Sailboat Refit: A Hidden Message from the Past [E26]

#boatbuilding #boatrestoration #refit #sailboat #boat #sailing #solosailing

We're moving on to a new project on Duracell! In this episode, I explain the new stern design plan and begin preparation of the stern for its reconfiguration.

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THANK YOU!!
Previous episodes:

[MrCytree]

For the life of me I cannot figure out what could have possibly upset 307 people enough for them to hit the dislike button. I am really loving this series. I am thrilled to have found this channel.

[liamclarke]

"The Duracell Mole Rat" - Brilliant!! That made me laugh, so I had to watch that part twice :-)

[oliverliddell]

I am old enough to remember the Mike Plant tragedy. He was a real contender. I presently own a Bruce Farr designed Beneteau First 47.7. We made numerous upgrades from new such as washer dryer, air-conditioning, generator, removable solid dodger and bimini etc etc. Last weekend I sailed from Nassau Harbour to Green Cay off Rose Island. The wind was out of the east south east at 20 kts. Our course was more or less East. We had a double reefed main and roller furling blade. We saw 8.5kts and averaged well over 7.5 kts upwind. If a tactician had been aboard we may have gone slower to point higher. My point is that it is a joy to sail a boat that sails well. I like the plan for the stern! A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

[seattleboatguy]

The yacht redesign and build is amazing, but the best part of these videos is the BBC nature series on Mole Rats and Leafcutter Ants. Such a well rounded YouTube channel!

[PMarshallT]

Mike Plant gave me a personal tour of Duracell in 1984ish. He was always a personal hero of mine. Love to see Duracell getting the love she deserves.

[simmersonwheels]

you guys are an inspiration- partially for your boat project, but mainly your pursuit of your own life choices...
I think the new name of the boat should be "Durasail" Carry On!!

[richardelder]

Hi Matt
My infusion experience was primarily when I was a PM up at Platinum Marine in Vancouver. We did a pilot run of five inboard megayacht tenders for Zodiac/Hurricane. The deck had a high bathtub style coaming around the entire seating area, and the hull had multiple strakes. When I first saw the design my first thought was "you want me to infuse THAT?", but everything went smoothly from the get go. We did have the BC rep from the resin manufacturer alongside for the first hull and deck. He showed us some great techniques like a method for filling in a dry spot on the fly.

My take away was that the cost (apart from the actual vacuum pump itself) was less than vacuum bagging a wet layup. There is virtually no resin waste, and the layup is perhaps 20% denser than a well squeegeed hand layup. No odor or potential resin sensitivity build up. No need for fancy bagging film and the bag sealing can be fully tested before introducing the resin. If balsa is the core every block is fully encased in resin, resulting in a waterproof core that is stronger and stiffer than foam. (but heavier) We also did foam core panels on a flat table. Total failure on the first tests until we started hand drilling the foam on 1" centers instead of relying on the factory perforations.

Definitely a process where you do your learning curve before diving in!

Later on I did the engine beds for a 144' motor yacht-- 2 inches thick in one shot. Saved tons of time .

I'm not convinced of the benefits of epoxy for a part that is above the water like the cabin or stern deck. In order to have better mechanicals than vinlyester the low temp epoxy should be post cured--another level of complication.

[johnsimms]

Glad to see this boat coming back to life . I had the great privilege of attending a seminar conducted by Mike at the naval academy the year before he was lost at sea .

[chuckbolik]

I so envy your project. Fair winds to all who view.

[jorgenr]

Very cool project! I came here from Sailing Magic Carpet and just finished binging all your episodes. Cheers from Norway!

[beazleteats]

G'day from Sydney Australia...I've just subscribed to your channel after watching the segment on Magic Carpet...I love what you are doing to make Duracell into your new home. Sending positive building vibes from down under.

[jamesallen]

Impressed with your vision and work on a boat but saddened to see you change so much of a historic sailing yacht.

[robertslate]

Thanks for the shout-out, sorry I didn't reply as of yet but it's coming later

[robinhodgkinson]

Great to see you modifying the transom. I had been thinking this was a downside of taking on an old boat of this design. This will be a game changer, especially in conjunction with the new doghouse - you’ll be transforming the functionality of the boat. Looking forward to seeing it built. Cheers

[LAZYGAITS]

You guys are the coolest couple ever, I think what you’re doing is the coolest thing anyone can do. When this project pays off you will have built the best retirement money can’t afford.

[svStargate]

Reached already almost 14K subscribers, nice!

[ladyrita]

Thanks to you i watched the Mike Plant doc! Wow... You are almost my favorite boat re-builder now!!

[nena]

I have to say those lines are gorgeous, it’s plain to see you’ve put a lot of thought into cockpit, stern and transom, wow!

[goat]

Quickly falling in love with this channel.

[jimedson]

Very interesting seeing what was in the hole and how it was used to steer the boat. I also like the new shape. Hope the weather is cooperative.