Hi Jed. Great to hear from you again. We're doing a short season this year, and hauling the boat in Antigua early Feb. Flying back to Colorado to get in a bit of spring skiing. But have fun in Grenada. Always a good spot.
Great info about that toilet pump replacement, I wish I had known sooner. After umpteen Jabsco pump replacements I've now moved on to a Raritan PH Superflush, so far so good after two 6 month seasons.
That's great to hear Allan. Our toilets and tank hosing is a constant issue, although better now. Amazing how fast you can fill a huge tank that takes up half the space under a v-berth bed.
hydrofoils are amazing. also need a tiller extension so you can stand on the dinghy and hold the bow line and ride it like a boss. ab makes the best dinghys imo.
One of the reasons we got the fiberglass version of the AB dinghy (instead of the aluminum ... I assume meant to compete w/ Highfield) is that it seems more balanced and handles chop better. The heavier hull really scoots once it's up on plane, and the Permatrim plate has been a very successful addition. I should add that one of the downsides of 4-stroke outboards is that for each 5hp increase in power, the engine gets heavier (on average-Suzuki uses the same block for 9.9, 15, and 20hp models). From what we've seen, a planing plate will allow you to get more out of a 4-stroke, for about $90 and an hour of your time installing. If I had to guess, I'd say the manufacturers don't do this at the factory because in certain circumstances the whole thing can ride up on the plate and get out of control. You have to be careful, but the rewards are worth it.
Some very good tips there. Marine toilets are a real pain and take disproportionate effort to keep in good order (compared to shore based ones), of course the reason is the salt water which does for the valves, pumps and especially the hoses. Fresh water flushing is the solution but that of course introduces a new challenge. All the best to you both for 2024.😀👍⛵️
Hi Norman. The biggest problem by far is the buildup of uric salts. These eventually take on a form similar to sandstone, and I once had our aft head completely hydrolock. There was no fix other than full replacement of the hose as there was no way to get any liquid to penetrate. Generally, you have to flush regularly with white vinegar/baking soda solution, or even hydrochloric acid. Both of these are mostly safe for the system, although analog tank senders that use a magnetic ring around a stainless tube can get pitted. I would say that most problems with tank senders of that sort can be traced to toilet paper and solids gumming up the ring.
Excellent as usual! -- QUESTION -- Kevin, would love to ask your thoughts between a 575 Oyster / 565 vs something like a Outremer 55 or 52? This whole catamaran as a world circumnavigator vs a true blue water sailboat like Oyster/Hallberg etc. What are your thoughts on this taking the purchase prices out of it?
A while ago, I saw a video from some guys who apparently are friends with Jimmy Cornell (the guy who wrote "World Cruising Routes"). I don't remember the situation, but they asked him this (almost) exact question. He said, nowadays he'd use a cat. I assume not one of the cheap production ones, but an Outremer, Xtreme, etc would probably do nicely.
we went through this decision process over the past couple of years looking at the boats you mentioned and spent time sailing them all. As romantic as sailing a monohull is, a catamaran was the clear winner. We decided on a Balance 526, but any of these would be a great choice.
I would mostly agree with the other comments, although our romanticism for monohulls is too strong. But having spent some time on three cats this season in the BVIs, I have to admit that the living/seating/entertaining space makes for a wonderful experience. I believe that with some experience in increasing sea states you would learn the way to do big passages with a cat (they're everywhere around the world), and the rest of the time you'd be enjoying a better experience at anchor. They're more expensive, and cost a lot more at the marina due to paying for two slips effectively, but so it goes. Don't overbuy on catamaran size. A 46' cat is huge, and roughly equivalent to a 50'+ monohull.
@@SailingTalisman ..the weird thing is, and it is hard to admit, but I want to hate Catamarans for some reason. No idea why that is but I simply want to not want them. This can't be a good quality in my considerations but it seems true. There is something that is bothersome about them and I can't put my finger on it (although I have never actually been on one or seen one in the flesh).
Hi Richard. If I were to redesign Talisman I would have done a few things differently. I would have speced 1.25" stainless tubing everywhere instead of the 1" that Oyster used. This was remedied in later model Oyster Yachts. Also, the Bimini, and to a lesser degree the spray hood frame, are designed with an eye toward sitting flush and out of the way when folded down. The Brits who designed the the boat overestimated how much sun the sailors would want, and envisioned spending a lot of time with the Bimini fabric in particular sent below. Thus, lack of welded on grab rails. We have go-to hand-holds that we're used to using, but I agree it's not ideal.
Hi Kevin love the Oyster for the main reason of being such a seaworthy boat. Follow James all the time. When I am ready I have the Oceanis 473 in mind, Oyster being a little above my pay grade. Thoughts
Always interesting. Always anticipated. Keep Them coming.
Thanks Brian. Glad to have you along!
Wishing y'all a wonderful 2024. Fair winds & following seas!
Thanks Rick. Nice to hear from you.
Merry Christmas from Russia)
I’ll read the information about the attachment for the dinghy motor. thanks for the tip)
Thanks Paul. Sorry for the delay. Didn't see this one come in. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you as well. Good to hear from you again.
Always great to get recommendations!!! Flying back to Nova in Grenada soon! Maybe we’ll see you out there!
Hi Jed. Great to hear from you again. We're doing a short season this year, and hauling the boat in Antigua early Feb. Flying back to Colorado to get in a bit of spring skiing. But have fun in Grenada. Always a good spot.
Merry Christmas Kevin and Wendy. Love St. Thomas.
Thanks Tom. Merry Christmas!
Nice info Kevin, thanks.
Thanks John!
Small things can make vast differences. Thanks for sharing, and Happy Holidays. Cheers.
Cheers to you as well!
So were you promoted to Captain? If so, congratulations!
