When you get down in tropical waters you may have a problem with barnacles growing in between your keel box and your swing keel making the swing keel lock in place. Make yourself a note to at least once a month lower the swing keel and raise it again even if you are at anchor.
It might seem a bit of a disaster, but you're making Melody safer in the long run, which should guarantee a longer and more enjoyable time exploring the world. A great good video with lots of information and instruction!
Ahh Melissa, I feel your pain when you say you were crying in the keel box. To get so far on a project then find something so drastic can be devastating and wipe you out emotionally. All sorts of things run through your brain. Then along comes the expert, he weighs it up and says “yeah nah yeah that’s a very doable job, simple enough for me” and then the emotional tears of relief come flooding back. Tanks are basically empty, the sound echoey. What’s gonna happen when Jack disappears? Simple solution, start creating his new sibling 😆😆😆😆
Nigel is such an incredible blessing, with such a wonderful calming way.Melissa and Andy you really are truly an awesome team. I am sure that some days it’s overwhelming, but you have made so much progress and you should be very proud 👍👍👍👏👏👏 it was lovely to see Jack pitching in as well 😊. Blessings to all of you and stay safe ⛵️⛵️⛵️💕💕🥰
You guys have such grit, and have come so far. Thanks for posting your progress. The video and sound are first rate. Your approach and follow-through are inspiring.
I remember when Melissa first looked in the keel box and predicted a problem. But in your usual style you have planned an excellent fix. So pleased for you that you have the support to overcome current issues. The boat is looking so good.
I have watched your vid for about 2 minutes now. As an old and very experienced sailor, I would do the following : Weld that Keelbox tight, add about 20 cm to your keel with ballast and use the space that keelbox takes for storing. Keelboxes are a pain in the neck, to say the least. Happy sailing.
When putting everything back together, all bolts set screws everything that is threaded and does not require lock tight. Use tef-gel on all parts that can gal, corrod, or can/will get in contact with sea water. Also FYI use USE tef-gel on all contacting points for your ZINC's. Apply to the exposed studs, washers and zinc/bolt contact points. I change them all the time. The difference is massive! I work on luxury yachts in south florida USA.
You are a hard working wonderful family with a dream and we are all cheering you on as you labor to get this diamond in the rough of a boat ready to cruise wherever your dreams take you.
Hey Jack your an awesome helper !! I wanted you to know that I sent Captain Q a message about your show you did he was happy to know that people enjoyed watching it. Keep up the great work From Boston Massachusetts we love ya
Now you are really in it. 97% of the people in the world would not have the commitment to do this, you all are in the top 3%. I am impressed with your channel and desire for a better life on the open waters of the world. Great team work. 👏 to you both.
What a load of work involved in this job. This is so interesting to those of us trying understand all this stuff. Keep up the good work it's brilliant to see the skill involved in doing all this properly. All the best. Keep well and safe. James.
Great informative video , looking forward to see the keel box finished all reinstated and a video of it working before the splash day as it fascinates me 👍😎
Well done on the keel box.! We built a 32' steel gaff centre boarder (Wylo design) which we launched in 1982. A lot of thought was given to accessing the centre case for maintenance so it's heartening to see that Melody had the same level of forethought. The beauty of steel is that problems such as this are (relatively) easily solved unlike a similar vintage wooden centre-boarder with centre case problems we considered buying a few years ago. For our sins, we're considering buying a steel expedition launch to circumnavigate New Zealand, great to see a steel boat restoration project to give an idea of what we could be letting ourselves in for!
Wow, a real mix of emotions. Great that Nigel was able to provide that reassurance the same day as you found out how bad the problem was. Huge relief there! So fortunate Melody was built with proper access to the keel box!!!
With every video i watch you are getting better and better at this RUclips thing. Making videos that are entertaining and informative great job guys and good luck
Happy to hear that the keel box isn't going to be a big problem! Coming from a wood and composite background, it makes me a little jealous of steel! Take good care!
Well done guys, you're definetely making progress Nice work with the keel box remedy Nigel. I reckon it's because of blokes like You they chose to make the Angel of the North from Welded Steel. Welk done mate. 👍
I would say these TANKS are nearly at empty. You were running on fumes when you were testing the engine....imho ???? Fantastic help from Nigel, very nice CHAP !!!!! You are getting on, happy days to come !!!! Take care, we admire you ALL. btw, Jack is a just wonderful " little HELPER" !!!! Cheers, Wilf
Ahhhh yeah we spoke to a company that does Lazer rust removal. It’s not simple or cheap. It’s a huge pain in the bum to set up, won’t remove layers of paint and is extremely expensive. The owner of the company over here which does it advised us against using it for this application
I thank you guys for the wonderful video which really educates and informative about preparation before your long journeys around the world on something you've fixed with your own hands. Don't forget to greet my captain for me. Keep well and stay safe and healthy. Adios!
