We were dismasted about 80 miles west of the Scillies in early April at midnight and although we sorted it out ( we were at the limit of the St. Mary's lifeboat's range) it was unbelievably reassuring to know they were aware of our situation. That Christmas we gave tangible thanks to the lifeboat station and sent thanks to the coastguard, who called us every hour to check we were still ok. A year later, I was on the Fowey lifeboat and mentioned how brilliant it was to know they were ready to help if things had gone wrong. Despite this being a different station and more than a year before, the coxswain knew about us. When i asked how on earth he remembered us he told that of the many shouts the St Mary's lifeboat had gone to that year, we were the only ones to thank them, despite not actually having to call them out. I find that shocking in the extreme. Good on you for acknowledging their extraordinary service.
That was the right thing to do on your part. I would have done the same as having that fallback when you are in an emergency at sea like that having somebody that can rescue you ready to go if you can't handle it yourself is a life saver. The ocean is dangerous and the coast guard and lifeboat services always deserve thanks and respect. I learned a lot about them from a classmate when I went back to college to get my technical degree from a member of the US Coast Guard that was in the same program as I was so he could change jobs after his was eliminated (GPS replaced the LORAN station he maintained). I'm glad you came out of that safe and impressed that you were able to use your own seamanship to handle such a major incident own your own.
Totally agree 100%. I've been a lifeboat fanatic from childhood and always visit RNLI stations buying stuff from their shops. I still have an RNLI magnetic car tax disc holder, unopened and still in pack. I reckon its a collectors item gaining in value now!! 🤣
Its such a pity that the rnli service is being abused by the criminal gangs floating across the channel, this is not what this service the British public support them for . Taxi for illegals , what a criminal abuse of this noble service.
Thank you for mentioning the RNLI. They are without a doubt, a fantastic organisation that deserves all the support it can get. Their volunteers are nothing short of amazing.
I will always remember the day the steering failed on my trawler. I picked up the mike on the vhf to call for help and as I did I glanced out the port side windows. And there coming alongside was an Irish lifeboat that was coming to the channel islands on exercise. Wow that was the quickest rescue ever. We had a string of seventy pots aboard and the cox towed us to where I could shoot them (carefully no brakes) then towed us home. I was lifeboat crew myself at the time. They were also fisherman on the lifeboat and a great bunch of guys. Thanks lads.
I get a lump in my throat whenever the RNLI are around, either physically or metaphysically. They are truly my favorite organization and are so selfless and dedicated to what they do. They are also my number one charity for donating to.
Wow!!! This episode was pretty damn epic, Glad to see y'all made it safely into port via the RNLI. Glad to see that Alan's associated minor engine issues were diagnosed to not be major issues. I have to say that the wee snippet of the mighty fine full English breakfast with black pudding looked so good, A much deserving meal, amidst the minor chaos you were also able to enjoy a few ales with the North sea men.
Yes yes and yes again get someone todo one of those technical drawings of Alan I'm sure you could sell copies as merch. So much respect to the RNLI, will be around a few stations later in the week so will be sure to make a donation in person.
I worked with a commercial diving company..... It amazes me how tight the marine side of things are, when help is needed. The RNLI is the only self funded group I give to. The biggest mem I have, three of use took diving vessel to "ventrans days" at Cleethorpes, we drifted into the flying exclusion area.....after a quick chat with VTS Humber, due to our vessel and men on board we was aloud to stay and be service to any misfortunes..... We helped the police marine rib, and the air craft used out vessel as a datam point.... All in all..... fantastic day out and no response required.
I volunteer for the RNLI at my local station, and will be starting my crew plan later this year. Thank you for your kind words, you’re right, it really is a truly amazing organisation. In one of my roles on station, I show visitors around our station. And a few facts and figures for your audience (particularly international) We have 238 stations around the UK & Ireland. There is around 440 boats in the fleet. We are approximately 95% unpaid volunteers. We were founded by Sir William Hillary in 1824, and in those 200 years, RNLI crews have saved, on average, 2 lives per day, every day, for 200 years. We are entirely funded by donations and accept no money from the government, and can only continue our vital lifesaving work through the generous donations of our supporters
Great Vieo Alex. Really appreciate the transparency. Firstly of course to share your thoughts and video over the whole incident. But also to show once again just how brilliant the RNLI are, keeping a watchful eye on us all! Also nice to know what the root cause was.
I'm not from the UK... And have donated to the RNLI previously as I think their operations and how they do things is amazing... And I love their purpose built boats!!
