You guys need to call Colin & Jamie up. You know them two LOVE fiberglass! Bwahahahaha. I mean you could use some help. They are looking to pick up some extra cash before going back to Parlay.
It sucks that the contract got renegotiated “again”. Get that hull addressed and do the rest elsewhere! I’m happy to see the progress so far and looking forward to seeing the rest of your journey
Glad to see that Leopard is stepping up to guide you through this extensive rebuild. Hopefully they have provided you with detailed plans of the area that is damaged so you can effect a good repair. Then like everyone here has said countless times before, move it to a place that is more affordable. I can tell you from experience that it is much nicer to work on your boat where you are wanted than at a place where they need you gone ASAP. Once the main structural repairs are completed you can do much of the remaining jobs on your own schedule even if the sailboat is in the water. That's what I did. Though it's not a perfect arrangement, it fit my budget. More importantly, every dollar that I saved is money I put into my sailboat and into my cruising kitty.
As for questions for Leopard, my first few suggestions are: 1) How far into each of the original bulkheads do you need to tie in the new materials in order to recreate, or enhance, the structural integrity of the vessel? From what has been shown, there may be a different answer for each bulkhead. 2) Will Leopard assist with patterns (hatch cover, etc.) so that you can more easily recreate missing items? 3) What issues has Leopard come across with their other 50' catamarans that you, due to the extensive amount of work to be done, have the ability to address (after all, you have/will have an NDA in place so the information could be helpful to both parties)? I suggest you reach out to Happy Together about their 50' cat. It may be a different manufacturer (I don't recall at the moment), but they have experience sailing their vessel and may have some ideas for you on how to make yours safer, more comfortable, more user friendly etc. The more visible you become on YT can only help you with potential sponsors. Maybe ask Colin (Parlay Revival) if he will be making a trip to the States any time soon? Some suggestions for your work; 1) As you will have full access to the underside of the vessel, consider installing two runs of 3" conduit in each hull for electrical wires and/or other uses. You can add access portals in the conduit as needed. 2) Consider upgrading all of your through hulls to a monitored through hulls (the type that relays if open or closed). The information about open through hulls could be set up to generate an alarm through your boat management system(s) based on several factors, which could be useful. 3) Once the main bulkheads have been repaired, maybe take a minute to review space from underneath and see if you might be able to make better use of any space, and/or possibly reconfigure some internal walls to better suit your needs. As for the marina, it appears the owner/manager does not understand anything about marketing. The marina had a huge opportunity to create a lot of good will within the boating and TH-cam community across several countries, but they appear to have squandered that opportunity. The marina should know that bad news travels much faster than good news, and with TH-cam, good news can really pay off in the long run. All the best!
New episode! Sweet! Stinks that marina/yard is not holding to their agreed contract.. Well keep forging ahead and live dauntless!! You guys got this! Glad Leopard is helping out.. Hopefully all will roll together quickly... Keep it rolling Ty and Crew!!
You guys are fast becoming my most look forward uploads. Your positive attitudes in the face of all the obstacles that keep crashing in your path and the way you always see the light at the end of the tunnel is incerdible. The good thing is that you are willing and capable and i believe this project would be a success. I'll be there to cheer you on.
I cant wait to see the inside of this finished boat. I keep jumping back and forward with these videos. i cant wait to see the total for this repair job.
I think the owner of the boatyard is from the Mafia! "I'm gonna makka you an offer you cant refuse!.....I want to hire that guy to negotiate my next contract. At any rate..... can't wait to see the demolition next week. I am happy that the factory is on your side. Keep the spirits up....or keep drinking the spirits to keep your spirits up..(lol). Thumbs up!!
12.2k Subs as of this viewing. I want to keep track because I think you subs are going to go through the roof with this repair. I am already looking forward to next week. Keep it up, you have some of us wanting more!
Amazing that Leopard will support you in this extensive rebuild. Very interested on how they will replace the lower hulls or all of them. Really enjoying this series, having repaired glass boats here in NZ. But nothing on this mighty scale.
You guys got a good deal on this boat it will be like brand new again when it’s done I like doing things like this I take pride in my work it’s like a hobby to me good luck on your build it’s amazing to do what you all are doing
I hope this isn't a stupid question. Are you going to use compressed air to blow water out of the crevasses? That and some good absorbent chamois' used in car detailing might speed up dry time and save you a day of waiting and if you can save a day here or there, at $300 a day, it would be worthwhile. Every time I see the torn up hulls my stomach sinks. I wish I could jump ahead the months until you have her looking good again, at least on the outside. Best wishes for a speedy repair with little or no surprises.
Y'all are ABSOLUTELY being taken advantage of.... That's got me fuming!!! On a positive note. Thanks for the great content!!! Big ol HOWDY from Central Texas !!!
I'm not qualified to offer much advice, but I truly wish you all the luck and success you deserve for this new adventure. Along with the Parley Revival series your efforts are much to be admired. Thankyou for sharing.
