Solo sailor here from the UK. If I had to make a video which defined what solo travel/sail looks like this is pretty much it. Lonely boat maintenance in random places and wondering around towns/cities taking in the culture. An epic clip!
Even i sail alone , but i am to lazy to make videos. I own my boat number 45 , no legt it in Germany for the winter while i spend the winter in Spain. But early next year i will continue. I miss my boat already after 2 weeks , i sailed her over 6 months this year
Very true. I've actually had a stainless gooseneck welded by a guy in a shack on the beach in that very anchorage in Dakar, no mask, no vice €1 it cost & still going strong 😎
Just another day in the life of Sam - fixes a whole bunch of broken stuff, drills more holes in Pickle, takes us on a sightseeing tour of Dakar. Never a dull moment for the international sailing man of mystery.
Sam, thank you so much for making these videos. They're interesting, entertaining, and informative. It's great to get an authentic glimpse into your journeys. As I perceive, your freedom and independence is inspiring to me.
I had to repair a broken spreader without mast steps once, I used a water tank as a counterweight ballast, hoisted up water jug, then climbed up with weight pulling me up, it was seriously scetchy, but worked. I swore after that I would get mast steps!!!!
Sam, you need to head over to a parts place or boat supply store to pick up an assortment of wire ferrules (metal ends that you compress on the bare wire) and some heat shrink. One of the issues with the fine wire is that it expands and contracts with heat/cold. When you are pushing 30 amps through a wire it will heat up. If you cannot get wire ferrules make sure that you check the connectors to insure that they are still tight after some usage. Great Video!
I'd be soldering EVERYTHING screw those ferrules! THEN heat shrink over them. Nothing wrong with ferrules but they need to be soldered after crimping solder is forever. And as long as the wire is properly sized 30 amps isn't a concern. The biggest problem is at the joints regarding heat cycles as that can loosen screw connectors over time.
Sorry for posting twice but I realize my first one sounds more like an ad for this product. I cannot get over how you climbed up with nobody around. I'm glad you were able to get your sail fix. I couldn't even imagine what it would cost here in the states. I'm enjoying watching your videos. I wish I was healthy enough to do this myself. It's funny when you're younger and in better shape you could physically do this but financially would be a little difficult. Then when money is not a problem you are now too old and broken down to do something like this. I'm looking forward to watching more from you.
Yes, I know what you mean. There is a semi-sweet spot in between but it doesn't last long before various aches and pains become more frequent and you're forced on to the spectator stands. RUclips is a wonder in providing these kinds of vicarious opportunities.
@@B_Ruphe Even more wonderful is the way Sailors are now being financed by internet advertising opening up the kind of opportunities Sam is exploiting. Hitherto prohibitively expensive in the old days!
@@stevenholton438 I'm happy to see that people do get rewarded for sharing their great videos with the world. That's one reason almost every video I watch I always give them a thumbs up. If I think the person making the video did above and beyond I have no problems subscribing to that influencer. Like one RUclipsr said it doesn't cost anything to hit like and subscribe.
After hearing many older-than-him sailors express your sentiment, he decided there was no time like the present. He was thrifty and saved for about 7 years, originally thinking he'd probably take off from his more conventional "real job" about 2 years to sail. It didn't take very long to decide he could turn it into a better "real job". I have no doubts that he'll have no problem returning to the more conventional work force if he ever wants to. Bold kid in this mom's opinion.
Sam, you're awesome 😀 When I have to climb the mast I'm DEFINITELY not pulling out the video camera and there you are drilling abd tapping a spreader base. Good job on the wind vane fix too 👍🏻
Inspired by Sam, I finally started my RUclips channel (not sailing). He said in one video years ago to just do it, and I finally got up the guts. Thanks Sam. Love you bud❤⛵️
Holy crap Sam ! don't even think about going in the water. I just fast forwarded to see if you did ? Stay out of the water in all sub of sub saharan Africa. I would not advise putting your hands in the water there - if you have a cut and get an infection it could be the end big time ! Glad it was all OK at the police station been there half a dozen times. Btw - I can still smell that water down at the harbour it is putting me off my dinner....