Keep on keeping on there is no alternative,you’re boat needs to be shipshape so we’re all along for the refit and adventure so back to work love your videos and the wort’s and all production,cheers from Perth Australia
I'll be sorry to see you leave Anglesey as l have a caravan there and l often nip up to holyhead when l'm there to see how your boats doing. It's give an old duffer like me something to do. I hope you will give us some notice when you launch so l can come and see you off. I think you fuel tanks are mostly empty. Many thanks for all your great video's, and all my best to all of you. Cheers Cliff.
Ohhhh the launch won’t be until the autumn and it’ll be a huge event I hope. We’re thinking we migbt invite people to watch is panic as we search for every little leak 😂😂😂 maybe even do a live stream. We’re so excited and yes there will be plenty of notice so you can come see us Off
You lot are doing a marvelous job, chasing down issues now, that could turn out to be very big issues at sea or in remote places. Best deal with it in the boatyard, where it's a more manageable-sized problem, eh. I agree with Nigel, that 'it's not a huge problem'. This is the joy of a steel boat: Plates are sacrificial and if they're crucial, need to be cut out and replaced altogether. No big deal. If it were me, I would consider cutting out the old plate and welding 6mm pre-treated [red-oxide or preferably zinc] plate in. Leaving the old plate in will create more potential headaches down the road! Once it starts to swell from rusting, for example, it will buckle the new plate inwards and close your new, tighter tolerance, keel aperture up, seizing your keel. I would make an angle grinder cut with a small cutting disk all round, just below the sole lip, from above and then just above the hull opening from below. Then four vertical cuts to pull all the vertical [thinned old] plate out. Once the new plates are welded in, I would pour heated coal-tar epoxy [thinned] down between the concrete and new steel until every void between the new plates and concrete is filled, starving it of oxygen. The SS pin could also be replaced with a dia100mm sea-bronze rod, preferably with a Phosphor-bronze or Vescanite bushing. A welded-in zinc- alu anode on each of the 4 plates will also be needed. I would also consider welding one-size-larger SS bolts [inverted, nuts facing upwards for access] into the keel box sole flange, from the top. It might be best to invest in sleeping soundly at sea. An old salty dog taught me to, 'treat your boat, like it belongs to the most important clients you ever had'. Cheers and fair winds on your refit :-)
Sorry to hear the keel box is in such bad shape but better to find it now than later. I am glad Nigel can fix it for you without too much trouble. My concern with putting the new keel box inside the old one is, will you still be able to fit the keel back in with the added thickness. I am sure Nigel will take that into consideration. Thanks for the update Andy, Melissa and Jack, keep up the good work.
It would be a tremendous triumph to actually return Melody to her natural environment but obviously you have to have faith 💙 in her preference to stay afloat! The keelbox is an unwelcome surprise but I'm sure that with the excellent services of Nigel that problem will quickly be left astern! Don't worry about the length of your list; I live in a house and I know that ĺ could easily write a list to match yours; living in a wheelchair has some advantages! 🤣😂
I say the tanks are empty, the other comments i had were already commandeered by other subscribers so yeah, well done. Again thanks for the video's and keep the faith!
Well Melody Makers, I had a little chuckle when Melissa said Andy wanted to read out the list and the huge list came floating by! Pardon the useless pun. ● Good one and hats off to Nigel on the keel box refurb/repair. Us engineers always have a solution! Just ask Montgomery Scott. ● The tanks are empty. There must be a minimal amount in there if the engine has run, although inverted fuel filters will allow the engine to run on the residual fuel in them even if the tank(s) are empty, that is if they are in your case inverted. or there maybe some fuel lining the tank bottoms? [Warning, tale of nearly woe coming up] Once had a re-conditioned Paxman V4, about the size of two large fridges, on the dynamometer which someone had managed to screw a bolt locking the throttle wide open. When started it couldn't be stopped and it ran up to full throttle. After ripping off the feed line to the engine it continued to run for about 5 minutes. It was very scary but the foreman had a great sense of humour saying "That ones run in, get it off the bed and send it out". (Of course we didn't, it was stripped and inspected for damage). ● Money saving tip - The blue hoses on the engine are silicon and have a lifetime of the engine so no need to replace them.
Oh wow my hopes and best wishes are with you’s. I know what you’re facing have been in a close situation to your’s a very long ago. I feel that it will be something that you will fix properly all I can is say have faith in life you have the resolve and you will succeed coz that’s who you are I love to see how ya’s progress with every episode and thank you for giving us faith in the positive future which is only possible with the strength of mind that you’s display so well love and success from me to you 🖖🏻🕷🕸H
Hi Andy Melissa and Jack when I saw your headline I was dreading you saying that your journey was over the along came Nigel and gave you assurance that is was doable I hope this works for you good luck to you all
Always have a cushion on your construction side for the jobs you have to lay dawn stretch ad take a nap while holding something in most akwards position. In the video right one is empty, left one could have something left in it.
