i love your videos i am not looking for any sympathy at all ,but for me they are helping to keep my brain working them bastards gave me 7 weeks now with my brain cancer at 61 years old that i just got out the hosipatial here in central Wisconsin for now . i have been blessed with prayers from around the world i don't want anything from anyone even now i am in a big struggle now but i will kick it's ass and beat it i have no choise but my sailing is now over now its survival. you are encouraging me with your great videos as normally you do.. thank you ,this caught me by surprise but mads i have always loved your videos but i have friends coming out of the wood work with help to try to get my boat on the water but i love my friends i have been truly blessed with that but please don't stop with your videos i love them you are such a positive influence for me.dam it i will survive the cancer is being treated heavy duty and i am not crying about anything i just love your videos but i am not begging for anything from you thank you mads thank you so much i have Jesus at my side i am full of tons of friends and loving family i will beat this but its fucking up my head badi cant change that thank you i won't bother you i am not trying to bother you bye thank you so much to be a small part of your life even i will not ever meet you but please that is OK with me i pray more than ever i have to stop this shit now or i cry. and kick back to watch your videos. i am a in my own mind now this is good for me t go try to keep it working so it doesn't shut down. it is ok!!but i hopefully will go to ride a 113 year old Harley down to the harley museum in Milwaukee Wisconsin one last time if the doctors get me good enough to take i t would have loved to dock at the Harley museum to party at with friends but every thing is fine i am kind of really nutty right now so what i am getting blasted by chemicals and radiation but it is to early to tell now i am sorry to bother you with this thanks . i don't need anything i just thought it is important how wonderfully you do with your videos i have been with here from the beginning please don't feel sad mads i don't want that at all.if you are in milwaukee and i do kick this you may like to go to the harley museum i love so much.peace and love at you . i need nothing from anyone but christ. some of my friends want me to write my thoughts down since i have over 485,000 miles on my bmw motorcycle but my friends are retired from harley and it may not really be possible to happen but that is ok thanks.my mom is here. no need to say anything your videos are just fine i have lovely friends from watching youtube videos to help me. to i get dizzy bad i am scared to fall but its fine please don't worry here it feels nice to say something to a fan of you the heavy shit just started to blast me i am strong but please i am ok i do not want to bother you WITH THIS ,PEACE ,i HAVE A BIG BUNCH OF DOCTORS HELPING THERE IS HOPE ,NOT MUCH BUT THERE HAS TO BE .the brain shrinking causes me problems don't worry i am watching to the end .i need nothing from you . i got my engine out of the boat to rebuild but that is not practical i have some friends i will give my boat to here on lake Winnebago it if i get to see it splash but my friends give me hope that i may survive to see it splash. it is in my back yard on the hard now for two years now but maybe i can pass the love of my boat as we love our boats please don't feel sad. this makes me feel good . i have a watkins 27 from the east coast.it is a nice boat but i got blind sided i want no sympathy from anyone it is therapy for me dam it my spell check took a shit . i am watching ok
The fiberglass particles gets stuck because in the heat your pores open up, and your sweat makes it all stick well to your skin :) When i worked with fiberglass they recommended taking a hot shower so the pores opened up to get it out, and then finish with cold water to close them :)
I was a little dubious as to how useful it might be when he first pulled the contraption out of the box, but as the video went on it sure seemed to be just the thing to get into those tight spots, time after time. Seeing is believing. This is the kind of thing that I love about Sail Life. So many good ideas and techniques are shared. I first learned about the sanding disc screens here too. Those are awesome.
Your a true hero! Despite the heat... Love your videos. Jag tittar alltid på dina videos när jag ska sova mig på söndagskvällen. Det är alltid lika intressant.
I would vote for putting in a fan. I think it is always nice to have the ability to create more ventilation anywhere on the boat and in a head even more so. When first saw Andy use that tool I thought it was brilliant, and I needed to remember it. But I can already tell I am inventing reasons to get it sooner rather than later, admittedly because I just plain WANT IT :-P
Interesting that you referred to the cable port as a "gooseneck" - in the UK, gooseneck is used to refer to the hinged pin on the mast to which the boom attaches (on a dinghy). However, yours is a great tip - my current port uses a rubber bung that sort of seals the cables (badly), but that looks a far better idea.
Hot air rises, so if You do not want to work in a hot air ballon, You need an opening at the top of the shed and open a door (or more), or some windows as close to the ground as possible, on the opposite side of the sun. If the shed doesn't have opening AT THE VERY TOP OF THE SHED (to let hot air escape)... call the architect back and tell him he is totally incompetent!!! Against fiberglass itchiness, You can use some baby powder. 17:00 air circulation is essential! And it is part of the problem with your shed! Just imagine whats gonna happen when you're going to sleep during a hot and humid night in the Tropics!?! It is placed at the very top of your cabin so I would put a powerfull but silent fan that You can operate on a simple switch, or a timer, or a hygrometer! Keep up the good work! I love your channel! +1
You might want to ask the boatyard owner that, if he purchases a ventilation fan, you would install it. That would make working in the shed bearable! For the winter months you should probably have some external doors/louvres.
Love your vids Mads! So glad you met Ava too. After binging on your Athena vids I’m now up to date and looking forward to weekly updates! All the best from Downunder.
You already have the hole there, put the fan in! More ventilation is always better. Because it's in the head, all the better, and not just for the obvious reasons. Despite the heat fun video to follow along.