We have here in the Netherlands the same system, our organization is called KNRM(royal Netherlands Rescue Company, loosely translated) Koninklijke Nederlandse Reddings Maatschappij, they also are run by volunteers, absolute respect for yours and our volunteers ❤️👍
I sailed my kingfisher 20 foot twin keel yacht with 4hp outboard single handed with my border collie from the river tay to Orkney. Calling at Stronsay then anchored off start point Sanday and sailed to Fair isle. Then crossed the (Hole ) the stretch of sea between Fair isle &Fitful head to hamavoe and Scalloway. Then up to Yell sound before heading home The shetlanders were so hospitable and kind. The west coast of Shetland magnificent 3 great weeks of sun and reasonable winds
i've said it a year+ ago, a vessel with a single means of propulsion is not an offshore vessel. that boat was designed to keep you alive while rolling , not get you somewhere. pity for all the work and over-engineering that went into alan. glad youre safe and had an adventure :)
Yip a tad humbling being towed to safety and although it's not happened to me so far , the learning experience from you using the radio in a calm manner really helps lots. Sad transport home not so good and after snooze in shed i bet you slept for a while 😂. The meal with the fried tatties looked great too. Shame my fridge is knackered and only top elements on cooker working its a while before i can cook a proper meal ! Just like being on Alan i suppose. Hopefully the sun arrives for you soon. Thanks Robert
Well done Alex, the important thing is you kept calm and acted appropriately, the ‘Pan Pan’ was exactly the thing to do in those circumstances and your location. I know it is all rather academic or passé, but I am not at all sure the engine overheat situation is solved at all. It’s sad that this is the end of Alan’s role in your expedition plans but you have certainly had your decision to rethink confirmed by this experience (where help was readily available). But having read some of the other comments it may be just as well as the channel seems to have attracted a few sociopaths.😉
I agree that the trust issue with the cooling isn't solved for sure, although the thermostat is definitely opening now. Regardless, I ordered a new one, and would probably install a bleed valve in the cooling circuit before any more long runs. Sociopaths? Very few. The like : dislike ratio is still 99.7% which hasn't changed. We've always had one or two transient illiterate, 80view/video 'expert' trolls in the comments, but they are mostly fun to read, and to pity.
brilliant video alex, former UKSA student with a yacht master qual.... yes the RNLI are wonderful and will help you out many times....apart from if they find you trying to navigate using an AA road atlas !!! (not me )...
I am surprised that you do not have an alternative method of propulsion. Having a single point of failure is never a good idea if you can help it. Apart from this I enjoyed the video :)
Yeah, I really agree. You need a fallback. I did a cruise up tp Shetland too, but in a 26 foot yacht so we had sail + diesel, and the combination gives me a much more secure feeling
Wow…..the last 24hrs were just as eventful….and I’m proud to say I’m a RNLI monthly contributor , as you would expect, living in the IOM 🇮🇲….the Birth place of said institution..👍👌🇮🇲
Sounds a lot like dgzrs in Germany. Also a donation financed, largely volunteer run lifeboat association. Although they have some pretty large vessels run by permanent staff as well and run mrcc bremen.
Could you set a small mizzen sail, like some motor fishing boats? Might help with the rolling as well as give you some control if the motor fails. You really do need a secondary propulsion system.
i can tell you wahta this is , BUKHS are forever engines.. but the waterpump can make problems ....but still after cleaning all openings and changing the fluids this nice little engine ( which can run dry for 15 minutes and therefor is used often in lifeboats).. there is another tricky thing on the engine which is the internal verrry fine dieselfilter.... when you get bacteria in your diesel it can clock easily and it is at an unpleasant spot , I'm had this on a backswel entering a small harbour entrance... since than I have an extra , easy reachable dieslefilter in line : but thumbs up and have a good trip!
Yes, the fuel lift gauze filter can clog. I think some people remove it altogether. But, I have three (one coarse and one fine upstream, and one fine downstream) filters, plus I use water and bug treatment additives.
Pity about the trip, but great job by the RNLI. And wow, the Shetlands, while certainly not tropical, are beautiful. I suppose Alan could be in a much worse place.
if u explained to the layman what it means if its sweet not salty. maybe I skipped and missed part og the video ... I didn't skip and continued watching. inspiring video. see you at the top. oh and I subscribed.
Cheers. Ah, yes sorry I should have explained. Anti-freeze tastes slightly sweet (but it's dangerous, and so you should flush your mouth with water) and sea water obviously tastes salty.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals "Fun" fact, if you ingest antifreeze by mistake the "cure" is copious amounts of ethanol aka liquor (the stronger the better). Don't know the exact science behind it but i believe the antifreeze bonds to ethanol rather than your blood, and prevents organ damage. Of course if anyone ingests antifreeze they should seek immediate medical help.
You went on adventure and met some people along the way. This is what it's about. You were in harm's way for a short while, but adventures where you're not in harm's way at any point are hard to come by, and they usually make for boring writing material.
Maybe I jinxed you .. Recently we've been holidaying near Saltburn on sea, and visited Redcar Lifeboat station to buy our usual christmas cards, a Beanie hat and 'various'! ... Any road up, glad all's well ... ;)
The Shetland Coastguard announcement on VHF Ch 16 in the middle of your call is timed and announced at that time, on that channel several times every day. This is done by every coastguard in every area in UK and commonwealth waters sp that np matter where you are you can learn which channels the local weather and SECURITE messages are on. It’s done automatically and breaks over every other call going on at the time.
Alex covered this in the Q&A--a diesel outboard would be too expensive, and a petrol outboard would require that he store a significant quantity of highly flammable petrol onboard--so, sadly, both options are a no-go.