Great news on Leopard working with you all. I had a feeling an NDC would need to be signed, but not an issue. My initial thoughts are to fix the hulls ASAP and get her splashed and out of that "Hilton" of boatyards, lol. Questions are all related to each step of the rebuild as follows: 1. Hull, Keel, and Rudder repairs - You mentioned a mold, so I am assuming Leopard is giving you advice on the repair and the creation of a MOLD as the best way to repair the hulls back to their original form, strength, and integrity. This includes ALL through-hulls that are repaired or replaced! Obviously includes sanding, gel coat,. paint, and antifoul. Can leopard send you new rudders or plans for getting them built? Same for the hulls and keels. 2. Engines - would be the number two thing to get straightened out, because if you get the hulls repaired and you want to splash, then you need the ability to maneuver the boat. So I would be talking to diesel engine mechanics and getting some advice as to the cost to restore them or replace them. It's a toss-up in my mind as to which way to go. In all honesty, I think I would just replace them with Brand Spanking New engines, that way for as long as I own the boat I know those engines started off in pristine condition. Whereas if I rebuilt them I will always be wondering if every issue I have with them is because of the water or sand that got into them. Also, what about the WARRANTY on the engines? On the rebuilt ones do you get the SAME warranty? Obviously for the NEW ones you get the standard warranty that comes with them. Includes Diesal Tanks and Electrical systems for the engines as needed as well as the GenSet, and all engine room accessories and operations.. 3. Rudder and steering - Make sure the rudders are functional and working as they should be, check all systems to make sure the boat can be steered safely, may include electrical, hydraulics, wires, and rods that need to be repaired or replaced. Includes electrical that may be needed. 4. Electrical systems - would look at all the wiring throughout the boat making repairs as needed, pulling wires and replacing, getting all the connections set up for later while I have good access to everything before I start putting in panels, cushions, paint walls or whatever. WOuld need to look at the main panels and replace everything hit by salt and shorted out by the water, fuses, wires, connectors, etc Including all LIGHTS, running lights, external and internal lighting, Navigational systems, and lighting. Includes bilge pumps operational, toilets operational, etc. Includes Water Tanks as needed. May also include Solar Panels and Batteries (LiFePo4) and all associated connectors and wires. 5. Mast and rigging - those need to be replaced, making sure that where the mast connects to the boat is repaired and capable of holding the mast as originally intended. I suppose this can be put off for when you are splashed? But any bulkhead repairs and attachment points need to be inspected and repaired or replaced to ensure the rigging is safe. 6. All appliances - refrigerator, ice makers, ovens, stove, sink, dishwasher, washing machine, and TV's, WATER MAKER (and Water Tanks), GENERATORS, Toilet Pumps (salt and fresh systems), macerators, water heater, air conditioning (chill units and heaters if needed), and air vents. 7. Davet and Dingy system, the helm seat, Diesel Tanks, Water Tanks, outboard motor, SOLAR PANELS, and Batteries (lithium) 8. All the miscellaneous stuff, like the cushions, panels, floorboard, lockers, shelves, cabinetwork, drawers, switches, shower doors, curtains, blinds, lines, rope, fenders, anchor, WINDLESS, CHAIN, furlers, sails, sail bag, etc...RADAR, Wind Indicator, forward-facing sonar, the through-hull devices like a DTS, all the things that go on the mast, the SOlar panels themselves, the protection that goes around the helm station outside, the INSIDE helm station repairs and replacements. 9 - 15. - All the things I missed, lol!!! As she was being moved to the hanger she really is a BEAUTIFUL Yacht, such majestic lines and in the long run well worth the effort to restore her back to the way she is meant to be.
Thanks for taking us along with you on your journey to repair this Leopard. Love the detail you show in your videos even though it must be a pain to set up the camera all the time to get the shot. The end result is great footage and makes for a great series to follow. Looking forward to next weeks vid already. Cheers
Glad to see the team back together again. But I still think yall are crazy. I think it's those Colorado green chilies New Mexicans would never be that crazy our green chilies are the best 👌.
So captain, I've taken a few hours to think... 1. So buy a 4 " side cutter that looks like a small skill saw. 2. Where the MEGA RIP out areas are you have to keep the hull shape. It could warp, or push out. ( the fix, is 3/4 inch steal gas pipe u thread each end. Put a Plummer flange on each end. Screw " say a 10" by 10" plywood plate to each end. Measure what it should be. How wide at a few points close to the riped out area. Make the pipe, and wood plate that long. Screw it in place. Put a plate on the outside of the hull also, so you can bolt it on. Gas pipes cheap, flanges cheap. A d the hull will stay the width it should be. 2. Guys, after you do that and the hull has the support. (( all of the cabinets, and plumming ))) in the ripped out area, have yo come out. Color code what gos where and number it. " why".. Because the spliced in new hull, when glasses in your going to want to over lap the crack line by 2 feet on each side. This will spread the load.. Also, new extra supports will need to be glassed in also.. think of like when a doctor screws a leg back together. Those dagger boards will need extra support from ocean tork.and bouncing.
So does the Shop Vac work well for all that sand? I saw a channel use an attached bucket thingy that collects debre and makes it not collect in the Shop Vac Main container. The people I sw using it used it for Getting Fiberglass particles out of the air when using a shop vac, it may help with the sand and make things easier. Also its great to see your daughters and others helping you, I'm sure it really helps with the moral knowing your not alone. Man your situation stinks with that yard your in, way too expensive so I woudl say use your time to fix the hull and yes as another person said Get a friend to Tow you to a better location. If your already doing this what and how has the search been going to find a better location to haul out?
The terms “price gauging “ and “ breach of contract “ come to mind. $300. A day is $9K up from $7500. a month. It’s your call, but I’d try to get someone from leopard to be there working with you on it to get out faster. Stay safe.
I am in awe about the magnitude you are taking on. Sheer willpower and confidence. The price is taunting and hopefully motivating while the daily fee will be the kick in the butt t o put in the extra hours every day. I am not envy you guys, fingers crossed you getting the progress you need. Sure the L 50 is a dream.... a dream to work towards.
Ty, Kim, Syd, Mads, Stella, and Alex I am so proud to see you guys are moving forward and making progress. You ard kinda getting a bum rap on the rates, but you are making lemonade! If i were you i might ask how much to get a Leopard engineer over here for a couple days with you? I know you've already thought of that, but that's my two cents. You guys are AWESOME!!
Good luck, someone said to me when we bought our fixer upper first home, that’s a lot of weekends! She’ll be good as new ❤️ it took 31 years and we sold her.
How about, what you wouldn’t ask the factory? I would far beyond the factory specs on fire supresión and put a couple automatic systems in the engine rooms. My 2c Can’t wait for the next episode
Great video! Great team with extra “ hands on board” and you will all make some lifelong memories (maybe some recurring nightmares too featuring sand….).
