Welcome to Devon and best wishes on your adventure! I’m a marine mechanical engineer based not to far from where you are mooring your boat! so if you ever need anything looking at I’m always willing to have a look and offer advice or fix it for you if i can, free of charge of course to help you on your way with your adventure! Give me a shout if you need any help!
Hi Glen! I remembered you writing this really kind comment and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions- would it be ok to drop you an email? ☺️
My suggestion. Address the absolute must haves on your list. Safety items and items to make your boat legal. Things like flares, life jackets. ect. Then start using the boat. Even if it is simply motoring out on calm day and spending a night at anchor. The best way to actually prioritize your list is by seeing the things that you really miss vs what you think you will need. Best way to fine tune your list is by your personal experiences. Actually using the boat will save you so much time and money because you will know what you two need to enjoy the boat and feel comfortable spending time away from the dock. Personal experience is the only way you figure that out and fine tune this list..... Enjoy. I am about 18 months into my first sailboat adventure.
Thanks Brian, yes, we can't wait to get the basics onboard and then actually set sail, we are itching to at the moment and every day have to hold ourselves from doing so. I am sure this list will morph a lot over the coming months! See you on the water 😊
Paused at 13:56 just to say that it is refreshing to see the two of you. You're honest, humble, and willingness to reach out for help is refreshing in some way. Those things generally earn my resect quickly. Your just lovely down to earth people and I wish you the best!
Thanks so much David! Your comment is so lovely and has really made us smile. We definitely aren't afraid to ask for help 🙈 - never want to stop learning!
Great Job! I would add checking / cleaning the fuel tanks (s) to the soonest list. You never know what is growing in there, until you check. Along, with that maintenance on the engine should be high on the list.
Thanks. Consider it added! We have a full tank of fuel at the moment (was drained and filled completely at the beginning of winter) but will run it low, empty and clean it. Engine maintenance is on our daily 'to do' whiteboard :) Great suggestions
@@TeuluTribe There is an Australian product called Fuel Doctor which I think is available worldwide. It is added to a full fuel tank, either petrol or diesel, and it kills all bacteria etc. that can cause issues particularly in tanks that have not been kept clean or may have moisture contaminant. Doseage is dependent on the fuel amount but I know that marine applications require double strength (double amount added). It's regularly used in service stations in Australia. Also suggest you addd a "pre filter" to your fuel line as when travelling you may get suspect fuel supplied, better in the filter than the motor.
Agree to clean the fuel tank, better to know it's been done, than hope for the best when motoring off a Lee shore or against a strong current. Chemical treatments are fine once you know the tank has been cleaned .
Clear yes to cleaning the tanks, do a full service to the engine and add some good filter system for diesel. With the small water tanks you might not worry about water bacteria. But in case there are also UV light systems killing them. Check out the channel of "The Wynns", somewhere in the early stages of them.
Other YT channels to watch are Cadoha, and Sail life (Athena), ideally watch from the start... I suggest the essential priorities should be : 1. keep the water out (below WL) seacocks etc, consider TruDesign seacocks if needing replacing, and above WL as rain water can cause rot, such as through fittings and teak deck screws. 2. Engine maintenance, fuel cleanliness. 3. Electric wiring.(main cause of fires). 4. Steering gear, rudder bearings, quadrant, cables and pulleys and their securing. Emergency Tiller. 5. Mast, rigging, sails and furling gear and winches. 6. Safety, fire extinguishers, blanket, flares (and/or EPIRB), Dinghy and/or liferaft. 7. Anchors and chain cable. 8. VHF radio, consider AIS, Navionics, charts. 9. Batteries and their charging (+ solar?) Watermaker is expensive and should be well down the list, for when you are sure everything else is safe and you are sailing to distant shores.
Will check them out- thanks for the suggestions 😊. Zach is doing the teak deck screws and making sure they are flat heads and sealed down. Checking the sea cocks soon, will clean the fuel tank soon too. Need to check electric wiring. Checked the steering already because on the first day we broke it (thats a whole story in itself! haha) but we have fixed it now 😊. Buying a new VHF this week and already have AIS. Also already have an emergency tiller. Will check everything else on the list! Thank you for all your suggestions!
100% right on about the Tru-design skin fittings and valves. We have them on all our launches and never had any issues. Bit biased as they are made here in NZ.
You asked about opinions on your todo list. I think you need to focus on the minimal essentials for a very modest first voyage to Cawsand Bay and a night at anchor. (1) Test the engine by running it in gear for 20 minutes tied up at the marina berth at about 1400rpm or just enough load to get up to running temp. Double up the mooring ropes for this test. Keep an eye on the cooling water splurt/splosh at the stern. Also be vary of poor wiring between the alternator and bow thruster battery, I once had to pull a blazing boat out of a marina berth caused by a faulty bow thruster charging circuit. (2) Providing the engine starts, does not overheat and the fuel is clean and you know how to drop the anchor, then you will be good to go to Cawsands in settled weather. (3) I would not let the absence of a liferaft delay me from experiencing some modest coastal cruising between Salcombe and Fowey if I had an dinghy. Many UK coastal cruisers buy their first liferaft before their first cross channel voyage to France. (4) 200 litres of water will be enough for your first season. (5) I suggest fitting an AIS receiver before crossing the English Channel shipping lanes.
Thats a great idea- thanks 😊 We can't wait for the first sail and anchor. Good suggestion about running the engine- think we will clean the fuel and tank first then do that 😊 Will check all wiring through the boat, thats crazy about the boat you pulled on fire, makes you realise the importance of checking the electrics. You are right about the liferaft- i think it was drilled into us on our dayskippers and so we didn't really consider the option of not to buying one yet. However, that moves dingy higher up the list. Great to know about water and we do have AIS already- forgot to mention that 😊 thanks again!
@@TeuluTribe I find a boat seems happier at anchor compared to a boat fighting its restraints alongside a marina berth. I will watch with interest your first video report after a couple of days at anchor. Cruising without a dinghy would feel limiting, I would loan you mine if I was not a 6 hour drive away.
Love stumbling across new boat based RUclipsrs with decently produced videos. This is the first one of yours I have seen and your journey has only just begun so looking forward to watching the other videos and the future ones you make
Just sailed my yacht up the east coast of Australia. Needed to get an experienced skipper to help me. First 2 things - get a manual bilge pump in case (yes the bilge broke on the way so great tip) and emergency steering. Don’t forget an EPIRB and register it ⛵️⛵️
Wow, that sounds quite the adventure! We have a manual bilge pump (sounds a nightmare about yours!) and spare tiller in case. Oh and EPIRB is in the mail- woohoo. Thanks for your comment Jill 😊
So happy for you guys. A boat is alot of work and it's very rewarding. Keep inspiring people you don't even know your inspiring. Look forward to seeing your story play out because it keeps us warm in Canada 🇨🇦.
Squeaking at sea is a full time part of sailing. You learn to love it. If you don't you have a major problem on your hands. Keep up the good work in your new way of life.
The Expedition Evans posted a video about their DIY water maker using off the shelf parts that are readily available anywhere. Just found your channel and really enjoying. Best wishes.
Great videos and keep them coming. As a seasoned sailor (l mean old) l would get out on the boat as soon as possible so you get to know your own boat from a sailing perspective. Sometimes you can over think things - yes you need a dinghy and some life jackets and a radio that works etc but do some sailing and make a list as you go for the things that work for you. Every sailor will have their own views on what you should have on board but they are not you two. One of the joys of a new boat is finding about how she sails, motors, anchors and the like, and the sooner you can do these things the sooner you will have a proper 'to do list' that fits how you are going to sail/live. Maybe consider davits, ones that bolt on from the top so you can remove them in harbours/marinas. Our last three boats all had davits and only once in Spain did we have to take them off to save charges. Davits allow for quick deployment of the dinghy and it can be combined with a radar arch for mounting the valuable solar panels you will need . Solar panels on the cabin top will always have a shadow which will reduce efficiency, so panels on the aft of the boat are much better location. Did you have a survey done and the boat lifted before buying??
Thanks Steve, itching to get out- think we have just enough now to get out so will be going out Saturday if weather stays good- woohoo! We really cannot wait to see how she performs 😊 I definitely understand the overthinking thing- as great as this platform is- it can make you second guess everything at times 😅 We have davits at the moment- although they are folded in for saving precious length reasons! That is really annoying about Spain- some marina folk are very meticulous i guess. As for the solar panels- yes, it does seem silly to put them somewhere they will have their efficiency reduced. We are now really looking into a solar arch as we think it will help shade/protect our dingy a little too so double win! Boat was surveyed prior to buying too and nothing major flagged up, just general maintenance.
Just found your channel this morning on my homepage since I am recently watching all sailing videos. I hooked up and watching non stopped all videos over 1 hour now. Subscribed and looking forward for your adventures! We are in same situation like you. We are saving money for our sailing boat over 2 years. I cant wait that buying day and that enjoy like you did. Please keep it going, keep sharing the moments. Very happy for you. Wish you great adventures..
Wow, we are so glad you enjoyed them. Lots and lots of adventures to come! Glad you could be here for the ride 😊 The buying day is great, whats to come after that is even greater! See you on the water 😊
I haven’t watched sailing YT channels in ages - but thoroughly enjoyed yours. So refreshing and to see you starting from here. You will already have lots of advice and some of this covered already. And you sound like you are making good lists of things to do. I’m an RYA instructor and professional skipper inc long distance deliveries so used to safety stuff. Very happy to send you the very detailed checklist I use which covers pretty much everything. A few comments: do get an epirb (large boat unit and / or personal PLB to go on your LJ’s). Do strongly consider AIS transceiver same time as VHF (nice to transmit your position when around large shipping at night and in fog!). Radar is def v nice to have but your budget may not stretch. Do service winches as you say - a slipping winch under tension can break your arm. Anchors - consider kedge - useful to hold boat in a specific position from stern and if you go aground. Do think about MOB recovery - how will you do it? Also can you climb back on board if you fall in (when boat not underway) and no one else is there? Do get emergency nav lights - they are cheap. Do have search light (not expensive) - double for illuminating your sails at night if you want to make sure a ship has seen you (crossing shipping lanes for example). Have you got bungs for all through-hulls? Buckets - another essential safety item! Bosuns chair, etc etc Many other things. Happy to send you a proper list. (find me by searching AB Yacht Services on FB). Love your channel and will keep watching. Andy B
So glad you enjoyed Andy! We are definitely starting at the beginning! 😆 We would really appreciate the checklist- i am sure it will help loads! Thanks so much 😊 We now have an Epirb now and also have AIS! (Just need to wire it all in with our new VHF) We have just serviced the winches (used too much grease though- doh!, so going back in next week and recleaning and lightly greasing them all again haha). WIll look into a kedge anchor. We practiced lots of MOB on our day skipper but haven't yet done it whilst sailing a ketch so is something Zach and I will really take our time on this summer. Checking we can climb in is a really good shout too. Will get emergency nav lights and a search light- really, really good suggestions that we hadn't thought of. Got bungs for the thru hulls and buckets. No bosuns chair yet. We would love for you to send us a list if thats ok- a lot of these items weren't mentioned before so we really appreciate your comment 😊
@@TeuluTribe Look into fog horns, they are not expensive but really handy in most areas in Europe. Radar would be a mast for me sailing in your part of the world.
Water, 200lts is plenty, add 100 for ocean crossings. Put a bottle of rasberry cordial in tank if water tastes a bit ordinary. Don't use a garden hose to fill tanks. Water tastes like plastic If rigging is over 8 years old, replace!!! If you don't know for sure, Replace!? Mast riggers charge a bomb. Do it yourself, get a bosuns chair, do one at a time, use main haliyard to replace stay IE to toe rail near stay bottom, headsail haliyards for chair and safety line.and main topping lift for and lowering stay. Take each stay to commercial ringing company. Get them made in pairs. Leave mizzen till another time, rarely used except on a reach. They are just an ornament. Nervous about taking boat in and out of marina? Always move at slowest possible speed, usually just click into gear, then neutral when you are moving. check wind direction first! If you are berthing stern first, come into the marina in reverse, yachts are much more manouvarable in reverse. Practice outside marina, you'll see what I mean. Face aft at the wheel. Solar panel charging drops 50-75% with any shadow anywher on solar panels. Get a wind generator, 400w Make sure it has a regulator to stop overcharging. I didn't and used to lash a blade when not on the boat, lashing came off and blew all electrics. $14000 Aussie dollars, about 7000 pounds Try AliExpress.com Good luck, Rod PS' sailing since 1980
Thanks Rod! We have some 25 litres jugs for water in the stern locker so will probably use them on crossings rather than fitting a tank :) Will be replacing rigging before any crossings, and will do it ourselves- thanks for the suggestion 😊 Will go slow in and out of marina! Great to know about going stern first in, thanks 😊 Will also do a solar arch to prevent shadow i reckon!
I would get your fuel tank professionally cleaned , I had mine done and they cut an inspection hatch in for me , cleaned the tank and the fuel , they did a fine job for me , the tank had a lot of sludge/ diesel bug in the bottom . Also check all seacocks and replace where needed . Rob
Thats such a good suggestion, thanks Rob😊 i bet it did! We really, really don't want that so i think its a lot higher up the list now. Will check all seacocks when hoisted out, thanks for the comment 😊
I love the boat! I still can’t believe you guys have a pilot house that is going to be amazing! I am in a similar situation of just buying a blue water boat and getting ready to set sail (from San Fransisco to Mexico) and I recently had my rigging inspector tell me some very important advice! We did the inspection and he said everything looked good however something that he said inspectors don’t do but is SUPER important to do once you buy a boat is to: take off your chain plates and check for ‘pitting’ corrosion on the inside of them. This how he told me to do it it DIY: 1. You can take off 1-2 shrouds at a time and the mast will still be sturdy 2. Mark with tape where your current turnbuckle is set to so that you can adjust it to the same place afterwards 3. Take out the pins and loosen up the turnbuckle 4. Remove the screws and plate on the deck that the chain plate goes through( or however your chain plate goes through/on the deck) and all the caulking 5. Unbolt the chainplate and scrub off any rust or corrosion (he said a scotch brite would do) and check for the ‘pitting’ corrosion or anything else that looks funky 6. Bolt the chainplate back on, re-caulk, and put back on the deck plate (he said the only thing he uses is Boat Life - Life Caulk for this application) 7. Re-tension rigging to the mark you put on in step 2 Note: to check the stern chainplate you should attach your main halyard to a stern cleat to keep the mast sturdy. I hope this is helpful! I would hate for anything to go wrong with the rigging for you guys and this is a (relatively) easy thing to check. He said he once found a boat that seemed perfect but the chainplate was so bad on the inside that the mast could have fallen any moment. He also told me that if one the chain plates look bad, take it to a machine shop to have them make a new one.
We love the pilot house so much! wow, that info is so invaluable- we have made a note of it- thanks so much for sharing. Will look at the chain plates soon! Love that we can do it ourselves too, double win 😊
You guys are an inspiration!!! just bought our boat last year and total newbies as well:) Going through similar events. Its quite steep learning curve with many ups and downs...where ups feel like heaven and downs are just awful. Things get much easier year after year! The structural integrity of your hull and through holes along with sails and standing and running rigging are super important and so is the engine. Have a professional look at these first as everything else you can figure out later on the go. Most importantly: JUST GO! and spend as much time sailing as possible, It is there where you learn the most!
Thanks Peter. So are you guys for taking the plunge into the boating world! Yes, we are already seeing the crazy ups and downs but through it all, to stop and reflect on it, makes you truly realise what ‘living’ is all about. Anyone can just have a monotone life with no downs (or ups!) but the best views come from the hardest hikes so that’s a risk us (and you!) seem to have accepted. Will get a professional to check out all above, and then will go! And not look back. Thanks for your advice and see you on the water 😊
Just found your channel and so you must be sorted with a dinghy already by now. I've been dreaming of getting a boat for a long time and the Colvic you've chosen looks amazing! And I'll definitely be watching the rest of your videos. We just mess about in little things but bought a Tinker Traveller last year. A lot of people use them as life raft/ tenders. They take up to 5HP outboard and then for fun you can set up as sailing dinghy too....in case you're not getting enough sailing. 😂 Just realised as I've written this, for me that bit was exciting but since you have a big sailing boat, it might not be as exciting. 😂 I have a little camping shop about 20 mins from Bantham in Devon that I recognised in the video if you ever need any little space saving gagets...cooking bits etc... Have a great time.
To start do daytime sea trials, out and back in many times. While out deploy the anchor to check the ground tackle. 150ft of chain. Check the windlass. Check the sails and running rigging, check the standing rigging. All DIY. Need a cheap VHF. Can move up to more expensive later and it will serve as backup. You have a cell phone for now inshore(safety). But ship to ship and ship to bridge need a VHF. In slip run the diesel for an hour several times, when its cool in the day to make sure nothing is coming out of the tank to clog filters. Check engine temp, filters, sea cocks. Open raw water to cool engine after it starts, then close it after it stops to hold water in the line. Thats so it cant get to much water if it doesnt start and hydrolock. Check the impeller. Check the amount of water coming out the exhaust to see if heat exchanger needs cleaning. Check for corrosion on engine and transmission, clean and paint. To start, ETC.