Those gooseneck are superb, don’t clean stainless with sandpaper use scotchpads or polish discs, fiberglass defenatley itches more when being sweaty.. reinforce the hatch from the inside and take away the back lip to get a more clean area without places for water and dirt to acumulate.. 👍 great work in the heat we are having.. 👍👍
Hello. I had/have a Lofrans Cayman 88 windless which is similar to the Tigress. I say had/have because I just had to buy a new one. Here is what happened: Annual maintenance says to replace the two bolts holding the chain stripper in place. The old windless was 20 years old and I don’t think this was done. I just purchased the boat last year. Long story short I sheared off both bolts trying to remove them. Corrosion, aluminum case, stainless steel bolts don’t mix. Be careful when you remove the bolts. I took the case to two machinists who were unable to help. FYI, Lofrans factory is in Italy very close to where I live in Switzerland. You can order the parts much cheaper from factory than any dealer. Good luck. Very much enjoy your videos. Marshall
When we refitted our Westerly it had a similar vent. It had two Nicad 1300Mha batteries inside. We swapped them out for 2300Mha Li batteries that could be boosted by a fly wire. Worked well for many years with a few good charges via the fly wire in the winter. Great work love your videos, thanks for sharing. Ant & Cid xx
That looks like a Bosch Colt router you used on the top of the cabin. I have one as well and know that there are circle cutting jigs for it. The next time you need a big hole, just make a small center hole for the jig and adjust it to your needed diameter. The jig also works for making the plywood filler plugs. Your videos are excellent!
I wanted to thank you Mads for your videos. Last time I did fiberglass layup, I wasn't aware of peel ply (maybe it wasn't even available, it was quite awhile ago). However, since you seem to have such good outcomes with it, I decided to give it a try on my rudder repair. It really speeds up the process and leaves a great surface. Thanks for the suggestion!
Mads, rather than replacing the base of the windlass it can easily be repaired using an epoxy metal repair putty. There are several brands in the market but you being in Europe I would recommend something like Devcon, Resimac or Belzona. They all sell metal repair putties that can fill the pits and eroded areas caused by galvanic corrosion between the stainless steel bolts and the aluminum windlass base. The advantages of these putties are they are non-conductive ( dielectric) hence no more galvanic corrosion. I have some in my garage (Miami, FL USA) if you want to cover the cost of shipping they are yours. One more thing if you replace the base and still use SS bolts eventually the same damage will reoccur. To prevent just oversize the hole, fill it up with the putty and then dill the hole to the original size. Same procdure you did on hatch holes to prevent the core from water peentration.
I received my 9031 Mikita 3 weeks ago. I also bought it based on Andy Miller’s recommendation. I love it! You have an Excellent channel! Please keep up the great work.
I really enjoying your videos Mads. If you want to get real DIY crazy with your windlass gear housing, look up Aluminium (Aluminum?) Soldering. You can clean up the gear housing and the holes from corrosion and fill them by melting new Aluminium into them. I have successfully used this technique on many Alu covers and housings from old motorcycles and saved myself a bunch of $$ as a result.
Aaaah, new tool day - always the best day :) That Makita looks very nice! If I am not mistaken, you can even hook up the Vac to the port in the back...
DO, put in a solar fan. They are gold. They suck or blow and will greatly help with mould prevention and smells. In summer I put mine on suck which pulls out hot air(which rises) and in winter I change to blow. Works well for me. Solar charges battery and fan runs almost all through the night. Brand I used is Nicro.
Athena is getting better each week. Water tight from bow to stern. Maybe you want to bury a little time capsule aboard her. How about a bottle of favorite brand under the diesel tank. A nice surprise for oh your grandchild. Hi Ava.
Hey Mads, I've been following your blog for the entire Athena refit and I'm extremely impressed at your confidence in this refit and I ve learned a lot from you as a relative sailing novice and future boat buyer.
I spent a summer in west Texas doing fiberglass boat repair and yes fiberglass and sweat are killers! a couple ideas to try cover exposed skin with baby powder before sanding, afterwards pour rubbing alcohol and let it evaporate then sluice off without rubbing under cold running water.
It hasen`t been so warm in Norway (May) since thay started measuring the weather (in 1850 or something) So I really feel for you, working in that metal shed.
Anders Jakobsen we got up to mid 90s degree Fahrenheit today and spring just got here. Humidity stays around 85%. I live in Alabama USA. It’s awful to do anything in.
To avoid creating sanding marks on your stainless steel parts you want to polish, I strongly suggest you use a random orbit sander. Good luck - great channel
Another great video Mads! This past week I had to fill some screw holes in my boat and I tried your trick of using a plastic bag to squeeze the thicken epoxy. I must say that you make it look very easy although you must have done about 1,000,000 holes by now and I only had to do 6. I had to use the bag and a stir stick to get the epoxy in, but it worked in the end. Thanks for the tip.
Replace the head with a solar fan assembly, get a common type as they do die but good ones era easily replaced. Also your windless is not that bad of shape. The bottom goes like that in no time, even a new one looks like that in a couple years, just clean and reinstall. I know in a video a couple weeks ago you said you didn't need the storage but maybe rethink that, the cockpit area could be great storage and once you glass it all in you lost it. Yes you might not think you will need it but you have a lady that you don't have on Oblix that might want to store some stuff also. Can never have to much storage.