You know, Alan i was just reading about a coupla deaths here in Florida allegedly from these spinners when they became infected from some kinda salt water Amoeba. Died from sepsis. I never heard of that before. Fresh water Amoeba, yeah. But salt water?
Thanks Sam, really interesting seeing you work on the boat. I checked out google street views and it was amazing how much trash is everywhere. But I didn't see anything as bad as the trash on the beach you showed. Yikes. No wonder you didn't go for a swim!
You know it seems like all of Africa is like that I've been noticing that as well. The Far East is the cleanest but most of South America is clean as well. Europe, like Ann's Norway. These people are proud of their countries.
Love your videos Sam! Especially seeing some of the lesser cruised areas. Looking forward to seeing more of Africa . So sad to see all the rubbish and pollution
He's gonna be leaving these parts. May not be back that soon I think it depends upon Ann anyhow I hope it depends on her not many around with her persona.
Haha, yes - galvanic corrosion. Fixing rusty, corroded, broken old crap in exotic places - the real glamour of the cruising life. Sam, it’s a pleasure following you - I just joined your Patreon. Only the second one I have joined - and the other one earns me the money to pay for yours. 😀🚀
The Motherland statue in Kiev is taller than African Renaissance. Even taller is the very grand and famous Motherland Calls statue in Volgagrad (Stalingrad). There are also a growing number of Ego statues (Ozymandias springs to mind) that have been built in recent decades.
Everyone is fitting those roller mainsail slot things as they are easy to reef , Hope those old ones are ok you could whittle down the ones you took off to match nice little job while your sailing
You are such a legend Sam. Love these videos and I get excited about getting to see Pickle sail with the minor upgrades. I saw that horrible situation you got into with the border control where they smashed into your boat. I hope that you were able to fix that up and that it didn’t cause you too much distress in the following days. I also saw that you have been sailing down the Gambia River. Pickle seems the take all these waters and cultures in her stride. She even looks part of the culture the way you have her sailing.
Neat how you could see the outward-in grain structure of the lead, shows that it was cast to that shape in a mold and cooled reasonably slowly. But not like good that you were able to see the internal structure, I'm always a bit surprised when a thing that looks that well engineered (and built specifically for boat use!) fails to corrosion.
A good thing to note is dont idle your diesel engine, always keep it at 2k rpm or higher. Also some alternators have different charging rates depending on the rpms.
I realize that you might not care that you tear up the veneer when you drill but as a former finish carpenter, I am compelled to tell you that drilling a small hole, followed by a bigger hole will be both quicker and cleaner.
Squirt some graphite powder in ur track occasionally, makes a huge difference for raising/lowering main sail. I don't have mast steps, but it would probably work well on freeing those up as well. Thanks for continuing to provide an honest and genuine portrale of life on a sailboat, it means everything Sam.
You are clever Sam. That propspeed paint your neighbor let you use on your prop in malta is good on deck items that will corrode like the weight on the wind vane etc… Sika urethane will work good in your bilge as an adhesive for the sensors or anywhere that is exposed to moisture or humidity.
A sliding track system with a fully battered main sail has made a big difference for me with lowering and raising the main. Would highly recommend if you ever get offered a system.
Inspiring. Hoping to make my first big sail this summer and videos like this remind me to stay vigilant & prepared for anything. Have fun and safe travels!
Sam these are my favorite videos you make. the are a mix of entertaining and educational. when you said Dakar i instantly looked up travel safety. i thought it would be a dangerous place but it appears to not be.
I wonder about using electrical conductive grease. Couldn't believe how those galvanized steps became fused like that. Fortunately Sam knew the drill obviously he's been there.
Awesome content as always! Are you concerned about the (dyneema) soft shackle chaffing on the plate? 4:07 (mount for spin halyard) Maybe add a couple of thimbles "sideways" on the plate for the shackle to pass around?