Thats the plan! Good idea about the anchor. Not sure how much chain we have so will need to get it out the locker and see before we anchor. Good idea about getting a cheap VHF and then keeping it as a backup in the long run. Will check all the things you mention before anything else- thankyou so much 😊
IMPORTANT Just going through older videos since I recently found you. DO NOT USE combo smoke C02 alarms. Smoke rises then settles as it fills a space so it's important for smoke detectors to be at the highest point. C02 is a heavy gas and settles low, packs pretty tightly also so if there was a leak it would easily cover your berth/bed and cause well you know the problems it can cause WAY before it finally piles up enough to reach the smoke detector in the proper placement. You can fix that with a combo unit by putting your detector closest to the floor as possible but then you'll definitely miss the smoke warning until way past when it was needed. To use combo units you need two one very low one at the highest point which at that point its best to just buy 2 separate best in class units of each and put them where they go. (Usually best to have 2 of each really, fail safe since you're sleeping inside a co2 generator, fire log. ) Please be careful Sincerely someone who has heard the screams of my aunt dying in a fire, and am currently suffering long term effects of c02 poisoning over a few years just under the lethal dose, enough to heavily effect the brain. I've done many many many many studies and even went to school for these safety features after my experiences due to mixed use safety units. They're garbage, they lie about making you safe. ❤️ Don't mean to scare you, I hope I'm not doing that. Just want to inform people that aren't aware. The info I've given here is undisputed (light smoke/heavy gas) but please do look into it if you want to confirm. I enjoy your videos as well, thank you for sharing 😊
Welcome to the sailing family. If you are buying a VHF make sure it has AIS in/out and NMEA. It is a bit more money, but is very cheap safety insurance and future proofs your electronic suite while allowing for future integration with your plotter, radar, depth sounder, autopilot, speed, wind, etc. Bite the bullet now while you are going through the trouble of replacing it. EIS is a must safety equipment that no boat on the ocean should be without.
Thanks Joel! We bought a Standard Horizon with DSC and GPS a little while ago which is now fitted but when we upgrade, will be sure to get one with AIS. We want to upgrade our chartplotter and pre existing AIS too. 😊
Hi guys my catamaran is 33ft done close 45000nm all my water is carried in 20ltr containers about 250 stays better don’t get contaminated in tanks especially if you’re going to way out places and easier to fill no break downs with pumps,Next year hopefully Tonga,Galapagos,French Polynesian who knows.Take care stay safe will watch you now I’ve found you,and I’m 77.😊
Without a doubt - favourite new channel I’ve stumbled across.. such genuine people and really looking forward to following your adventures !! Wishing you both all the luck 👍🏻
Wow, we are overwhelmed by all the suggestions and advice you have given us! We really, really appreciate you taking the time to comment and help us out 😊 We thought we would quickly say that we already have AIS and Autopilot as a few people have been mentioning it! Zach is servicing winches at the moment whilst Becka reads, digests and makes a new and improved! List to do. Also, a few have asked whether we have an Amazon wish list- we do, and its been just our little private list for a while but as people want to know, we thought we would make it public. However, saying that, we really do not expect anything to be bought and are happy working our behinds off to fund the evergrowing list! haha 😊 www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2045NNIGRTMQT/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2 Update: Heres a link to our new Patreon too! You can connect with us more here, see vids early and a lot more other perks! www.patreon.com/teulutribe
fire extinguishers part was treated not very maturely, God forgive you get one on the sea then you are screwed. get at least 5 - 6 small ones like you got or 2 bigger ones. And at least one safety emergency raft ( with a hand maker drinking watter in the emergency raft).
#1 On buying a used boat is run through maintenance schedule tasks. It's only AFTER you go through and do that important maintenance and checks that you figure what really needs to be done. I'm talking not just standard maintenance, but check your engine, fuel tanks, sails, lines, hull, wiring, everything. Whilst a survey will do a basic inspection, and should give you a starting list, it's no substitute for maintenance. #2 Sort out what you need for immediate living comfort. You need to be comfortable, no point gearing up to live on a boat and sail anywhere if it's unbearable. It's your home, make it your home. Don't worry about making things perfect, or sorting out what you THINK you need to be comfortable - you won't really know until you've lived on the boat for a few months (at least!), just sort out those IMMEDIATE bugbears, if it's annoying you after 1-week. it counts. If it's not annoying you after 1 week, it doesn't. #3 Sort out what you need to be safe and comply with legislation/marina rules, etc., including what you need to do in case if you really had to, to be able to sail/motor out of the marina. #4 Sort out whatever you need to sail and navigate well. #5 Don't go overboard with customising things. You need to live on your boat to really know how you want it setup. If you go trying to fix things, chances are you'll end up doing it twice or three times. Give it a chance status-quo first.
Do not forget to check/get it new/repair/replace anything that has to do with fire or might get on fire. From electrical circuitry (i.e: fuses, switches, etc.) to propane gas (stove and outside cooking grill). Same with any type of fuel and leakage. Also swim or check under the boat (with a camera) for dents or anything that might compromise the integrity of the boat hull (intake and discharge pipes and connections that go to the outside of the hull). Good luck and God bless you two in your endeavor.
Thanks Tony, yes, anything fire related really does need to be checked or bought new, we agree. May convert the gas to electric soon, that seems to be a common suggestion and safer! Good idea about the bottom of the boat, will check all when we haul out. Thanks for all your advice, we appreciate it 😊
Best of good fortune! Please recognize that a lot of your ongoing problems will relate to your electrical system. The marine environment is very harsh on this component so my recommendation is that you solder all joins and then shrink wrap to avoid any ingress of moisture. Remember that while you don't ship water you will always remain afloat. To this end, double clamp (stainless steel only) all skin fittings below the water line and ensure all portholes are firmly closed during a passage.
Thanks for your advice! We are going to check/replace and solder joins to prevent any issues! Most fittings on board are double clamped but a few aren't so we need to go around and check all of them thoroughly. 😊
Get a rigid dinghy, you'll sometimes be anchoring a long way from places you want to get to and a fast safe dinghy is pretty important. Best advice is just take the boat out and see what breaks asap
Fiber glass resin and cloth for Emergency a must have. 6 hp outboard motor is more than enough for a 10 foot inflatable. Anything over 6hp is going to weigh more. Moving on to later on i would get AIS for you boat. Some countries now require it before entering there shipping lanes. But its not something you need right away. A good tool kit and a cordless Soldering iron. Cordless multi tool is another must it sure would have helped you with those teak Plugs. last and very important tool that have saved many a situation. A angle grinder. cheers guys.
Thanks. Will get Fibre Glass Resin and Cloth 😊 we have AIS already. Will add soldering iron to the list and getting a multi tool this weekend. It will definitely speed up the process 😅
Hey Becka and Zach, Just came across your channel and I’m so glad I did, I’m obsessed!! Just watched your last three videos. You both are so down to earth and kind. Becka you just seem like the sweetest soul! ❤️ So excited to see your journey sailing around. We want to get a sailboat in a few years so hope to see you on the water one day ☺️ Xoxo, Nakailla
Aww Nakailla, that’s such a sweet comment and has made my day reading- Thankyou! 🥺 the journey is just beginning and we can’t wait for you to come along on it! Definitely follow your dream and we will see you on the water some day 😊⛵️
Hi folks, regarding water tanks, ‘grey water’ refers to water from your galley sink. The water from the heads is called ‘black water’ and is subject to all sorts of regulations.
Hi. Acording to anchorage. you need 10 meters of chain at the seabed, plus least 3 to 5 (best) times the water depth to anchor safely, and that can be chain (best) or maybe line. I think chain is most safe
To help with your prioritisation I would make a plan for your voyages over the short and medium term. Water makers etc. are great if you are doing a transatlantic or going on long voyages between remote locations - I suspect you won't be doing that till you have developed a bit more confidence as sailors. 2 heads may be a pain in the long term unless you are going to be having lots of crew onboard - the smaller set of heads could well prove to be very useful as a "garage" or utility room... particularly if you are looking at additional tankage, batteries etc. if you haven't yet - saillife is a great channel for ideas on what works. Short term - dinghy way more important than a life raft. For cheap options on hauling out, have a look at some tidal posts. Gives you at least 6 hours every tide to look at stuff on your hull for free...
We have now made a priority list 😊 are scrapping the front head and instead putting a wet room in for kit I think! Will look into tidal posts and have just got a dingy! Thanks Nick 😊
I would call your lists more Essential, Nice to have and Future projects. Fuel tanks, engine services and familiarity, gas system, fit a gas alarm if not one already, seacocks, steering cables and pedestal service. Get an AIS transceiver. Water maker would seem like something you can do much later once heading across the Atlantic if that’s the plan. Other priorities than that I would say. If the seacocks are Blake’s don’t do what many do and throw them out unless you really want to spend lots of Tru Design. The Blake’s may well look a bit green and dirty but they are completely serviceable and far superior to ball valves. You need to do a thorough check of wiring and switch panel and get to know where everything is and to get rid of redundant wiring. Get yourself a big roll of Butyl tape as you will use lots rebeding deck fittings and for any new fittings where you drill through the deck. Don’t forget drill, fill and drill method if the deck is cored. Service your furler, they get caked in salt so a thorough rinse and spray with a silicone grease will help a lot. Silicone spray is also good on sheaves, pulleys etc. WD40 is not a lubricant it dries out. It’s ok to use as penetrating oil but you need to lubricate afterwards. If you have a Volvo Penta engine check for exhaust elbow corrosion, check impeller, heat exchanger and change filters and oil unless you know 100% it has been done very recently. Lots more no doubt but keep focused, put up some post it notes on the bulkhead to remind you what needs doing. Andy UK
Yes, they are good names for the list 😊 Will do all of that first- already checked the steering cables and we have AIS! We would like to cross the Atlantic at some point but i guess we don't need a watermaker until we get closer to the time. Will check what type the seacocks are, thats really useful to know 😊 Will check all moorings and buy Butyl tape (haven't heard of that before but its now on the list!). We have already serviced the furler- Zach did a cracking job at that, it really did need it 😊. We have a whiteboard for all jobs but its getting full so will get some postit notes too! Will check the engine for all the things you mentioned- thankyou so much. Got a lot to do for now to keep us busy 😊
Hey guys been sailing for about 20 to 25 years...I think to get rid of the squeaks from the fenders just take off some fenders. I think you have WAY too many. Usually 3 to 4 per side is plenty. As far as your list and how to priortize , safety always first. For me this is mainly spares of the things that WILL break. Alternator, hoses, belts, etc. will ruin your day. Ask me how I know! Keep going fun to watch you guys😉
Just started watching you guys, love the boat you managed to get! We bought a 2011 33i last year over in the Ionian and we're loving it. Dinghy wise we personally have a 2.7m airfloor with inflateable keel and a 2.5hp 4stroke outboard. The dinghy is light enough to drag around or pull up on deck and the air floor is similar to standing on a SUP so pretty solid. The outboard is 15kg ish so it's alright to man handle but easier with two unless you've got strong arms, get those dunbell workouts going haha!. Originally we wanted something more powerful and fun but I'm so glad we stuck to the advice given and stayed small otherwise the outboard wouldn't be coming off the dinghy. I feel like going bigger is only an option if you can lift your dinghy up on davits to get it out of the water, otherwise stay small and light.
Thanks so much Ryan! Wow, sounds like a lovely boat you bought- and in the Ionian too! Slightly warmer than here 😆 Will look into the dingy you recommended! Thanks 😊
@@TeuluTribe Just a little bit! Can't get enough fans on the boat haha. We've got some "montage" type videos ourselves over on "Sailing Bella" if you want to checkout the area. Not sure where you're planning on heading :)
Love your channel! Some advice on expensive items on your ‘sooner’/ ‘nice to have’ list: wait until you’re in a duty free port like Gibraltar. Saves a lot on a water maker for instance!
Well said and a water maker is no use at all in UK waters due to the amount of silt in suspension so def something in the future for them but a good way away at this time First they need to learn to navigate and I mean with charts not Pads ,GPS etc
@@howardbeer5214 we have done a lot of theory through the RYA so know how to read charts and plot routes 😊 a water maker is down the line but not needed in UK waters, you are right 😊
Everything is more important than a water maker. New life jackets and safety equipment is definitely more important. Don't worry about a life raft. Get that just before an ocean crossing. It's surprising how quickly those service dates come up. Electronic aids mean it's really not likely to be needed on anything coastal. Especially if you have a decent inflatable. Flexible tanks might be a good solution. See how much water you can catch on deck or with a tarp as well. I use my whole deck, but it has to wash off for a while first. It's only good for at anchor. That's okay because most of us are at anchor more than at sea. Go for several anchors of different types. I use a plough (Delta) for my primary and a Bruce as my secondary anchor. It's been a good combination for me. I have a couple of Danforth anchors as kedges. Good swivels and chain are very important. My best advice is simple. I have made the mistake of thinking the boat has to be perfect. It doesn't. Go sailing! That is where you will never regret spending. Good sails. They don't need to be fancy, just good quality and new. Good luck and enjoy.
We now have new lifejackets, an EPIRB, new VHF, danbuoy, horseshoe buoy etc we do need a dingy though! We have actually just bought a flexible tank. But need to create a new bilge under it because it is lacking one at the moment. Have also just bought a big Delta plough (its been an expensive few weeks 🤣) Will try and catch water too 😊 Went sailing Sunday and going again this weekend! We are just itching to get out 24/7 😆 Thanks for all your advice Jonathan!
@@TeuluTribe Well done. It sounds like you have everything in hand. I'm in Trinidad trying to finish off a complete refurbishment and refit. I can be tough to get everything done. 🥴
You guys are doing great so far; amazing really. Would recommend you join the RYA and you'll get access to all sorts of help and advice on things, particularly legal stuff like radio licenses, registration, training, etc., and of course the info forums. Don't forget as well that there's quite a few who've gone before and have channels with loads of info on fit-outs for cruising: Uma, Zingaro, Magic Carpet, Millennial Falcon, Old Sea Dog are a few. Good luck and very best wishes.
Thanks Chris- we were meant to join the RYA when we did our dayskippers but it completley skipped our minds so this is a great reminder- thankyou :) I bet the guides on there are fantastic. Will also check out the youtube channels, i am sure we can learn a tonne from them!
Uma and Magic Carpet are great, but so is Sailing Project Atticus, who are currently rounding of the refit of their new boat. Loads of good advice there!
Inflatable dinghy is compact but a rigid bottom dinghy is much better and more expensive. Make sure you have a system in place for storage and launching - i.e. foredeck and a spare halyard! Inflatables can be a pain in the arse if they have a ply insert for the bottom. Essential equipment is heading one and maintenance into your categories is item two. The list will get much longer. Essential cruising equipment is and extensive list and includes things like danbuoy , life jackets, MOB detectors jack stays and harnesses and so on. Don't be afraid to service life jackets - the kits are cheap and it will save you loads. Life raft is a requirement, but only ever used in situations like an inversion or fire - they are not safe places so stay on the boat which with the two exceptions mentioned will look after you! Jobs: working head and clean holding tanks, engine, skin fittings and sea cocks, power (solar, generator etc), gas cooking, heating.... and did I mention rigging (standing and running, and winches, anchor and chain(don't skimp on this please!) - this is turning into a book and I haven't touched the tip of the iceberg yet! I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations, but keep making lists - it's the only way. Oh, and screwed teak decks can be a problem with water ingress into the balsa core - be aware of spongy decks... Good Luck!!
Will look into a rigid bottom dingy. Thanks! Will look into launching system. We have davits so hopefully they will work 😊 We have a danbuoy, life jackets, harnesses, and life raft (its getting serviced) We have no holding tanks (thinking of a composting loo), will check all standing and running riggings, redoing decks at the moment. Thanks Bob! Thats really helpful 😊
@@TeuluTribe If your davits are removable it will reduce your boat length and fees, when anchoring etc you an refit. Store amidships on a passage its much more secure and make a cover to take the uv. Outboard should be stored on the aft guard rail, not inside the boat where petrol fumes can seep out and form a combustible mixture! We've seen this happen! Lots more, but keep those lists going, it's all great fun!