I built a Brown 31ft Searunner from scratch (google it) in the seventies (yes, I'm an old codger) in my parents backyard. When we had to do fiberglass grinding when it was hot we always held off until night when it was cooler and your pores were closed so there was virtually no itching. I suggest changing to a night shift when it is hot. You'll need lights but at least you won't expire from heat exhaustion.
Hi Mads, I met you in Brooklyn. For your question on Solar vent, I have two Marinco 4" passive solar vents on my boat. I find it keeps the odd smells and mildew completely under control during the week while I am away. It seems to me they exchange air more than the two dorade vents I also have installed. You will find varying complaints about the durability of these solar motors. I find that yes, they tend to last about 2-3 years and then the motor starts 'rumbing' and eventually fails. But - Marinco has in the last couple years introduced a solar motor replacement kit ($25 ish I believe). It is quite easy to replace the motor (one little soldering point) and then you are good to go for another 2-3 years. So that solves the #1 complaint on these vents. They have a sliding vertical collar that moves up and down 1" or so to seal the unit. I don't know if it would be entirely water tight, for waves over the deck, I have had zero water intrusion in moderate coastal sailing. Given the motors can be replaced, I find them a very good solution to a closed up boat. They are rather pricey at $150 ish.
If it was me I would’ve drill those circles from inside the cabin (bottom) and glue those plywood fillers also from the bottom. In my opinion that would make a stronger attachment points. Great job and keep posting.
when it's hot and sweaty, your pores are open more and allow more glass fibers/fibres to cause that pleasant itching. Hated working in attics with blown-in fiberglass insulation, especially in Texas or Louisisiana, especially in August.
when i worked in an insulation factory decades ago, i would cover all exposed skin with vasaline. this stopped most of the itching. if possible have a fan blowing the air away from you. at the eof the day have a cool shower.
Hi Mads, why don't you open the shed doors during the hot days? I too am restoring a boat in a shed and I open the door front and back to keep it cool inside. Love your videos. John H.
Mads, 90% of what I know about boats is that they are suppossed to float in water, but if you are thinking about a new winch Alfy from "Life is Like Sailing" channel just installed a new winch which to me looks like the cat's meow. The fact it can haul both rode and chain seems like a pretty cool feature to me.
My last job I had ten days of 45 plus, being a school teacher my students were falling asleep in the afternoon. It was not me but a whole school problem. I almost quit but stayed two years. It was in Mildura Victoria Australia. 30 deg I still have jumper on.
Great video! I'm debating adding fairleads and a stopper into the cockpit so that I can raise my main on my new to me '87 IP31. You took out the mystery of how to do that, as well replacing my crazed aluminum hatches with spiffy ss hatches. Now if I can only get over my fear of drilling into my coachroof! I have a solar fan in my salon hatch that has been running the 2 years I've owned the boat nonstop. I'm sure it's been running more years than I've had the boat. Under heavy rains though water has been seen on my cabin sole.
Love the progress you are making. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I live in Louisiana where it get's HOT and the humidity takes the breath right out of you. This is what works for me.......I only wear 90% polyester / 10% spandex cloths. You can not wear cotton. Also shop fans help.....will need to consistently move them to where you are working (pain in a$$) but worth it. Just my two cents. Love the new tools you got......that little thing worked great.
It's always so relaxing and nice to watch you work, Mads ;-) Even when things don't go your way you tackle it in such a positive and stress relieving way. Thanks for another great one!
hey there! For polishing metal quickly, you can't find a better way than a rotary polisher (FESTOOL Shinex, Flex, Rupes or so) with a wool buffing pad (Meguiar's) and some metal Polish paste (Autosol, Autoglym, Mother's...). Quick and perfect results first time any time!
The shed needs a venting fan. Even a passive fan vent will release the hot rising air and draw cooler air from ground level. In Australia where sheds do get hot for sure, whirlybird vents are often used. A new range of solar vents are available too. But a hard wired electric vent (variable speed) would be the best solution.
If your skin pores are dilated in heat, yep it's gonna itch more, I consider myself a self proclaimed expert on this subject Mads, my tent is unbearable at times and often in the high 30s.My wife's loofah brush is my saviour in the cold shower at night.
Love the fast pace of your videos. Keeps our attention. With all the heat in the shed, are you able to open those huge doors in front of the boat to get some air circulating?
Hi, again a great video! As for the fan: I just installed last year a similar fan into out bathroom hatch, so that we can have constant ventillation even if our hatch needs to be closed due to bad weather or security reasons. You may consider this, as well.
I noticed the belt on your new sander was brown, which typically means Aluminum Oxide type abrasives. If you want to use the sander for Stainless Steel, might I suggest Zirconia type abrasives. They are more expensive, but they will do a much better job on SS, and the will last much, much longer. Love the show, ciao.
I can feel ya! I'm fixing my freshly purchased Rasmus35 in Cartagena, Colombia. From 10am till 5pm it (is 33°C) feels like 40°C and it's getting hard to breath. (Sail)life is beautiful!!!
Hi Mads, Great video as always, very informative! I would put some sort of ventilation over the head. However, I'm not a fan of those smaller units, they just don't seem to last as also stated below. I also would opt for a fan that operates off your battery system with a timer and heat sensor. I think you will be very happy with the results. Thanks for sharing. 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
My solar fan works through out the New England Winter. I like having the air circulation through the year. I cap off the interior when I am trying to keep the heat in during the colder months when I am on board.