To me the tanks also sound empty. Good opportunity to open them (and make manholes in them if they are not there already) and clean them. Now you are still in the grinding and weldingphase you need to make manholes to be sure you will have access to your tanks in the future.
Well done the four of you, there is plenty of advice in the comments. All good I have nothing to add apart I think your tanks are NEARLY empty. Nigel has a good head on him he is on the job stay with him. My best wishes to you and your family
I will grant you I do not have the best view and lighting because of the cameras but it seems that if you cut around the top of the inside keel box in the bottom of the inside keel box that you should be able to lift it up and out then use it as a pattern to make the new one and drop it in and weld it in but as I said I’m not there so your idea of making a lining to put inside sounds like the next best deal. Seeing as how metal needs oxygen in order to corrode if you seal up as you weld in the new box oxygen can’t get in between the two pieces of metal and that should prevent future corrosion. The problem with the paint in the old keel box is as you weld in the new keel box the paint will be damaged or destroyed from the heat and leave the metal exposed. If you were hoping for the paint to be the protection then you should probably figure a way to Bolt and seal the new keel box inside of the old one. But that’s just my thinking and again as I say I’m not there so it’s hard to really make good decisions when you don’t have all the information. By the way love your respirator face shield where did you get it.
@@SailingMelody just a silly thought what if you poured a bunch of Apoxsee over your ballast to interlock it. Do you think something like that might be feasible although epoxy ain’t cheap. I don’t know I guess I’m just hung up on the idea of getting rid of the old one and putting in a new one. You do what you think is best it’s your boat after all and there is more than one way to skin a cat just don’t tell my cat I said that she might find more than one way to skin me🤣
Good to find the rotten keel box now and not in the middle of the atlantic - a new one within the old one is the only solution! Good luck, you will splash soon, I am sure.
Empty. The tanks. When you weld in the new keel box, do you think you could/should include a place for an anode? I am not that familiar with the keel boxes in steel boats. It reminds me of the water lockers in boats where you do the water intake seacocks into a place that is protected. Really loving the design of the boat. Thank you for sharing with us all.
As a talented (and retired) corrosion engineer :-) Just a couple of thoughts. Take into consideration that your new keelbox will rust at a rate of 0.015 mm/year. Minimum. In salt and warm seas, much more. This as long as you just let it rust. Fitting aluminium anodes to protect the inside of the box will reduce corrosion dramatically. And make it so it is easy to inspect and replace on haul outs. I am specially concerned about your stainless hinge pin an other non ferreous metalls inside the box that will create a galvanic 'cell'. Then a 4 mm steel sheet is not very much. Pls. note that a keel 'banging around' in the box will knock off protective paint. Those small areas will be very active anodes if not passivated (alu anodes). Coat all bolts/nuts/threads in ALUMINIUM PASTE. Nothing else. This will prevent sizing and corrosion in the years to come. Anything, just send an e-mail.
@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 In theory. But, stainless is subjective to several forms of corrosion like pitting, crevice, stress corr chracking and so on. And if the corr. starts, it can develpe at speed of sound. Like 300 m/sec. Though, the most dangerous is that the large surface of the stainless will be catodic towards carbon steel. In other words, rest of the hull will an anode and supply the stailess with electrones. This is why, on Hulda, there are no A4 bolts below waterline. I use galv. bolts from carbon steel. At closer thought, Hulda has no bolts at all submerged in sea water.
New Subscriber here::::::::::::::::::: Loving the story, not watched yet from the beginning but I think what your doing is very interesting. Can wait for the next Video. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
God bless you guys and good luck. In your case I would never, ever, never, ever and one more time never, ever do this renovation. One more tome never, ever. I amn't done yet never, ever.
Hi Fam Sailing Melody👊Is getting closer and closer too splash day ⛵⛵and i looking forward too see her floting in a small bay in Bahamas 🌞🌞🌞go fore best optione full off Diesel 🤏and yes Mellisa is spot on every boat nead a Jack👏❤
Watched your videos from the start but I don't remember much conversation about the history of your yatch. Would like to hear any information you have. When you refit your next boat (haha) a white board would allow you to sketch out your project.
We’ll do a history episode at some point but I don’t think it’ll be a popular episode. Maybe we should get a vote on who would like a history episode 🤷🏼♂️
Hi, have you considered to cut out the old keel box and replace it completely with a new one? Removing a bit of concrete should not the biggest problem (with the right tools). But your 4mm sheets are quite thin and will rod away extremely fast, also you have to get it water tight between old and new box and you could also replace the pin when you replace the entire box. Corrosion can be handled mich easier this way. Just my five cents... //R P.s. And potentially you could let fabricate the new box somewhere including a nice and improved lid and then just weld it in.