Fantastic channel, really think your boat needs loads of attention, could you not have put a threaded rod through the mast spreaders which would have connected and strengthened both or would that have messed with he halyards
Look into a hybrid charging system if your alternator is large (100A or bigger). You can get more amps than the DC to DC puts out. The regulator settings and temp sensor keeps your alternator from burning out. I've been running a DC to DC set up like yours for 2 years, but I'm still not satisfied getting 30 amps out of a 160A alternator.
Regarding the bolt you retapped on top of the mast ,I would’ve used a piece of the threaded rod you have and thru bolted that top hole and put a double nut on it and that would’ve been a much stronger repair then what is there now,I guarantee the existing screw will fall out again in time,that’s too important a piece too do a sketchy repair on….I believe that’s what help hold your mast vertical,,,it’s a 15 minute job to do…
@@samholmessailing Plus if you use a thru bolt and it breaks on one side or loses a nut wont both spreaders be loose? I'm guess the engineers that designed it that way knew what was best.
Hey Sam, congrats for your voyage and bravery. A question: aren't you afraid to leave your boat at anchor unattended? How do you manage to protect the boat from thieves or vandals when you are sightseeing the nice places you visit? Thank you to let me know
Solo sailor here from the UK. If I had to make a video which defined what solo travel/sail looks like this is pretty much it. Lonely boat maintenance in random places and wondering around towns/cities taking in the culture. An epic clip!
Even i sail alone , but i am to lazy to make videos. I own my boat number 45 , no legt it in Germany for the winter while i spend the winter in Spain. But early next year i will continue. I miss my boat already after 2 weeks , i sailed her over 6 months this year
Very true. I've actually had a stainless gooseneck welded by a guy in a shack on the beach in that very anchorage in Dakar, no mask, no vice €1 it cost & still going strong 😎
@@neverendingrefit759 How did you find sailing the African west coast? I am also considering it before crossing the Atlantic next year.
Watching from Panama, in between working through my long list of repair project's 😂
@@willgregor4392 i think its worth a visit
Just another day in the life of Sam - fixes a whole bunch of broken stuff, drills more holes in Pickle, takes us on a sightseeing tour of Dakar.
Never a dull moment for the international sailing man of mystery.
Bam …lots of drilling, hammering and the boat now has more holes than a Swiss cheese…. Sam you did it again… another masterpiece this episode
Please keep the drill hidden for Sam
Swiss Pickle. "And I also drilled a hole here" This boat needs to end up in a maritime museum before......
Only afraid it will burn down one day....electric installation is a nightmare....and Lithium involved.....
Dude; You are the bravest man alive.
Medal Of Honor recipients are screaming in their graves right now LOL
He really is amazing
@@iheartwheelies he did say "alive"
Just isn't a Sam Holmes video without the power drill coming out lol.
Handyman Sam holding the object in one hand and drilling with the other, scary!
Sam, thank you so much for making these videos. They're interesting, entertaining, and informative. It's great to get an authentic glimpse into your journeys. As I perceive, your freedom and independence is inspiring to me.
I didn’t think it was going to work, but the Norwegian tape gave me confidence.
😂
Potential chafe city on that soft spinnaker halyard!!!! Be well Sam!
I had to repair a broken spreader without mast steps once, I used a water tank as a counterweight ballast, hoisted up water jug, then climbed up with weight pulling me up, it was seriously scetchy, but worked. I swore after that I would get mast steps!!!!
Wow that’s clever!
Brilliant! 🤠
I have mast steps now , make things much easier
The MacGyver of sailing. Love watching your videos.
Sam, you need to head over to a parts place or boat supply store to pick up an assortment of wire ferrules (metal ends that you compress on the bare wire) and some heat shrink. One of the issues with the fine wire is that it expands and contracts with heat/cold. When you are pushing 30 amps through a wire it will heat up. If you cannot get wire ferrules make sure that you check the connectors to insure that they are still tight after some usage. Great Video!
I'd be soldering EVERYTHING screw those ferrules! THEN heat shrink over them. Nothing wrong with ferrules but they need to be soldered after crimping solder is forever. And as long as the wire is properly sized 30 amps isn't a concern. The biggest problem is at the joints regarding heat cycles as that can loosen screw connectors over time.
