I just love this! thank you so much. Saving our money to buy a boat... 3 months in and we have worked out 2yrs of saving to buy... we will see you soon!
Sailing = Expensive! Growing up sailing I always knew this but I just bought my own 30ft Beneteau and gosh, I'm understanding it in a WHOLE new way! Happy sailing!
Your red gas tank failed because you put the cap on to tight, gas expands way more then diesel, so in direct sunlight you need to have it on so it can vent (ie half a turn from full lock) .
Sorry I forgot, engine belts- I too have a Yanmar- 50 hp. I also chewed up belts. One one notable occasion the belt split then broke and caught the oil pad under the engine. Compartment looked like I threw a chicken through a fan. I converted to a cogged V-belt, current belt is 8 yrs old. Not happy about your LED comment as I have just completed a complete change, thanks for the warning.
@@pacific7775 I agree, another interesting note, A white bulb in a red and green mast head lens will shine blue on the green side. Have to buy a combo bulb.
it like living in an RV full time too in the year this start to show their age fast winter life in one hard on it the best ones i had was the vans i turned them into an RV 53 and when i open the slide-outs open to a 16-foot floor opening sold that with the job i was working at never when back to work after that
Make covers for your fuel and water containers. Converted to an aluminum dink, gave up on deflatables. Still love my Yamaha 9.9, 2 stroke after 22 years. 4 strokes are always a hassle. Have a small Merc, 4 stroke as a spare- a pos. A temporary fix for a spun prop is to drill the hub - equal spacing, and screw through the rubber to pin it in place (it is NG anyway) just avoid the rocks.
Agreed. Our 2-stroke bearings just went :( ... i may strip down the whole engine and replace the bearings, crank, rings and gaskets. I love this motor and the parts are dirt cheap... but i don't really have the time or a workshop! .. maybe buy new. The drilled out props can't be re packed... but not many folks do the re-packing either
Change the solar fuse to a 15 amp breaker instead that way when it trips you could just flip the breaker back on I don’t have to replace fuse’s every time. Maybe you can put sealant over the solar panel connectors?
I like soldered copper wires and 60/40 solder instead of krimps. I insulate wire joints with fishtank tubing. Some LED light bulbs can be purchased with plastic or glass globes.
Put a blocking diode in line with your fuse. This should solve your problem...failing that a freewheeling blocking diode may be the answer. Diodes are extremely cheap, extremely effective.
Thanks br. I was thinking the same. Balachandra here's a link explaining what may be going on. Farther down the page is an explanation of use of blocking and bypass diodes in a solar setup. www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/bypass-diodes.html
Every time i go on an extended cruise, my wife makes fun of me for buying a large bucket of assorted sizes of stainless hose clamps. By the end of the cruise, I've gone through half the bucket. Every time.
Three things that never change with diesel motors no matter what they're in: oil consumption,oil and fuel filters,and a good water separator. There is a breaker type fuse you can get to replace inline fuse that plugs right in. And most poly gas cans don't hold up to ethanol fuels when storing.
Did you try Vaseline on your solar MC4 connectors? I always solder them. Never crimp. The boat propane stove should be perfect for soldering No. 10 wires. Don't use plumbing solder or acid core.
Excellent video. I will be adding a few more items to our spares list as a result. We are also from Canada and will head down to the Caribbean later this year or spring next year. Cheers
Seriously great idea for a video, I have been wondering this exact idea. Maybe next time if you do one of these videos again include prices that you paid for each part as I'm curious to the cost of these parts in the carribean vs your home country or the U.S. however it pretty clear that I should have these aboard before going. This was Extremely helpful!!!! Thanks and enjoy the Carribean ❣️
thanks, we’ll try to reference pricing in later videos. in a nutshell, the Caribbean is big and prices and availability is different all over but you will find that most marine stores are going to overcharge because you have no other options. our engine impeller was 4X the price in Grenada, but I bought one in St Marten for the book price from a Yanmar dealer.
Correct. You save the fuse and destroy the rest. Diode should be the solution based on what you describe, even if it should be already integrated in your solar panel electronics. Good sailing.
hi Bill, I’m not that familiar with the MK’s but people ask about the 44 all the time. the #1 difference is fine tuning. the 44 has loads of adjustments to the sails and rig that most cruising boats don’t
That barbecue grill: Had you ever considered using a *removable* magnesium sacrificial anode? (Magnesium melts at 629 C, aluminum and zinc at much lower temepratures. Warning: If you don't remove a magnesium sacrificial anode before the grill becomes hot, it will melt. When ignited, magnesium burn at a 3 times higher temperature than coal (at around 3,000 C)
cool idea... the high temperatures weakens stainless steel so the inside burner plate starts rusting after the first use. the zinc would prolong the life but I doubt it would last too much longer. the best prevention is to cover the bbq when at sea
Do you have to be a bona fide handy person to be able to cruise full time? It seems like everyone in sailing videos just knows how to do this stuff. Are there repair manuals you can get for these things??