Merry Christmas, looking forward to future vids.
Thanks so much!
Great info about that toilet pump replacement, I wish I had known sooner. After umpteen Jabsco pump replacements I've now moved on to a Raritan PH Superflush, so far so good after two 6 month seasons.
That's great to hear Allan. Our toilets and tank hosing is a constant issue, although better now. Amazing how fast you can fill a huge tank that takes up half the space under a v-berth bed.
Merry Christmas and a great 2024 to you guys.
Thanks DG. Great to hear from you. Have a Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas🎉❤
Thank you so much for so many wonderfull vlogs!! Love them, love you guys!!😊
And have a safe and vlessfull 2024!! W.love, Marc
Thanks Marc. Great to have you with us as always!
hydrofoils are amazing. also need a tiller extension so you can stand on the dinghy and hold the bow line and ride it like a boss.
ab makes the best dinghys imo.
One of the reasons we got the fiberglass version of the AB dinghy (instead of the aluminum ... I assume meant to compete w/ Highfield) is that it seems more balanced and handles chop better. The heavier hull really scoots once it's up on plane, and the Permatrim plate has been a very successful addition. I should add that one of the downsides of 4-stroke outboards is that for each 5hp increase in power, the engine gets heavier (on average-Suzuki uses the same block for 9.9, 15, and 20hp models). From what we've seen, a planing plate will allow you to get more out of a 4-stroke, for about $90 and an hour of your time installing. If I had to guess, I'd say the manufacturers don't do this at the factory because in certain circumstances the whole thing can ride up on the plate and get out of control. You have to be careful, but the rewards are worth it.
@@SailingTalisman gimmie a yamaha 15 2 stroke or a honda 20 4 stroke and im happy!
Just finished watching a review about an oyster and was thinking about you guys.🎉🎉🎉
Thanks Christian! Glad you got a chance to see it. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas 🎄
Thanks Richard. Same to you!
Some very good tips there. Marine toilets are a real pain and take disproportionate effort to keep in good order (compared to shore based ones), of course the reason is the salt water which does for the valves, pumps and especially the hoses. Fresh water flushing is the solution but that of course introduces a new challenge. All the best to you both for 2024.😀👍⛵️
Hi Norman. The biggest problem by far is the buildup of uric salts. These eventually take on a form similar to sandstone, and I once had our aft head completely hydrolock. There was no fix other than full replacement of the hose as there was no way to get any liquid to penetrate. Generally, you have to flush regularly with white vinegar/baking soda solution, or even hydrochloric acid. Both of these are mostly safe for the system, although analog tank senders that use a magnetic ring around a stainless tube can get pitted. I would say that most problems with tank senders of that sort can be traced to toilet paper and solids gumming up the ring.
I miss you guys and hope all is well!
Thanks for that. Should have a fair number of episodes coming up now that we're back for an extended off season (returning to Antigua in November).
Happy new year you two, keep it going
Thanks Tom!
Heads , Out boards & Haircuts = 3 biggies ... Have a good xmas .
Thanks Bill. Got all the bases covered. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Excellent as usual! -- QUESTION -- Kevin, would love to ask your thoughts between a 575 Oyster / 565 vs something like a Outremer 55 or 52? This whole catamaran as a world circumnavigator vs a true blue water sailboat like Oyster/Hallberg etc. What are your thoughts on this taking the purchase prices out of it?
A while ago, I saw a video from some guys who apparently are friends with Jimmy Cornell (the guy who wrote "World Cruising Routes"). I don't remember the situation, but they asked him this (almost) exact question. He said, nowadays he'd use a cat. I assume not one of the cheap production ones, but an Outremer, Xtreme, etc would probably do nicely.
@@realulli ...not to sure about that. Maybe though. Looking at this issue.
we went through this decision process over the past couple of years looking at the boats you mentioned and spent time sailing them all. As romantic as sailing a monohull is, a catamaran was the clear winner. We decided on a Balance 526, but any of these would be a great choice.
I would mostly agree with the other comments, although our romanticism for monohulls is too strong. But having spent some time on three cats this season in the BVIs, I have to admit that the living/seating/entertaining space makes for a wonderful experience. I believe that with some experience in increasing sea states you would learn the way to do big passages with a cat (they're everywhere around the world), and the rest of the time you'd be enjoying a better experience at anchor. They're more expensive, and cost a lot more at the marina due to paying for two slips effectively, but so it goes. Don't overbuy on catamaran size. A 46' cat is huge, and roughly equivalent to a 50'+ monohull.
@@SailingTalisman ..the weird thing is, and it is hard to admit, but I want to hate Catamarans for some reason. No idea why that is but I simply want to not want them. This can't be a good quality in my considerations but it seems true. There is something that is bothersome about them and I can't put my finger on it (although I have never actually been on one or seen one in the flesh).
no grabrails on your bimini/connector ??
Hi Richard. If I were to redesign Talisman I would have done a few things differently. I would have speced 1.25" stainless tubing everywhere instead of the 1" that Oyster used. This was remedied in later model Oyster Yachts. Also, the Bimini, and to a lesser degree the spray hood frame, are designed with an eye toward sitting flush and out of the way when folded down. The Brits who designed the the boat overestimated how much sun the sailors would want, and envisioned spending a lot of time with the Bimini fabric in particular sent below. Thus, lack of welded on grab rails. We have go-to hand-holds that we're used to using, but I agree it's not ideal.
Hi Kevin love the Oyster for the main reason of being such a seaworthy boat. Follow James all the time. When I am ready I have the Oceanis 473 in mind, Oyster being a little above my pay grade. Thoughts
Why on earth do you need patrons? You’ve got more money than God?… oh yeah to pay for all the diesel you use because you don’t sail lmao .