I would recommend installing the fan in the head because with the door closed, you will get a better breeze through the room when you open the window and run the fan.
With regards to getting a new gear housing for the windless, a new one will rot the same as the old in salt water. Try and fabricate one out of fiberglass it will be just as strong but not easily rotted as metal would be, just and idea as the you tube channel Catamaran Impi did just that as the windless he had the manufacturer wanted gold for a new base gearbox support.
I would try a large fan to circulate the hot air in the shed, maybe place it by the door to bring in some of the cooler outside air. A fan in the head is a must.
Have you considered getting all the Aluminium fittings stripped, acid etched and re-anodized .... it'll come up like new? Would work in the windlass also and fill in those corrosion holes with epoxy as the damage is on the underside and only you (and the 2.2K subscribers) will know!
Omg! Was that one of those infamous, all purpose “cabinet scrapers” from the dreaded “Pit of Cabinet scrapers”? “All we have to do is get this cabinet scraper under here and pry up and”...SHAFFLING!!! Dang it! 😂that video cracked up.
Regarding the mast wiring, If you go to a new RADAR unit it might only require power connections as the signal is wifi or bluetooth. Also the lighting will be much lower amperage if LED. Just getting at that the cables will be smaller altogether.
What would be funny is if next time you saunter up from the cabin to the cockpit with a mixing cup in hand, you should have a nice cool cocktail in it, complete with a stirring stick "umbrella", act as if nothing is different and then take a swig.
Well a well maintained fan is definately a plus. They usually break after about 3 or 4 years, but otherwise you will start to grow mold even in a cold climate. The boat needs airflow especially if nobody is living in it to keep it dry and free of mold.
I feel ya, I'm working on my boat, on the hard, these days too - it's SOO hot!!! I'm doing work inside and it's 40-50 degrees in there. Some weeks ago I was awaiting for some heat to finish my core repair :P
Sail Life: Hello once again, Mads. Concerning itch and sweat; I've found these to be in direct opposition. That is, the less sweat, the more itch. Until you reach a break point where sweat, the liquid component, is running off in virtual torrents, washing fiberglass, the itch component, away before it can contact the skin to cause the itch. Of course, at that point, what clothing you have on is virtually plastered to your skin. _That_ , I've found to be nearly as annoying/bothersome as the itch! Just my two cents on that subject and probably not worth that amount, in any event? Do keep the vids coming. They are very much enjoyed.
Always put a fan in the head. Nobody wants to go in behind someone else especially when there is no fan to clear out the oder left behind. Women in particular don't like a smelly bathroom/head. Find one that runs of solar and DC voltage with a timer and humidistat. It may be a little more expensive but it will be a lot more comfortable for everyone in the long run.
I agree, a fan in the head area and with the salon area is a must. By the way, if you want to share some of that heat with us in Newfoundland, please send it our way. It is 4 deg. C right now and we have not warmed up yet.
Working in an enclosed building in the heat is miserable. I give you props for doing what you did.
i love your videos i am not looking for any sympathy at all ,but for me they are helping to keep my brain working them bastards gave me 7 weeks now with my brain cancer at 61 years old that i just got out the hosipatial here in central Wisconsin for now . i have been blessed with prayers from around the world i don't want anything from anyone even now i am in a big struggle now but i will kick it's ass and beat it i have no choise but my sailing is now over now its survival. you are encouraging me with your great videos as normally you do.. thank you ,this caught me by surprise but mads i have always loved your videos but i have friends coming out of the wood work with help to try to get my boat on the water but i love my friends i have been truly blessed with that but please don't stop with your videos i love them you are such a positive influence for me.dam it i will survive the cancer is being treated heavy duty and i am not crying about anything i just love your videos but i am not begging for anything from you thank you mads thank you so much i have Jesus at my side i am full of tons of friends and loving family i will beat this but its fucking up my head badi cant change that thank you i won't bother you i am not trying to bother you bye thank you so much to be a small part of your life even i will not ever meet you but please that is OK with me i pray more than ever i have to stop this shit now or i cry. and kick back to watch your videos. i am a in my own mind now this is good for me t go try to keep it working so it doesn't shut down. it is ok!!but i hopefully will go to ride a 113 year old Harley down to the harley museum in Milwaukee Wisconsin one last time if the doctors get me good enough to take i t would have loved to dock at the Harley museum to party at with friends but every thing is fine i am kind of really nutty right now so what i am getting blasted by chemicals and radiation but it is to early to tell now i am sorry to bother you with this thanks . i don't need anything i just thought it is important how wonderfully you do with your videos i have been with here from the beginning please don't feel sad mads i don't want that at all.if you are in milwaukee and i do kick this you may like to go to the harley museum i love so much.peace and love at you . i need nothing from anyone but christ. some of my friends want me to write my thoughts down since i have over 485,000 miles on my bmw motorcycle but my friends are retired from harley and it may not really be possible to happen but that is ok thanks.my mom is here. no need to say anything your videos are just fine i have lovely friends from watching youtube videos to help me. to i get dizzy bad i am scared to fall but its fine please don't worry here it feels nice to say something to a fan of you the heavy shit just started to blast me i am strong but please i am ok i do not want to bother you WITH THIS ,PEACE ,i HAVE A BIG BUNCH OF DOCTORS HELPING THERE IS HOPE ,NOT MUCH BUT THERE HAS TO BE .the brain shrinking causes me problems don't worry i am watching to the end .i need nothing from you . i got my engine out of the boat to rebuild but that is not practical i have some friends i will give my boat to here on lake Winnebago it if i get to see it splash but my friends give me hope that i may survive to see it splash. it is in my back yard on the hard now for two years now but maybe i can pass the love of my boat as we love our boats please don't feel sad. this makes me feel good . i have a watkins 27 from the east coast.it is a nice boat but i got blind sided i want no sympathy from anyone it is therapy for me dam it my spell check took a shit . i am watching ok
The fiberglass particles gets stuck because in the heat your pores open up, and your sweat makes it all stick well to your skin :) When i worked with fiberglass they recommended taking a hot shower so the pores opened up to get it out, and then finish with cold water to close them :)
It's such a pleasure to watch this guy work! Got to love his dedication and love for things well done! Truly inspirational!