You are taking on the biggest repair the yard has ever seen, I think they are worried that in the wrong hands it could turn into a pile of scrap fiberglass. The shed seems ultra duluxe. On episode one of this rebuild I asked if it could be done for $600,000.00 all in. My gut feeling is yes. You appear to have the knowledge and skill to finish with a sea worthy $1.300,000.00 Catamaran. in the end 50 more dollars a day will seem like small change by the time you add up all the bills.
I know this is a bit late, engine valve grinding compound found in most auto parts stores, makes a great aid in getting out screws with messed up heads
You Guys are doing great. I'm so impressed by your courage and confidence in your ability to do this! I wouldn't know where to start and I know I wouldn't have the 'balls' (excuse my French) to even attempt this. Keep your spirits up, as I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end. I also guess those who do know better will be giving you all the advice you require below, so listen carefully to all of it and go with the sound advice offered. Best of luck!
At $300 a day you can spend 100 days in the shed for only $30,000. That was what it was going to cost to move it by barge somewhere else. Seems like a deal, well at least the less of evils. I’ve spent more for lesser challenges!
I would fill the holes with foam, glass over it just to make it water tight and then get a boat to drag it to another yard. The 300 per day is ridiculous..
Since you have access to the design and engineering I would want to know where all the datums are and what all the measurements are to ensure everything is absolutely straight. Then assess the bulkheads and their attachments. Just like you would with a car that has been in an accident. Materials will be the next challenge. MJ Sailing had been running into shortages and I'm guessing you will need a fair bit. You got this! It is an awesome project and is going to turn out great! F
Things I would ask the factory.... Hmm.. Most keels are sacrificial, so I'd ask if they've got a set of replacement keels, in the interest of saving time/money, or at least how long it would take to get a replacement set. it could save you a lot of time, and you'll want to check the fit on the keels with the mold. I'm sure you'll ask about the lamination schedule and foam type/thickness. You mention you're going to be making molds. From what? Whatever you get the molds from, you'll need to make sure it takes into account the keels that go on a leopard 50, and with only 100 or so of them out there... It's going to be difficult at best to find someone who's boat you can pull out of the water, make a mold of, an re-cast. Not to mention the cost of hauling their boat, blocking it, storing it while you prep the hull and make the molds. As others have suggested, you very well may be better off making a foam hull form and glassing over it.
My priority would be repair the hull, rig up an outboard motor, float and get the hell out of the Hilton of all shipyard's. $300 per day is ridiculous. You talk about a mold? Can't you foam block from the inside as a structure to build the glass fibre against? Note: I don't have the first clue how to repair a boat 😉
That is what I would do. I have built windsurfers, so easy to imagine for me. You need to build with epoxy if using foam that is eaten by polyester. After the shaping of the foam block laminating the exterior would be next. From inside the foam block could then be removed, and a stiffer core material glued down to the exposed laminate. Then inner laminate. Overlapping with existing laminate to be done. I could do it no sweat..No, that was wrong! Just a pile of sweat, and then done!
Priority 1 - fix the hull and ensure she's water tight so you can splash and repair everything else dock side or outside on the hard. So you will give me a good price for your old catamaran presuming you will move over go the Leopard 50 once finished?
I have noticed a pattern in several video from other rebuilds where the yard in the beginning were not the friendliest but turned into the most helpful. I know this is a bad situation since both you and the Yard realize that you are stuck there until repairs are completed. It is unfortunate that the Yard has decided to do everything they could have done to discourage you doing the repairs and have tried to force you out financially. This is a tough one because they and you know they don't bill themselves out as a DYI repair facility and they really don't want to become one. It would have been nice since they agreed to allow you to repair it there with factory guidance that they could come down on the price a bit. But it is what it is. You can't move and they know it. Good Luck and can't wait to see how all of this is going to be done.
Leopard has the hull molds. They won't sell you a "section" for what you need? I guess they can't tie up the moulds for weeks on one small section, when they need it for complete boats. Well... best of luck with the repairs. I think the Parlay crew would even scratch their heads on this one.
I'm really disappointed in the Yard. Your Boat could've been good publicity (via you tube and Instagram) for them. Additionally, their crib would have been useless and in the way. I do think they breached a verbal contract and Judge Judy would have them by the short hairs. Leopard's participation is great. I know you guys this will get done sooner than later. In the spirit of sailing, my heart is with you.
That yard has such phenomenal moving capability it's hard to believe.. Taking it as is, anywhere else could cause additional damage . Maybe you can get it dried in and all the substructures done first.. Then look at moving it to a cheaper facility. But the truth is you need that scale of moving equipment and support..
I'd ask the factory what pieces of the interior absolutely have to be replaced and which are fine once cleaned and inspected. (and what would they recommend in cleaners and other gear to do the job fast as well as properly. If they can save you a day or two with some tip it would be worth your while.)
Ask Leopard for a complete project plan with the order of tasks to be undertaken, estimated labor hours per task, estimated materials and costs per task, and necessary sequence for optimization of efficiency in terms of overhead, labor costs, materials costs. Inquire as to what jobs are semi-skilled workers versus fully journeyman laborers. Get the whole thing on some project software that is reasonable so you can estimate the big picture.
I have wondered why when a catamaran gets stuck in shalow water, or on a reef don't sailors tape 6 mil visquene with gorrila tape into four or five tubes. Then secure them under the bridgedeck and fill them up with a leaf blower. The working surface of many cubic inches in five tubes 50 feet long would very low pressure to lift the boat from a reef, or shallow water. It would also stop the boat from sinking. A head box in a paper mill weights 45 tons, and it is lifted by two pickup truck size diaphrams using 5 pounds of air pressure. I was the general forman on a job when steel wheeled road paver traped a man under the front wheel. We hooked 50 ton crane to the machine. I was afraid when we lifted the machine up the crushed man would bleed to death only his head was sticking out of the water. They said don't move the load the fire department is coming he was about to slide into 25 feet of water. Rescue put air bags under him he only had a broken leg. On vaccum bagging with a 4x8 sheet of plywood, and -14.7 pounds of vaccum the force on the plywood is 33 tons. Fair Winds!