We have a swim platform on our boat and I think it is a priority because it is just brilliant and so much easier to get on the boat and safer to get on the boat when you’re using a dinghy so I would say that’s a priority because once you have used one you realise you need it
Hi guys, we're really enjoying your channel so far... genuine, no amateur dramatics or overacting. Good on you! With regards to your list, I can't remember them all but will note a few... LIFE JACKETS - if you're going to do offshore/ocean crossings then get 150Nm units with built in spray hood, in rough weather this will save you from drowning in the water. JACK LINES - if poss try and keep them towards the centreline of the boat and your tethers short, if you do get knocked down by a wave you do NOT want to get washed overboard. Spinlock have a good selection of jackets. LIFE RAFT - ***Do not be fooled into buying a second hand unit!!!*** These units need to be serviced and more often than not it costs more to service the raft than to buy a new one. Do not go for the biggest you can buy because if you ever have to use it and it is only the two of you in it in rough seas you will be thrown about like rag dolls. Work on how many people you will ever likely have when cruising or crossing oceans. A 4-man would be a good start but take pro advice on that with regards to your needs. WINCHES - pull them apart and clean with fresh diesel. When reassembling them, use proper marine grease and a real thin coating. Thick grease collects salt and grit and gums up very quickly. FUEL TANKS - Once you have had them cleaned make sure that you keep them topped right up as air gaps in allow for condensation inside the tank where the diesel isn't touching and then water collects causing diesel bug. There are numerous treatments/additives out there to help prevent this but best to start off with a clean tank. ELECTRONICS - Unsure of what you have there but for sailing I would recommend B&G as they are the best. Plan out all your electronics before you go buying individual bits like DSC radio, AIS etc. Put them all on an NMEA 2000 backbone and let them talk to each other. They can interface with your iPads, Android tablets and phones for seamless communications. Try to hold on buying them till you are almost ready to go sailing as your warranty will be eaten up by just sitting in the box. Check out the boat shows as you can get big discounts and maybe even extra discount when your channel starts getting popular. ELECTRICS - A lithium battery setup will be the best option but it comes at a price. The initial outlay is high but, properly maintained it will cost you a hell of a lot less. Watch Parlay Revival's latest video where Colin talks about his set up he installed 3 months ago, very eye opening! WATERMAKER - There are a lot of channels which have tech vids on these, some bought and some home built. I will suggest you have a look at a very recent Tech vid by Sailing Fair Isle whether you build or buy one, loads of very important info there. DINGHY - A small dinghy is great and doesn't need a big engine but consider that this will be your family car when changing to full time cruising so at times you will want to carry bulky items and perhaps 4 - 6 people in it but don't base it on 6 if that might only happen once or twice a year, just do two trips. Most cruisers who bought an inflatable dinghy hanged to a rigid hull because it is more efficient when getting up on the plain and towing short distances. They are heavier but then don't flip over as easily. I would say a 2.8m would suit you both and a 4-6HP motor. If you are caught in weather trying to get back to your boat and fighting a tide perhaps, a small engine might not be man enough and that perhaps coupled with an inflatable hull is not always a good combination. There is so much more that can be said but your top priority on your agenda when you haul her our will be to make sure that any holes that have the ability to sink your boat need to be thoroughly checked. If you buy mix and match through hulls and seacocks make sure that they have matching thread. Check your stuffing gland and cutlass bearing that there is no wear in it. Also check your rudder seals and make sure there is no play and everything is tight and secure, often a big reason for boats being abandon out in the blue. All the best and looking forward to your next video! Duncan and Cath
Wow! Thanks so much Duncan and Cath- your comment was a great summary of everything we need to focus on- we really appreciate it 😊 Lifejackets- we have just bought two Crewsaver 180N Pro Automatic Harness Jackets so hopefully they are good enough! (They have a light, whistle and spray hood). Jacklines- will bear this in mind when we come to fit the lazy jacks! Liferaft- it may be too late for that (you will see why in a future video)- but we may still buy a new one before leaving 😫 Winches- Zach has just finished three winches. He was following a youtube video which said to use quite a bit of grease- but when we saw your comment, we did more research and found that less is more! Newbie mistake eh! As a result, he is spending today going back, dismantling them all, getting rid of some of the grease and putting a few drops of Lewmar Oil on the Pawls, we live and we learn 😆 Fuel Tanks- The tanks have been full to the brim all winter to prevent diesel bug. We aren't sure whether to use 80% of the fuel and siphon out the rest- or to treat the fuel in there already, use 80% and then lose the rest or to cut our loses, empty all the fuel, clean the tank and then just buy a whole new tank of fuel. Would you recommend a certain way? Considering- we don't want to be really unenvironmentally friendly and just throw it all away 😅 Electronics- Becka is mapping out all our electronics today- thanks for this suggestion. We have AIS but it just bleeps loudly at us at the moment due to not being connected to all other systems- so will work on creating a system that is all linked. Electrics- Lithium batteries are on the list as they do seem far superior. Bit worried about potential fires with them though as when they burn, apparently nothing will put out the fire- would you suggest a possible mount/box for them to prevent this or do you think it will be ok? Will check all thru holes when out the water! Thankyou again for SUCH a helpful comment. You guys are great and we hope you have a lovely day 😊
@@TeuluTribe Hi again... there hasn't been much in the way of battery fires on boats, more so in Tesla cars. One person installed his battery set up in a flood bilge so that if he was ever in that situation he could flood the battery compartment and the water would at least, hopefully stop the fire from spreading and sinking the boat. Either look at Battle Born batteries which a lot of the boats have without problems (in the the UK they go by a different name but they are luminous green with black) and then the other which is really good and a lot cheaper than BB is the company from China that Mas from Sail Life has used as have many others and they are really good. A cheap but good way to make fender covers is to buy thick joggers with elasticated ankles. Cut the legs off by the crotch and sew in a drawstring. Pick them up from TK-Max or Asda unless there is a market around as they will sell even cheaper maybe even around £3 or £5 and that is two fender covers per pair of joggers! Also, jack lines are for you to clip onto whereas lazy jacks found on your mast running either side of the mail sail down to your sail pack. Terminology will come 🙃 Take care guys
pro tip #432321 - fuel issues are the number 1 cause of call outs by the lifeguard, followed by electrical issues affecting the engine, never go out unless you know the condition of your tank and filters, make sure your filters are easy to change at sea, remember running an engine to test it in harbor doesn't help if your tank is dirty, as soon as you hit some swell on passage the tank sludge stirs, blocks your filters and your on the phone to get a tow. Make sure your tank has access ports and clean your tank yourself at least once a year, if you arent going anywhere for a bit then add a biocide and keep your tanks full, half full tanks will fill with water from condensation, that water should end up in your fuel water separator , but its better if it doesnt get there at all, fill your tanks after any long passage using your engine. I would suggest you clean your tanks yourself the first time to get a feel for how dirty they are, if its more then you can handle after seeing it then get it cleaned professionally, although this is hard on a budget. GL! If you are living on the boat the no1 thing to get is CO2 DETECTORS! it could save your life! If you can bin the gas, its a killer on a boat.
Emptying and cleaning tank this week and going to redo and check all electrics soon. Tanks have been full to brim all winter so hopefully no condensation got in- also got CO2 detectors 😊 thanks!!
I'd reiterate what others have said. Definitely join the RYA and watch other channels with similar experience to yourselves. One excellent British channel sail around the south coast - Sailing Cadoha. Then more experienced channels/sailors Sailing Florence and RAN sailing. Good luck and looking forward to your journey!
Thank you! We will join the RYA- were meant to do it after our Day Skippers but it got forgotten! Will also check out Sailing Cadoha, Sailing Florence and RAN Sailing, thanks for the recommendation 😊
Firstly congratulations on buying your boat, it seems you have worked hard for your dream. As you well know there is lots more hard work to come. There is so much advice you are getting and you seem to be taking it all in. My two bobs worth - Anchor - get the biggest and best you and your boat can handle and a minimum 70 metres of chain. keep the Rocna as a back up. If the boat is secure you can sleep easy and do all those other jobs without worry. Tender - just get something cheap and easy with a small outboard if you need it. Easily replaced when you get more dollars and work out what will best suit your boat and needs. Go sailing, get out there And remember what BOAT stands for Break Out Another Thousand!! Good luck and many happy adventures
Thanks Stephen! We really did 😊 lots and lots and (oh lots!!) of hard work to come but excited to start. Will look to get a bigger anchor and more chain- although need to measure ours first! Great suggestion about the Tender, i think it will be a common theme on board to buy at entry level and upgrade as and when the finances allow. Hoping to get out sailing Saturday. We cannot wait!! Made us laugh about 'Break Out Another Thousand'- sounds 100% right 😆
Go with natural ventilation where you can - fans just move hot air from A to B. The long wooden rod sounds like a dipstick for fuel or water. If it’s fuel, you used to be able to get a paste that you smeared on the end of the dipstick to detect whether there was water in the bottom of the tank. Great job/keep it up.
We are just worried when theres not a breath of wind and the air is humid that it will just sit in the boat but you are probably right. Its a metal stick but yes, think it must be to check something, don't want to mix up which tank its for 🤣 thats a cool idea about the paste, will look out for it! Thanks for your lovely comment 😊
In a confined space a halon extinguisher could be dangerous. They work by pushing all the oxygen out thus extinguishing the fire. Without oxygen you don’t breathe either. For most fires you can use a dry chem one. I keep a CO2 around for electrical fire. For fuel might consider buying some diesel algae treatment. Put it in every time you fuel up to keep the diesel slim from forming. However if there is some already present it will cause it to break loose and stop up your filters.
Thanks! We disposed of that one at a recycling centre and boat new ones which hopefully aren’t as dangerous 😅 will buy the fuel treatment- and are going to empty and clean tank soon. Thanks for your advice 😊
1) "*NO PLAN SURVIVES* contact with -the enemy- real life", so plan day-sails as soon and as often as possible. Even day-motorings if the sails/traveler are not ready yet. You will probably have to change priorities after the first trip. (others have stated this). Carry spare fuel filters for this! 2) *ANCHOR, ANCHOR, ANCHOR:* Skip the storm anchor, here is why. (happy to be persuaded otherwise) The Rocna 20 sounds like a solid choice. In Brittany I've seen 35 footers with 9kg Deltas. Criminally too little. I've never gotten the separate storm anchor. Why carry the weight of something you'll almost never use. Your anchor is your first line of insurance. Suggestion: - Take the biggest anchor you can and put it as your main anchor. Rocna 33, Rocna 40, a similar Fortress whatever. - Take your Rocna 20 as your spare. Still light enough to handle. - Skip the storm anchor "But my windlass can't take it!" Really? If you use - the motor to get closer to the anchor - the movement of the bow to break out the anchor - the windlass only to pull the chain and anchor up you can probably get away with your existing windlass for a much heavier anchor. Most windlasses break / have to be oversized, because foolish people (and charterers) use them to pull the boat forward. You will be sailing you boat yourself, so that should not be a problem My favourite anchor vid: ruclips.net/video/FOKVO3JBgDY/видео.html ___ OTHER POINTS ___ 3) *TENDER:* Remember, "it's your car". Try to go as large and as you can fit on the boat. With a motor as large as you can fit on the dinghy. Electric dinghy motors might be a consideration. Maybe get a used petrol four-stroke (with electric start) now and upgrade later, when possible. The upfront cost is way higher, but I appreciate the relative silence, ease of use, and not needing a third type of fuel on board. 4) *HOLDING TANKS:* I would strongly consider making one of the toilets _composting_. Marine heads are notoriously unreliable. Having disassembled one three times - on a well-maintained charter boat mind you - I would have a composting as a main toilet and a regular sea-head as a backup. Also marine heads fill up ridiculously fast, which you want to avoid if you plan to anchor for longer periods. Composting heads have several months of capacity for the solids. Depending on your view on the "poo in the sea" issue, Sailing Uma has a whole video discussing that having basically a piece of large diameter pipe in the toilet drain already qualifies as a "holding tankt". ruclips.net/video/_o-ng0Jc36U/видео.html 5) *WATER TANKS*: Clean them soon (as others have written). My understanding is that a water maker is a somewhat finicky and very expensive thing. And especially the DIY ones are geared towards very high power consumption, so motor running. I would start with tanks. But happy to be educated on the matter. Sailing Uma, again: ruclips.net/video/nzAOeatn7t8/видео.html I am very happy for you. You are one of my new favourite channels. Hope I could help a little. Also love the boat, the decksalon specifically, as it should prove invaluable in any adverse weather. The Victor would be a strong contender, if I were to be looking to buy a mono. Can't wait for a boat-tour.
Wow, thanks for your super detail comment! We really appreciate your support 😊 hoping to sail today if weather stays good. (woohoo!) Interesting about the anchor! Makes sense though 😊 yes, heard that Windlasses often get overpowered. We will be sure to watch the video you recommended. We would LOVE an electric outboard but our finances don't love the idea at the moment 😅 in the future, we will definitley look into one though. We have no settled on the idea of a composting loo, there just seems to be too many holding tank horror stories! Will check out Uma for both sailing (and poop) matters 🤣 Are you on the cat side then? Or tri?? 😮 boat tour coming soon.
@@TeuluTribe Glad the comment reached you, as I was late to the party. Mind you, my anchor tip is half-theoretical, so get more opinions. I am still firmly on the charter side. =( One more reason for me to admire you actually buying a boat. But I try to make the best out of it by sampling as many boats and boat types as I can. A 10m daggerboard tri was my favourite so far. The 12 m charter "condomaran" was comfortable, but huge and didn't sail to windward. The usual monos are ok. Sadly I am not as diligent with filming them, as you are. So a light daggerboard multihull would probably be my dreamboat. But if not, a decksalon monohull comes next. And thanks to you the Colvic Victor is now firmly on that list. Anyways, for what it's worth, I'm going to send you my tiny boat-tour-loving subscriber-crowd, when the video comes out. Your Colvic is definitely special. Good luck! Have a good sail!
The guy in the anchoring video has a Rocna 33 ("two sizes up") on their 45 footer, but said he would even go with a 40 now for even more peace of mind. Although the Rocna website itself discourages oversizing, claiming they are already highly conservative. His other suggestions are Mantus and Spade. Mantus, Manson, Rocna and Spade all have their own cult following.
Remember the old saying a boat is a hole in the water where one pours money into it .which is true more money is spent on a boat/ship than on a house . but keeping on top of it is a sure way of having a good boat do not take any cheap corners only comes back to bite you later good luck
as previously stated fuel and engine checks would be something i would suggest. I would also say to check your insurance Finally, it helps to have AIS, either through your plotter, Radio, or maybe on a phone.... Esp if you dont have radar! Enjoy your boat!!!
Thanks Brett! Will do the fuel and engine checks :) Just took out new insurance so happy with that- although need to extend it for abroad cruising and we have an AIS already- its just not all synced in with the GPS but we will look at sorting that soon :)
@@TeuluTribe Just a quick suggestion, when you are in a lightning storm. You can use your oven as a Faraday cage to put your electronics in. To protect them from the lightning storm. And one more thing, if you have a BBQ grill and the flame is not right, like it's yellow, or not setting down on the burner. The adjustment skrew on some of the grills is under the nob. Just turn it back an forth until the flame sets down on the burner and had sharp blue peaks, and then you can adjust the air flow on the burner. It is at the end of the burner. These adjustments screws are also on you cooker under the nobs, on some of them.
Humm, we fitted a watermaker. Expensive, hi-maintenance, can only use when well offshore. Don't until you sail either long passages or in areas where water is hard to get.
I have watched other people with boats, and I am getting a bit bored with those. I am happy that I have found you. I will follow you always. Have fun working on it so you can sail. I love are around St Thomas and all around there. Enjoy.
A multitool would help you out immensely. Especially cutting those plugs. The uses for those tools are too numerous to mention. Use mine ALL the time. Love from Alabama USA
Hi Becka and zach I have now watched all your videos it has taken all week so am very pleased to have got this far tonight just one to watch left 😀 I have had 5 different sailing yachts over the years and know that you are going to have a great time learning.ps thank you for taking the time to make this video x
If you want to dive into anchors, start watching SVPanope's videos. Amazing stuff. I don't remember if you've spelled out your immediate cruising plans, but if you are planning on cruising locally in the same area where the previous owner was having success with the Rocna 20, then I would just use that for a while. Technique accounts for a lot. I also forget if you've gone over your anchor rode, but make sure the quality/strength of your chain is appropriate. When you plan on leaving that area or starting your round the world journey (or whatever) then I think you should invest in a larger, better primary anchor. The 20kg is fine as a coastal/weekend cruising anchor, but is a little small for your boat as a primary, live on the hook, sort of achor. The Rocna design is not as good as some of the other modern designs in certain bottom types. The Rocna Vulcan is very good though. A Vulcan, Spade, Excel, Ultra, Mantus, Viking would all serve you well. For cost, performance, and construction design/strength, I prefer the Vulcan and Excel. At that stage in your ground tackle investment, I would follow the advice of getting the largest anchor you, your boat, and your windlass can handle. If you have the room, keep the Rocna 20 as a backup/stern anchor. You could also supplement that two anchor setup with a third, something like a Fortress/Guardian/LewmarLFX. But they are pretty pricey for something you'll likely not use often. And the Rocna 20 is pretty manageable as a backup/stern, and you already have it.
Will definatley check them out. Thank you for the suggestion! We are planning local cruising and then in the future crossing a few oceans, so yes, you are probably right with our anchor being a good fit for the local waters 😊
I'd have a large anchor as well, but not the ultimate largest your winch can manage. But you should also consider the chain length. For coastal use some use 30 m of chain which hasn't enough calming weight in heavy weather. 100 m is certainly suggested for long term cruising. A long chain will also prevent the anchor from breaking loose. In some grounds the anchor will not find good holding power and the long chain will help a lot.
Hi lovely people, I'm really excited to have found you so early on in your adventure. I do hope Sailing Uma doesn't have to pass the baton, but better become running mates. Wishing you all the best, how wonderful.
I would definitely prioritise your batteries and charging, and I wouldn’t go anywhere without a water maker, if you got these 2 things you can survive almost everything, oh and get some fishing gear.