Outboards don't work all that well on larger displacement boats when there are waves. As the boat goes up and down the waves, the prop is often lifted out of the water, or the whole engine can even be submerged.
Just before 16:00 he says it's about the same as losing an engine on the road. I'd say that's a good analogy except he's probably much safer then being stranded on an interstate! Even adrift you don't have to worry about someone slamming into you at 80 mph (130 kph) (70 knots) and you are already in a fully enclosed lifeboat!
Most stations have a restricted fund which if you request your donation to go into, will be used locally. Stations like Lerwick with low population density would probably appreciate it.
So the MSI Broadcasts are pre-scheduled and typically will go out at the worst possible time. Never fun when you're trying to listen to a Mayday or PAN PAN...
@@AlexHibbertOriginals It's most of the bits where you're showing video while talking over it, but interestingly the bit from 6:05 until you cut back to video doesn't have it. Can't really describe what it sounds like either, it's as if there's a heavily processed or much lower quality audio track laid over the normal one. Much more noticeable at 1.5x-2x speed, I can just barely hear it at 1x speed, but I can clearly hear the difference between the seconds before and after 6:05 on my headphones. Hope that helps, not complaining, just curious!
@@AlexHibbertOriginals I wonder if maybe it's just a weird artifact of RUclips's compression trying to keep the bitrate consistent and dropping the audio quality to compensate for the increased movement in those clips, then? Very curious.
i renember a while back you contemplated bringing a electric outboard motor as a backup or manuverying solution i think it was later scrapped for reasons i fail to renember that makes me ask: how much use would such a outboard have been in this particular situation?
@@AlexHibbertOriginals ow miss understood the video, thought the video of the sea anchor was it deployed with all its rope but not biting. Not it being deployed and not biting...
what an adventure. Life always seems to add the unexpected excitement we all need to keep us on our toes. Glad to hear Alan and you and crew were safe. Thank-you to the Rescue Captain and crew too. ♥
It's not an adventure its stupid thing to do, it won't be insured. These people are asking for help and they think they should be rescued from their own stupidity
I'll ignore the catty opener and deal with the know-it-all suggestion. We were an hour from Grutness or any other shelter. I was sure we couldn't run the engine for another hour and a half under full power without risking killing the engine entirely. I did not take the engine to bits.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals I figured the motor had put a rod out the side or broke the crank, not just a bit of warmer coolant temps. Most motors run past 100C routinely. Sure, there was some cooling issue, but as was said, maybe an air lock or similar, add a small bleed line at a high point on the system and all would be well. A sad and undeserved end to Alan's tale indeed.
In the video I said the temperature peaked at 110deg, which is not healthy and means the thermostat was failing/being overcome. And it was tracking up before I took action. Ignoring that means popped gaskets at best.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals The radiator cap is the pressure safety valve, it won't blow any gaskets as long as the cap has a pressure rating within a reasonable range, which I trust it did. And from what I saw on the short clip of the engine, the cap was not letting steam out, so it hadn't even reached it's pressure limit yet. In any case, you seem to have reached your personal mechanical comfort limit with this project, which to many, like myself, was a low preset bar indeed. Oh well.
To be an inspiration I reckon. To improve on a bold idea. To show nothing ventured is nothing gained. I’m a low risk person, I don’t go out without two proven propulsion systems. I build redundancies in where ever practical. But life’s not a fairy tale, moneys not cheap, and sometimes you have to gauge your odds and set out. Leave the man alone, he’s here to bring cheer to folks who’ll never make it out on the water or far from a living room. Let the man and his silly boat be for christs sake.
The reason CG starts making annoying arguments and repeated questions is that they want to check the mental status of the caller. I have found dead people in the fjords, and they suggested I check if the rotten corpse "has a pulse".
This was in the above-mentioned Norway, where they always sound pissed. Strangest case was when I found an old man lost and injured and they suggested I save him myself. Took 10 minutes to argue that I cannot transport 100 kilo fatso in a kayak.
It would just slightly affect their response prep. Interestingly the women and children thing was very specific to Titanic. There are documentaries covering how other sinkings were very different.
"Well, he killed John Small Bay or Inlets dog and stole his car, sir" "Oh" Learn something new every day... You're a stand up guy not wanting to keep this quiet and giving everyone willing to help their dues. Glad nothing catastrophic happened. Not that this has to be said, but stay safe.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals intermittent vague problems: the best kind of problems. I think a good example is at 5:50 onwards. If you compare the sound of the voice over at 5:50 to when you cut to your face at 6:05 The voice over is quite muffled and sounds tinny. Whereas the part with the video of your face sounds a lot clearer.
Do you listen on headphones or a quality hi-fi? Sounds fine to me. It's possible that occasionally I rush the VO reading and it can sound less natural.
Pain in the neck people taking vessels which are not designed for passage making putting other peoples lives at risk for no purpose. They should be charged at cost
This guy is yet again a hazard to himself and other mariners. Shouldn’t be messing about with things you have no idea about, get some training or pay a professional. Wasting rnli time
Don’t sound like an ass. There’s no need, it’s just a man with a silly boat bringing joy to plenty of folks that don’t get to be on the open water. There’s better folks to bother, I’m sure you’d agree.