Hopefully you enjoy the process. Looking at the boat in that state feels so weird since I walk past new ones every day. Join the relevant models FB owners group if you haven't already, lots of useful material has been uploaded for certain hulls.
I would have asked the factory for dimensional drawings (architectural plans-?) of the boat (inside and out) and hulls, so when making repairs you could have measurements and angles to confirm your repairs are in keeping with factory specs. Also, any electronic schematics and plumbing "runs"/equipment-placement blueprints - as well as a NEW owners manual! :) All that would make rebuilds a lot less stressful.
I would ask the factory would it be best to have them manufacture the bottom half of the hulls in their moulds and send them to you to splice into your boat and then fix all the bulkheads etc....or to have temporary splash moulds of the hull made by the factory and sent over to you. Then cut out all the damage from your boat, set it onto the moulds so as to lay up the new bottom skins in place and onto the existing structure...
Hello I’m a new subscriber and I’m glad I found your channel. I’ve really enjoyed the videos that I’ve watched so far. In my opinion I really think that the place your at is completely gouging you guys. That is so costly for a few to keep your boat. Anyway I look forward to the future videos.
Bing not from your side of the planet and thinking Georgia was on the other side of Florida, I opened google earth and noticed that the last shots taken of the yard area has a Leopard going into the shed on the 3rd of the 9th. I think that was some good timing.
You can tow the cat with another cat or a trawler. Not even lose to 10k if you get a friend with a cat to two it. Just stick some inflatables in the open hull and off you go in a good weather window. “One of the sailing channels did just that “Sailing parlay”.
You should ask the factory how to get the boat seaworthy for a short hop to another yard. Assuming that there is another yard that won't gouge you like this one is. Looks like your paying the 1.2 million dollar yacht that can't be hauled anywhere else price. Good Luck!
Your big break came from the fact Leopard's glass work is pathetic. The hulls, at least the bottoms, should have been constructed with carbon fiber and a layer of Kevlar on the exterior. If you add this your boat will be stronger, and safer than anything coming out of the Leopard factory, if Leopard had done this in the 1st place, no sinking! $300 a day seems cheap for that shed. Enjoy yourselves, you are one of the few boating families with increasing boat equity, congrats!
Would be nice for the factory to make two sections of the keel area in their molds and ship them to you with the leopard boats on a monthly basis. Then you can just cut out a bad section and bond in the new matching one. ( yes it's more tech but simple explained)
Yes, I agree! Even if it’s just a light weight skin. Then you’d be able to start laminating up, and even vacuum infuse. Of course this would interfere with their normal scheduling. You never know, they may have a failed hull build, that may not have laminated correctly. You may be able to cannibalise that? Of course shipping would be a hurdle. 😎🏖🌴☀️🇦🇺
Get it sea worthy get some engine and get the hell out of there then make sure you keep telling people how dishonest this place is it will cost them money and that's how you hurt a place if it's only 5 customers that don't go there it money out of thier pockets 😉. Watching your girls work and talk is like watching a brown haired version of my daughter I just laugh and get a kick out of it 😅
Please tell me again why it had to go on the rail cars but then the travel lift had to lift it of the rail cars why not shift it all the way with the travel lift. You need to get out of that yard quick.
Well it's just simply disgusting how you are being robbed by these rogues, i really hope a lot of people watch your video and avoid that place like the plague, I feel so badly for you and truly hope you can do the repair ASAP, Leopard are stepping up that's great, if only that yard would do the same, look all the very best wishes to you and all involved, i shall watch with interest, Al
You guys need to call Colin & Jamie up. You know them two LOVE fiberglass! Bwahahahaha.
I mean you could use some help. They are looking to pick up some extra cash before going back to Parlay.
It sucks that the contract got renegotiated “again”. Get that hull addressed and do the rest elsewhere! I’m happy to see the progress so far and looking forward to seeing the rest of your journey
Glad to see that Leopard is stepping up to guide you through this extensive rebuild. Hopefully they have provided you with detailed plans of the area that is damaged so you can effect a good repair. Then like everyone here has said countless times before, move it to a place that is more affordable. I can tell you from experience that it is much nicer to work on your boat where you are wanted than at a place where they need you gone ASAP. Once the main structural repairs are completed you can do much of the remaining jobs on your own schedule even if the sailboat is in the water. That's what I did. Though it's not a perfect arrangement, it fit my budget. More importantly, every dollar that I saved is money I put into my sailboat and into my cruising kitty.
My points exactly, well done!
As for questions for Leopard, my first few suggestions are: 1) How far into each of the original bulkheads do you need to tie in the new materials in order to recreate, or enhance, the structural integrity of the vessel? From what has been shown, there may be a different answer for each bulkhead. 2) Will Leopard assist with patterns (hatch cover, etc.) so that you can more easily recreate missing items? 3) What issues has Leopard come across with their other 50' catamarans that you, due to the extensive amount of work to be done, have the ability to address (after all, you have/will have an NDA in place so the information could be helpful to both parties)?
I suggest you reach out to Happy Together about their 50' cat. It may be a different manufacturer (I don't recall at the moment), but they have experience sailing their vessel and may have some ideas for you on how to make yours safer, more comfortable, more user friendly etc. The more visible you become on YT can only help you with potential sponsors. Maybe ask Colin (Parlay Revival) if he will be making a trip to the States any time soon?
