Robin Goodfellow (aka "Puck")

Our engine, a 63 horse power Yanmar, has earned a very special name: Robin Goodfellow. Shakespearian buffs need not be reminded that Robin Goodfellow--aka "Puck"--is the Fairy King's helper in Midsummer Night's Dream. He, like our engine, is the mischiff maker and source of many plot twists in the story. Over the course of 10 months, our Puck

• Repeatedly overheated
• Sucked fish into the raw water intake valve
• Shimmied and literally shook off the refrigeration compressor, and
• Refused to shut off upon command

This last prank caused us to take drastic measures; we killed the beast through starvation by disconnecting the fuel injectors as it gasped for life.

Early on in our travels, a helpful mechanic told us, "don't worry. This happens to everyone. It'll take about two years."

Filled with hope we replied, "two years before all the bugs get worked out?"

"Why no!" he stated. "Two years before you know how to fix everything yourself!"