After 20 years south coast racing and making it home, you are a liability. Single means of propulsion= liability. She was designed as single use… not cruising
Wouldn’t mind if you’d go back out another twenty years. Not that I disagree with your points, but what have you to contribute to the good times here? What’s that knowlage worth if you’ll beat well meaning folks aside the head with it? Don’t make yourself a burden on kinder folks.
If you haven't already, investigate the Penlee Point RNLI disaster... hard to imagine people like this walk among us, we are privileged indeed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penlee_lifeboat_disaster
What’s up ole salt? Too crotchety to get out anymore? Or maybe cheap shots and low blows are just your cuppa tea. Go back to yours, this fellow and Alan, along with us who’ve been following are having a grand time without you. Back to the devil with ya and be the bother to someone at home you’ve always been.
![Working out engine cooling and oil pressure questions. Expedition Lifeboat Conversion Ep135 [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2gSrzenoMvo/mqdefault.jpg)
![Working out engine cooling and oil pressure questions. Expedition Lifeboat Conversion Ep135 [4K]](/img/tr.png)
![A Difficult Announcement. Lifeboat 'Alan' news. Expedition Lifeboat heads north Ep130 [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4e2ZxvAgztQ/mqdefault.jpg)
We were dismasted about 80 miles west of the Scillies in early April at midnight and although we sorted it out ( we were at the limit of the St. Mary's lifeboat's range) it was unbelievably reassuring to know they were aware of our situation. That Christmas we gave tangible thanks to the lifeboat station and sent thanks to the coastguard, who called us every hour to check we were still ok. A year later, I was on the Fowey lifeboat and mentioned how brilliant it was to know they were ready to help if things had gone wrong. Despite this being a different station and more than a year before, the coxswain knew about us. When i asked how on earth he remembered us he told that of the many shouts the St Mary's lifeboat had gone to that year, we were the only ones to thank them, despite not actually having to call them out. I find that shocking in the extreme. Good on you for acknowledging their extraordinary service.
Pleased you guys managed to work it out yourself, and were so gracious of their overwatch.
That was the right thing to do on your part. I would have done the same as having that fallback when you are in an emergency at sea like that having somebody that can rescue you ready to go if you can't handle it yourself is a life saver. The ocean is dangerous and the coast guard and lifeboat services always deserve thanks and respect. I learned a lot about them from a classmate when I went back to college to get my technical degree from a member of the US Coast Guard that was in the same program as I was so he could change jobs after his was eliminated (GPS replaced the LORAN station he maintained).
I'm glad you came out of that safe and impressed that you were able to use your own seamanship to handle such a major incident own your own.
“What type of vessel are you?”
‘Errrr… a lifeboat’ 😂
The RNLI are one of very few charities in the uk that I will donate to. They save lives every day, and are worth their weight in gold.
Totally agree 100%. I've been a lifeboat fanatic from childhood and always visit RNLI stations buying stuff from their shops. I still have an RNLI magnetic car tax disc holder, unopened and still in pack. I reckon its a collectors item gaining in value now!! 🤣
Shame the ones in the south east have become migrant ferries.
@@PaulAustin-mv9bh The only shame around here is trash like you.
Its such a pity that the rnli service is being abused by the criminal gangs floating across the channel, this is not what this service the British public support them for . Taxi for illegals , what a criminal abuse of this noble service.
what @@PaulAustin-mv9bh
Thank you for mentioning the RNLI. They are without a doubt, a fantastic organisation that deserves all the support it can get. Their volunteers are nothing short of amazing.
It sounded like some real relief entered her voice when you said that Alan was a fully enclosed lifeboat. Glad you lads all got to dock safely!
I will always remember the day the steering failed on my trawler. I picked up the mike on the vhf to call for help and as I did I glanced out the port side windows. And there coming alongside was an Irish lifeboat that was coming to the channel islands on exercise. Wow that was the quickest rescue ever. We had a string of seventy pots aboard and the cox towed us to where I could shoot them (carefully no brakes) then towed us home. I was lifeboat crew myself at the time. They were also fisherman on the lifeboat and a great bunch of guys. Thanks lads.
I listen to marine traffic on a radio and it always makes me nervous when I hear a distress call, glad you got back safe
What danger were they in, they set off in a boat unable to goto sea and think they should ask for assistance. Idiots
I love the negative review towards the end of the airline.
The support for the RNLI was very well spoken. They did a great job.
I get a lump in my throat whenever the RNLI are around, either physically or metaphysically. They are truly my favorite organization and are so selfless and dedicated to what they do. They are also my number one charity for donating to.
Wow!!! This episode was pretty damn epic, Glad to see y'all made it safely into port via the RNLI. Glad to see that Alan's associated minor engine issues were diagnosed to not be major issues. I have to say that the wee snippet of the mighty fine full English breakfast with black pudding looked so good, A much deserving meal, amidst the minor chaos you were also able to enjoy a few ales with the North sea men.
Good to highlight the positives there
I’ve always admired the RNLI and if I lived in The UK I would have volunteered with them
Wonderfully done Alex, thank you for this and all previous episodes; it's been a great journey.