Some suggestions for your work; 1) As you will have full access to the underside of the vessel, consider installing two runs of 3" conduit in each hull for electrical wires and/or other uses. You can add access portals in the conduit as needed. 2) Consider upgrading all of your through hulls to a monitored through hulls (the type that relays if open or closed). The information about open through hulls could be set up to generate an alarm through your boat management system(s) based on several factors, which could be useful. 3) Once the main bulkheads have been repaired, maybe take a minute to review space from underneath and see if you might be able to make better use of any space, and/or possibly reconfigure some internal walls to better suit your needs.
As for the marina, it appears the owner/manager does not understand anything about marketing. The marina had a huge opportunity to create a lot of good will within the boating and TH-cam community across several countries, but they appear to have squandered that opportunity. The marina should know that bad news travels much faster than good news, and with TH-cam, good news can really pay off in the long run.
All the best!
How nice you took the time to suggest these upgrades! Most of us watching don’t know these things🤔
New episode! Sweet! Stinks that marina/yard is not holding to their agreed contract.. Well keep forging ahead and live dauntless!! You guys got this! Glad Leopard is helping out.. Hopefully all will roll together quickly... Keep it rolling Ty and Crew!!
You guys are fast becoming my most look forward uploads. Your positive attitudes in the face of all the obstacles that keep crashing in your path and the way you always see the light at the end of the tunnel is incerdible. The good thing is that you are willing and capable and i believe this project would be a success. I'll be there to cheer you on.
Foam cradles …. Brilliant!!!
I cant wait to see the inside of this finished boat. I keep jumping back and forward with these videos. i cant wait to see the total for this repair job.
I think the owner of the boatyard is from the Mafia! "I'm gonna makka you an offer you cant refuse!.....I want to hire that guy to negotiate my next contract.
At any rate..... can't wait to see the demolition next week. I am happy that the factory is on your side. Keep the spirits up....or keep drinking the spirits to keep your spirits up..(lol). Thumbs up!!
So, I was right about that NDA pen, but still congrats on the assistance.
So ambitious
Get after it!! Wooo ha!! Huge progress!!
12.2k Subs as of this viewing. I want to keep track because I think you subs are going to go through the roof with this repair. I am already looking forward to next week. Keep it up, you have some of us wanting more!
Stay healthy.
Amazing that Leopard will support you in this extensive rebuild. Very interested on how they will replace the lower hulls or all of them.
Really enjoying this series, having repaired glass boats here in NZ. But nothing on this mighty scale.
You guys got a good deal on this boat it will be like brand new again when it’s done I like doing things like this I take pride in my work it’s like a hobby to me good luck on your build it’s amazing to do what you all are doing
My God, get a barge, move it onto barge, move it to a new yard. They will keep screwing you at every turn. Thanks again for your honesty!
Don’t take it to heart “ it’s just business “ you got a boat you get screwed. You got a damaged boat you’re a captive , you get double screwed !
Amazing!!! I can’t wait to see this work.
I hope this isn't a stupid question. Are you going to use compressed air to blow water out of the crevasses? That and some good absorbent chamois' used in car detailing might speed up dry time and save you a day of waiting and if you can save a day here or there, at $300 a day, it would be worthwhile.
Every time I see the torn up hulls my stomach sinks. I wish I could jump ahead the months until you have her looking good again, at least on the outside. Best wishes for a speedy repair with little or no surprises.
Love your resolve and determination. Great you are sharing as an example for others to learn from.
Repair the bottoms, tie in the bulkheads and launch. Much cheaper to complete the rest in the water (interior & equipment).
Y'all are ABSOLUTELY being taken advantage of.... That's got me fuming!!!
On a positive note. Thanks for the great content!!!
Big ol HOWDY from Central Texas !!!
I'm not qualified to offer much advice, but I truly wish you all the luck and success you deserve for this new adventure. Along with the Parley Revival series your efforts are much to be admired. Thankyou for sharing.
You Definitely have big balls to tackle this job.I believe you will pull it off ,I can't wait to see how it's done.
Oh yes and love the little car under the boat shot!! Really puts the boat ‘s size into perspective😎
Sending positive vibes , and getting in the popcorn , ready to watch fun packed repair episodes 😃😃
Fantastic Video. Love the details of your repair. Looking forward to more!!!
Watching this Ep second time.. It almost made me so sad.. You guys have a real tough heart and loads of patience.. Bravo guys..
Great news on Leopard working with you all. I had a feeling an NDC would need to be signed, but not an issue. My initial thoughts are to fix the hulls ASAP and get her splashed and out of that "Hilton" of boatyards, lol.
Questions are all related to each step of the rebuild as follows:
1. Hull, Keel, and Rudder repairs - You mentioned a mold, so I am assuming Leopard is giving you advice on the repair and the creation of a MOLD as the best way to repair the hulls back to their original form, strength, and integrity. This includes ALL through-hulls that are repaired or replaced! Obviously includes sanding, gel coat,. paint, and antifoul. Can leopard send you new rudders or plans for getting them built? Same for the hulls and keels.
2. Engines - would be the number two thing to get straightened out, because if you get the hulls repaired and you want to splash, then you need the ability to maneuver the boat. So I would be talking to diesel engine mechanics and getting some advice as to the cost to restore them or replace them. It's a toss-up in my mind as to which way to go. In all honesty, I think I would just replace them with Brand Spanking New engines, that way for as long as I own the boat I know those engines started off in pristine condition.
Whereas if I rebuilt them I will always be wondering if every issue I have with them is because of the water or sand that got into them. Also, what about the WARRANTY on the engines? On the rebuilt ones do you get the SAME warranty? Obviously for the NEW ones you get the standard warranty that comes with them. Includes Diesal Tanks and Electrical systems for the engines as needed as well as the GenSet, and all engine room accessories and operations..
3. Rudder and steering - Make sure the rudders are functional and working as they should be, check all systems to make sure the boat can be steered safely, may include electrical, hydraulics, wires, and rods that need to be repaired or replaced. Includes electrical that may be needed.