The original box is 4mm steel and has lasted 40 years so I’m Not too worried about that. We can’t cut the old box out because there literally isn’t space to get a grinder in there to make acurate cuts and in any case the ballast of lead, tar and concrete would risk becoming dislodged and falling out in the process. It’s something we’ve given long and hard thought to though
Renew the keel and get rid of the center plate. Fill the keel with lead and lot of future problems will disappear. A slightly deeper keel would suffice a cruising boat like this, it will always be painfully slow anyway.
According to Bryan of Bryan's Farming they aren't cuss words, they are working words! Strap a couple of concrete blocks on Jack to keep him from growing taller
I think cut the old one away, leaving a stub onto which you may weld all new metal to, and the other weld overlap onto the hull bottom. It’s just that the box is the most important part of the hull and any issue when blue sea sailing you just don’t need especially as the craft isn’t a young lady.
Trouble is we can’t cut the old one away without removing the ballast. The front section has the water tanks either side but the back sections have the ballast either side which is lead bricks set in tar and encased in concrete. We suspect if we cut out the sides of the old box the we would have big problems with ballast falling out
@@SailingMelody … Yes very trickery & we picked up on your comment in the video about the position / fixing of the ballast. For sure, the present solution is ‘one’, as you spent a while deciding this best option. Most likely you will find it develops into something better than initially envisioned. Love your show and good ⛵️ to come ❤️. A & A Malvern UK.
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Blood sweat and tears of everyday boat repair. Bloody marvellous.
When you get down in tropical waters you may have a problem with barnacles growing in between your keel box and your swing keel making the swing keel lock in place. Make yourself a note to at least once a month lower the swing keel and raise it again even if you are at anchor.
That's a really good idea yes. Thanks
Yes. I had a swing keel in NZ. I did this and it worked a treat.
It might seem a bit of a disaster, but you're making Melody safer in the long run, which should guarantee a longer and more enjoyable time exploring the world.
A great good video with lots of information and instruction!
Thanks Leon, I was so dejected but Nigel is certain it’s not going to be hard to do a very strong repair
Well done…Nigel is a priceless friend and asset …stay safe…
He sure is a star!!
Nigel is the hero of this story. I would guess the fuel tanks are empty, or almost.
Ahh Melissa, I feel your pain when you say you were crying in the keel box. To get so far on a project then find something so drastic can be devastating and wipe you out emotionally. All sorts of things run through your brain. Then along comes the expert, he weighs it up and says “yeah nah yeah that’s a very doable job, simple enough for me” and then the emotional tears of relief come flooding back.
Tanks are basically empty, the sound echoey.
What’s gonna happen when Jack disappears? Simple solution, start creating his new sibling 😆😆😆😆
Thank you, kind words :)
Meanwhile, you can still practice creating the new sibling!
Nigel is such an incredible blessing, with such a wonderful calming way.Melissa and Andy you really are truly an awesome team. I am sure that some days it’s overwhelming, but you have made so much progress and you should be very proud 👍👍👍👏👏👏 it was lovely to see Jack pitching in as well 😊. Blessings to all of you and stay safe ⛵️⛵️⛵️💕💕🥰
Thank you Kathleen. We’re very blessed indeed!
Nigel even cheered me up, thank you.
I agree with Nigel, the tanks sound empty. His pan for the keel box sounds like an excellent solution Andy.
You're presevirens is awesome!
I would have been totally depressed.
Good on you,
You guys have such grit, and have come so far. Thanks for posting your progress. The video and sound are first rate. Your approach and follow-through are inspiring.
Your sound is way lots better now . Thanks for fixing this. Enjoying your journey.Regards from Alberta.Western Canada
Thank you 🙏
I remember when Melissa first looked in the keel box and predicted a problem. But in your usual style you have planned an excellent fix. So pleased for you that you have the support to overcome current issues. The boat is looking so good.
She’s coming together is t she and by the time she is finished she will be better and stronger than when she was new
I have watched your vid for about 2 minutes now. As an old and very experienced sailor, I would do the following : Weld that Keelbox tight, add about 20 cm to your keel with ballast and use the space that keelbox takes for storing. Keelboxes are a pain in the neck, to say the least. Happy sailing.
That’s a great solution to an awful problem. What a blessing Nigel is.
He really is
When putting everything back together, all bolts set screws everything that is threaded and does not require lock tight. Use tef-gel on all parts that can gal, corrod, or can/will get in contact with sea water. Also FYI use USE tef-gel on all contacting points for your ZINC's. Apply to the exposed studs, washers and zinc/bolt contact points. I change them all the time. The difference is massive! I work on luxury yachts in south florida USA.
You are a hard working wonderful family with a dream and we are all cheering you on as you labor to get this diamond in the rough of a boat ready to cruise wherever your dreams take you.
So sorry about the Keel box. You will find a way. So keep on keeping on.
What a blessing that you can just case the keel box. Even more of a blessing is Nigel!
You're not wrong! Nigel is our saviour!
I feel that you keel box fix is a great idea. It will give you a new box while strengthening the structure. Good Job.
