid a hand on a tractor or farm implement...but I bet there is not one thing on one that I can't fix or repair...[/quote]
Yes, but can you do it with only duct tape and bailing wire?