4. Electrical systems - would look at all the wiring throughout the boat making repairs as needed, pulling wires and replacing, getting all the connections set up for later while I have good access to everything before I start putting in panels, cushions, paint walls or whatever. WOuld need to look at the main panels and replace everything hit by salt and shorted out by the water, fuses, wires, connectors, etc Including all LIGHTS, running lights, external and internal lighting, Navigational systems, and lighting. Includes bilge pumps operational, toilets operational, etc. Includes Water Tanks as needed. May also include Solar Panels and Batteries (LiFePo4) and all associated connectors and wires.
5. Mast and rigging - those need to be replaced, making sure that where the mast connects to the boat is repaired and capable of holding the mast as originally intended. I suppose this can be put off for when you are splashed? But any bulkhead repairs and attachment points need to be inspected and repaired or replaced to ensure the rigging is safe.
6. All appliances - refrigerator, ice makers, ovens, stove, sink, dishwasher, washing machine, and TV's, WATER MAKER (and Water Tanks), GENERATORS, Toilet Pumps (salt and fresh systems), macerators, water heater, air conditioning (chill units and heaters if needed), and air vents.
7. Davet and Dingy system, the helm seat, Diesel Tanks, Water Tanks, outboard motor, SOLAR PANELS, and Batteries (lithium)
8. All the miscellaneous stuff, like the cushions, panels, floorboard, lockers, shelves, cabinetwork, drawers, switches, shower doors, curtains, blinds, lines, rope, fenders, anchor, WINDLESS, CHAIN, furlers, sails, sail bag, etc...RADAR, Wind Indicator, forward-facing sonar, the through-hull devices like a DTS, all the things that go on the mast, the SOlar panels themselves, the protection that goes around the helm station outside, the INSIDE helm station repairs and replacements.
9 - 15. - All the things I missed, lol!!!
As she was being moved to the hanger she really is a BEAUTIFUL Yacht, such majestic lines and in the long run well worth the effort to restore her back to the way she is meant to be.
Thanks for taking us along with you on your journey to repair this Leopard. Love the detail you show in your videos even though it must be a pain to set up the camera all the time to get the shot. The end result is great footage and makes for a great series to follow. Looking forward to next weeks vid already. Cheers
Are the factory going to supply moulded sections you can cut in such as the whole side of the badly damaged hull?
Get that family working, looking great guys🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼🇦🇺
It’s absolutely amazing with that much sand in it that it did not snap some bulkhead or something during The recovery.
Tough boats…
On the plus side, you've got lovely great big drain holes to allow the water/sand combo to flow out of :D
Glad to see the team back together again. But I still think yall are crazy. I think it's those Colorado green chilies New Mexicans would never be that crazy our green chilies are the best 👌.
So captain, I've taken a few hours to think...
1. So buy a 4 " side cutter that looks like a small skill saw. 2. Where the MEGA RIP out areas are you have to keep the hull shape. It could warp, or push out. ( the fix, is 3/4 inch steal gas pipe u thread each end. Put a Plummer flange on each end. Screw " say a 10" by 10" plywood plate to each end. Measure what it should be. How wide at a few points close to the riped out area. Make the pipe, and wood plate that long. Screw it in place. Put a plate on the outside of the hull also, so you can bolt it on. Gas pipes cheap, flanges cheap. A d the hull will stay the width it should be.
2. Guys, after you do that and the hull has the support. (( all of the cabinets, and plumming ))) in the ripped out area, have yo come out. Color code what gos where and number it. " why"..
Because the spliced in new hull, when glasses in your going to want to over lap the crack line by 2 feet on each side. This will spread the load..
Also, new extra supports will need to be glassed in also.. think of like when a doctor screws a leg back together. Those dagger boards will need extra support from ocean tork.and bouncing.
So does the Shop Vac work well for all that sand? I saw a channel use an attached bucket thingy that collects debre and makes it not collect in the Shop Vac Main container. The people I sw using it used it for Getting Fiberglass particles out of the air when using a shop vac, it may help with the sand and make things easier.
Also its great to see your daughters and others helping you, I'm sure it really helps with the moral knowing your not alone.
Man your situation stinks with that yard your in, way too expensive so I woudl say use your time to fix the hull and yes as another person said Get a friend to Tow you to a better location. If your already doing this what and how has the search been going to find a better location to haul out?
The terms “price gauging “ and “ breach of contract “ come to mind. $300. A day is $9K up from $7500. a month.
It’s your call, but I’d try to get someone from leopard to be there working with you on it to get out faster. Stay safe.
I am in awe about the magnitude you are taking on. Sheer willpower and confidence. The price is taunting and hopefully motivating while the daily fee will be the kick in the butt t o put in the extra hours every day. I am not envy you guys, fingers crossed you getting the progress you need. Sure the L 50 is a dream.... a dream to work towards.
Awesome video! Love watching you guys work your magic!
Good looking young man, Hope he can pull his weight around there,,, No slackers on board...
As much work and money as it will be to repair, there is no doubt that it will be worth it in the end! Congrats - now back to work! :P
This is going to be an awesome repair!!!
Will be a beautiful looking boat when finished! Good luck!
Looking forward to the "new" repair series, really look like you guys know what you're doing! Good Luck!
Ty, Kim, Syd, Mads, Stella, and Alex I am so proud to see you guys are moving forward and making progress. You ard kinda getting a bum rap on the rates, but you are making lemonade! If i were you i might ask how much to get a Leopard engineer over here for a couple days with you? I know you've already thought of that, but that's my two cents. You guys are AWESOME!!
Good luck, someone said to me when we bought our fixer upper first home, that’s a lot of weekends! She’ll be good as new ❤️ it took 31 years and we sold her.