Thank you!
Thanks so much for the inspiration! When all is said and done, you will know without a doubt that you have a ship worth sailing around the world in!
Oh yes she will be so strong when she’s done
Finally cought up on the vlogs, great to watch.
Wow that’s amazing thank you
Hey Jack your an awesome helper !! I wanted you to know that I sent Captain Q a message about your show you did he was happy to know that people enjoyed watching it. Keep up the great work From Boston Massachusetts we love ya
Hi yes we have heard from Capt Q and he is a lovely lovely guy
From a retired fellow paramedic. Wishing you all the success
Cheers mate. The service isn’t what it used to be sadly
@@SailingMelody You can say that again. I started in 1978 and retired last year. Should have done it ages ago. 🙄
Great episode, keep up the beautiful work on your boat
We will!
so glad the keel box is relatively easily resolved. well done and keep your chins up.
It will be a fairly simple and strong fix yes
So glad your keel box worked out. Lookin' good you guys.!!
I really enjoy the refit/rebuild you guys are going and what looks like a terrific job.
Thank you that means a lot :)
Now you are really in it. 97% of the people in the world would not have the commitment to do this, you all are in the top 3%. I am impressed with your channel and desire for a better life on the open waters of the world. Great team work. 👏 to you both.
We are boat neighbours, we are pzazz the freshly painted mirage 28 to your starboard. Never even knew this channel was a think amazing!!!!!!
Hahaha that’s cool. Come over and say hi! I’ll be back on Melody on Friday for a few days
What a load of work involved in this job. This is so interesting to those of us trying understand all this stuff. Keep up the good work it's brilliant to see the skill involved in doing all this properly. All the best. Keep well and safe. James.
Looking fit and healthy lass
Keep rolling along Melody crew!! Progress is progress!! 👍👊👍👊🛠⛵🛠⛵
We’re getting there for sure :)
@@SailingMelody yep keep it up!! Awesome!! 👍👊👍👊
Great informative video , looking forward to see the keel box finished all reinstated and a video of it working before the splash day as it fascinates me 👍😎
Well done on the keel box.! We built a 32' steel gaff centre boarder (Wylo design) which we launched in 1982. A lot of thought was given to accessing the centre case for maintenance so it's heartening to see that Melody had the same level of forethought. The beauty of steel is that problems such as this are (relatively) easily solved unlike a similar vintage wooden centre-boarder with centre case problems we considered buying a few years ago. For our sins, we're considering buying a steel expedition launch to circumnavigate New Zealand, great to see a steel boat restoration project to give an idea of what we could be letting ourselves in for!
Cheers guys
When was boat ownership not full of highs and lows? Keep going 👍
Wow, a real mix of emotions. Great that Nigel was able to provide that reassurance the same day as you found out how bad the problem was. Huge relief there! So fortunate Melody was built with proper access to the keel box!!!
Loved the bolts undoing :)
That’s cool thanks 🙏
With every video i watch you are getting better and better at this RUclips thing. Making videos that are entertaining and informative great job guys and good luck
Wow, thanks!
Happy to hear that the keel box isn't going to be a big problem! Coming from a wood and composite background, it makes me a little jealous of steel!
Take good care!
Well done keep up the good work!
Well done guys, you're definetely making progress
Nice work with the keel box remedy Nigel.
I reckon it's because of blokes like You they chose to make the Angel of the North from Welded Steel.
Welk done mate. 👍
Sounds like a good workable plan. Great job. Empty tanks
Hahaha maybe you’re right
I would say these TANKS are nearly at empty. You were running on fumes when you were testing the engine....imho ????
Fantastic help from Nigel, very nice CHAP !!!!! You are getting on, happy days to come !!!! Take care, we admire you ALL.
btw, Jack is a just wonderful " little HELPER" !!!! Cheers, Wilf
What a great job you’ve done today.
And remember, Mads took 5 years to complete his boat.
It’s just one day after the other
That’s true! Mads is amazing though
I can see how it’d be disheartening to find the keel box in that condition, but I’ve all confidence that you’ll work things out.
WE can definitely fix it, well, We would manage it ourselves if we had to but Nigel is a godsend
Sounds like a job for Jack, he has small hands, PS for rust removal you need to see the laser tool that does that stuff ... amazing
Ahhhh yeah we spoke to a company that does Lazer rust removal. It’s not simple or cheap. It’s a huge pain in the bum to set up, won’t remove layers of paint and is extremely expensive. The owner of the company over here which does it advised us against using it for this application
The retractable keel and stabilizers are a huge benefit for the tropics. You'll be able to access places no one else can.
Immer weitermachen, das wird ein schönes Boot werden. Grüße aus Berlin
I thank you guys for the wonderful video which really educates and informative about preparation before your long journeys around the world on something you've fixed with your own hands. Don't forget to greet my captain for me. Keep well and stay safe and healthy. Adios!