Speaking as an Electrical Engineer, it sounds like you have an overarching electrical issue stemming from either your batteries or solar panels themselves.
You probably already know, but just in case: use dielectric grease on all your electrical connections. Reapplying grease regularly is a lot easier and cheaper than replacing corroded/failed connectors. Edit: posted before reading comments. Sorry :)
Thanks. Are electric outboards a realistic replacement for dinghy engine (I know they are limited and slower) but seems to a good idea and no maintenance?
replacing the fuse to a bigger one? please dont do that if the cables and other parts are not rated for higher amount. That fuse is there for a reason and it burns out like it should to prevent other things from melting and burning.
@@SailingBalachandra I have no experience of diodes but I hope you find a fix for it. Enjoyed the video keep up the good work on the vids and the boat.
I am an evil architect and Marine Engineer I would say more than 50% of your failures are due to poor design and lower grade stainless steel 304 instead of 316 L another 20% or due to Continuous use a lot of the stuff is designed for just recreational eight week out of the year on the weekend to use
Every Yanmar engine comes with a maintenance schedule... Why would anyone replace an impeller, if it is not recommended and there is nothing wrong with it? 🤔
Hi Nick, well, digging little bits of impellar rubber out of your entire cooling system is one heck of a nightmare... one you do not want to be doing underway, and there are no tow boats in Cuba. $50 = cheap insurance
Plastic gasolin cans are not supposed to be in direct sun light - most plastics does not like UV light. LED is fine but has a problem if the type/construction is not choosen wisely - LED's, and any other unsealed electronics, directly exposed to the environment, especially, the salty sea environment is a bad choice. All electronics (and solder joints) must be sealed . This is not less important with the outside mounted Solarc panels - btw a well done montage of a solar panel should had been sealed already. The failing fuce from your solar panel regulator to the battery sound like it is a poor quality - or there is an error somewhere else in the installation........ chargeregulator for the generator. You are not the first boat to head out with a poorly prepared electrical instalation and poorly choosen electronics - and you will not be the last - sorry :o/
totally agree. I seal and repair any connection I find from the PO’s that are sketchy. We always use heat shrink marine connectors. the LED bulbs cost nothing online so we just buy a whole bunch and replace when they fail, however the cheap ones probably fail more...
@@SailingBalachandra well that is on approach to solve the problem of having light. My approach is to buy the right environmentaly sealed and mount it the right way first time - it tent to be a much higher price up front but I am pretty sure if you start calculate, my approach will be cheaper sooner than you would expect. Most people get surpriced when I calculate the break-even, and they get even more surpriced when the calculation proves right. I learned that 40+ years ago and has earned good money many times for being able to do it. A very nice side-effect of paying up front ? - you never have to work in darkness and you save money in the end. LED lights are not the only thing that benefits from a TCO (TotalCostofOwnership) calculation - just about anytjing you need to rely on in any critical or non-critical situation and you can't get replacement right away.
Great video. Well done.
I just love this! thank you so much. Saving our money to buy a boat... 3 months in and we have worked out 2yrs of saving to buy... we will see you soon!
Sailing = Expensive!
Growing up sailing I always knew this but I just bought my own 30ft Beneteau and gosh, I'm understanding it in a WHOLE new way! Happy sailing!
Instablaster.
Thanks for this video..... I also liked your piracy vid too. Peace from the UK.
Take a drink everytime you say Nova Scotia lol I'm frigging hammered lol
Your red gas tank failed because you put the cap on to tight, gas expands way more then diesel, so in direct sunlight you need to have it on so it can vent (ie half a turn from full lock) .
Winches and hardware love John Deere AN102562 corn head or TY6341 polyurea grease. These greases don't damage rubber or absorb water.
Thank you for highlighting all those tender areas...and for keeping it moving! Ya got a lot in there!
Nice, informative vid.
SUPER helpful, thanks guys!!
Sorry I forgot, engine belts- I too have a Yanmar- 50 hp. I also chewed up belts. One one notable occasion the belt split then broke and caught the oil pad under the engine. Compartment looked like I threw a chicken through a fan. I converted to a cogged V-belt, current belt is 8 yrs old. Not happy about your LED comment as I have just completed a complete change, thanks for the warning.
All led bulbs are not the same quality. Hi quality ones will last over 5 yrs ez
@@pacific7775 I agree, another interesting note, A white bulb in a red and green mast head lens will shine blue on the green side. Have to buy a combo bulb.
Great update....hey as long as the relationship hasn't failed I'd say you're in good shape🤣... looking forward to your future travels!⛵🌊
it like living in an RV full time too in the year this start to show their age fast winter life in one hard on it the best ones i had was the vans i turned them into an RV 53 and when i open the slide-outs open to a 16-foot floor opening sold that with the job i was working at never when back to work after that
The quality of LED bulbs varies greatly with manufacturer. I haven't changed a single bulb in 5 years. Consider where you're sourcing your bulbs.