Your patience patching that sail is inspirational!
💡Hold the halyard pole to the top of the crosshead (spreader) and gently lift it with the winch, it will stick to the mast until you pass the screws.
Sorry for posting twice but I realize my first one sounds more like an ad for this product.
I cannot get over how you climbed up with nobody around. I'm glad you were able to get your sail fix. I couldn't even imagine what it would cost here in the states.
I'm enjoying watching your videos. I wish I was healthy enough to do this myself. It's funny when you're younger and in better shape you could physically do this but financially would be a little difficult. Then when money is not a problem you are now too old and broken down to do something like this.
I'm looking forward to watching more from you.
Yes, I know what you mean. There is a semi-sweet spot in between but it doesn't last long before various aches and pains become more frequent and you're forced on to the spectator stands. RUclips is a wonder in providing these kinds of vicarious opportunities.
@@B_Ruphe Even more wonderful is the way Sailors are now being financed by internet advertising opening up the kind of opportunities Sam is exploiting. Hitherto prohibitively expensive in the old days!
@@stevenholton438 I'm happy to see that people do get rewarded for sharing their great videos with the world. That's one reason almost every video I watch I always give them a thumbs up. If I think the person making the video did above and beyond I have no problems subscribing to that influencer. Like one RUclipsr said it doesn't cost anything to hit like and subscribe.
After hearing many older-than-him sailors express your sentiment, he decided there was no time like the present. He was thrifty and saved for about 7 years, originally thinking he'd probably take off from his more conventional "real job" about 2 years to sail. It didn't take very long to decide he could turn it into a better "real job". I have no doubts that he'll have no problem returning to the more conventional work force if he ever wants to. Bold kid in this mom's opinion.
Sam, you're awesome 😀 When I have to climb the mast I'm DEFINITELY not pulling out the video camera and there you are drilling abd tapping a spreader base. Good job on the wind vane fix too 👍🏻
Petroleum jelly on your electrical connections will help reduce electrolysis
Also good to use on the port light gaskets. 👍
I wish I had started a count of the holes you drill in Pickle. It's my favorite part of each video.
Inspired by Sam, I finally started my RUclips channel (not sailing). He said in one video years ago to just do it, and I finally got up the guts. Thanks Sam. Love you bud❤⛵️
Sam, all I have to say is that you are super knowledgeable about a lot of things.
Lead and aluminum are on opposites ends of the galvanic scale. Same with steel or zinc vs lead. Add saltwater, and you get corrosion.
"Boat repairs in exotic places" - part 98
You should meet up with the Sailing Brothers sometime, what a Looney watch that would be.. Good Luck -God speed.
😂
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good!
Really interesting. Appeals to my Viking ancestry. Enjoying the vicarious travels. Thx!
Glad to hear it!
Holy crap Sam ! don't even think about going in the water. I just fast forwarded to see if you did ? Stay out of the water in all sub of sub saharan Africa.
I would not advise putting your hands in the water there - if you have a cut and get an infection it could be the end big time !
Glad it was all OK at the police station been there half a dozen times.
Btw - I can still smell that water down at the harbour it is putting me off my dinner....
You know, Alan i was just reading about a coupla deaths here in Florida allegedly from these spinners when they became infected from some kinda salt water Amoeba. Died from sepsis. I never heard of that before. Fresh water Amoeba, yeah. But salt water?
I enjoy maintenance videos. Keep them coming.
Thanks Sam, really interesting seeing you work on the boat. I checked out google street views and it was amazing how much trash is everywhere. But I didn't see anything as bad as the trash on the beach you showed. Yikes. No wonder you didn't go for a swim!
Yes. Not to mention the river of sewage I found further up. I didn’t film that
Victron DC to DC charger get hot when you charging your 12v lithium.
You know it seems like all of Africa is like that I've been noticing that as well. The Far East is the cleanest but most of South America is clean as well. Europe, like Ann's Norway. These people are proud of their countries.
First I ‘like’, then I watch
Sure is as sure does, I’d sail with you anywhere. Sam.youre the best.