Jack says Haiiiiiii
Congrats guys, steady progress looking great.
Will c u in the Med when your floating and sailing 👍
Thank you! yes you will
A good impact gun for the bolts is awesome tool ,you’d be amazed what they do to rusty bolts🥃
Keep on keeping on there is no alternative,you’re boat needs to be shipshape so we’re all along for the refit and adventure so back to work love your videos and the wort’s and all production,cheers from Perth Australia
Thank you! There's no question of stopping, and we can fix this just like all the other issues with Melody :)
I've just subbed. Huge amount of work, well done.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
I'll be sorry to see you leave Anglesey as l have a caravan there and l often nip up to holyhead when l'm there to see how your boats doing. It's give an old duffer like me something to do. I hope you will give us some notice when you launch so l can come and see you off. I think you fuel tanks are mostly empty. Many thanks for all your great video's, and all my best to all of you. Cheers Cliff.
Ohhhh the launch won’t be until the autumn and it’ll be a huge event I hope. We’re thinking we migbt invite people to watch is panic as we search for every little leak 😂😂😂 maybe even do a live stream. We’re so excited and yes there will be plenty of notice so you can come see us Off
Just want to say Mellisa is looking great! Keep up the great work guys.
Thank you that's very kind of you ☺
we had the blood and sweat, so now the tears. poor Melissa.
I know :( thank you 🙏
You lot are doing a marvelous job, chasing down issues now, that could turn out to be very big issues at sea or in remote places. Best deal with it in the boatyard, where it's a more manageable-sized problem, eh. I agree with Nigel, that 'it's not a huge problem'. This is the joy of a steel boat: Plates are sacrificial and if they're crucial, need to be cut out and replaced altogether. No big deal. If it were me, I would consider cutting out the old plate and welding 6mm pre-treated [red-oxide or preferably zinc] plate in. Leaving the old plate in will create more potential headaches down the road! Once it starts to swell from rusting, for example, it will buckle the new plate inwards and close your new, tighter tolerance, keel aperture up, seizing your keel. I would make an angle grinder cut with a small cutting disk all round, just below the sole lip, from above and then just above the hull opening from below. Then four vertical cuts to pull all the vertical [thinned old] plate out. Once the new plates are welded in, I would pour heated coal-tar epoxy [thinned] down between the concrete and new steel until every void between the new plates and concrete is filled, starving it of oxygen. The SS pin could also be replaced with a dia100mm sea-bronze rod, preferably with a Phosphor-bronze or Vescanite bushing. A welded-in zinc- alu anode on each of the 4 plates will also be needed. I would also consider welding one-size-larger SS bolts [inverted, nuts facing upwards for access] into the keel box sole flange, from the top. It might be best to invest in sleeping soundly at sea. An old salty dog taught me to, 'treat your boat, like it belongs to the most important clients you ever had'. Cheers and fair winds on your refit :-)
Fuel tanks empty
Really enjoy your show and the progress you are making
Paul from Saskatoon
in some ways it'll be easier to steam clean the tanks if we don't have to remove nearly 1000 litres of diesel first
Fab video. I think both fuel tanks are under half full
Thanks for treating me to my first ever bolt undoing montage 😂. Those tanks are empty.
Sorry to hear the keel box is in such bad shape but better to find it now than later. I am glad Nigel can fix it for you without too much trouble. My concern with putting the new keel box inside the old one is, will you still be able to fit the keel back in with the added thickness. I am sure Nigel will take that into consideration. Thanks for the update Andy, Melissa and Jack, keep up the good work.
Yes there’s plenty of tolerance so shouldn’t have any trouble
It would be a tremendous triumph to actually return Melody to her natural environment but obviously you have to have faith 💙 in her preference to stay afloat! The keelbox is an unwelcome surprise but I'm sure that with the excellent services of Nigel that problem will quickly be left astern! Don't worry about the length of your list; I live in a house and I know that ĺ could easily write a list to match yours; living in a wheelchair has some advantages! 🤣😂
Hahaha yes. Thank you you’re a star
Definitely “M/T” guys. Love your show, keep it up. ☘️🤙
HI guys! I think your fuel tanks are empty! Great work by all of you so far on this amazing journey, keep these superb videos coming, good luck! 🙂
I say the tanks are empty, the other comments i had were already commandeered by other subscribers so yeah, well done. Again thanks for the video's and keep the faith!
I think they are empty very good video keep up the good work 😁
Well Melody Makers, I had a little chuckle when Melissa said Andy wanted to read out the list and the huge list came floating by! Pardon the useless pun.
● Good one and hats off to Nigel on the keel box refurb/repair. Us engineers always have a solution! Just ask Montgomery Scott.