We will priorities them- would you suggest Lithium? Seems like an expensive option early on but pays off in the long run! I bought Zach a trawling rod for his birthday and lures- we just need to get some line then are set to catch some fish. Thanks for your comment 😊
Good on youse are your dream don’t give up I just found you on RUclips. I’m in Australian in my 70s would love to do what you’re doing. Keep it up I will watch you follow your dreams😊❤️🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
For me it was radio coarse if you haven’t already, an EPIRB, flares And 2 vests at a minimum. If you can then a life raft. I didnt go out until i had all of this first.
When picking a dinghy first decide how big you need. Keep in mind it will become your car to go shopping and go ashore. You may also have friends visiting so consider that in choosing the size. Keep in mind the larger the dinghy the larger the moor and the harder it is to move it around o deck. If you buy and install Davits it makes having a RIB a no brainer. Easy to pull up at the end of the day. Add an outboard lift for hoisting the motor. That way you can go with a 9.9. If you go with an inflatable you might want to see if you can find a Takacat. They are a multihull inflatable. Roll up easily and you can get an inflator so you don’t have to pump it up that is not very expensive at all.
That is very true! And a element which is easy to forget when parked in a very convenient marina 😅 We have davits already- although folded in at the moment. I think we will look for one (and save for one) that can carry 4 people. And outboard lift sounds a great option for someone my size 😊 We have been looking at Cat Dingys- Aircat for example too- they look epic but worried about performance in slightly choppy water? Do you reckon we will get soaked? 😆 Thanks for your advice!
Hi guys. You have a very interesting and long list. I just wanted to say one thing that I think will be very important to tackle. And that would be making sure that your diesel Fuel tank has no sludge on the bottom of your diesel fuel tank. If it does have sludge it will mix up and stir up in rough seas and I have been on a boat or 2 that we have lost the engine because the sludge mixes with the diesel and the diesel fuel goes into the filter and the filter gets plugged and you lose your engine .. So it's important that you make sure that you take all your fuel out put it through a multi Filter strainer to filter the fuel so that you can reuse it and put it back in the tank but take all the fuel out of your tank right down to the last drop and get in there with some paper towel and take out all of the sludge, also in the corners .. make sure that your diesel tank is spotless and then put the fuel back in after you have filtered it through a multi level filter and this will avoid you having any loss of your engine because of rough seas There might be some sort of a Valve on the bottom of your tank that you can have the desil leak out and check to see if there's any sludge in it . You might be satisfied with what you see And also make sure that your Primary and secondary diesel fuel filters are probably new . I think would be the best thing because I don't know when the last time your engine was serviced I hope this is helpful sorry for the lengthy explanation
I replace all of the fuel filters every 200 hours and check the primary ones each time before we start the engine. They have glass bowls and the fuel hose that feeds them comes from the very bottom of the tank, so any sludge in the tank should be sucked out fairly quickly and get stoped by the primary filters. Thanks for the advice, if I notice any sludge I’ll be sure to do what you suggested 😊
While watching similar couples doing what you are doing you might watch Sailing Yacht Florence, and Gone with the Wynnes, even though it is a Catarmaran they are a great couple. Good luck, you two are great. Take care of each other.
Major components: Autohelm or Windvane steering device; functional electric windlass; AIS and IPERB. A water maker is becoming a must have for your protection and to extend your range of cruising. Go with Lithium batteries if at all possible. If not, consider a small generator to use to back up charging until your solar array has been built or sails placed at other places on boat. Best Wishes.
Thanks Michael- we have Autohelm already and AIS and an electric windlass. We need an IPERB still. Still saving for the water maker 😆 A generator may be a good option until we get solar panels, thanks!
Yeah I was going to say consider a windvane as well, particularly if longer passages are in the future. They keep on ticking, aren't dependent on electricity (which takes a load off your battery and electrical system requirements), and, at least compared to the autohelms I've sailed with, are essentially silent, which is great for the person that is off watch. I'd certainly consider a windvane before you design a bathing platform!
If your tabletop has an epoxy resin coating you are worried about. You can sand it down with just a 220 grit sandpaper. Clean it with at least 90% isopropyl alcohol. Then pour another layer of epoxy over that. Let it sit until curred and you are good to go. I would advise pouring the new topcoat inside to keep the dirt away while curing. And cover it with something too until it is past its sticky stage. Also, pour it on a very calm day....
Thats so interesting. Thanks! A calm day is definitely needed for that (although we get Naval ships passing a few times a day) so may need to be on a calm anchorage somewhere for that 😆 unless we want a wonky table! Thanks for your comment 😊
My top priority is a good anchoring system and a safe rig and rudder. Next is reliable engine and thru-hulls and leaks. Everything else is optional really. 30 years experience. For longer trips, some kind of self-steering is essential too. A composting toilet is next on the list. Forget about life raft, water makers and fancy stuff that breaks for now. Also, keep clear of wind generator. Solar is best. We threw our noisy wind gen away actually and added more solar.
Thankyou for your comment- how many anchors would you recommend? Do you think the three we suggested is enough? Getting thru-hulls checked by a professional soon and engine checks and maintenance daily. We do have autopilot- would you suggest a wind vane as well as AP? I take it you would choose a composting toilet over a holding tank? We have heard lots of horror stories about them! Solar it is, we really don't want a noisy wind gen.
It would be great to see a boat tour. It will be fun to see the “before” and when you’ve reached the “after” then you could show the comparison. Good luck and looking forward to watching your journey.
the only thing you need on a boat is a few co2 detectors and a torch or 2 or 3 or 4, and a working bilge pump (electric and manual) once you start going sailing then get the rest of the stuff
Just a little tip with the plugs. If you get a very sharp chisel with the back of the blade facing down, give it a good whack using your palm hitting with the grain of the plug, it’s much quicker!
Hi Becka and Zach! Wow, you’re going great with all your projects and lists. We only have about 16 items on our boat to do list, but we’ve had the boat for many years! Our boat never had a holding tank either. We got the boat with a LectraSan treatment system which worked great, but now days most marinas won’t accept the discharge of any waste, treated or not. Rather than try to add a holding tank where there was no room to spare, we installed a composting head and love it! No pumping out! The one item on your list that we find indispensable and would never be without is a boat dog or two, or maybe a boat cat. Have fun and good luck!
Thanks so much 😊 It sure does take a while doesn't it! But thats the beauty of it 😊 we are really looking into composting heads now- they do just seem to be the way forward and oh don't tempt me about a boat cat! I would LOVE one...but we aren't quite at the point of that being a possibility- in the future though!! Thanks for your advice 😊
77 yr. old Bruce from Canada.== So happy to have found you Newbies with tons of energy and thoughts.= " sailing Uma '== Two educated that went to buy a couch.== But, bought a sailer and I have followed them for seven years .== Kika and hubby are now in the heberties sailing south from Hobart the last open water before the ice pack. They can help you on anything sailing and safety. Please give them a look.
If you are going to check your thru hull fittings I would advise to get rid of the old Bronze fittings and replace them with TruDesign ones. Also get the correct size wooden hull plugs and secure them to the pipe with strong nylon cord. Nothing worse than loosing a thru hull and not being able to find a wooden plug to stop your boat sinking.
We are considering doing that rather than servicing them all! We have bungs for all of them, just need to figure out how to attach them without the possibility of them getting damp in the bilge- thanks! 😊
We just got our boat in October 21 and know just where your at. We got an AB Rihb and love it. Even in some good chop it does good. Water Maker, Spectra all the way. Oh ya, paper charts, always good to have paper charts as a back up. Keep up good work.
I feel like my American to UK vocabulary is about to greatly expand. Within 2 minutes I got bits and bobs, fiddlely job, etc. Can't wait! Good luck on the transformation!
Thankyou 😊 Haha they are two phrases i didn't even realise aren't used in the US! Im sure many other little phrases and words will be coming your way in the future 🙈
Regarding the electronics: if you want good advice you should show the viewers first what you already have. There are quite a few devices that have more than one function, i.e. a VHF can come with GPS or AIS in combination (Standard Horizon are often used and reasonable priced AND with NMEA link available). How do you want to navigate? Chartplotter? Or iPad/Tablet? Then you might want to get GPS and other NMEA data via Wifi on your IPad or any Windows tablet. In that case you might want to buy a QK-A026 Multipexer that will receive date and broadcast it via Wifi for your tablet to receive. Of then you could also navigate with your laptop. Always good to have a backup. In general, my impression is you want to do many things that make the boat more pretty and clean. My advice: Save that for when you are on passage. You ll have many hours to kill ;-) Do the safety things first and find out what really works and what doesn't. That is best done by taking the boat out for a sail. Engine working smoothly? All running rig fine? Sails in good condition? Through holes looking safe and sound? How is the bottom looking? Might need a good cleaning. Maybe you can take an old seadog out for a day and get some experteese from an expert.
We are planning a video solely about electronics in the near future 😊 We have just bought a standard horizon- but the voltage is too low to it so need to rewire it! We also have savvy navvy on an ipad and a built in AIS (which is really old so needs to be replaced). This list has changed dramatically since we made it! All the 'pretty' things are off the list now and we are cracking through safety and engine bits. We are lucky to be surrounded around really great people in the marina who have helped us out lots 😊 Thanks for the advice!
Important ... spare parts. You may find yourself rebuilding you head pump and need the seals, or your alternator craps out. Spare electrical connectors, various size fuses ... look at what you have and make a spare parts purchase list. And tools, engine manuals.. you get the idea.
Yes, already collecting a big old box of spare parts but we need more! Thats a great suggestion and bits we will go out and buy soon 😊 Need a few more tools before we go anywhere, and already have the engine manual! Thanks so much for your suggestions 😊
On a sailboat You always need to make sure that water doesn’t come in, so seacocks definitely need attention on an old boat. Also the engine, as old guy state, need some TLC as the American’s put it. Last but not least, You need to make sure that the mast stay up there, meaning that standing rigging need a good looking after. Then of cause You need some life wests, fire extinguisher’s and other emergency stuff. The rest is more or less cosmetics and things that are nice to have. You are doing great, so keep up the good work. Ohh one thing that is lurking at back of my head…..You did seal all those screws with some Sikaflex right? It’s always the screw holes that let the water in.
Thanks Jan! We are going to get the seacocks serviced by a professional when we haul out- engine maintenance is on our daily 'to do' list and the rigging definitely. We are itching to sail but need a few more bits before that happens. Don't worry, we did seal the screws before putting them in- this is a no leak zone!
Just a few comments from 50 years sailing, and 30 years as a yacht insurance underwriter. Keep a close eye on the bow thruster, it's tunnel, and associated motor etc. They are very prone to blocking, siezing, leaking and catching fire! Standing rigging. be careful about what's going on under the roller furling gear with the forestay-out of sight is often out of mind. The forestay and main cap shrouds are the first ones to be replaced as they age. Consider going to norseman terminals, rather than swaged- easier for DIY. Well done on fitting the CO alarm. CO is terrifyingly dangerous, and everyone's need to recharge electronics have increased fatalities recently. See the MAIB reports section to get very scared! Be careful fitting holding tanks for blackwater-cheap tanks can be not 100% smell proof. Be wary of how secure your new tender might be in harbours on the south coast- very vulnerable to theft- small outboards even more so. Keep them out of sight! Consider using a hard tender whilst in local UK waters, and swap to an inflatable when going further afield. Don't get paranoid about osmosis, and don't believe the BS you get fed by so-called osmosis repair specialists. I read around 15000 surveys in my career- less than 5 had osmosis so bad it was actually weakening the hull to dangerous levels. Almost all GRP boats have it, and it is simply irrelevant in 99.9% of cases. A monolithic GRP hull by Colvic, Halmatic or Tylers is last in the queue for osmosis to be any sort of an issue. Good sailing!
We will keep a close eye on the Bow Thruster- we have it off all the time except for in and out of the marina 😊We are going to get our standing and running inspected before we leave. We have decided on a compost toilet rather than holding tank now due to the amount of horror stories we have heard! Thank you SO much for the helpful advice- we really appreciate it 😊
@@TeuluTribe You're welcome! Oh, that reminds me- if you're going blue water, consider what sort of a tradewind rig you might want- going to twin forestay, twin headsails is a popular option. Westaway sails just along the A38 in Ivybridge have dozens of used headsails. I'm sure they'll talk you to death about all the options...!
A radical suggestion that could save a lot of money, take away a lot of horrible maintenance and be more environment friendly. Instead of adding Black water tanks switch to composting toilets. We have 2 Nature's Head toilets (now tricky to get due to Brexit but there is a new UK brand called Compoost Toilets that look a great option). Our boat is a 1977 Rival 38 Centre Cockpit ketch, a real project boat. The compost toilets are nice to use, very simple to install and best of all no raw sewage in pipes and tanks, no seacocks needed. You can see ours in some of our videos although we haven't done one specifically about them yet (there is an article on our blog about "The Number 1 and Number 2 best upgrade".) Even when Covid stopped us getting to our boat for 9 months we came back to find no problems and were able to just continue to use them as if we hadn't been away.
Thats a great suggestion! Thanks, a few other people have mentioned that too and it does seem to be the way forward. Heard so many holding tank horror stories 😅 We will check out your videos, i am sure they are really helpful! Thanks again 😊
Just found you guys! Congrats on your new adventure. Enjoy the journey, frustrations as well as triumphs. You'll learn from both! Cheers from a 🇨🇦 living on our boat, currently in 🇧🇸
I think its important to mention that your bilge pumps are not fixed down. You can grind away the gelcoat and glue them to the bilge or find a place to secure a 1/2 inch piece of aluminium and bend it until it holds the pump down. Most people think the hose will hold the pump down but in rough weather the pump can move all over the place. Second bit of advice is about anchoring. There's no point in buying a big anchor and not have loads of chain. In the old days (well I'm 66) they would say you needed three times the depth for the chain. Now they are advising that five times the depth for the chain. For most wind condition the weight of the chain hold the boat in position and it doesn't put any pressure on the anchor. 200 ft would be a good amount of chain for your boat because of the weight in the locker at the bow. That would be enough for 5 times in 40ft depth. I'm so old I don't work in meters. LOL
Thanks for your comment Nigel- we didn't even realise they had to be fixed down so will add that to the list. We need to measure our chain still but you are right about having 200ft- the chain is the most important after all! Thankyou for your suggestions and advice 😊
Here in the states we call the companionway door (when it’s cut horizontally) a set of washboards. Apparently, back in the day people made actual washboards to fit their companionway, so on fair days they could use them to do laundry. Everything on the boat is supposed to do two jobs, I guess.
A quality First aid kit and do first aid courses and a aluminium bottom inflatable are the best by far and if your doing a rear solar arch build a davit system into it to pull the inflatable out with👍🙏
We both are first aid trained but will do an offshore firstaid course before we leave! Also do need a bigger first aid kit 😊 We have davits already but a solar arch sounds like a great idea- thanks!
Welcome to Devon and best wishes on your adventure! I’m a marine mechanical engineer based not to far from where you are mooring your boat! so if you ever need anything looking at I’m always willing to have a look and offer advice or fix it for you if i can, free of charge of course to help you on your way with your adventure! Give me a shout if you need any help!
Wow! Thats so kind, thank you for the offer Glen! We would love to take you up on that at some point 😊 Can repay in a days sailing!
@@TeuluTribe always keen to help if I can!
Hi Glen! I remembered you writing this really kind comment and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions- would it be ok to drop you an email? ☺️
@@TeuluTribe I’ve sent you a message on your Instagram!
Glen that is awesome of you to help out this couple on their journey.
My suggestion. Address the absolute must haves on your list. Safety items and items to make your boat legal. Things like flares, life jackets. ect. Then start using the boat. Even if it is simply motoring out on calm day and spending a night at anchor. The best way to actually prioritize your list is by seeing the things that you really miss vs what you think you will need. Best way to fine tune your list is by your personal experiences. Actually using the boat will save you so much time and money because you will know what you two need to enjoy the boat and feel comfortable spending time away from the dock. Personal experience is the only way you figure that out and fine tune this list.....
Enjoy. I am about 18 months into my first sailboat adventure.
Thanks Brian, yes, we can't wait to get the basics onboard and then actually set sail, we are itching to at the moment and every day have to hold ourselves from doing so. I am sure this list will morph a lot over the coming months! See you on the water 😊
Sound advice! Plus using the boat will reveal anything that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Paused at 13:56 just to say that it is refreshing to see the two of you. You're honest, humble, and willingness to reach out for help is refreshing in some way. Those things generally earn my resect quickly.
Your just lovely down to earth people and I wish you the best!
Thanks so much David! Your comment is so lovely and has really made us smile. We definitely aren't afraid to ask for help 🙈 - never want to stop learning!
@@TeuluTribe perfect attitude!
Great Job! I would add checking / cleaning the fuel tanks (s) to the soonest list. You never know what is growing in there, until you check. Along, with that maintenance on the engine should be high on the list.
Thanks. Consider it added! We have a full tank of fuel at the moment (was drained and filled completely at the beginning of winter) but will run it low, empty and clean it. Engine maintenance is on our daily 'to do' whiteboard :) Great suggestions
@@TeuluTribe There is an Australian product called Fuel Doctor which I think is available worldwide. It is added to a full fuel tank, either petrol or diesel, and it kills all bacteria etc. that can cause issues particularly in tanks that have not been kept clean or may have moisture contaminant. Doseage is dependent on the fuel amount but I know that marine applications require double strength (double amount added). It's regularly used in service stations in Australia. Also suggest you addd a "pre filter" to your fuel line as when travelling you may get suspect fuel supplied, better in the filter than the motor.