Cheers
"Are there any children onboard?"
"Any sheep?"
glad you're safe. The RNLI and other agencies are literal life savers, every day. I'd get that bukh properly looked at, somethings dicky somewhere.
Sea rescue groups do a great job. Glad it all went ok.
Well done handling the situation, don’t be put off. Definitely worth having an auxiliary diesel outboard motor onboard
Twice Alex did say that Alan was not going to do any more trips.
Don't encourage them
Grammatically nearly there. Three word sentences may be your zenith, chap.
Pleased to hear that you're journey didn't end badly and Allen was an easy fix ❤
Yes yes and yes again get someone todo one of those technical drawings of Alan I'm sure you could sell copies as merch. So much respect to the RNLI, will be around a few stations later in the week so will be sure to make a donation in person.
Cheers!
What an amazing journey. I'm sure Alan feels the same.
A rollercoaster of emotions in this episode....
The radio conversation was very educational. Thank you.
I worked with a commercial diving company.....
It amazes me how tight the marine side of things are, when help is needed.
The RNLI is the only self funded group I give to.
The biggest mem I have, three of use took diving vessel to "ventrans days" at Cleethorpes, we drifted into the flying exclusion area.....after a quick chat with VTS Humber, due to our vessel and men on board we was aloud to stay and be service to any misfortunes.....
We helped the police marine rib, and the air craft used out vessel as a datam point....
All in all..... fantastic day out and no response required.
I volunteer for the RNLI at my local station, and will be starting my crew plan later this year. Thank you for your kind words, you’re right, it really is a truly amazing organisation. In one of my roles on station, I show visitors around our station. And a few facts and figures for your audience (particularly international)
We have 238 stations around the UK & Ireland. There is around 440 boats in the fleet. We are approximately 95% unpaid volunteers. We were founded by Sir William Hillary in 1824, and in those 200 years, RNLI crews have saved, on average, 2 lives per day, every day, for 200 years. We are entirely funded by donations and accept no money from the government, and can only continue our vital lifesaving work through the generous donations of our supporters
Great Vieo Alex. Really appreciate the transparency. Firstly of course to share your thoughts and video over the whole incident. But also to show once again just how brilliant the RNLI are, keeping a watchful eye on us all!
Also nice to know what the root cause was.
Cheers Dave
I'm not from the UK... And have donated to the RNLI previously as I think their operations and how they do things is amazing... And I love their purpose built boats!!
We have here in the Netherlands the same system, our organization is called KNRM(royal Netherlands Rescue Company, loosely translated)
Koninklijke Nederlandse Reddings Maatschappij, they also are run by volunteers, absolute respect for yours and our volunteers ❤️👍
Seconded
I sent some pounds from across the pond to the RLNI but didn't have a way to do it in Alan's name sadly, hopefully they know still
They'll appreciate it
We certainly do, thanks very much
I sailed my kingfisher 20 foot twin keel yacht with 4hp outboard single handed with my border collie from the river tay to Orkney. Calling at Stronsay then anchored off start point Sanday and sailed to Fair isle. Then crossed the (Hole ) the stretch of sea between Fair isle &Fitful head to hamavoe and Scalloway. Then up to Yell sound before heading home
The shetlanders were so hospitable and kind. The west coast of Shetland magnificent 3 great weeks of sun and reasonable winds
1) I'm going to donate to the RNLI because of this video
2) Your hair looks great
I agree with 1)!!
i've said it a year+ ago, a vessel with a single means of propulsion is not an offshore vessel. that boat was designed to keep you alive while rolling , not get you somewhere. pity for all the work and over-engineering that went into alan. glad youre safe and had an adventure :)
Love the opening shop looking down at the seafloor.
RNLI FTW
Yip a tad humbling being towed to safety and although it's not happened to me so far , the learning experience from you using the radio in a calm manner really helps lots.
Sad transport home not so good and after snooze in shed i bet you slept for a while 😂. The meal with the fried tatties looked great too. Shame my fridge is knackered and only top elements on cooker working its a while before i can cook a proper meal ! Just like being on Alan i suppose. Hopefully the sun arrives for you soon. Thanks Robert
Cheers Robert
Wow. What a journey!
Well done Alex, the important thing is you kept calm and acted appropriately, the ‘Pan Pan’ was exactly the thing to do in those circumstances and your location. I know it is all rather academic or passé, but I am not at all sure the engine overheat situation is solved at all.
It’s sad that this is the end of Alan’s role in your expedition plans but you have certainly had your decision to rethink confirmed by this experience (where help was readily available). But having read some of the other comments it may be just as well as the channel seems to have attracted a few sociopaths.😉
I agree that the trust issue with the cooling isn't solved for sure, although the thermostat is definitely opening now. Regardless, I ordered a new one, and would probably install a bleed valve in the cooling circuit before any more long runs.
Sociopaths? Very few. The like : dislike ratio is still 99.7% which hasn't changed. We've always had one or two transient illiterate, 80view/video 'expert' trolls in the comments, but they are mostly fun to read, and to pity.
brilliant video alex, former UKSA student with a yacht master qual.... yes the RNLI are wonderful and will help you out many times....apart from if they find you trying to navigate using an AA road atlas !!! (not me )...