● The tanks are empty. There must be a minimal amount in there if the engine has run, although inverted fuel filters will allow the engine to run on the residual fuel in them even if the tank(s) are empty, that is if they are in your case inverted. or there maybe some fuel lining the tank bottoms? [Warning, tale of nearly woe coming up] Once had a re-conditioned Paxman V4, about the size of two large fridges, on the dynamometer which someone had managed to screw a bolt locking the throttle wide open. When started it couldn't be stopped and it ran up to full throttle. After ripping off the feed line to the engine it continued to run for about 5 minutes. It was very scary but the foreman had a great sense of humour saying "That ones run in, get it off the bed and send it out". (Of course we didn't, it was stripped and inspected for damage).
● Money saving tip - The blue hoses on the engine are silicon and have a lifetime of the engine so no need to replace them.
Jack is learning to be a Jack of All trades because Jack is every Inch a sailor.
Oh wow my hopes and best wishes are with you’s. I know what you’re facing have been in a close situation to your’s a very long ago. I feel that it will be something that you will fix properly all I can is say have faith in life you have the resolve and you will succeed coz that’s who you are I love to see how ya’s progress with every episode and thank you for giving us faith in the positive future which is only possible with the strength of mind that you’s display so well love and success from me to you 🖖🏻🕷🕸H
Thank you 😊
Andy keep smiling, you have a good mate there helping you. I vote for empty.
Hi Andy Melissa and Jack when I saw your headline I was dreading you saying that your journey was over the along came Nigel and gave you assurance that is was doable I hope this works for you good luck to you all
You need to invest in a good impact driver,it would speed up and make removing all the bolts you have so much easier.
We have several decent impact drivers but they couldn’t cope. It was a long breaker bar and all my strength to get most of these undone
You got this!
Always have a cushion on your construction side for the jobs you have to lay dawn stretch ad take a nap while holding something in most akwards position.
In the video right one is empty, left one could have something left in it.
Great advice!!
They sound empty to me with a little bit of fuel in each tanks base. Great to see Nigel getting stuck in with his metal work experience.
To me the tanks also sound empty. Good opportunity to open them (and make manholes in them if they are not there already) and clean them. Now you are still in the grinding and weldingphase you need to make manholes to be sure you will have access to your tanks in the future.
The tanks have huge hatches in the top which are bolted down with a dozen or so bolts and sealed with butyl so we will open them soon
Nige is a godsend for sure
Well that sucks. But you will fix it for sure. 👍
Thanks 🙏
Well done the four of you, there is plenty of advice in the comments. All good I have nothing to add apart I think your tanks are NEARLY empty. Nigel has a good head on him
he is on the job stay with him. My best wishes to you and your family
Thanks John. You’re right I think on all accounts :)
I will grant you I do not have the best view and lighting because of the cameras but it seems that if you cut around the top of the inside keel box in the bottom of the inside keel box that you should be able to lift it up and out then use it as a pattern to make the new one and drop it in and weld it in but as I said I’m not there so your idea of making a lining to put inside sounds like the next best deal. Seeing as how metal needs oxygen in order to corrode if you seal up as you weld in the new box oxygen can’t get in between the two pieces of metal and that should prevent future corrosion. The problem with the paint in the old keel box is as you weld in the new keel box the paint will be damaged or destroyed from the heat and leave the metal exposed. If you were hoping for the paint to be the protection then you should probably figure a way to Bolt and seal the new keel box inside of the old one. But that’s just my thinking and again as I say I’m not there so it’s hard to really make good decisions when you don’t have all the information. By the way love your respirator face shield where did you get it.
The air fed mask is amazing, I got it second hand from Ebay, the problem is if we cut the old box out the ballast will all fall out, concrete and lead
Dear @@SailingMelody family
Is this what is called a concrete information? ;-)
Best regards, luck and health.
@@SailingMelody like I said I can’t see everything you can see which would affect my decision making as well keep up the great work.
@@SailingMelody just a silly thought what if you poured a bunch of Apoxsee over your ballast to interlock it. Do you think something like that might be feasible although epoxy ain’t cheap. I don’t know I guess I’m just hung up on the idea of getting rid of the old one and putting in a new one. You do what you think is best it’s your boat after all and there is more than one way to skin a cat just don’t tell my cat I said that she might find more than one way to skin me🤣
This has a feeling of being triggers boat with all the new steel involved.
I just started a refit of my balcony rails and this makes me anxious
Good to find the rotten keel box now and not in the middle of the atlantic - a new one within the old one is the only solution! Good luck, you will splash soon, I am sure.
Empty. The tanks.
When you weld in the new keel box, do you think you could/should include a place for an anode? I am not that familiar with the keel boxes in steel boats. It reminds me of the water lockers in boats where you do the water intake seacocks into a place that is protected. Really loving the design of the boat. Thank you for sharing with us all.