Yup, that little sander is a workhorse ;-)! Very nice Mads!
I was a little dubious as to how useful it might be when he first pulled the contraption out of the box, but as the video went on it sure seemed to be just the thing to get into those tight spots, time after time. Seeing is believing. This is the kind of thing that I love about Sail Life. So many good ideas and techniques are shared. I first learned about the sanding disc screens here too. Those are awesome.
Your a true hero! Despite the heat... Love your videos. Jag tittar alltid på dina videos när jag ska sova mig på söndagskvällen. Det är alltid lika intressant.
Mads, we are in awe of your attention to detail. You’ll have a very fine boat when you finish, ten years from now.
Just when I though I couldn't possibly like you more, you said the phrase "riding the struggle bus." Brilliant :)
I would vote for putting in a fan. I think it is always nice to have the ability to create more ventilation anywhere on the boat and in a head even more so. When first saw Andy use that tool I thought it was brilliant, and I needed to remember it. But I can already tell I am inventing reasons to get it sooner rather than later, admittedly because I just plain WANT IT :-P
Interesting that you referred to the cable port as a "gooseneck" - in the UK, gooseneck is used to refer to the hinged pin on the mast to which the boom attaches (on a dinghy).
However, yours is a great tip - my current port uses a rubber bung that sort of seals the cables (badly), but that looks a far better idea.
Hot air rises, so if You do not want to work in a hot air ballon, You need an opening at the top of the shed and open a door (or more), or some windows as close to the ground as possible, on the opposite side of the sun. If the shed doesn't have opening AT THE VERY TOP OF THE SHED (to let hot air escape)... call the architect back and tell him he is totally incompetent!!! Against fiberglass itchiness, You can use some baby powder. 17:00 air circulation is essential! And it is part of the problem with your shed! Just imagine whats gonna happen when you're going to sleep during a hot and humid night in the Tropics!?! It is placed at the very top of your cabin so I would put a powerfull but silent fan that You can operate on a simple switch, or a timer, or a hygrometer! Keep up the good work! I love your channel! +1
Ha! love Red Screwdriver! I think he's been in almost every episode. He's like the "Bilgy" of SLV.
Time to think about dorade boxes and big chrome intake funnels
You're voice is so soothing haha it's the best part about your videos haha thanks for another awesome Ep
You might want to ask the boatyard owner that, if he purchases a ventilation fan, you would install it. That would make working in the shed bearable!
For the winter months you should probably have some external doors/louvres.
Love your vids Mads! So glad you met Ava too. After binging on your Athena vids I’m now up to date and looking forward to weekly updates! All the best from Downunder.
You already have the hole there, put the fan in! More ventilation is always better. Because it's in the head, all the better, and not just for the obvious reasons. Despite the heat fun video to follow along.
Those gooseneck are superb, don’t clean stainless with sandpaper use scotchpads or polish discs, fiberglass defenatley itches more when being sweaty..
reinforce the hatch from the inside and take away the back lip to get a more clean area without places for water and dirt to acumulate.. 👍 great work in the heat we are having.. 👍👍
From all the DIY boat workers I know here in Florida you are 1000 % correct fiberglass loves sweaty skin !!
Mads time to get a big fan! They are famous here in our ARIZONA summers. And the belt sander is very SPIFFEFFICIENT!
Hello. I had/have a Lofrans Cayman 88 windless which is similar to the Tigress. I say had/have because I just had to buy a new one. Here is what happened: Annual maintenance says to replace the two bolts holding the chain stripper in place. The old windless was 20 years old and I don’t think this was done. I just purchased the boat last year. Long story short I sheared off both bolts trying to remove them. Corrosion, aluminum case, stainless steel bolts don’t mix. Be careful when you remove the bolts. I took the case to two machinists who were unable to help. FYI, Lofrans factory is in Italy very close to where I live in Switzerland. You can order the parts much cheaper from factory than any dealer. Good luck. Very much enjoy your videos. Marshall
When we refitted our Westerly it had a similar vent. It had two Nicad 1300Mha batteries inside. We swapped them out for 2300Mha Li batteries that could be boosted by a fly wire. Worked well for many years with a few good charges via the fly wire in the winter. Great work love your videos, thanks for sharing. Ant & Cid xx
That looks like a Bosch Colt router you used on the top of the cabin. I have one as well and know that there are circle cutting jigs for it. The next time you need a big hole, just make a small center hole for the jig and adjust it to your needed diameter. The jig also works for making the plywood filler plugs. Your videos are excellent!