Cheers!
I am surprised that you do not have an alternative method of propulsion. Having a single point of failure is never a good idea if you can help it. Apart from this I enjoyed the video :)
I appreciate you may be new - backup power has a number of dedicated past episodes to discuss and decide.
Yeah, I really agree. You need a fallback. I did a cruise up tp Shetland too, but in a 26 foot yacht so we had sail + diesel, and the combination gives me a much more secure feeling
"pan-pan Alan, this is Shetland Coast Guard. Describe your vessel, over."
*snerk*
Wow…..the last 24hrs were just as eventful….and I’m proud to say I’m a RNLI monthly contributor , as you would expect, living in the IOM 🇮🇲….the Birth place of said institution..👍👌🇮🇲
Good man Andy
Sounds a lot like dgzrs in Germany.
Also a donation financed, largely volunteer run lifeboat association. Although they have some pretty large vessels run by permanent staff as well and run mrcc bremen.
Could you set a small mizzen sail, like some motor fishing boats? Might help with the rolling as well as give you some control if the motor fails. You really do need a secondary propulsion system.
Ironic comment. Considering the project got axed for that exact reason
If there wasn't enough wind for the sea anchor to keep the boat head to wind, a small sail probably wouldn't have worked either.
i can tell you wahta this is , BUKHS are forever engines.. but the waterpump can make problems ....but still after cleaning all openings and changing the fluids this nice little engine ( which can run dry for 15 minutes and therefor is used often in lifeboats).. there is another tricky thing on the engine which is the internal verrry fine dieselfilter.... when you get bacteria in your diesel it can clock easily and it is at an unpleasant spot , I'm had this on a backswel entering a small harbour entrance... since than I have an extra , easy reachable dieslefilter in line : but thumbs up and have a good trip!
Yes, the fuel lift gauze filter can clog. I think some people remove it altogether. But, I have three (one coarse and one fine upstream, and one fine downstream) filters, plus I use water and bug treatment additives.
Pity about the trip, but great job by the RNLI. And wow, the Shetlands, while certainly not tropical, are beautiful. I suppose Alan could be in a much worse place.
Wow. It's a thriller all to the end this
if u explained to the layman what it means if its sweet not salty. maybe I skipped and missed part og the video
...
I didn't skip and continued watching. inspiring video.
see you at the top. oh and I subscribed.
Cheers. Ah, yes sorry I should have explained. Anti-freeze tastes slightly sweet (but it's dangerous, and so you should flush your mouth with water) and sea water obviously tastes salty.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals "Fun" fact, if you ingest antifreeze by mistake the "cure" is copious amounts of ethanol aka liquor (the stronger the better). Don't know the exact science behind it but i believe the antifreeze bonds to ethanol rather than your blood, and prevents organ damage. Of course if anyone ingests antifreeze they should seek immediate medical help.
You went on adventure and met some people along the way. This is what it's about. You were in harm's way for a short while, but adventures where you're not in harm's way at any point are hard to come by, and they usually make for boring writing material.
Fair Isle Gap is called 'The Sumburgh Roost'.
Bit surreal watching a lifeboat towing a lifeboat... and Alan getting a speed boost.
A very successful mini holiday indeed...lol
the RNLI is 200 year old this year founded 1824. All seafarers have a duty to help each other regardless.
Maybe I jinxed you .. Recently we've been holidaying near Saltburn on sea, and visited Redcar Lifeboat station to buy our usual christmas cards, a Beanie hat and 'various'! ... Any road up, glad all's well ... ;)
No jinxing possible, and bravo for buying your cards from them.
RNLI is the same as the Dutch KNRM.
Al unpayd men and woman.
I make montly donations to help keep action to save people in wind or weather.
The Shetland Coastguard announcement on VHF Ch 16 in the middle of your call is timed and announced at that time, on that channel several times every day. This is done by every coastguard in every area in UK and commonwealth waters sp that np matter where you are you can learn which channels the local weather and SECURITE messages are on. It’s done automatically and breaks over every other call going on at the time.
I'd be worried about my head gasket after running that hot for that long? I hope she's good now!
Is it worth to get a spare emergency outboard engine? The small ones people use for their tenders.
But how to mount it?
@@ThePinkPanth3r anything is possible. Would definitely require fabrication. Alex can fab a mount to match the outboard.
Alex covered this in the Q&A--a diesel outboard would be too expensive, and a petrol outboard would require that he store a significant quantity of highly flammable petrol onboard--so, sadly, both options are a no-go.
Outboards don't work all that well on larger displacement boats when there are waves. As the boat goes up and down the waves, the prop is often lifted out of the water, or the whole engine can even be submerged.
@@robinbennett5994 good point, it's normally used to get sailing boats out of harbor or just for a short trip on a day with no wind
Just before 16:00 he says it's about the same as losing an engine on the road.
I'd say that's a good analogy except he's probably much safer then being stranded on an interstate!
Even adrift you don't have to worry about someone slamming into you at 80 mph (130 kph) (70 knots) and you are already in a fully enclosed lifeboat!