Agree to clean the fuel tank, better to know it's been done, than hope for the best when motoring off a Lee shore or against a strong current. Chemical treatments are fine once you know the tank has been cleaned .
Clear yes to cleaning the tanks, do a full service to the engine and add some good filter system for diesel. With the small water tanks you might not worry about water bacteria. But in case there are also UV light systems killing them. Check out the channel of "The Wynns", somewhere in the early stages of them.
Yes definitely
Other YT channels to watch are Cadoha, and Sail life (Athena), ideally watch from the start...
I suggest the essential priorities should be :
1. keep the water out (below WL) seacocks etc, consider TruDesign seacocks if needing replacing, and above WL as rain water can cause rot, such as through fittings and teak deck screws.
2. Engine maintenance, fuel cleanliness.
3. Electric wiring.(main cause of fires).
4. Steering gear, rudder bearings, quadrant, cables and pulleys and their securing. Emergency Tiller.
5. Mast, rigging, sails and furling gear and winches.
6. Safety, fire extinguishers, blanket, flares (and/or EPIRB), Dinghy and/or liferaft.
7. Anchors and chain cable.
8. VHF radio, consider AIS, Navionics, charts.
9. Batteries and their charging (+ solar?)
Watermaker is expensive and should be well down the list, for when you are sure everything else is safe and you are sailing to distant shores.
Will check them out- thanks for the suggestions 😊. Zach is doing the teak deck screws and making sure they are flat heads and sealed down. Checking the sea cocks soon, will clean the fuel tank soon too. Need to check electric wiring. Checked the steering already because on the first day we broke it (thats a whole story in itself! haha) but we have fixed it now 😊. Buying a new VHF this week and already have AIS. Also already have an emergency tiller. Will check everything else on the list! Thank you for all your suggestions!
100% right on about the Tru-design skin fittings and valves. We have them on all our launches and never had any issues. Bit biased as they are made here in NZ.
It doesn't matter if you sink and die, as long as the interior has a nice color and you have a place to put your shoes :-p
@@hayeopreis wow, little bit morbid ahha. Hoping that won’t happen!
You asked about opinions on your todo list. I think you need to focus on the minimal essentials for a very modest first voyage to Cawsand Bay and a night at anchor. (1) Test the engine by running it in gear for 20 minutes tied up at the marina berth at about 1400rpm or just enough load to get up to running temp. Double up the mooring ropes for this test. Keep an eye on the cooling water splurt/splosh at the stern. Also be vary of poor wiring between the alternator and bow thruster battery, I once had to pull a blazing boat out of a marina berth caused by a faulty bow thruster charging circuit. (2) Providing the engine starts, does not overheat and the fuel is clean and you know how to drop the anchor, then you will be good to go to Cawsands in settled weather. (3) I would not let the absence of a liferaft delay me from experiencing some modest coastal cruising between Salcombe and Fowey if I had an dinghy. Many UK coastal cruisers buy their first liferaft before their first cross channel voyage to France. (4) 200 litres of water will be enough for your first season. (5) I suggest fitting an AIS receiver before crossing the English Channel shipping lanes.
Thats a great idea- thanks 😊 We can't wait for the first sail and anchor. Good suggestion about running the engine- think we will clean the fuel and tank first then do that 😊 Will check all wiring through the boat, thats crazy about the boat you pulled on fire, makes you realise the importance of checking the electrics. You are right about the liferaft- i think it was drilled into us on our dayskippers and so we didn't really consider the option of not to buying one yet. However, that moves dingy higher up the list. Great to know about water and we do have AIS already- forgot to mention that 😊 thanks again!
@@TeuluTribe I find a boat seems happier at anchor compared to a boat fighting its restraints alongside a marina berth. I will watch with interest your first video report after a couple of days at anchor. Cruising without a dinghy would feel limiting, I would loan you mine if I was not a 6 hour drive away.
Sadly you do will run out of money before your to-do to list I as done so many people are saying to get the shake down trip out of y way.
Love stumbling across new boat based RUclipsrs with decently produced videos. This is the first one of yours I have seen and your journey has only just begun so looking forward to watching the other videos and the future ones you make
Thanks Barry 😊 glad you can be here! Lots of adventures to come 😊
Just sailed my yacht up the east coast of Australia. Needed to get an experienced skipper to help me. First 2 things - get a manual bilge pump in case (yes the bilge broke on the way so great tip) and emergency steering.
Don’t forget an EPIRB and register it ⛵️⛵️
Wow, that sounds quite the adventure! We have a manual bilge pump (sounds a nightmare about yours!) and spare tiller in case. Oh and EPIRB is in the mail- woohoo. Thanks for your comment Jill 😊
Sounds like your getting on track. Remember to check and replace your anodes when you haul out.
Have added it to the list! Thanks 😀
Glad to see you taking safety seriously it pays off.
So happy for you guys. A boat is alot of work and it's very rewarding. Keep inspiring people you don't even know your inspiring. Look forward to seeing your story play out because it keeps us warm in Canada 🇨🇦.
Thanks Ed for your lovely comment 😊 Like yin and yang, work and reward! Glad you can be here for the ride 😊
Squeaking at sea is a full time part of sailing. You learn to love it. If you don't you have a major problem on your hands. Keep up the good work in your new way of life.
Haha we are very much used to it now! Find it therapeutic- would feel strange being in a quiet place now 🤣
youll forget the squeak even exists much like living near a rail
The Expedition Evans posted a video about their DIY water maker using off the shelf parts that are readily available anywhere. Just found your channel and really enjoying. Best wishes.
Oh thats great- will check them out, thanks Greg! 😊
I'll give you this. Your video editing skills are top notch.
Great videos and keep them coming. As a seasoned sailor (l mean old) l would get out on the boat as soon as possible so you get to know your own boat from a sailing perspective. Sometimes you can over think things - yes you need a dinghy and some life jackets and a radio that works etc but do some sailing and make a list as you go for the things that work for you.
Every sailor will have their own views on what you should have on board but they are not you two. One of the joys of a new boat is finding about how she sails, motors, anchors and the like, and the sooner you can do these things the sooner you will have a proper 'to do list' that fits how you are going to sail/live.
Maybe consider davits, ones that bolt on from the top so you can remove them in harbours/marinas. Our last three boats all had davits and only once in Spain did we have to take them off to save charges. Davits allow for quick deployment of the dinghy and it can be combined with a radar arch for mounting the valuable solar panels you will need . Solar panels on the cabin top will always have a shadow which will reduce efficiency, so panels on the aft of the boat are much better location.
Did you have a survey done and the boat lifted before buying??
Thanks Steve, itching to get out- think we have just enough now to get out so will be going out Saturday if weather stays good- woohoo! We really cannot wait to see how she performs 😊
I definitely understand the overthinking thing- as great as this platform is- it can make you second guess everything at times 😅 We have davits at the moment- although they are folded in for saving precious length reasons! That is really annoying about Spain- some marina folk are very meticulous i guess.
As for the solar panels- yes, it does seem silly to put them somewhere they will have their efficiency reduced. We are now really looking into a solar arch as we think it will help shade/protect our dingy a little too so double win! Boat was surveyed prior to buying too and nothing major flagged up, just general maintenance.
Just found your channel this morning on my homepage since I am recently watching all sailing videos. I hooked up and watching non stopped all videos over 1 hour now. Subscribed and looking forward for your adventures! We are in same situation like you. We are saving money for our sailing boat over 2 years. I cant wait that buying day and that enjoy like you did. Please keep it going, keep sharing the moments. Very happy for you. Wish you great adventures..
Wow, we are so glad you enjoyed them. Lots and lots of adventures to come! Glad you could be here for the ride 😊 The buying day is great, whats to come after that is even greater! See you on the water 😊
I haven’t watched sailing YT channels in ages - but thoroughly enjoyed yours. So refreshing and to see you starting from here.
You will already have lots of advice and some of this covered already. And you sound like you are making good lists of things to do.
I’m an RYA instructor and professional skipper inc long distance deliveries so used to safety stuff. Very happy to send you the very detailed checklist I use which covers pretty much everything.
A few comments: do get an epirb (large boat unit and / or personal PLB to go on your LJ’s). Do strongly consider AIS transceiver same time as VHF (nice to transmit your position when around large shipping at night and in fog!). Radar is def v nice to have but your budget may not stretch. Do service winches as you say - a slipping winch under tension can break your arm. Anchors - consider kedge - useful to hold boat in a specific position from stern and if you go aground. Do think about MOB recovery - how will you do it? Also can you climb back on board if you fall in (when boat not underway) and no one else is there? Do get emergency nav lights - they are cheap. Do have search light (not expensive) - double for illuminating your sails at night if you want to make sure a ship has seen you (crossing shipping lanes for example). Have you got bungs for all through-hulls? Buckets - another essential safety item! Bosuns chair, etc etc Many other things. Happy to send you a proper list. (find me by searching AB Yacht Services on FB).
Love your channel and will keep watching. Andy B
So glad you enjoyed Andy! We are definitely starting at the beginning! 😆
We would really appreciate the checklist- i am sure it will help loads! Thanks so much 😊
We now have an Epirb now and also have AIS! (Just need to wire it all in with our new VHF) We have just serviced the winches (used too much grease though- doh!, so going back in next week and recleaning and lightly greasing them all again haha). WIll look into a kedge anchor. We practiced lots of MOB on our day skipper but haven't yet done it whilst sailing a ketch so is something Zach and I will really take our time on this summer. Checking we can climb in is a really good shout too. Will get emergency nav lights and a search light- really, really good suggestions that we hadn't thought of. Got bungs for the thru hulls and buckets. No bosuns chair yet. We would love for you to send us a list if thats ok- a lot of these items weren't mentioned before so we really appreciate your comment 😊
@@TeuluTribe Look into fog horns, they are not expensive but really handy in most areas in Europe. Radar would be a mast for me sailing in your part of the world.
@@sanyaomerovic1659 we will- is there any particular horn you would recommend? We have a radar reflector and AIS so at least we show up to others 🤣
Just the est channel I have watched for a long time . The constant chit chat swings so easily between you two .
Water, 200lts is plenty, add 100 for ocean crossings. Put a bottle of rasberry cordial in tank if water tastes a bit ordinary. Don't use a garden hose to fill tanks. Water tastes like plastic
If rigging is over 8 years old, replace!!! If you don't know for sure, Replace!?
Mast riggers charge a bomb. Do it yourself, get a bosuns chair, do one at a time, use main haliyard to replace stay IE to toe rail near stay bottom, headsail haliyards for chair and safety line.and main topping lift for and lowering stay. Take each stay to commercial ringing company. Get them made in pairs.
Leave mizzen till another time, rarely used except on a reach. They are just an ornament.
Nervous about taking boat in and out of marina? Always move at slowest possible speed, usually just click into gear, then neutral when you are moving. check wind direction first! If you are berthing stern first, come into the marina in reverse, yachts are much more manouvarable in reverse. Practice outside marina, you'll see what I mean. Face aft at the wheel.
Solar panel charging drops 50-75% with any shadow anywher on solar panels. Get a wind generator, 400w
Make sure it has a regulator to stop overcharging. I didn't and used to lash a blade when not on the boat, lashing came off and blew all electrics. $14000 Aussie dollars, about 7000 pounds
Try AliExpress.com
Good luck, Rod
PS' sailing since 1980
Thanks Rod! We have some 25 litres jugs for water in the stern locker so will probably use them on crossings rather than fitting a tank :) Will be replacing rigging before any crossings, and will do it ourselves- thanks for the suggestion 😊 Will go slow in and out of marina! Great to know about going stern first in, thanks 😊 Will also do a solar arch to prevent shadow i reckon!
I would get your fuel tank professionally cleaned , I had mine done and they cut an inspection hatch in for me , cleaned the tank and the fuel , they did a fine job for me , the tank had a lot of sludge/ diesel bug in the bottom . Also check all seacocks and replace where needed . Rob
Thats such a good suggestion, thanks Rob😊 i bet it did! We really, really don't want that so i think its a lot higher up the list now. Will check all seacocks when hoisted out, thanks for the comment 😊
I love the boat! I still can’t believe you guys have a pilot house that is going to be amazing!
I am in a similar situation of just buying a blue water boat and getting ready to set sail (from San Fransisco to Mexico) and I recently had my rigging inspector tell me some very important advice! We did the inspection and he said everything looked good however something that he said inspectors don’t do but is SUPER important to do once you buy a boat is to: take off your chain plates and check for ‘pitting’ corrosion on the inside of them.
This how he told me to do it it DIY:
1. You can take off 1-2 shrouds at a time and the mast will still be sturdy
2. Mark with tape where your current turnbuckle is set to so that you can adjust it to the same place afterwards
3. Take out the pins and loosen up the turnbuckle
4. Remove the screws and plate on the deck that the chain plate goes through( or however your chain plate goes through/on the deck) and all the caulking
5. Unbolt the chainplate and scrub off any rust or corrosion (he said a scotch brite would do) and check for the ‘pitting’ corrosion or anything else that looks funky
6. Bolt the chainplate back on, re-caulk, and put back on the deck plate (he said the only thing he uses is Boat Life - Life Caulk for this application)
7. Re-tension rigging to the mark you put on in step 2
Note: to check the stern chainplate you should attach your main halyard to a stern cleat to keep the mast sturdy.
I hope this is helpful! I would hate for anything to go wrong with the rigging for you guys and this is a (relatively) easy thing to check. He said he once found a boat that seemed perfect but the chainplate was so bad on the inside that the mast could have fallen any moment. He also told me that if one the chain plates look bad, take it to a machine shop to have them make a new one.
We love the pilot house so much! wow, that info is so invaluable- we have made a note of it- thanks so much for sharing. Will look at the chain plates soon! Love that we can do it ourselves too, double win 😊
You guys are an inspiration!!! just bought our boat last year and total newbies as well:) Going through similar events. Its quite steep learning curve with many ups and downs...where ups feel like heaven and downs are just awful. Things get much easier year after year! The structural integrity of your hull and through holes along with sails and standing and running rigging are super important and so is the engine. Have a professional look at these first as everything else you can figure out later on the go. Most importantly: JUST GO! and spend as much time sailing as possible, It is there where you learn the most!
Thanks Peter. So are you guys for taking the plunge into the boating world! Yes, we are already seeing the crazy ups and downs but through it all, to stop and reflect on it, makes you truly realise what ‘living’ is all about. Anyone can just have a monotone life with no downs (or ups!) but the best views come from the hardest hikes so that’s a risk us (and you!) seem to have accepted. Will get a professional to check out all above, and then will go! And not look back. Thanks for your advice and see you on the water 😊
Just found your channel and so you must be sorted with a dinghy already by now. I've been dreaming of getting a boat for a long time and the Colvic you've chosen looks amazing! And I'll definitely be watching the rest of your videos. We just mess about in little things but bought a Tinker Traveller last year. A lot of people use them as life raft/ tenders. They take up to 5HP outboard and then for fun you can set up as sailing dinghy too....in case you're not getting enough sailing. 😂 Just realised as I've written this, for me that bit was exciting but since you have a big sailing boat, it might not be as exciting. 😂
I have a little camping shop about 20 mins from Bantham in Devon that I recognised in the video if you ever need any little space saving gagets...cooking bits etc...
Have a great time.
To start do daytime sea trials, out and back in many times. While out deploy the anchor to check the ground tackle. 150ft of chain. Check the windlass. Check the sails and running rigging, check the standing rigging. All DIY. Need a cheap VHF. Can move up to more expensive later and it will serve as backup. You have a cell phone for now inshore(safety). But ship to ship and ship to bridge need a VHF. In slip run the diesel for an hour several times, when its cool in the day to make sure nothing is coming out of the tank to clog filters. Check engine temp, filters, sea cocks. Open raw water to cool engine after it starts, then close it after it stops to hold water in the line. Thats so it cant get to much water if it doesnt start and hydrolock. Check the impeller. Check the amount of water coming out the exhaust to see if heat exchanger needs cleaning. Check for corrosion on engine and transmission, clean and paint. To start, ETC.
Thats the plan! Good idea about the anchor. Not sure how much chain we have so will need to get it out the locker and see before we anchor. Good idea about getting a cheap VHF and then keeping it as a backup in the long run. Will check all the things you mention before anything else- thankyou so much 😊
IMPORTANT
Just going through older videos since I recently found you.
DO NOT USE combo smoke C02 alarms.
Smoke rises then settles as it fills a space so it's important for smoke detectors to be at the highest point.
C02 is a heavy gas and settles low, packs pretty tightly also so if there was a leak it would easily cover your berth/bed and cause well you know the problems it can cause WAY before it finally piles up enough to reach the smoke detector in the proper placement.
You can fix that with a combo unit by putting your detector closest to the floor as possible but then you'll definitely miss the smoke warning until way past when it was needed.
To use combo units you need two one very low one at the highest point which at that point its best to just buy 2 separate best in class units of each and put them where they go. (Usually best to have 2 of each really, fail safe since you're sleeping inside a co2 generator, fire log. )
Please be careful
Sincerely someone who has heard the screams of my aunt dying in a fire, and am currently suffering long term effects of c02 poisoning over a few years just under the lethal dose, enough to heavily effect the brain.