I wanted to thank you Mads for your videos. Last time I did fiberglass layup, I wasn't aware of peel ply (maybe it wasn't even available, it was quite awhile ago). However, since you seem to have such good outcomes with it, I decided to give it a try on my rudder repair. It really speeds up the process and leaves a great surface. Thanks for the suggestion!
Too warm in Denmark.... WOW, det er en utrolig dejlig sommer start.... Held og lykke med det hele
I’ve just been following these videos for a few months and I’m hooked really look forward to seeing them,
Mads, rather than replacing the base of the windlass it can easily be repaired using an epoxy metal repair putty. There are several brands in the market but you being in Europe I would recommend something like Devcon, Resimac or Belzona. They all sell metal repair putties that can fill the pits and eroded areas caused by galvanic corrosion between the stainless steel bolts and the aluminum windlass base. The advantages of these putties are they are non-conductive ( dielectric) hence no more galvanic corrosion. I have some in my garage (Miami, FL USA) if you want to cover the cost of shipping they are yours.
One more thing if you replace the base and still use SS bolts eventually the same damage will reoccur. To prevent just oversize the hole, fill it up with the putty and then dill the hole to the original size. Same procdure you did on hatch holes to prevent the core from water peentration.
Some really useful progress there.👍 Don’t worry about high temps - it will not last long.
Got that Makita as well. Thank you Boat Works for that tid bit. 👍
I received my 9031 Mikita 3 weeks ago. I also bought it based on Andy Miller’s recommendation. I love it! You have an Excellent channel! Please keep up the great work.
I really enjoying your videos Mads. If you want to get real DIY crazy with your windlass gear housing, look up Aluminium (Aluminum?) Soldering. You can clean up the gear housing and the holes from corrosion and fill them by melting new Aluminium into them. I have successfully used this technique on many Alu covers and housings from old motorcycles and saved myself a bunch of $$ as a result.
Aaaah, new tool day - always the best day :) That Makita looks very nice! If I am not mistaken, you can even hook up the Vac to the port in the back...
DO, put in a solar fan. They are gold. They suck or blow and will greatly help with mould prevention and smells. In summer I put mine on suck which pulls out hot air(which rises) and in winter I change to blow. Works well for me. Solar charges battery and fan runs almost all through the night. Brand I used is Nicro.
I think you should start a patron account and do this full time
I would love to do this full time! 🙂 www.patreon.com/saillife
Athena is getting better each week. Water tight from bow to stern. Maybe you want to bury a little time capsule aboard her.
How about a bottle of favorite brand under the diesel tank. A nice surprise for oh your grandchild. Hi Ava.
Tom Barker and the red screwdriver
Hey Mads, I've been following your blog for the entire Athena refit and I'm extremely impressed at your confidence in this refit and I ve learned a lot from you as a relative sailing novice and future boat buyer.
Trucker's Hitch is the knot you need to hold those pieces, and very handy for sailing as well. And put a chimney or two on that shed ;)
Coming along nicely! Can't wait to see her splash.
Fiberglass absolutely itches more when it is hot and you are sweaty :) love the new sander. Thank you for another great video Mads :)
I spent a summer in west Texas doing fiberglass boat repair and yes fiberglass and sweat are killers! a couple ideas to try cover exposed skin with baby powder before sanding, afterwards pour rubbing alcohol and let it evaporate then sluice off without rubbing under cold running water.
Great tips, I live in the Rio Grande Valley (sub tropics of Texas) so anything that helps with the good ole fiberglass itch is a big help.
It hasen`t been so warm in Norway (May) since thay started measuring the weather (in 1850 or something)
So I really feel for you, working in that metal shed.
or Denmark!
Anders Jakobsen we got up to mid 90s degree Fahrenheit today and spring just got here. Humidity stays around 85%. I live in Alabama USA. It’s awful to do anything in.
Jo Allan: shure ;-)
Mr Watkins: It`s just the same as here in Scandinavian...nice to be out sailing tho...
Sail Life bandanas. Sweat & swagger.
You are correct sanding fiberglass when sweaty makes me more itchy
To avoid creating sanding marks on your stainless steel parts you want to polish, I strongly suggest you use a random orbit sander. Good luck - great channel
Another great video Mads! This past week I had to fill some screw holes in my boat and I tried your trick of using a plastic bag to squeeze the thicken epoxy. I must say that you make it look very easy although you must have done about 1,000,000 holes by now and I only had to do 6. I had to use the bag and a stir stick to get the epoxy in, but it worked in the end. Thanks for the tip.
Replace the head with a solar fan assembly, get a common type as they do die but good ones era easily replaced. Also your windless is not that bad of shape. The bottom goes like that in no time, even a new one looks like that in a couple years, just clean and reinstall. I know in a video a couple weeks ago you said you didn't need the storage but maybe rethink that, the cockpit area could be great storage and once you glass it all in you lost it. Yes you might not think you will need it but you have a lady that you don't have on Oblix that might want to store some stuff also. Can never have to much storage.
I think you should replace the fan in the head as well in order to try to keep Athena as original as possible. Thanks for the awesome video again!
a lot of small projects gets a lot done. great job in the stifling heat.