If it was me on that mast I’d be dropping tools all over the place. You must have great balance and dexterity up there.
Sam Holmes - Lord of the Seas :)
@@NeilCronin thats an understatement 👍👍
Mast steps invaluable..😎
another nice Sam Holes Video!
Sam you are one driller killer😊
Dont poison yourself with that lead, Sam.
Ahh boat life, the project list never ends. Be safe Sam.
Love your videos Sam! Especially seeing some of the lesser cruised areas. Looking forward to seeing more of Africa . So sad to see all the rubbish and pollution
He's gonna be leaving these parts. May not be back that soon I think it depends upon Ann anyhow I hope it depends on her not many around with her persona.
I think when you mate two different kind of metals together it will cause a corrosive reaction over time.
Haha, yes - galvanic corrosion. Fixing rusty, corroded, broken old crap in exotic places - the real glamour of the cruising life. Sam, it’s a pleasure following you - I just joined your Patreon. Only the second one I have joined - and the other one earns me the money to pay for yours. 😀🚀
The Motherland statue in Kiev is taller than African Renaissance. Even taller is the very grand and famous Motherland Calls statue in Volgagrad (Stalingrad). There are also a growing number of Ego statues (Ozymandias springs to mind) that have been built in recent decades.
Sam, you are hardcore! You're my hero. So mentally tough and smart!
That was fun! Good job on all the repairs 👍 And those carvings were rad! Right up my alley. Thanks for sharing, Sam! ⛵🤙
Everyone is fitting those roller mainsail slot things as they are easy to reef , Hope those old ones are ok you could whittle down the ones you took off to match nice little job while your sailing
To get the charge signal you connect the D+ from the alternator to the dc-dc. You don't wanna do that manually.
Yay. Love the art 👏👏
Hope that spinnaker halyard lanyard holds. Looked frayed. Good luck on the return!
I was thinking the same thing, plus that bracket is primed to chafe through the strop after a week of the kite wobbling back and forth.
For non sailors, raised in a desert, the prevalence of corrosion is an eye opener, it is relentless....
You are such a legend Sam. Love these videos and I get excited about getting to see Pickle sail with the minor upgrades. I saw that horrible situation you got into with the border control where they smashed into your boat. I hope that you were able to fix that up and that it didn’t cause you too much distress in the following days. I also saw that you have been sailing down the Gambia River. Pickle seems the take all these waters and cultures in her stride. She even looks part of the culture the way you have her sailing.
Maybe some useful info here to reattach fairlead for spinnaker halyard at top of mast on my boat.
I lived in Dakar for a year. Medical attention would be fine. But definitely do not drink the water! Amazing to see you there.
Neat how you could see the outward-in grain structure of the lead, shows that it was cast to that shape in a mold and cooled reasonably slowly. But not like good that you were able to see the internal structure, I'm always a bit surprised when a thing that looks that well engineered (and built specifically for boat use!) fails to corrosion.
Yeah isn't that something? I think Sam is correct aluminum and lead just don't like one another! I wonder how long that vane has been there?
Awesome
A good thing to note is dont idle your diesel engine, always keep it at 2k rpm or higher.
Also some alternators have different charging rates depending on the rpms.
I used a bungy with the lead....made it more adjustable....
Cool
Excellent video Sam...first time seeing Dakar. Love your voyages.❤
Yeah I was gonna say you gotta inspect that rig and fix your spreaders.
I realize that you might not care that you tear up the veneer when you drill but as a former finish carpenter, I am compelled to tell you that drilling a small hole, followed by a bigger hole will be both quicker and cleaner.
Thanks for that tip. I will try it
Squirt some graphite powder in ur track occasionally, makes a huge difference for raising/lowering main sail. I don't have mast steps, but it would probably work well on freeing those up as well. Thanks for continuing to provide an honest and genuine portrale of life on a sailboat, it means everything Sam.
Good tip!
Graphite is a mess....dry lube...teflon
Always look forward to your videos 😊❤
The challenges we overcome to create our own adventures! Superb Mr fix it.
Keep the adventures coming. Good look Sam.