I've done many many many many studies and even went to school for these safety features after my experiences due to mixed use safety units.
They're garbage, they lie about making you safe. ❤️
Don't mean to scare you, I hope I'm not doing that. Just want to inform people that aren't aware.
The info I've given here is undisputed (light smoke/heavy gas) but please do look into it if you want to confirm.
I enjoy your videos as well, thank you for sharing 😊
Welcome to the sailing family. If you are buying a VHF make sure it has AIS in/out and NMEA. It is a bit more money, but is very cheap safety insurance and future proofs your electronic suite while allowing for future integration with your plotter, radar, depth sounder, autopilot, speed, wind, etc. Bite the bullet now while you are going through the trouble of replacing it. EIS is a must safety equipment that no boat on the ocean should be without.
Thanks Joel! We bought a Standard Horizon with DSC and GPS a little while ago which is now fitted but when we upgrade, will be sure to get one with AIS. We want to upgrade our chartplotter and pre existing AIS too. 😊
Hi guys my catamaran is 33ft done close 45000nm all my water is carried in 20ltr containers about 250 stays better don’t get contaminated in tanks especially if you’re going to way out places and easier to fill no break downs with pumps,Next year hopefully Tonga,Galapagos,French Polynesian who knows.Take care stay safe will watch you now I’ve found you,and I’m 77.😊
Without a doubt - favourite new channel I’ve stumbled across.. such genuine people and really looking forward to following your adventures !! Wishing you both all the luck 👍🏻
Thank you so much!! That’s such a sweet comment 😊😊
Wow, we are overwhelmed by all the suggestions and advice you have given us! We really, really appreciate you taking the time to comment and help us out 😊
We thought we would quickly say that we already have AIS and Autopilot as a few people have been mentioning it!
Zach is servicing winches at the moment whilst Becka reads, digests and makes a new and improved! List to do.
Also, a few have asked whether we have an Amazon wish list- we do, and its been just our little private list for a while but as people want to know, we thought we would make it public. However, saying that, we really do not expect anything to be bought and are happy working our behinds off to fund the evergrowing list! haha 😊 www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2045NNIGRTMQT/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2
Update: Heres a link to our new Patreon too! You can connect with us more here, see vids early and a lot more other perks! www.patreon.com/teulutribe
fire extinguishers part was treated not very maturely, God forgive you get one on the sea then you are screwed. get at least 5 - 6 small ones like you got or 2 bigger ones. And at least one safety emergency raft ( with a hand maker drinking watter in the emergency raft).
#1 On buying a used boat is run through maintenance schedule tasks. It's only AFTER you go through and do that important maintenance and checks that you figure what really needs to be done. I'm talking not just standard maintenance, but check your engine, fuel tanks, sails, lines, hull, wiring, everything. Whilst a survey will do a basic inspection, and should give you a starting list, it's no substitute for maintenance.
#2 Sort out what you need for immediate living comfort. You need to be comfortable, no point gearing up to live on a boat and sail anywhere if it's unbearable. It's your home, make it your home. Don't worry about making things perfect, or sorting out what you THINK you need to be comfortable - you won't really know until you've lived on the boat for a few months (at least!), just sort out those IMMEDIATE bugbears, if it's annoying you after 1-week. it counts. If it's not annoying you after 1 week, it doesn't.
#3 Sort out what you need to be safe and comply with legislation/marina rules, etc., including what you need to do in case if you really had to, to be able to sail/motor out of the marina.
#4 Sort out whatever you need to sail and navigate well.
#5 Don't go overboard with customising things. You need to live on your boat to really know how you want it setup. If you go trying to fix things, chances are you'll end up doing it twice or three times. Give it a chance status-quo first.
Do not forget to check/get it new/repair/replace anything that has to do with fire or might get on fire. From electrical circuitry (i.e: fuses, switches, etc.) to propane gas (stove and outside cooking grill). Same with any type of fuel and leakage. Also swim or check under the boat (with a camera) for dents or anything that might compromise the integrity of the boat hull (intake and discharge pipes and connections that go to the outside of the hull). Good luck and God bless you two in your endeavor.
Thanks Tony, yes, anything fire related really does need to be checked or bought new, we agree. May convert the gas to electric soon, that seems to be a common suggestion and safer! Good idea about the bottom of the boat, will check all when we haul out. Thanks for all your advice, we appreciate it 😊
10:51 Hatch boards.
Halon was a common high-end fire extinguisher compound used in racing cars, data centers, etc.
Best of good fortune! Please recognize that a lot of your ongoing problems will relate to your electrical system. The marine environment is very harsh on this component so my recommendation is that you solder all joins and then shrink wrap to avoid any ingress of moisture. Remember that while you don't ship water you will always remain afloat. To this end, double clamp (stainless steel only) all skin fittings below the water line and ensure all portholes are firmly closed during a passage.
Thanks for your advice! We are going to check/replace and solder joins to prevent any issues! Most fittings on board are double clamped but a few aren't so we need to go around and check all of them thoroughly. 😊
Get a rigid dinghy, you'll sometimes be anchoring a long way from places you want to get to and a fast safe dinghy is pretty important.
Best advice is just take the boat out and see what breaks asap
Thanks for the suggestion! We will definitely look into hard dingys 😊
Fiber glass resin and cloth for Emergency a must have. 6 hp outboard motor is more than enough for a 10 foot inflatable. Anything over 6hp is going to weigh more. Moving on to later on i would get AIS for you boat. Some countries now require it before entering there shipping lanes. But its not something you need right away. A good tool kit and a cordless Soldering iron. Cordless multi tool is another must it sure would have helped you with those teak Plugs. last and very important tool that have saved many a situation. A angle grinder.
cheers guys.
Thanks. Will get Fibre Glass Resin and Cloth 😊 we have AIS already. Will add soldering iron to the list and getting a multi tool this weekend. It will definitely speed up the process 😅
Hey Becka and Zach,
Just came across your channel and I’m so glad I did, I’m obsessed!! Just watched your last three videos. You both are so down to earth and kind. Becka you just seem like the sweetest soul! ❤️ So excited to see your journey sailing around. We want to get a sailboat in a few years so hope to see you on the water one day ☺️
Xoxo, Nakailla
Aww Nakailla, that’s such a sweet comment and has made my day reading- Thankyou! 🥺 the journey is just beginning and we can’t wait for you to come along on it! Definitely follow your dream and we will see you on the water some day 😊⛵️
Hi folks, regarding water tanks, ‘grey water’ refers to water from your galley sink. The water from the heads is called ‘black water’ and is subject to all sorts of regulations.
Hi. Acording to anchorage. you need 10 meters of chain at the seabed, plus least 3 to 5 (best) times the water depth to anchor safely, and that can be chain (best) or maybe line. I think chain is most safe
To help with your prioritisation I would make a plan for your voyages over the short and medium term. Water makers etc. are great if you are doing a transatlantic or going on long voyages between remote locations - I suspect you won't be doing that till you have developed a bit more confidence as sailors. 2 heads may be a pain in the long term unless you are going to be having lots of crew onboard - the smaller set of heads could well prove to be very useful as a "garage" or utility room... particularly if you are looking at additional tankage, batteries etc.
if you haven't yet - saillife is a great channel for ideas on what works. Short term - dinghy way more important than a life raft.
For cheap options on hauling out, have a look at some tidal posts. Gives you at least 6 hours every tide to look at stuff on your hull for free...
We have now made a priority list 😊 are scrapping the front head and instead putting a wet room in for kit I think! Will look into tidal posts and have just got a dingy! Thanks Nick 😊
I would call your lists more Essential, Nice to have and Future projects. Fuel tanks, engine services and familiarity, gas system, fit a gas alarm if not one already, seacocks, steering cables and pedestal service. Get an AIS transceiver. Water maker would seem like something you can do much later once heading across the Atlantic if that’s the plan. Other priorities than that I would say. If the seacocks are Blake’s don’t do what many do and throw them out unless you really want to spend lots of Tru Design. The Blake’s may well look a bit green and dirty but they are completely serviceable and far superior to ball valves. You need to do a thorough check of wiring and switch panel and get to know where everything is and to get rid of redundant wiring. Get yourself a big roll of Butyl tape as you will use lots rebeding deck fittings and for any new fittings where you drill through the deck. Don’t forget drill, fill and drill method if the deck is cored. Service your furler, they get caked in salt so a thorough rinse and spray with a silicone grease will help a lot. Silicone spray is also good on sheaves, pulleys etc. WD40 is not a lubricant it dries out. It’s ok to use as penetrating oil but you need to lubricate afterwards. If you have a Volvo Penta engine check for exhaust elbow corrosion, check impeller, heat exchanger and change filters and oil unless you know 100% it has been done very recently. Lots more no doubt but keep focused, put up some post it notes on the bulkhead to remind you what needs doing. Andy UK
Yes, they are good names for the list 😊 Will do all of that first- already checked the steering cables and we have AIS! We would like to cross the Atlantic at some point but i guess we don't need a watermaker until we get closer to the time. Will check what type the seacocks are, thats really useful to know 😊 Will check all moorings and buy Butyl tape (haven't heard of that before but its now on the list!). We have already serviced the furler- Zach did a cracking job at that, it really did need it 😊. We have a whiteboard for all jobs but its getting full so will get some postit notes too! Will check the engine for all the things you mentioned- thankyou so much. Got a lot to do for now to keep us busy 😊
Hey guys been sailing for about 20 to 25 years...I think to get rid of the squeaks from the fenders just take off some fenders. I think you have WAY too many. Usually 3 to 4 per side is plenty. As far as your list and how to priortize , safety always first. For me this is mainly spares of the things that WILL break. Alternator, hoses, belts, etc. will ruin your day. Ask me how I know! Keep going fun to watch you guys😉
We only have a lot because they came with the boat and we had no need to get rid of them but we are going to chuck some soon. Thanks for the advice 😊
Just started watching you guys, love the boat you managed to get! We bought a 2011 33i last year over in the Ionian and we're loving it.
Dinghy wise we personally have a 2.7m airfloor with inflateable keel and a 2.5hp 4stroke outboard. The dinghy is light enough to drag around or pull up on deck and the air floor is similar to standing on a SUP so pretty solid. The outboard is 15kg ish so it's alright to man handle but easier with two unless you've got strong arms, get those dunbell workouts going haha!.
Originally we wanted something more powerful and fun but I'm so glad we stuck to the advice given and stayed small otherwise the outboard wouldn't be coming off the dinghy. I feel like going bigger is only an option if you can lift your dinghy up on davits to get it out of the water, otherwise stay small and light.
Thanks so much Ryan! Wow, sounds like a lovely boat you bought- and in the Ionian too! Slightly warmer than here 😆
Will look into the dingy you recommended! Thanks 😊
@@TeuluTribe Just a little bit! Can't get enough fans on the boat haha. We've got some "montage" type videos ourselves over on "Sailing Bella" if you want to checkout the area. Not sure where you're planning on heading :)
Love your channel! Some advice on expensive items on your ‘sooner’/ ‘nice to have’ list: wait until you’re in a duty free port like Gibraltar. Saves a lot on a water maker for instance!
Thats a good idea- thanks! 😊
Well said and a water maker is no use at all in UK waters due to the amount of silt in suspension so def something in the future for them but a good way away at this time
First they need to learn to navigate and I mean with charts not Pads ,GPS etc
@@howardbeer5214 we have done a lot of theory through the RYA so know how to read charts and plot routes 😊 a water maker is down the line but not needed in UK waters, you are right 😊
Everything is more important than a water maker. New life jackets and safety equipment is definitely more important. Don't worry about a life raft. Get that just before an ocean crossing. It's surprising how quickly those service dates come up. Electronic aids mean it's really not likely to be needed on anything coastal. Especially if you have a decent inflatable. Flexible tanks might be a good solution. See how much water you can catch on deck or with a tarp as well. I use my whole deck, but it has to wash off for a while first. It's only good for at anchor. That's okay because most of us are at anchor more than at sea. Go for several anchors of different types. I use a plough (Delta) for my primary and a Bruce as my secondary anchor. It's been a good combination for me. I have a couple of Danforth anchors as kedges. Good swivels and chain are very important. My best advice is simple. I have made the mistake of thinking the boat has to be perfect. It doesn't. Go sailing! That is where you will never regret spending. Good sails. They don't need to be fancy, just good quality and new. Good luck and enjoy.
We now have new lifejackets, an EPIRB, new VHF, danbuoy, horseshoe buoy etc we do need a dingy though! We have actually just bought a flexible tank. But need to create a new bilge under it because it is lacking one at the moment. Have also just bought a big Delta plough (its been an expensive few weeks 🤣) Will try and catch water too 😊 Went sailing Sunday and going again this weekend! We are just itching to get out 24/7 😆 Thanks for all your advice Jonathan!
@@TeuluTribe Well done. It sounds like you have everything in hand. I'm in Trinidad trying to finish off a complete refurbishment and refit. I can be tough to get everything done. 🥴
You guys are doing great so far; amazing really. Would recommend you join the RYA and you'll get access to all sorts of help and advice on things, particularly legal stuff like radio licenses, registration, training, etc., and of course the info forums. Don't forget as well that there's quite a few who've gone before and have channels with loads of info on fit-outs for cruising: Uma, Zingaro, Magic Carpet, Millennial Falcon, Old Sea Dog are a few. Good luck and very best wishes.
Thanks Chris- we were meant to join the RYA when we did our dayskippers but it completley skipped our minds so this is a great reminder- thankyou :) I bet the guides on there are fantastic. Will also check out the youtube channels, i am sure we can learn a tonne from them!
Magic carpet is a great source for decking!
Uma and Magic Carpet are great, but so is Sailing Project Atticus, who are currently rounding of the refit of their new boat. Loads of good advice there!
One thing that is a must have is some thing for burns if you are cooking and get some thing splashed on you look for aspercream .
Great suggestion and will add it to the first aid list- thanks Jack!
Inflatable dinghy is compact but a rigid bottom dinghy is much better and more expensive. Make sure you have a system in place for storage and launching - i.e. foredeck and a spare halyard! Inflatables can be a pain in the arse if they have a ply insert for the bottom. Essential equipment is heading one and maintenance into your categories is item two. The list will get much longer. Essential cruising equipment is and extensive list and includes things like danbuoy , life jackets, MOB detectors jack stays and harnesses and so on. Don't be afraid to service life jackets - the kits are cheap and it will save you loads. Life raft is a requirement, but only ever used in situations like an inversion or fire - they are not safe places so stay on the boat which with the two exceptions mentioned will look after you! Jobs: working head and clean holding tanks, engine, skin fittings and sea cocks, power (solar, generator etc), gas cooking, heating.... and did I mention rigging (standing and running, and winches, anchor and chain(don't skimp on this please!) - this is turning into a book and I haven't touched the tip of the iceberg yet! I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations, but keep making lists - it's the only way. Oh, and screwed teak decks can be a problem with water ingress into the balsa core - be aware of spongy decks... Good Luck!!
Will look into a rigid bottom dingy. Thanks! Will look into launching system. We have davits so hopefully they will work 😊 We have a danbuoy, life jackets, harnesses, and life raft (its getting serviced) We have no holding tanks (thinking of a composting loo), will check all standing and running riggings, redoing decks at the moment. Thanks Bob! Thats really helpful 😊
@@TeuluTribe If your davits are removable it will reduce your boat length and fees, when anchoring etc you an refit. Store amidships on a passage its much more secure and make a cover to take the uv. Outboard should be stored on the aft guard rail, not inside the boat where petrol fumes can seep out and form a combustible mixture! We've seen this happen! Lots more, but keep those lists going, it's all great fun!
We have a swim platform on our boat and I think it is a priority because it is just brilliant and so much easier to get on the boat and safer to get on the boat when you’re using a dinghy so I would say that’s a priority because once you have used one you realise you need it
We would so love a swim platform but the bank account wouldn't love us if we bought one at the moment, but in the future!
Boat Tour Please !
Its coming soon! 😊
Hi guys, we're really enjoying your channel so far... genuine, no amateur dramatics or overacting. Good on you! With regards to your list, I can't remember them all but will note a few...
LIFE JACKETS - if you're going to do offshore/ocean crossings then get 150Nm units with built in spray hood, in rough weather this will save you from drowning in the water.
JACK LINES - if poss try and keep them towards the centreline of the boat and your tethers short, if you do get knocked down by a wave you do NOT want to get washed overboard. Spinlock have a good selection of jackets.
LIFE RAFT - ***Do not be fooled into buying a second hand unit!!!*** These units need to be serviced and more often than not it costs more to service the raft than to buy a new one. Do not go for the biggest you can buy because if you ever have to use it and it is only the two of you in it in rough seas you will be thrown about like rag dolls. Work on how many people you will ever likely have when cruising or crossing oceans. A 4-man would be a good start but take pro advice on that with regards to your needs.
WINCHES - pull them apart and clean with fresh diesel. When reassembling them, use proper marine grease and a real thin coating. Thick grease collects salt and grit and gums up very quickly.
FUEL TANKS - Once you have had them cleaned make sure that you keep them topped right up as air gaps in allow for condensation inside the tank where the diesel isn't touching and then water collects causing diesel bug. There are numerous treatments/additives out there to help prevent this but best to start off with a clean tank.