How about, what you wouldn’t ask the factory? I would far beyond the factory specs on fire supresión and put a couple automatic systems in the engine rooms. My 2c Can’t wait for the next episode
Great video! Great team with extra “ hands on board” and you will all make some lifelong memories (maybe some recurring nightmares too featuring sand….).
You are taking on the biggest repair the yard has ever seen, I think they are worried that in the wrong hands it could turn into a pile of scrap fiberglass. The shed seems ultra duluxe. On episode one of this rebuild I asked if it could be done for $600,000.00 all in. My gut feeling is yes. You appear to have the knowledge and skill to finish with a sea worthy $1.300,000.00 Catamaran. in the end 50 more dollars a day will seem like small change by the time you add up all the bills.
I know this is a bit late, engine valve grinding compound found in most auto parts stores, makes a great aid in getting out screws with messed up heads
Amazing project 👍 🤓
Love watching your video’s... and FYI, use valve grinding compound in the stripped screw heads, it works awesome for grabbing onto the screws.
You Guys are doing great. I'm so impressed by your courage and confidence in your ability to do this! I wouldn't know where to start and I know I wouldn't have the 'balls' (excuse my French) to even attempt this. Keep your spirits up, as I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end. I also guess those who do know better will be giving you all the advice you require below, so listen carefully to all of it and go with the sound advice offered. Best of luck!
Makes one wonder if the Marina was wanting the boat first or they are hoping they can squeeze you a little and maybe get you too sell Them the Boat?
At $300 a day you can spend 100 days in the shed for only $30,000. That was what it was going to cost to move it by barge somewhere else. Seems like a deal, well at least the less of evils. I’ve spent more for lesser challenges!
I worked at that yard and they should be happy it didn't leave in worse shape.
I would fill the holes with foam, glass over it just to make it water tight and then get a boat to drag it to another yard. The 300 per day is ridiculous..
Awesome that you have 2 extra hands now. That should make a dent in the lay days.
Since you have access to the design and engineering I would want to know where all the datums are and what all the measurements are to ensure everything is absolutely straight. Then assess the bulkheads and their attachments. Just like you would with a car that has been in an accident. Materials will be the next challenge. MJ Sailing had been running into shortages and I'm guessing you will need a fair bit. You got this! It is an awesome project and is going to turn out great! F
Things I would ask the factory.... Hmm.. Most keels are sacrificial, so I'd ask if they've got a set of replacement keels, in the interest of saving time/money, or at least how long it would take to get a replacement set. it could save you a lot of time, and you'll want to check the fit on the keels with the mold. I'm sure you'll ask about the lamination schedule and foam type/thickness. You mention you're going to be making molds. From what? Whatever you get the molds from, you'll need to make sure it takes into account the keels that go on a leopard 50, and with only 100 or so of them out there... It's going to be difficult at best to find someone who's boat you can pull out of the water, make a mold of, an re-cast. Not to mention the cost of hauling their boat, blocking it, storing it while you prep the hull and make the molds. As others have suggested, you very well may be better off making a foam hull form and glassing over it.
perhaps the lesser damaged hull is suitable to make a mold from?
My priority would be repair the hull, rig up an outboard motor, float and get the hell out of the Hilton of all shipyard's. $300 per day is ridiculous.
You talk about a mold? Can't you foam block from the inside as a structure to build the glass fibre against?
Note: I don't have the first clue how to repair a boat 😉
My thoughts exactly!!! Fix those hulls ASAP and get her splashed and out of the Hilton Boatyard.
That is what I would do. I have built windsurfers, so easy to imagine for me. You need to build with epoxy if using foam that is eaten by polyester. After the shaping of the foam block laminating the exterior would be next. From inside the foam block could then be removed, and a stiffer core material glued down to the exposed laminate. Then inner laminate. Overlapping with existing laminate to be done. I could do it no sweat..No, that was wrong! Just a pile of sweat, and then done!
Priority 1 - fix the hull and ensure she's water tight so you can splash and repair everything else dock side or outside on the hard.
So you will give me a good price for your old catamaran presuming you will move over go the Leopard 50 once finished?
Using a elastic band on the end of your screwdriver helps to loosen stripped screws.
I have noticed a pattern in several video from other rebuilds where the yard in the beginning were not the friendliest but turned into the most helpful. I know this is a bad situation since both you and the Yard realize that you are stuck there until repairs are completed. It is unfortunate that the Yard has decided to do everything they could have done to discourage you doing the repairs and have tried to force you out financially. This is a tough one because they and you know they don't bill themselves out as a DYI repair facility and they really don't want to become one. It would have been nice since they agreed to allow you to repair it there with factory guidance that they could come down on the price a bit. But it is what it is. You can't move and they know it. Good Luck and can't wait to see how all of this is going to be done.
I hope you numbered all the panels for which room they came from on the back of the panels .
Leopard has the hull molds. They won't sell you a "section" for what you need? I guess they can't tie up the moulds for weeks on one small section, when they need it for complete boats. Well... best of luck with the repairs. I think the Parlay crew would even scratch their heads on this one.
I'm really disappointed in the Yard. Your Boat could've been good publicity (via you tube and Instagram) for them. Additionally, their crib would have been useless and in the way. I do think they breached a verbal contract and Judge Judy would have them by the short hairs. Leopard's participation is great. I know you guys this will get done sooner than later. In the spirit of sailing, my heart is with you.
Well stated!!
That yard has such phenomenal moving capability it's hard to believe.. Taking it as is, anywhere else could cause additional damage . Maybe you can get it dried in and all the substructures done first.. Then look at moving it to a cheaper facility. But the truth is you need that scale of moving equipment and support..
I'd ask the factory what pieces of the interior absolutely have to be replaced and which are fine once cleaned and inspected. (and what would they recommend in cleaners and other gear to do the job fast as well as properly. If they can save you a day or two with some tip it would be worth your while.)
I would ask if a repair panel could be made for your repair and what kind of repair material and adhesives you should use to repair your boat.