Bedankt
04:58 That Statue is amazing thank you for sharing always enjoy your videos ⛵⛵
I loved the museum tour.
Hi Sam,
You never disapoint, thank you for another great video. Great videography.
Take care and God Bless.
Glad you enjoyed it
You are clever Sam. That propspeed paint your neighbor let you use on your prop in malta is good on deck items that will corrode like the weight on the wind vane etc… Sika urethane will work good in your bilge as an adhesive for the sensors or anywhere that is exposed to moisture or humidity.
Love you Sam! You be SAFE out there buddy! Keep sailing on my brother!
after seeing the state of your boat, i look forward to your refit faze.
A sliding track system with a fully battered main sail has made a big difference for me with lowering and raising the main. Would highly recommend if you ever get offered a system.
I’d love to get a system like that
Inspiring. Hoping to make my first big sail this summer and videos like this remind me to stay vigilant & prepared for anything. Have fun and safe travels!
Thanks for the great videos!
My pleasure! Thank you!
Such an excellent production. I liked your choice of things to show us and the music was great. Thanks Sam. Safe travels across.
Sam these are my favorite videos you make. the are a mix of entertaining and educational.
when you said Dakar i instantly looked up travel safety. i thought it would be a dangerous place but it appears to not be.
I’m liking the new graphics
With corrosion problems, you might us a safety line (junmar?) when using the mast steps.
I wonder about using electrical conductive grease. Couldn't believe how those galvanized steps became fused like that. Fortunately Sam knew the drill obviously he's been there.
...I like your "cabeling..." !!!
Awesome content as always! Are you concerned about the (dyneema) soft shackle chaffing on the plate? 4:07 (mount for spin halyard) Maybe add a couple of thimbles "sideways" on the plate for the shackle to pass around?
Fantastic channel, really think your boat needs loads of attention, could you not have put a threaded rod through the mast spreaders which would have connected and strengthened both or would that have messed with he halyards
Love the trash stache
I hope this will help you repair your boat and continue your adventure.
That beach was crazy.
Act safe, Sam!!! Hold Fast.
A good idea to add a circuit breaker between the lithium and agm battery.
Godt jobba Sam! Even after all this time, your storytelling and editing keeps improving leaps and bounds 👍
THose intricately painted long boats are very cool!
I think so too!
Fante-Boats, you find them down the coast up to Cote d'Ivoire
Great video!
Look into a hybrid charging system if your alternator is large (100A or bigger). You can get more amps than the DC to DC puts out. The regulator settings and temp sensor keeps your alternator from burning out. I've been running a DC to DC set up like yours for 2 years, but I'm still not satisfied getting 30 amps out of a 160A alternator.
Thanks for the tip
Epic love watching your videos keep it up friend of God
All dissimilar metals will experience galvanic corrosion when in contact. It's the reason for sacrificial zincs.
Fascinating Sam, many thanks!
Just perfect!
Sam, check out the flexible drill extensions that are being sold on-line now.
Regarding the bolt you retapped on top of the mast ,I would’ve used a piece of the threaded rod you have and thru bolted that top hole and put a double nut on it and that would’ve been a much stronger repair then what is there now,I guarantee the existing screw will fall out again in time,that’s too important a piece too do a sketchy repair on….I believe that’s what help hold your mast vertical,,,it’s a 15 minute job to do…
The first one lasted 40 years why shouldnt this one?
@@samholmessailing Plus if you use a thru bolt and it breaks on one side or loses a nut wont both spreaders be loose? I'm guess the engineers that designed it that way knew what was best.
Hey Sam, congrats for your voyage and bravery. A question: aren't you afraid to leave your boat at anchor unattended? How do you manage to protect the boat from thieves or vandals when you are sightseeing the nice places you visit? Thank you to let me know
Thanks
Amazing, sailing Africa.
Takk!
Really great. Thanks for upload!
Halyard rope looked questionable.
@@BossDM-2 how dare you😉🤪😂😂
Great video with you in your element. Order more holes from the US straight away.
Thanks!
Thank you
thanks for the content Sam!