ELECTRONICS - Unsure of what you have there but for sailing I would recommend B&G as they are the best. Plan out all your electronics before you go buying individual bits like DSC radio, AIS etc. Put them all on an NMEA 2000 backbone and let them talk to each other. They can interface with your iPads, Android tablets and phones for seamless communications. Try to hold on buying them till you are almost ready to go sailing as your warranty will be eaten up by just sitting in the box. Check out the boat shows as you can get big discounts and maybe even extra discount when your channel starts getting popular.
ELECTRICS - A lithium battery setup will be the best option but it comes at a price. The initial outlay is high but, properly maintained it will cost you a hell of a lot less. Watch Parlay Revival's latest video where Colin talks about his set up he installed 3 months ago, very eye opening!
WATERMAKER - There are a lot of channels which have tech vids on these, some bought and some home built. I will suggest you have a look at a very recent Tech vid by Sailing Fair Isle whether you build or buy one, loads of very important info there.
DINGHY - A small dinghy is great and doesn't need a big engine but consider that this will be your family car when changing to full time cruising so at times you will want to carry bulky items and perhaps 4 - 6 people in it but don't base it on 6 if that might only happen once or twice a year, just do two trips. Most cruisers who bought an inflatable dinghy hanged to a rigid hull because it is more efficient when getting up on the plain and towing short distances. They are heavier but then don't flip over as easily. I would say a 2.8m would suit you both and a 4-6HP motor. If you are caught in weather trying to get back to your boat and fighting a tide perhaps, a small engine might not be man enough and that perhaps coupled with an inflatable hull is not always a good combination.
There is so much more that can be said but your top priority on your agenda when you haul her our will be to make sure that any holes that have the ability to sink your boat need to be thoroughly checked. If you buy mix and match through hulls and seacocks make sure that they have matching thread. Check your stuffing gland and cutlass bearing that there is no wear in it. Also check your rudder seals and make sure there is no play and everything is tight and secure, often a big reason for boats being abandon out in the blue.
All the best and looking forward to your next video!
Duncan and Cath
Wow! Thanks so much Duncan and Cath- your comment was a great summary of everything we need to focus on- we really appreciate it 😊
Lifejackets- we have just bought two Crewsaver 180N Pro Automatic Harness Jackets so hopefully they are good enough! (They have a light, whistle and spray hood).
Jacklines- will bear this in mind when we come to fit the lazy jacks!
Liferaft- it may be too late for that (you will see why in a future video)- but we may still buy a new one before leaving 😫
Winches- Zach has just finished three winches. He was following a youtube video which said to use quite a bit of grease- but when we saw your comment, we did more research and found that less is more! Newbie mistake eh! As a result, he is spending today going back, dismantling them all, getting rid of some of the grease and putting a few drops of Lewmar Oil on the Pawls, we live and we learn 😆
Fuel Tanks- The tanks have been full to the brim all winter to prevent diesel bug. We aren't sure whether to use 80% of the fuel and siphon out the rest- or to treat the fuel in there already, use 80% and then lose the rest or to cut our loses, empty all the fuel, clean the tank and then just buy a whole new tank of fuel. Would you recommend a certain way? Considering- we don't want to be really unenvironmentally friendly and just throw it all away 😅
Electronics- Becka is mapping out all our electronics today- thanks for this suggestion. We have AIS but it just bleeps loudly at us at the moment due to not being connected to all other systems- so will work on creating a system that is all linked.
Electrics- Lithium batteries are on the list as they do seem far superior. Bit worried about potential fires with them though as when they burn, apparently nothing will put out the fire- would you suggest a possible mount/box for them to prevent this or do you think it will be ok?
Will check all thru holes when out the water! Thankyou again for SUCH a helpful comment. You guys are great and we hope you have a lovely day 😊
@@TeuluTribe Hi again... there hasn't been much in the way of battery fires on boats, more so in Tesla cars. One person installed his battery set up in a flood bilge so that if he was ever in that situation he could flood the battery compartment and the water would at least, hopefully stop the fire from spreading and sinking the boat. Either look at Battle Born batteries which a lot of the boats have without problems (in the the UK they go by a different name but they are luminous green with black) and then the other which is really good and a lot cheaper than BB is the company from China that Mas from Sail Life has used as have many others and they are really good.
A cheap but good way to make fender covers is to buy thick joggers with elasticated ankles. Cut the legs off by the crotch and sew in a drawstring. Pick them up from TK-Max or Asda unless there is a market around as they will sell even cheaper maybe even around £3 or £5 and that is two fender covers per pair of joggers!
Also, jack lines are for you to clip onto whereas lazy jacks found on your mast running either side of the mail sail down to your sail pack. Terminology will come 🙃
Take care guys
pro tip #432321 - fuel issues are the number 1 cause of call outs by the lifeguard, followed by electrical issues affecting the engine, never go out unless you know the condition of your tank and filters, make sure your filters are easy to change at sea, remember running an engine to test it in harbor doesn't help if your tank is dirty, as soon as you hit some swell on passage the tank sludge stirs, blocks your filters and your on the phone to get a tow. Make sure your tank has access ports and clean your tank yourself at least once a year, if you arent going anywhere for a bit then add a biocide and keep your tanks full, half full tanks will fill with water from condensation, that water should end up in your fuel water separator , but its better if it doesnt get there at all, fill your tanks after any long passage using your engine. I would suggest you clean your tanks yourself the first time to get a feel for how dirty they are, if its more then you can handle after seeing it then get it cleaned professionally, although this is hard on a budget. GL! If you are living on the boat the no1 thing to get is CO2 DETECTORS! it could save your life! If you can bin the gas, its a killer on a boat.
Emptying and cleaning tank this week and going to redo and check all electrics soon. Tanks have been full to brim all winter so hopefully no condensation got in- also got CO2 detectors 😊 thanks!!
That sqeekiness gives your boat that old wooden masked pirate ship sound. Like your ketch, a perfect size.
Haha it sure is! We have grown to love it 😊
I'd reiterate what others have said. Definitely join the RYA and watch other channels with similar experience to yourselves. One excellent British channel sail around the south coast - Sailing Cadoha. Then more experienced channels/sailors Sailing Florence and RAN sailing. Good luck and looking forward to your journey!
Thank you! We will join the RYA- were meant to do it after our Day Skippers but it got forgotten! Will also check out Sailing Cadoha, Sailing Florence and RAN Sailing, thanks for the recommendation 😊
@@TeuluTribe You're both doing amazingly well and we're all with you every step of the way!
Firstly congratulations on buying your boat, it seems you have worked hard for your dream. As you well know there is lots more hard work to come.
There is so much advice you are getting and you seem to be taking it all in. My two bobs worth -
Anchor - get the biggest and best you and your boat can handle and a minimum 70 metres of chain.
keep the Rocna as a back up. If the boat is secure you can sleep easy and do all those other jobs without worry.
Tender - just get something cheap and easy with a small outboard if you need it. Easily replaced when you get more dollars and work out what will best suit your boat and needs.
Go sailing, get out there
And remember what BOAT stands for
Break Out Another Thousand!!
Good luck and many happy adventures
Thanks Stephen! We really did 😊 lots and lots and (oh lots!!) of hard work to come but excited to start. Will look to get a bigger anchor and more chain- although need to measure ours first! Great suggestion about the Tender, i think it will be a common theme on board to buy at entry level and upgrade as and when the finances allow. Hoping to get out sailing Saturday. We cannot wait!! Made us laugh about 'Break Out Another Thousand'- sounds 100% right 😆
Go with natural ventilation where you can - fans just move hot air from A to B. The long wooden rod sounds like a dipstick for fuel or water. If it’s fuel, you used to be able to get a paste that you smeared on the end of the dipstick to detect whether there was water in the bottom of the tank. Great job/keep it up.
We are just worried when theres not a breath of wind and the air is humid that it will just sit in the boat but you are probably right. Its a metal stick but yes, think it must be to check something, don't want to mix up which tank its for 🤣 thats a cool idea about the paste, will look out for it! Thanks for your lovely comment 😊
In a confined space a halon extinguisher could be dangerous. They work by pushing all the oxygen out thus extinguishing the fire. Without oxygen you don’t breathe either. For most fires you can use a dry chem one. I keep a CO2 around for electrical fire.
For fuel might consider buying some diesel algae treatment. Put it in every time you fuel up to keep the diesel slim from forming. However if there is some already present it will cause it to break loose and stop up your filters.
Thanks! We disposed of that one at a recycling centre and boat new ones which hopefully aren’t as dangerous 😅 will buy the fuel treatment- and are going to empty and clean tank soon. Thanks for your advice 😊
1) "*NO PLAN SURVIVES* contact with -the enemy- real life", so plan day-sails as soon and as often as possible. Even day-motorings if the sails/traveler are not ready yet. You will probably have to change priorities after the first trip. (others have stated this). Carry spare fuel filters for this!
2) *ANCHOR, ANCHOR, ANCHOR:* Skip the storm anchor, here is why. (happy to be persuaded otherwise)
The Rocna 20 sounds like a solid choice. In Brittany I've seen 35 footers with 9kg Deltas. Criminally too little.
I've never gotten the separate storm anchor. Why carry the weight of something you'll almost never use.
Your anchor is your first line of insurance.
Suggestion:
- Take the biggest anchor you can and put it as your main anchor. Rocna 33, Rocna 40, a similar Fortress whatever.
- Take your Rocna 20 as your spare. Still light enough to handle.
- Skip the storm anchor
"But my windlass can't take it!"
Really? If you use
- the motor to get closer to the anchor
- the movement of the bow to break out the anchor
- the windlass only to pull the chain and anchor up
you can probably get away with your existing windlass for a much heavier anchor.
Most windlasses break / have to be oversized, because foolish people (and charterers) use them to pull the boat forward.
You will be sailing you boat yourself, so that should not be a problem
My favourite anchor vid: ruclips.net/video/FOKVO3JBgDY/видео.html
___ OTHER POINTS ___
3) *TENDER:*
Remember, "it's your car". Try to go as large and as you can fit on the boat. With a motor as large as you can fit on the dinghy.
Electric dinghy motors might be a consideration. Maybe get a used petrol four-stroke (with electric start) now and upgrade later, when possible. The upfront cost is way higher, but I appreciate the relative silence, ease of use, and not needing a third type of fuel on board.
4) *HOLDING TANKS:*
I would strongly consider making one of the toilets _composting_. Marine heads are notoriously unreliable.
Having disassembled one three times - on a well-maintained charter boat mind you - I would have a composting as a main toilet and a regular sea-head as a backup. Also marine heads fill up ridiculously fast, which you want to avoid if you plan to anchor for longer periods. Composting heads have several months of capacity for the solids.
Depending on your view on the "poo in the sea" issue, Sailing Uma has a whole video discussing that having basically a piece of large diameter pipe in the toilet drain already qualifies as a "holding tankt". ruclips.net/video/_o-ng0Jc36U/видео.html
5) *WATER TANKS*:
Clean them soon (as others have written). My understanding is that a water maker is a somewhat finicky and very expensive thing. And especially the DIY ones are geared towards very high power consumption, so motor running. I would start with tanks. But happy to be educated on the matter.
Sailing Uma, again: ruclips.net/video/nzAOeatn7t8/видео.html
I am very happy for you.
You are one of my new favourite channels.
Hope I could help a little.
Also love the boat, the decksalon specifically, as it should prove invaluable in any adverse weather.
The Victor would be a strong contender, if I were to be looking to buy a mono.
Can't wait for a boat-tour.
Wow, thanks for your super detail comment! We really appreciate your support 😊 hoping to sail today if weather stays good. (woohoo!) Interesting about the anchor! Makes sense though 😊 yes, heard that Windlasses often get overpowered. We will be sure to watch the video you recommended. We would LOVE an electric outboard but our finances don't love the idea at the moment 😅 in the future, we will definitley look into one though. We have no settled on the idea of a composting loo, there just seems to be too many holding tank horror stories! Will check out Uma for both sailing (and poop) matters 🤣 Are you on the cat side then? Or tri?? 😮 boat tour coming soon.
@@TeuluTribe Glad the comment reached you, as I was late to the party.
Mind you, my anchor tip is half-theoretical, so get more opinions.
I am still firmly on the charter side. =(
One more reason for me to admire you actually buying a boat.
But I try to make the best out of it by sampling as many boats and boat types as I can.
A 10m daggerboard tri was my favourite so far.
The 12 m charter "condomaran" was comfortable, but huge and didn't sail to windward.
The usual monos are ok.
Sadly I am not as diligent with filming them, as you are.
So a light daggerboard multihull would probably be my dreamboat.
But if not, a decksalon monohull comes next.
And thanks to you the Colvic Victor is now firmly on that list.
Anyways, for what it's worth, I'm going to send you my tiny boat-tour-loving subscriber-crowd, when the video comes out.
Your Colvic is definitely special.
Good luck!
Have a good sail!
The guy in the anchoring video has a Rocna 33 ("two sizes up") on their 45 footer, but said he would even go with a 40 now for even more peace of mind.
Although the Rocna website itself discourages oversizing, claiming they are already highly conservative.
His other suggestions are Mantus and Spade.
Mantus, Manson, Rocna and Spade all have their own cult following.
Remember the old saying a boat is a hole in the water where one pours money into it .which is true more money is spent on a boat/ship than on a house . but keeping on top of it is a sure way of having a good boat do not take any cheap corners only comes back to bite you later good luck
Thankyou 😊 and hah yes! We have definatley found that the last few weeks 🥵 but. Saying that, would not have it any differently!
as previously stated fuel and engine checks would be something i would suggest.
I would also say to check your insurance
Finally, it helps to have AIS, either through your plotter, Radio, or maybe on a phone.... Esp if you dont have radar!
Enjoy your boat!!!
Thanks Brett! Will do the fuel and engine checks :) Just took out new insurance so happy with that- although need to extend it for abroad cruising and we have an AIS already- its just not all synced in with the GPS but we will look at sorting that soon :)
@@TeuluTribe Just a quick suggestion, when you are in a lightning storm. You can use your oven as a Faraday cage to put your electronics in. To protect them from the lightning storm. And one more thing, if you have a BBQ grill and the flame is not right, like it's yellow, or not setting down on the burner. The adjustment skrew on some of the grills is under the nob. Just turn it back an forth until the flame sets down on the burner and had sharp blue peaks, and then you can adjust the air flow on the burner. It is at the end of the burner. These adjustments screws are also on you cooker under the nobs, on some of them.
Humm, we fitted a watermaker. Expensive, hi-maintenance, can only use when well offshore. Don't until you sail either long passages or in areas where water is hard to get.
Interesting to hear the other side- thanks John!
I have watched other people with boats, and I am getting a bit bored with those. I am happy that I have found you. I will follow you always. Have fun working on it so you can sail. I love are around St Thomas and all around there. Enjoy.
Thanks for your support Daniel 😊
A multitool would help you out immensely. Especially cutting those plugs. The uses for those tools are too numerous to mention. Use mine ALL the time. Love from Alabama USA
A few people have mentioned that and it is now going on our priority list- would help out with the teak deck massively, thanks for the suggestion 😊
Check the bottom paint, propeller and rudder, thru hull fitting., Depth and Speed transducers
Hi Becka and zach I have now watched all your videos it has taken all week so am very pleased to have got this far tonight just one to watch left 😀 I have had 5 different sailing yachts over the years and know that you are going to have a great time learning.ps thank you for taking the time to make this video x
Thanks so much for watching all our vids Stephen! We really appreciate it 😊 Lots of learning to come- i am sure you know so much after having 5! 😊
If you want to dive into anchors, start watching SVPanope's videos. Amazing stuff.
I don't remember if you've spelled out your immediate cruising plans, but if you are planning on cruising locally in the same area where the previous owner was having success with the Rocna 20, then I would just use that for a while. Technique accounts for a lot. I also forget if you've gone over your anchor rode, but make sure the quality/strength of your chain is appropriate.
When you plan on leaving that area or starting your round the world journey (or whatever) then I think you should invest in a larger, better primary anchor. The 20kg is fine as a coastal/weekend cruising anchor, but is a little small for your boat as a primary, live on the hook, sort of achor. The Rocna design is not as good as some of the other modern designs in certain bottom types. The Rocna Vulcan is very good though. A Vulcan, Spade, Excel, Ultra, Mantus, Viking would all serve you well. For cost, performance, and construction design/strength, I prefer the Vulcan and Excel. At that stage in your ground tackle investment, I would follow the advice of getting the largest anchor you, your boat, and your windlass can handle.
If you have the room, keep the Rocna 20 as a backup/stern anchor. You could also supplement that two anchor setup with a third, something like a Fortress/Guardian/LewmarLFX. But they are pretty pricey for something you'll likely not use often. And the Rocna 20 is pretty manageable as a backup/stern, and you already have it.
Yes that guy has a wealth of knowledge on anchors
Will definatley check them out. Thank you for the suggestion! We are planning local cruising and then in the future crossing a few oceans, so yes, you are probably right with our anchor being a good fit for the local waters 😊
I'd have a large anchor as well, but not the ultimate largest your winch can manage. But you should also consider the chain length. For coastal use some use 30 m of chain which hasn't enough calming weight in heavy weather. 100 m is certainly suggested for long term cruising. A long chain will also prevent the anchor from breaking loose. In some grounds the anchor will not find good holding power and the long chain will help a lot.