Ask Leopard for a complete project plan with the order of tasks to be undertaken, estimated labor hours per task, estimated materials and costs per task, and necessary sequence for optimization of efficiency in terms of overhead, labor costs, materials costs. Inquire as to what jobs are semi-skilled workers versus fully journeyman laborers. Get the whole thing on some project software that is reasonable so you can estimate the big picture.
I have wondered why when a catamaran gets stuck in shalow water, or on a reef don't sailors tape 6 mil visquene with gorrila tape into four or five tubes. Then secure them under the bridgedeck and fill them up with a leaf blower. The working surface of many cubic inches in five tubes 50 feet long would very low pressure to lift the boat from a reef, or shallow water. It would also stop the boat from sinking. A head box in a paper mill weights 45 tons, and it is lifted by two pickup truck size diaphrams using 5 pounds of air pressure. I was the general forman on a job when steel wheeled road paver traped a man under the front wheel. We hooked 50 ton crane to the machine. I was afraid when we lifted the machine up the crushed man would bleed to death only his head was sticking out of the water. They said don't move the load the fire department is coming he was about to slide into 25 feet of water. Rescue put air bags under him he only had a broken leg. On vaccum bagging with a 4x8 sheet of plywood, and -14.7 pounds of vaccum the force on the plywood is 33 tons. Fair Winds!
Hopefully you enjoy the process. Looking at the boat in that state feels so weird since I walk past new ones every day. Join the relevant models FB owners group if you haven't already, lots of useful material has been uploaded for certain hulls.
I would have asked the factory for dimensional drawings (architectural plans-?) of the boat (inside and out) and hulls, so when making repairs you could have measurements and angles to confirm your repairs are in keeping with factory specs. Also, any electronic schematics and plumbing "runs"/equipment-placement blueprints - as well as a NEW owners manual! :) All that would make rebuilds a lot less stressful.
Excellent suggestions, and yes we have asked for all of the above.
I would ask the factory would it be best to have them manufacture the bottom half of the hulls in their moulds and send them to you to splice into your boat and then fix all the bulkheads etc....or to have temporary splash moulds of the hull made by the factory and sent over to you. Then cut out all the damage from your boat, set it onto the moulds so as to lay up the new bottom skins in place and onto the existing structure...
Top question, where to look for hidden damage.
if I had time I would come just to help you out
Hello I’m a new subscriber and I’m glad I found your channel. I’ve really enjoyed the videos that I’ve watched so far. In my opinion I really think that the place your at is completely gouging you guys. That is so costly for a few to keep your boat. Anyway I look forward to the future videos.
I agree with most: get her dried in as a priority, then MOVE her by any means necessary.
Can you get the factory to use there mould for the repair part and ship it out .Then stitch it in .
Bing not from your side of the planet and thinking Georgia was on the other side of Florida, I opened google earth and noticed that the last shots taken of the yard area has a Leopard going into the shed on the 3rd of the 9th. I think that was some good timing.
I would ask: Does the wiring need to be replaced?, Do the plumbing connections need to be replaced?, Is the bulkhead square, straight, and true?
You can tow the cat with another cat or a trawler. Not even lose to 10k if you get a friend with a cat to two it. Just stick some inflatables in the open hull and off you go in a good weather window. “One of the sailing channels did just that “Sailing parlay”.
You should ask the factory how to get the boat seaworthy for a short hop to another yard. Assuming that there is another yard that won't gouge you like this one is. Looks like your paying the 1.2 million dollar yacht that can't be hauled anywhere else price. Good Luck!
Your big break came from the fact Leopard's glass work is pathetic. The hulls, at least the bottoms, should have been constructed with carbon fiber and a layer of Kevlar on the exterior. If you add this your boat will be stronger, and safer than anything coming out of the Leopard factory, if Leopard had done this in the 1st place, no sinking! $300 a day seems cheap for that shed. Enjoy yourselves, you are one of the few boating families with increasing boat equity, congrats!
Would be nice for the factory to make two sections of the keel area in their molds and ship them to you with the leopard boats on a monthly basis. Then you can just cut out a bad section and bond in the new matching one. ( yes it's more tech but simple explained)
Yes, I agree! Even if it’s just a light weight skin. Then you’d be able to start laminating up, and even vacuum infuse. Of course this would interfere with their normal scheduling. You never know, they may have a failed hull build, that may not have laminated correctly. You may be able to cannibalise that? Of course shipping would be a hurdle. 😎🏖🌴☀️🇦🇺
Get it sea worthy get some engine and get the hell out of there then make sure you keep telling people how dishonest this place is it will cost them money and that's how you hurt a place if it's only 5 customers that don't go there it money out of thier pockets 😉.
Watching your girls work and talk is like watching a brown haired version of my daughter I just laugh and get a kick out of it 😅
Something that would be really great! Put the date that all of this is happening on, on or in your videos.
Is there an opportunity to purchase pre fab molds or molded hull sections shipped from US or South Africa . Could be a time saver?
How do you tie in the bottom webbing knowing that was ripped out?
So will you keep it or sell it?
Please tell me again why it had to go on the rail cars but then the travel lift had to lift it of the rail cars why not shift it all the way with the travel lift. You need to get out of that yard quick.
What kind of glass was used when she was built
Well it's just simply disgusting how you are being robbed by these rogues, i really hope a lot of people watch your video and avoid that place like the plague, I feel so badly for you and truly hope you can do the repair ASAP, Leopard are stepping up that's great, if only that yard would do the same, look all the very best wishes to you and all involved, i shall watch with interest, Al
Top Priority is to BEG the Factory for ANY parts that they can DONATE to you.
$300 a day is ridiculous. Yet another greedy yard.
OK so for so good.....
I would examine the bulkheads first. If they are intact all is good! If they are busted further consideration should be done.
👍👍👍👍👍