Yes, but I said it's not quite the same. Same cause, but not a static environment.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals glad you got out safely! I'm sure it was very stressful at the time even being in a lifeboat!
Have you ever been to sea?
Would you do that again 🤔
Question.......Are donations to individual RNLI stations put into a common .national RNLI account or are they banked in that stations' account?
My guess is that online donations are pooled
@@AlexHibbertOriginals Sadly that was what I imagined.
Best of luck.
Most stations have a restricted fund which if you request your donation to go into, will be used locally. Stations like Lerwick with low population density would probably appreciate it.
@@matthewclarke269 Excellent. Thank you for that.
So the MSI Broadcasts are pre-scheduled and typically will go out at the worst possible time. Never fun when you're trying to listen to a Mayday or PAN PAN...
Is your voiceover mic acting up in parts of this video or are you playing with AI again? It sounds a little tinny sometimes
Not that I'm aware of. Can you point me to the bits you're noticing. Fine on my speakers.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals It's most of the bits where you're showing video while talking over it, but interestingly the bit from 6:05 until you cut back to video doesn't have it. Can't really describe what it sounds like either, it's as if there's a heavily processed or much lower quality audio track laid over the normal one.
Much more noticeable at 1.5x-2x speed, I can just barely hear it at 1x speed, but I can clearly hear the difference between the seconds before and after 6:05 on my headphones.
Hope that helps, not complaining, just curious!
I'll have a closer listen but the hardware and processing is identical for the VO and live bits to camera with handheld mic.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals I wonder if maybe it's just a weird artifact of RUclips's compression trying to keep the bitrate consistent and dropping the audio quality to compensate for the increased movement in those clips, then? Very curious.
Why so many solar panels on a life boat. Are you running a water desalination plant on board?
"they wont let you sink but you might get a big bill" huh, surprised thats not how it works over here in the states XD
As far as I'm aware the USCG is federally banned from making any charges? And in smaller waterways boaters have breakdown insurance?
diesel and petrol engines usually run between 90 and 105… so what was the problem with those temps? 🤨
Because it indicates the cooling system was not functioning. It's designed to run at 85 exactly, and always had. Plus the temp was rising past 110deg.
i renember a while back you contemplated bringing a electric outboard motor as a backup or manuverying solution
i think it was later scrapped for reasons i fail to renember
that makes me ask: how much use would such a outboard have been in this particular situation?
It wasn't scrapped, I was just saving up funding to buy the pod of five of them that would provide enough thrust.
How much fuel does that life boat consume l
1.8-4L/hr
ah yes, you get halfway to your destination, the plane breaks, and they decide to head back to where you started :D
Don't sea anchors need far more rope?
They do, and I mentioned I wanted it to 'bite' the water before paying out more line.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals ow miss understood the video, thought the video of the sea anchor was it deployed with all its rope but not biting. Not it being deployed and not biting...
U need a redundant diesel outboard
what an adventure. Life always seems to add the unexpected excitement we all need to keep us on our toes. Glad to hear Alan and you and crew were safe. Thank-you to the Rescue Captain and crew too. ♥
It's not an adventure its stupid thing to do, it won't be insured. These people are asking for help and they think they should be rescued from their own stupidity
Their family of experts should tell them the whole scheme is doomed. He is not in Mayday danger but expects others to rescue him.
You're editing your deluge of critiques, and still have typos?
@@ladygardener100 You need help, you call your self a lady and look like a man. You don't know who or what you are. Move on jerk.
when u are on a hard dock - can u throw a small anchor to keep u off the dock? does anyone do that?
I'm probably not the person to ask. Sounds plausible.
That's how people moor in the Mediterranean, but around the UK the tide rises and falls too much. You'd have to adjust it every half hour.
@@robinbennett5994 cheers for that
Should have planned the passage properly and pulled into Grutness Pier before you took the engine to bits.....
I'll ignore the catty opener and deal with the know-it-all suggestion. We were an hour from Grutness or any other shelter. I was sure we couldn't run the engine for another hour and a half under full power without risking killing the engine entirely. I did not take the engine to bits.
This was seriously the big engine issue that made you give up on this year's long quest?
The fact small issue/s can knock us out offshore, plus the offshore sea handling, plus all the other factors I carefully laid out in the video.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals I figured the motor had put a rod out the side or broke the crank, not just a bit of warmer coolant temps. Most motors run past 100C routinely. Sure, there was some cooling issue, but as was said, maybe an air lock or similar, add a small bleed line at a high point on the system and all would be well. A sad and undeserved end to Alan's tale indeed.
In the video I said the temperature peaked at 110deg, which is not healthy and means the thermostat was failing/being overcome. And it was tracking up before I took action. Ignoring that means popped gaskets at best.
It's too underpowered for the big waves , it would have eventually come to it
@@AlexHibbertOriginals The radiator cap is the pressure safety valve, it won't blow any gaskets as long as the cap has a pressure rating within a reasonable range, which I trust it did. And from what I saw on the short clip of the engine, the cap was not letting steam out, so it hadn't even reached it's pressure limit yet. In any case, you seem to have reached your personal mechanical comfort limit with this project, which to many, like myself, was a low preset bar indeed. Oh well.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Why wouldn’t you carry a drogue to slow and keep you facing the wind?
