What? The guy works as a PC tech for a living, he fixes the computer of someone he doesn't even know in wildly off hours, and you want him to do it (virtually) for free?

I think a lot of you have somewhat missed the point, here.

He's not thinking about doing this as a favor to the Boat Shop owner. He's thinking about doing it as a favor for his friend who is 2,000 miles away.

That puts a different complexion on it.

I have a small business (more of a hobby, really) plowing snow. I have an old Land Cruiser (bought brand new in 1968 for $3500) that costs me very little to operate (figure annual depreciation on the truck is now about $2) and I make about $300 doing my "rounds" every time it snows.

If a friend or neighbor sees me out with the truck and asks if I can plow their driveway, I do it as a matter of course without charge. It takes me 10-15 minutes, costs me maybe half a dollar in gasoline, and as someone said earlier in this thread, "What goes around, comes around." The rewards I receive are out of all proportion to my effort and costs.

"Cast your bread upon the waters..."

tanstaafl.