The new sander looks like a dream and a welcome addition to your sanding toolkit. ;)
how you have comment 2 hours ago when the video is 3 min old?
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I built a Brown 31ft Searunner from scratch (google it) in the seventies (yes, I'm an old codger) in my parents backyard. When we had to do fiberglass grinding when it was hot we always held off until night when it was cooler and your pores were closed so there was virtually no itching. I suggest changing to a night shift when it is hot. You'll need lights but at least you won't expire from heat exhaustion.
Hi Mads, I met you in Brooklyn. For your question on Solar vent, I have two Marinco 4" passive solar vents on my boat. I find it keeps the odd smells and mildew completely under control during the week while I am away. It seems to me they exchange air more than the two dorade vents I also have installed. You will find varying complaints about the durability of these solar motors. I find that yes, they tend to last about 2-3 years and then the motor starts 'rumbing' and eventually fails. But - Marinco has in the last couple years introduced a solar motor replacement kit ($25 ish I believe). It is quite easy to replace the motor (one little soldering point) and then you are good to go for another 2-3 years. So that solves the #1 complaint on these vents. They have a sliding vertical collar that moves up and down 1" or so to seal the unit. I don't know if it would be entirely water tight, for waves over the deck, I have had zero water intrusion in moderate coastal sailing. Given the motors can be replaced, I find them a very good solution to a closed up boat. They are rather pricey at $150 ish.
If it was me I would’ve drill those circles from inside the cabin (bottom) and glue those plywood fillers also from the bottom. In my opinion that would make a stronger attachment points. Great job and keep posting.
when it's hot and sweaty, your pores are open more and allow more glass fibers/fibres to cause that pleasant itching.
Hated working in attics with blown-in fiberglass insulation, especially in Texas or Louisisiana, especially in August.
when i worked in an insulation factory decades ago, i would cover all exposed skin with vasaline. this stopped most of the itching. if possible have a fan blowing the air away from you. at the eof the day have a cool shower.
I was in my attic yesterday looking for a smelly, dead critter. It was only ~140 up there yesterday (60c). Yay texas!
Hi Mads, why don't you open the shed doors during the hot days?
I too am restoring a boat in a shed and I open the door front and back to keep it cool inside.
Love your videos.
John H.
Love the videos! You always have such a calm demeanor to everything you do! A true inspiration. Keep it up!
Another Great presentation, as for the fan if it is over the Galley side I'd leave it, condensation while cooking.
Mads, 90% of what I know about boats is that they are suppossed to float in water, but if you are thinking about a new winch Alfy from "Life is Like Sailing" channel just installed a new winch which to me looks like the cat's meow. The fact it can haul both rode and chain seems like a pretty cool feature to me.
My last job I had ten days of 45 plus, being a school teacher my students were falling asleep in the afternoon. It was not me but a whole school problem. I almost quit but stayed two years. It was in Mildura Victoria Australia. 30 deg I still have jumper on.
Great tool. Good choice Mads. Keep it up. Your inspiration and calm cool attack on huge problems. Is a big push forward for all of us in d.i.y. world.
The Mikita is a great little belt sander.
Great video! I'm debating adding fairleads and a stopper into the cockpit so that I can raise my main on my new to me '87 IP31. You took out the mystery of how to do that, as well replacing my crazed aluminum hatches with spiffy ss hatches. Now if I can only get over my fear of drilling into my coachroof! I have a solar fan in my salon hatch that has been running the 2 years I've owned the boat nonstop. I'm sure it's been running more years than I've had the boat. Under heavy rains though water has been seen on my cabin sole.
Love the progress you are making. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I live in Louisiana where it get's HOT and the humidity takes the breath right out of you. This is what works for me.......I only wear 90% polyester / 10% spandex cloths. You can not wear cotton. Also shop fans help.....will need to consistently move them to where you are working (pain in a$$) but worth it. Just my two cents. Love the new tools you got......that little thing worked great.
The Cableport works great. I had one in my last boat and there were not a single leak. Also realy easy to handle when unstepping the mast.
A very clever DIY man
Another great video. Thanks for sharing. 😊
It's always so relaxing and nice to watch you work, Mads ;-) Even when things don't go your way you tackle it in such a positive and stress relieving way. Thanks for another great one!
hey there! For polishing metal quickly, you can't find a better way than a rotary polisher (FESTOOL Shinex, Flex, Rupes or so) with a wool buffing pad (Meguiar's) and some metal Polish paste (Autosol, Autoglym, Mother's...). Quick and perfect results first time any time!
Keep the fan. Great video.
too cold then too hot! haha. great progress!
I know :D The struggle is real! ;)
Too little wind. Too much wind. Sail life...
Another aktion loaded DIY video, thanks! P.S. I just love that Makita Tools.
The shed needs a venting fan. Even a passive fan vent will release the hot rising air and draw cooler air from ground level. In Australia where sheds do get hot for sure, whirlybird vents are often used. A new range of solar vents are available too. But a hard wired electric vent (variable speed) would be the best solution.
You should get one of those 24" or 36" industrial fans. A little breeze really makes a difference working when it's hot.
I never complain about the heat ... I have never had to Shovel it off the sidewalk... ;) Great Video
If your skin pores are dilated in heat, yep it's gonna itch more, I consider myself a self proclaimed expert on this subject Mads, my tent is unbearable at times and often in the high 30s.My wife's loofah brush is my saviour in the cold shower at night.