Hi lovely people, I'm really excited to have found you so early on in your adventure. I do hope Sailing Uma doesn't have to pass the baton, but better become running mates. Wishing you all the best, how wonderful.
Thanks for your support 😊
A small battery jump pack, a solar powered generator like a Jackery 1000 just in case. Duck tape,, LOTS of it lol. Sawyer water filter just in case.
Good ideas, thanks!!
I would definitely prioritise your batteries and charging, and I wouldn’t go anywhere without a water maker, if you got these 2 things you can survive almost everything, oh and get some fishing gear.
We will priorities them- would you suggest Lithium? Seems like an expensive option early on but pays off in the long run! I bought Zach a trawling rod for his birthday and lures- we just need to get some line then are set to catch some fish. Thanks for your comment 😊
Good on youse are your dream don’t give up I just found you on RUclips. I’m in Australian in my 70s would love to do what you’re doing. Keep it up I will watch you follow your dreams😊❤️🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Cheers John and thanks for following along 😊
For me it was radio coarse if you haven’t already, an EPIRB, flares And 2 vests at a minimum. If you can then a life raft. I didnt go out until i had all of this first.
Just done radio course, got Epirb and lifevests (life raft is getting serviced) and need flares still! Thanks Steven 😊
When picking a dinghy first decide how big you need. Keep in mind it will become your car to go shopping and go ashore. You may also have friends visiting so consider that in choosing the size. Keep in mind the larger the dinghy the larger the moor and the harder it is to move it around o deck. If you buy and install Davits it makes having a RIB a no brainer. Easy to pull up at the end of the day. Add an outboard lift for hoisting the motor. That way you can go with a 9.9. If you go with an inflatable you might want to see if you can find a Takacat. They are a multihull inflatable. Roll up easily and you can get an inflator so you don’t have to pump it up that is not very expensive at all.
That is very true! And a element which is easy to forget when parked in a very convenient marina 😅 We have davits already- although folded in at the moment. I think we will look for one (and save for one) that can carry 4 people. And outboard lift sounds a great option for someone my size 😊 We have been looking at Cat Dingys- Aircat for example too- they look epic but worried about performance in slightly choppy water? Do you reckon we will get soaked? 😆 Thanks for your advice!
Hi guys.
You have a very interesting and long list.
I just wanted to say one thing that I think will be very important to tackle.
And that would be making sure that your diesel Fuel tank has no sludge on the bottom of your diesel fuel tank.
If it does have sludge it will mix up and stir up in rough seas and I have been on a boat or 2 that we have lost the engine because
the sludge mixes with the diesel and the diesel fuel goes into the filter and the filter gets plugged and you lose your engine ..
So it's important that you make sure that you take all your fuel out put it through a multi Filter strainer to filter the fuel so that you can reuse it and put it back in the tank but take all the fuel out of your tank right down to the last drop and get in there with some paper towel and take out all of the sludge, also in the corners ..
make sure that your diesel tank is spotless and then put the fuel back in after you have filtered it through a multi level filter and this will avoid you having any loss of your engine because of rough seas
There might be some sort of a Valve on the bottom of your tank that you can have the desil leak out and check to see if there's any sludge in it .
You might be satisfied with what you see And also make sure that your Primary and secondary diesel fuel filters are probably new .
I think would be the best thing because I don't know when the last time your engine was serviced I hope this is helpful sorry for the lengthy explanation
I replace all of the fuel filters every 200 hours and check the primary ones each time before we start the engine. They have glass bowls and the fuel hose that feeds them comes from the very bottom of the tank, so any sludge in the tank should be sucked out fairly quickly and get stoped by the primary filters. Thanks for the advice, if I notice any sludge I’ll be sure to do what you suggested 😊
While watching similar couples doing what you are doing you might watch Sailing Yacht Florence, and Gone with the Wynnes, even though it is a Catarmaran they are a great couple. Good luck, you two are great. Take care of each other.
Will check them out, thanks for the suggestions 😊 and the support!
Major components: Autohelm or Windvane steering device; functional electric windlass; AIS and IPERB. A water maker is becoming a must have for your protection and to extend your range of cruising. Go with Lithium batteries if at all possible. If not, consider a small generator to use to back up charging until your solar array has been built or sails placed at other places on boat. Best Wishes.
Thanks Michael- we have Autohelm already and AIS and an electric windlass. We need an IPERB still. Still saving for the water maker 😆 A generator may be a good option until we get solar panels, thanks!
Yeah I was going to say consider a windvane as well, particularly if longer passages are in the future. They keep on ticking, aren't dependent on electricity (which takes a load off your battery and electrical system requirements), and, at least compared to the autohelms I've sailed with, are essentially silent, which is great for the person that is off watch. I'd certainly consider a windvane before you design a bathing platform!
Yes clean fuel tank and lines also engine service
If your tabletop has an epoxy resin coating you are worried about. You can sand it down with just a 220 grit sandpaper. Clean it with at least 90% isopropyl alcohol. Then pour another layer of epoxy over that. Let it sit until curred and you are good to go. I would advise pouring the new topcoat inside to keep the dirt away while curing. And cover it with something too until it is past its sticky stage. Also, pour it on a very calm day....
Thats so interesting. Thanks! A calm day is definitely needed for that (although we get Naval ships passing a few times a day) so may need to be on a calm anchorage somewhere for that 😆 unless we want a wonky table! Thanks for your comment 😊
I am so excited to watch the beginning of your journey
We are so glad to have you here experiencing it with us! 😊
@@TeuluTribe do you plan to use Patreon at some point?
My top priority is a good anchoring system and a safe rig and rudder. Next is reliable engine and thru-hulls and leaks. Everything else is optional really. 30 years experience. For longer trips, some kind of self-steering is essential too. A composting toilet is next on the list. Forget about life raft, water makers and fancy stuff that breaks for now. Also, keep clear of wind generator. Solar is best. We threw our noisy wind gen away actually and added more solar.
Thankyou for your comment- how many anchors would you recommend? Do you think the three we suggested is enough? Getting thru-hulls checked by a professional soon and engine checks and maintenance daily. We do have autopilot- would you suggest a wind vane as well as AP? I take it you would choose a composting toilet over a holding tank? We have heard lots of horror stories about them! Solar it is, we really don't want a noisy wind gen.
No life raft!!!! Are you crazy? We all got in the life raft in the fastnet race.
@@nigelspendlove9088 Yep, My dinghy is my life raft. I don't like sharks hitting my butt in a liferaft lol. Did your boat actually sink?
It would be great to see a boat tour. It will be fun to see the “before” and when you’ve reached the “after” then you could show the comparison. Good luck and looking forward to watching your journey.
Its coming in due course 😅 Thanks Jeff!
the only thing you need on a boat is a few co2 detectors and a torch or 2 or 3 or 4, and a working bilge pump (electric and manual) once you start going sailing then get the rest of the stuff
Fortune favours the brave, and you two have it in huge amounts. Good luck
Just a little tip with the plugs. If you get a very sharp chisel with the back of the blade facing down, give it a good whack using your palm hitting with the grain of the plug, it’s much quicker!
Thanks Richy, will give that a go 😊
Hi Becka and Zach! Wow, you’re going great with all your projects and lists. We only have about 16 items on our boat to do list, but we’ve had the boat for many years! Our boat never had a holding tank either. We got the boat with a LectraSan treatment system which worked great, but now days most marinas won’t accept the discharge of any waste, treated or not. Rather than try to add a holding tank where there was no room to spare, we installed a composting head and love it! No pumping out! The one item on your list that we find indispensable and would never be without is a boat dog or two, or maybe a boat cat. Have fun and good luck!
Thanks so much 😊 It sure does take a while doesn't it! But thats the beauty of it 😊 we are really looking into composting heads now- they do just seem to be the way forward and oh don't tempt me about a boat cat! I would LOVE one...but we aren't quite at the point of that being a possibility- in the future though!! Thanks for your advice 😊
spare parts for your motor; fuel filter belts for alternator raw water impeller hose clamps....
Got all those and servicing the engine next week 😊
77 yr. old Bruce from Canada.== So happy to have found you Newbies with tons of energy and thoughts.= " sailing Uma '== Two educated that went to buy a couch.== But, bought a sailer and I have followed them for seven years .== Kika and hubby are now in the heberties sailing south from Hobart the last open water before the ice pack. They can help you on anything sailing and safety. Please give them a look.
Will check them out! They sound a great source of information 😊 thanks Bruce!
If you are going to check your thru hull fittings I would advise to get rid of the old Bronze fittings and replace them with TruDesign ones. Also get the correct size wooden hull plugs and secure them to the pipe with strong nylon cord. Nothing worse than loosing a thru hull and not being able to find a wooden plug to stop your boat sinking.
We are considering doing that rather than servicing them all! We have bungs for all of them, just need to figure out how to attach them without the possibility of them getting damp in the bilge- thanks! 😊
the glass slide in the companion way is called a wash board
We just got our boat in October 21 and know just where your at. We got an AB Rihb and love it. Even in some good chop it does good. Water Maker, Spectra all the way. Oh ya, paper charts, always good to have paper charts as a back up.
Keep up good work.
Congrats on the boat 😊 Will check out the AB Rihb! Thanks for your suggestion 😊
Use LED strips, costs next to nothing, you can change them, often even by a remote control, to all colors of the rainbow. You can buy them on a roll.
Good idea! 😊
I feel like my American to UK vocabulary is about to greatly expand. Within 2 minutes I got bits and bobs, fiddlely job, etc. Can't wait! Good luck on the transformation!
Thankyou 😊 Haha they are two phrases i didn't even realise aren't used in the US! Im sure many other little phrases and words will be coming your way in the future 🙈
Team rigid hull dinghy!!!
Will look into them! Thanks 😊
Regarding the electronics: if you want good advice you should show the viewers first what you already have. There are quite a few devices that have more than one function, i.e. a VHF can come with GPS or AIS in combination (Standard Horizon are often used and reasonable priced AND with NMEA link available). How do you want to navigate? Chartplotter? Or iPad/Tablet? Then you might want to get GPS and other NMEA data via Wifi on your IPad or any Windows tablet. In that case you might want to buy a QK-A026 Multipexer that will receive date and broadcast it via Wifi for your tablet to receive. Of then you could also navigate with your laptop. Always good to have a backup.
In general, my impression is you want to do many things that make the boat more pretty and clean. My advice: Save that for when you are on passage. You ll have many hours to kill ;-) Do the safety things first and find out what really works and what doesn't. That is best done by taking the boat out for a sail. Engine working smoothly? All running rig fine? Sails in good condition? Through holes looking safe and sound? How is the bottom looking? Might need a good cleaning. Maybe you can take an old seadog out for a day and get some experteese from an expert.
We are planning a video solely about electronics in the near future 😊 We have just bought a standard horizon- but the voltage is too low to it so need to rewire it! We also have savvy navvy on an ipad and a built in AIS (which is really old so needs to be replaced).
This list has changed dramatically since we made it! All the 'pretty' things are off the list now and we are cracking through safety and engine bits. We are lucky to be surrounded around really great people in the marina who have helped us out lots 😊
Thanks for the advice!
Important ... spare parts. You may find yourself rebuilding you head pump and need the seals, or your alternator craps out. Spare electrical connectors, various size fuses ... look at what you have and make a spare parts purchase list. And tools, engine manuals.. you get the idea.
Yes, already collecting a big old box of spare parts but we need more! Thats a great suggestion and bits we will go out and buy soon 😊 Need a few more tools before we go anywhere, and already have the engine manual! Thanks so much for your suggestions 😊
Awesome! Your on your way.
Thanks Steve 😊
On a sailboat You always need to make sure that water doesn’t come in, so seacocks definitely need attention on an old boat. Also the engine, as old guy state, need some TLC as the American’s put it. Last but not least, You need to make sure that the mast stay up there, meaning that standing rigging need a good looking after. Then of cause You need some life wests, fire extinguisher’s and other emergency stuff.
The rest is more or less cosmetics and things that are nice to have.
You are doing great, so keep up the good work.
Ohh one thing that is lurking at back of my head…..You did seal all those screws with some Sikaflex right? It’s always the screw holes that let the water in.
Thanks Jan! We are going to get the seacocks serviced by a professional when we haul out- engine maintenance is on our daily 'to do' list and the rigging definitely. We are itching to sail but need a few more bits before that happens. Don't worry, we did seal the screws before putting them in- this is a no leak zone!
Sounds like you need to buy out the rack of sweatshirts/pullovers from the local second hand shop.
We have older clothes we now dedicate for boat jobs!
Just a few comments from 50 years sailing, and 30 years as a yacht insurance underwriter. Keep a close eye on the bow thruster, it's tunnel, and associated motor etc. They are very prone to blocking, siezing, leaking and catching fire!
Standing rigging. be careful about what's going on under the roller furling gear with the forestay-out of sight is often out of mind. The forestay and main cap shrouds are the first ones to be replaced as they age. Consider going to norseman terminals, rather than swaged- easier for DIY.
Well done on fitting the CO alarm. CO is terrifyingly dangerous, and everyone's need to recharge electronics have increased fatalities recently. See the MAIB reports section to get very scared!
Be careful fitting holding tanks for blackwater-cheap tanks can be not 100% smell proof.
Be wary of how secure your new tender might be in harbours on the south coast- very vulnerable to theft- small outboards even more so. Keep them out of sight! Consider using a hard tender whilst in local UK waters, and swap to an inflatable when going further afield. Don't get paranoid about osmosis, and don't believe the BS you get fed by so-called osmosis repair specialists. I read around 15000 surveys in my career- less than 5 had osmosis so bad it was actually weakening the hull to dangerous levels. Almost all GRP boats have it, and it is simply irrelevant in 99.9% of cases. A monolithic GRP hull by Colvic, Halmatic or Tylers is last in the queue for osmosis to be any sort of an issue.
Good sailing!
We will keep a close eye on the Bow Thruster- we have it off all the time except for in and out of the marina 😊We are going to get our standing and running inspected before we leave. We have decided on a compost toilet rather than holding tank now due to the amount of horror stories we have heard!
Thank you SO much for the helpful advice- we really appreciate it 😊
@@TeuluTribe You're welcome! Oh, that reminds me- if you're going blue water, consider what sort of a tradewind rig you might want- going to twin forestay, twin headsails is a popular option. Westaway sails just along the A38 in Ivybridge have dozens of used headsails. I'm sure they'll talk you to death about all the options...!
A radical suggestion that could save a lot of money, take away a lot of horrible maintenance and be more environment friendly.
Instead of adding Black water tanks switch to composting toilets.
We have 2 Nature's Head toilets (now tricky to get due to Brexit but there is a new UK brand called Compoost Toilets that look a great option). Our boat is a 1977 Rival 38 Centre Cockpit ketch, a real project boat.
The compost toilets are nice to use, very simple to install and best of all no raw sewage in pipes and tanks, no seacocks needed. You can see ours in some of our videos although we haven't done one specifically about them yet (there is an article on our blog about "The Number 1 and Number 2 best upgrade".)
Even when Covid stopped us getting to our boat for 9 months we came back to find no problems and were able to just continue to use them as if we hadn't been away.
Thats a great suggestion! Thanks, a few other people have mentioned that too and it does seem to be the way forward. Heard so many holding tank horror stories 😅 We will check out your videos, i am sure they are really helpful! Thanks again 😊
Just found you guys! Congrats on your new adventure. Enjoy the journey, frustrations as well as triumphs. You'll learn from both!
Cheers from a 🇨🇦 living on our boat, currently in 🇧🇸
Thanks so much Lesley! Sooo much adventuring to come, we can't wait 😊 lots of frustrations to come no doubt but the journey is a beautiful one 😊
I think its important to mention that your bilge pumps are not fixed down. You can grind away the gelcoat and glue them to the bilge or find a place to secure a 1/2 inch piece of aluminium and bend it until it holds the pump down. Most people think the hose will hold the pump down but in rough weather the pump can move all over the place. Second bit of advice is about anchoring. There's no point in buying a big anchor and not have loads of chain. In the old days (well I'm 66) they would say you needed three times the depth for the chain. Now they are advising that five times the depth for the chain. For most wind condition the weight of the chain hold the boat in position and it doesn't put any pressure on the anchor. 200 ft would be a good amount of chain for your boat because of the weight in the locker at the bow. That would be enough for 5 times in 40ft depth. I'm so old I don't work in meters. LOL
Thanks for your comment Nigel- we didn't even realise they had to be fixed down so will add that to the list. We need to measure our chain still but you are right about having 200ft- the chain is the most important after all! Thankyou for your suggestions and advice 😊
Here in the states we call the companionway door (when it’s cut horizontally) a set of washboards. Apparently, back in the day people made actual washboards to fit their companionway, so on fair days they could use them to do laundry. Everything on the boat is supposed to do two jobs, I guess.
A quality First aid kit and do first aid courses and a aluminium bottom inflatable are the best by far and if your doing a rear solar arch build a davit system into it to pull the inflatable out with👍🙏
We both are first aid trained but will do an offshore firstaid course before we leave! Also do need a bigger first aid kit 😊 We have davits already but a solar arch sounds like a great idea- thanks!