He did, it's in the video. It's part of the lifeboat's original equipment. There wasn't enough wind to keep the boat head on to the waves.
Should of brought a couple of rods you could of had a nice afternoon while waiting.
Imagine asking the lifeboat to wait a moment whilst you complete your afternoon of rod fishing....
Is the engine a beta?
A Bukh
Pan pan, why did you set out…
To be an inspiration I reckon. To improve on a bold idea. To show nothing ventured is nothing gained.
I’m a low risk person, I don’t go out without two proven propulsion systems. I build redundancies in where ever practical. But life’s not a fairy tale, moneys not cheap, and sometimes you have to gauge your odds and set out.
Leave the man alone, he’s here to bring cheer to folks who’ll never make it out on the water or far from a living room. Let the man and his silly boat be for christs sake.
I almost prefer the OP's pathologically insecure comments to this patronising drivel.
nothing has been gained
The reason CG starts making annoying arguments and repeated questions is that they want to check the mental status of the caller. I have found dead people in the fjords, and they suggested I check if the rotten corpse "has a pulse".
They didn't ask any annoying questions. It's that the channel was also being used for routine shipping announcements.
This was in the above-mentioned Norway, where they always sound pissed. Strangest case was when I found an old man lost and injured and they suggested I save him myself. Took 10 minutes to argue that I cannot transport 100 kilo fatso in a kayak.
Oh right!
But the question about ‘any children aboard’… its like ‘women and children first’ 😂
It would just slightly affect their response prep. Interestingly the women and children thing was very specific to Titanic. There are documentaries covering how other sinkings were very different.
"Well, he killed John Small Bay or Inlets dog and stole his car, sir"
"Oh"
Learn something new every day...
You're a stand up guy not wanting to keep this quiet and giving everyone willing to help their dues. Glad nothing catastrophic happened. Not that this has to be said, but stay safe.
SO, SO sad for Alan.
and still disappointed for myself, in the wrong hemisphere.
Is this a second try at using AI? Or is your mic broken? 😅
Nope. No AI ever again.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals hm, in that case something is wrong with your mic or recording (just in case you didn't notice yourself 😄)
I get this observation every dozen episodes or so. Same mic, same setup, same EQ. All sound the same to me.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals intermittent vague problems: the best kind of problems.
I think a good example is at 5:50 onwards.
If you compare the sound of the voice over at 5:50 to when you cut to your face at 6:05
The voice over is quite muffled and sounds tinny.
Whereas the part with the video of your face sounds a lot clearer.
Do you listen on headphones or a quality hi-fi? Sounds fine to me. It's possible that occasionally I rush the VO reading and it can sound less natural.
Why didn't you use Alanson to tow you to the harbor?
Very good
Lee Sharon Lewis Margaret Allen Sandra
Blown headgasket 😢 change it
Pain in the neck people taking vessels which are not designed for passage making putting other peoples lives at risk for no purpose. They should be charged at cost
*people's
Your username is....optimistic.
This guy is yet again a hazard to himself and other mariners. Shouldn’t be messing about with things you have no idea about, get some training or pay a professional. Wasting rnli time
I'd usually humour comments like this. But yeah, small dick energy from this one.
also an illegal immigrant taxi service !
First lol
puppy killer....
You have all the gear, no idea. All the kit, don’t know shit.
Don’t sound like an ass. There’s no need, it’s just a man with a silly boat bringing joy to plenty of folks that don’t get to be on the open water. There’s better folks to bother, I’m sure you’d agree.
Surly Migrants come first i cancelled my direct debit
You should have replaced the engine for a YANMAR.
You're correct. Other engine makers have 0.00% failure rates. It's madness to use a Bukh that isn't a Yanmar.
OK. Now I can unsubscribe.
But Grant, how then will I be alerted the next time you make a coffee on RUclips?
Basic fuel system skills required of anyone who heads offshore. Have someone teach you.
Well done, you became a liability
After 20 years south coast racing and making it home, you are a liability. Single means of propulsion= liability. She was designed as single use… not cruising
So you made a political statement about the RNLI and migrants, got owned, and now unleash a torrent of abuse. You need to get laid, mate.
How can you call an adventurer like Alex a liability. He has done exactly everything he could to be not that.
Wouldn’t mind if you’d go back out another twenty years. Not that I disagree with your points, but what have you to contribute to the good times here? What’s that knowlage worth if you’ll beat well meaning folks aside the head with it? Don’t make yourself a burden on kinder folks.
If you haven't already, investigate the Penlee Point RNLI disaster... hard to imagine people like this walk among us, we are privileged indeed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penlee_lifeboat_disaster
You have all the gear, no idea. All the kit, don’t know shit.
What’s up ole salt? Too crotchety to get out anymore? Or maybe cheap shots and low blows are just your cuppa tea.
Go back to yours, this fellow and Alan, along with us who’ve been following are having a grand time without you.
Back to the devil with ya and be the bother to someone at home you’ve always been.