A sailboat was being hauled for hull inspection during a marine survey.  During the inspection the Surveyor noticed the strut bearing was worn and recommended replacement.   While the vessel was hanging in the sling the purchaser had a local marine repair facility provide a quotation to replace the worn bearing.  As he looked at the vessel he noticed the rudder was in direct alignment with the propeller shaft.  This complicated the replacement as the rudder had to be removed along with the propeller shaft.  This meant the boat had to be moved to the repair yard and blocked.  The estimate of repair was $1,600.00.   The prospective buyer already paid the cost for the haulout, bottom wash and survey fee so he requested financial support from the seller.  Since the seller and buyer had already negotiated a price for the boat the seller rejected the buyers request.  So the buyer passed on the purchase.  The seller became angry and said to just put the boat back in the water.  He then cancelled his listing with the broker.  Everyone lost; the seller didn't sell his boat, the prospective purchaser lost his investment, the broker lost his listing and the repair yard didn't get the job.  All for the cost of a $40.00 strut bearing!

This is a typical unfortunate situation that has probably happened many times.  But it could have been easily avoided.  Had the repair yard or boat owner had a
Strut Pro ® tool the bearing could have been replaced within thirty minutes while the boat was hanging in the slings because it doesn't required propeller shaft or rudder removal.  The difference would have resulted in a completed sale for the seller, the broker would have received his commission and the repair yard gaining a new customer with perhaps additional revenue for zincs, bottom paint, etc.