Our solar fans make a huge difference on our boat, expecially with the highs floating around 38 C around here.
Love the fast pace of your videos. Keeps our attention. With all the heat in the shed, are you able to open those huge doors in front of the boat to get some air circulating?
That notch was a good idea thanks mate lol remember that one guys!!!! I’ll be using that
Another good one! Like the sander. Thanks.
Hi, again a great video! As for the fan: I just installed last year a similar fan into out bathroom hatch, so that we can have constant ventillation even if our hatch needs to be closed due to bad weather or security reasons. You may consider this, as well.
I noticed the belt on your new sander was brown, which typically means Aluminum Oxide type abrasives. If you want to use the sander for Stainless Steel, might I suggest Zirconia type abrasives. They are more expensive, but they will do a much better job on SS, and the will last much, much longer.
Love the show, ciao.
I can feel ya! I'm fixing my freshly purchased Rasmus35 in Cartagena, Colombia. From 10am till 5pm it (is 33°C) feels like 40°C and it's getting hard to breath. (Sail)life is beautiful!!!
Hi Mads, Great video as always, very informative! I would put some sort of ventilation over the head. However, I'm not a fan of those smaller units, they just don't seem to last as also stated below. I also would opt for a fan that operates off your battery system with a timer and heat sensor. I think you will be very happy with the results. Thanks for sharing. 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
My solar fan works through out the New England Winter. I like having the air circulation through the year. I cap off the interior when I am trying to keep the heat in during the colder months when I am on board.
Mads I think the doe mix on the forward and aft edges of the hatch are for added strength for the only two ways you would fix the hatch.
Mads all those holes you are covering up in the cockpit wouldn't they be good for storage ?
I would recommend installing the fan in the head because with the door closed, you will get a better breeze through the room when you open the window and run the fan.
With regards to getting a new gear housing for the windless, a new one will rot the same as the old in salt water. Try and fabricate one out of fiberglass it will be just as strong but not easily rotted as metal would be, just and idea as the you tube channel Catamaran Impi did just that as the windless he had the manufacturer wanted gold for a new base gearbox support.
the solar fans are a great idea - the keep the air moving through the yacht - and out of the yacht -
I would try a large fan to circulate the hot air in the shed, maybe place it by the door to bring in some of the cooler outside air. A fan in the head is a must.
Have you considered getting all the Aluminium fittings stripped, acid etched and re-anodized .... it'll come up like new? Would work in the windlass also and fill in those corrosion holes with epoxy as the damage is on the underside and only you (and the 2.2K subscribers) will know!
Omg! Was that one of those infamous, all purpose “cabinet scrapers” from the dreaded “Pit of Cabinet scrapers”?
“All we have to do is get this cabinet scraper under here and pry up and”...SHAFFLING!!! Dang it! 😂that video cracked up.
That it was indeed. I thought about mentioning it but I didn't think anyone would remember 😉😂
Regarding the mast wiring, If you go to a new RADAR unit it might only require power connections as the signal is wifi or bluetooth. Also the lighting will be much lower amperage if LED. Just getting at that the cables will be smaller altogether.
i like your videos so relaxing like a good profesor, and yes put the fan on roof, places like caribbean are hot wet and millions of mosquitos.
Good video. If you are planning in heading towards more temperate zones you will appreciate as much ventilation as you can fit.
What would be funny is if next time you saunter up from the cabin to the cockpit with a mixing cup in hand, you should have a nice cool cocktail in it, complete with a stirring stick "umbrella", act as if nothing is different and then take a swig.
Well a well maintained fan is definately a plus. They usually break after about 3 or 4 years, but otherwise you will start to grow mold even in a cold climate. The boat needs airflow especially if nobody is living in it to keep it dry and free of mold.
You can never have enough fans.
good job good sir :) see you next week!
I feel ya, I'm working on my boat, on the hard, these days too - it's SOO hot!!! I'm doing work inside and it's 40-50 degrees in there.
Some weeks ago I was awaiting for some heat to finish my core repair :P
Sail Life: Hello once again, Mads. Concerning itch and sweat; I've found these to be in direct opposition. That is, the less sweat, the more itch. Until you reach a break point where sweat, the liquid component, is running off in virtual torrents, washing fiberglass, the itch component, away before it can contact the skin to cause the itch.
Of course, at that point, what clothing you have on is virtually plastered to your skin. _That_ , I've found to be nearly as annoying/bothersome as the itch!
Just my two cents on that subject and probably not worth that amount, in any event? Do keep the vids coming. They are very much enjoyed.
Always put a fan in the head. Nobody wants to go in behind someone else especially when there is no fan to clear out the oder left behind. Women in particular don't like a smelly bathroom/head. Find one that runs of solar and DC voltage with a timer and humidistat. It may be a little more expensive but it will be a lot more comfortable for everyone in the long run.
OOOH time & humidistat are great ideas, even if they don't come with the fan, they should be able to be wired in fairly readily
Should
yup the more fans the better in the head. espeacially if you are going to use a jabco or similar.
I agree, a fan in the head area and with the salon area is a must. By the way, if you want to share some of that heat with us in Newfoundland, please send it our way. It is 4 deg. C right now and we have not warmed up yet.
with what is left oopps.