Ohhhh we will be installing loads and loads of anodes in all the correct calculated places
As a talented (and retired) corrosion engineer :-) Just a couple of thoughts. Take into consideration that your new keelbox will rust at a rate of 0.015 mm/year. Minimum. In salt and warm seas, much more. This as long as you just let it rust. Fitting aluminium anodes to protect the inside of the box will reduce corrosion dramatically. And make it so it is easy to inspect and replace on haul outs. I am specially concerned about your stainless hinge pin an other non ferreous metalls inside the box that will create a galvanic 'cell'. Then a 4 mm steel sheet is not very much. Pls. note that a keel 'banging around' in the box will knock off protective paint. Those small areas will be very active anodes if not passivated (alu anodes). Coat all bolts/nuts/threads in ALUMINIUM PASTE. Nothing else. This will prevent sizing and corrosion in the years to come. Anything, just send an e-mail.
Great advice thank you. Any do you say aluminium rather than zinc for the anodes?
@@SailingMelody Yes, if you have the choise. Aluminium has a higer voltige and is not subjective to passivation. Specialy in brackish water.
@@svhulda6157
Question could the keel box be done in Stainless and be welded in place, like the chainplates on deck?
@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 In theory. But, stainless is subjective to several forms of corrosion like pitting, crevice, stress corr chracking and so on. And if the corr. starts, it can develpe at speed of sound. Like 300 m/sec. Though, the most dangerous is that the large surface of the stainless will be catodic towards carbon steel. In other words, rest of the hull will an anode and supply the stailess with electrones. This is why, on Hulda, there are no A4 bolts below waterline. I use galv. bolts from carbon steel. At closer thought, Hulda has no bolts at all submerged in sea water.
@@svhulda6157
I was wondering .. thanks.
I know there are Scandinavian companies building hulls from stainless steel.
They may not be empty but they sound like there's not much left.
New Subscriber here::::::::::::::::::: Loving the story, not watched yet from the beginning but I think what your doing is very interesting. Can wait for the next Video. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
God bless you guys and good luck. In your case I would never, ever, never, ever and one more time never, ever do this renovation. One more tome never, ever. I amn't done yet never, ever.
Hi Fam Sailing Melody👊Is getting closer and closer too splash day ⛵⛵and i looking forward too see her floting in a small bay in Bahamas 🌞🌞🌞go fore best optione full off Diesel 🤏and yes Mellisa is spot on every boat nead a Jack👏❤
Thank you 🙏
Tanks MT.
We will find out soon ;)
Just cut across it & weld a flap on top so you can fix it back with sealant??? 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Do yoh mean the fuel tanks?
@@SailingMelody no I meant the plate over the drop keel, rather than fighting with the bolts around the top. 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
i reckon they are full😁
Watched your videos from the start but I don't remember much conversation about the history of your yatch. Would like to hear any information you have.
When you refit your next boat (haha) a white board would allow you to sketch out your project.
We’ll do a history episode at some point but I don’t think it’ll be a popular episode.
Maybe we should get a vote on who would like a history episode 🤷🏼♂️
Hi, have you considered to cut out the old keel box and replace it completely with a new one? Removing a bit of concrete should not the biggest problem (with the right tools). But your 4mm sheets are quite thin and will rod away extremely fast, also you have to get it water tight between old and new box and you could also replace the pin when you replace the entire box. Corrosion can be handled mich easier this way. Just my five cents... //R
P.s. And potentially you could let fabricate the new box somewhere including a nice and improved lid and then just weld it in.
The original box is 4mm steel and has lasted 40 years so I’m
Not too worried about that.
We can’t cut the old box out because there literally isn’t space to get a grinder in there to make acurate cuts and in any case the ballast of lead, tar and concrete would risk becoming dislodged and falling out in the process. It’s something we’ve given long and hard thought to though
In the end, will you cover the bridges with teak?
Renew the keel and get rid of the center plate. Fill the keel with lead and lot of future problems will disappear. A slightly deeper keel would suffice a cruising boat like this, it will always be painfully slow anyway.
According to Bryan of Bryan's Farming they aren't cuss words, they are working words!
Strap a couple of concrete blocks on Jack to keep him from growing taller
Hahaha I like that
Can’t the old keel box come out altogether? Good luck there, that’ll soon be another job off you list 👍👍
This is also in next weeks episode 😜
I think cut the old one away, leaving a stub onto which you may weld all new metal to, and the other weld overlap onto the hull bottom. It’s just that the box is the most important part of the hull and any issue when blue sea sailing you just don’t need especially as the craft isn’t a young lady.
Trouble is we can’t cut the old one away without removing the ballast. The front section has the water tanks either side but the back sections have the ballast either side which is lead bricks set in tar and encased in concrete. We suspect if we cut out the sides of the old box the we would have big problems with ballast falling out
@@SailingMelody … Yes very trickery & we picked up on your comment in the video about the position / fixing of the ballast. For sure, the present solution is ‘one’, as you spent a while deciding this best option. Most likely you will find it develops into something better than initially envisioned. Love your show and good ⛵️ to come ❤️. A & A Malvern UK.