Its because they are nude bulbs them mfs need a cover. They need a glass bulb for that bulb
Great overview of cruising life!
Greetings from Sydney. This workout made me forget about lockdown depression. 6 weeks and my energy never been better. Kudos, Jordan. 🙃
Great knowledge guys. Thanks 👍.
Make covers for your fuel and water containers. Converted to an aluminum dink, gave up on deflatables. Still love my Yamaha 9.9, 2 stroke after 22 years. 4 strokes are always a hassle. Have a small Merc, 4 stroke as a spare- a pos. A temporary fix for a spun prop is to drill the hub - equal spacing, and screw through the rubber to pin it in place (it is NG anyway) just avoid the rocks.
Agreed. Our 2-stroke bearings just went :( ... i may strip down the whole engine and replace the bearings, crank, rings and gaskets. I love this motor and the parts are dirt cheap... but i don't really have the time or a workshop! .. maybe buy new. The drilled out props can't be re packed... but not many folks do the re-packing either
What a fantastic idea for a video ! I wish more would do this. Very helpful...thank you !
That was really helpful. I’ve been looking for exactly this type of list for planning purposes. Thanks!
Absolutely great video ❤️😊
Change the solar fuse to a 15 amp breaker instead that way when it trips you could just flip the breaker back on I don’t have to replace fuse’s every time. Maybe you can put sealant over the solar panel connectors?
I like soldered copper wires and 60/40 solder instead of krimps. I insulate wire joints with fishtank tubing. Some LED light bulbs can be purchased with plastic or glass globes.
Thank you from an ex-sailor about to return.
WONDER WHERE HE LEFT FROM?
We left from Halifax NS, Canada in Oct. 2019
Informative
Let’s not forget dielectric grease on every electrical connection!
Your videos are very informative. Thank you. I just subbed
Solid video!
Good topic! Thanks
Put a blocking diode in line with your fuse. This should solve your problem...failing that a freewheeling blocking diode may be the answer. Diodes are extremely cheap, extremely effective.
Thanks br. I was thinking the same. Balachandra here's a link explaining what may be going on. Farther down the page is an explanation of use of blocking and bypass diodes in a solar setup. www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/bypass-diodes.html
thanks so much! I’m guessing the diode will need to have a very high voltage/amperage rating.
Intense!
Phase those double hose clamps 180 degrees GOTCHA!😁👍
Every time i go on an extended cruise, my wife makes fun of me for buying a large bucket of assorted sizes of stainless hose clamps.
By the end of the cruise, I've gone through half the bucket. Every time.
Three things that never change with diesel motors no matter what they're in: oil consumption,oil and fuel filters,and a good water separator. There is a breaker type fuse you can get to replace inline fuse that plugs right in. And most poly gas cans don't hold up to ethanol fuels when storing.
Super excellent account. Thsnks//Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful life good the bad and the crazy 😍😍😍
Did you try Vaseline on your solar MC4 connectors? I always solder them. Never crimp. The boat propane stove should be perfect for soldering No. 10 wires. Don't use plumbing solder or acid core.
Tell us again... Where did you leave from?
Halifax, Nova Scotia. we crossed the Gulf Stream at Ft. Lauderdale Fl.
They were teasin you because you said niva scotia so many times. Proud canadian as am i
Id suggest a diode to fix the backflow to your solars
Excellent video. I will be adding a few more items to our spares list as a result. We are also from Canada and will head down to the Caribbean later this year or spring next year. Cheers
Good information.
Seriously great idea for a video, I have been wondering this exact idea. Maybe next time if you do one of these videos again include prices that you paid for each part as I'm curious to the cost of these parts in the carribean vs your home country or the U.S. however it pretty clear that I should have these aboard before going. This was Extremely helpful!!!! Thanks and enjoy the Carribean ❣️
thanks, we’ll try to reference pricing in later videos. in a nutshell, the Caribbean is big and prices and availability is different all over but you will find that most marine stores are going to overcharge because you have no other options. our engine impeller was 4X the price in Grenada, but I bought one in St Marten for the book price from a Yanmar dealer.
@@SailingBalachandra thank you love u guys!!
New Sub here! Plan on sailing at the end of the year! thanks for the info!
Tks
you gotta keep the fuel cans covered and they will last forever
Great info! Algo engagement
UPSIZING a FUSE SIZE is NOT advisable.
There's something else going on that needs to be investigated and resolved.
Agreed. The diode solution is a good one if you can get the correct rating
Correct. You save the fuse and destroy the rest. Diode should be the solution based on what you describe, even if it should be already integrated in your solar panel electronics. Good sailing.
how does a paddle pontoon dingey compare to the inflated ones as far as maintaince durability and over all usage??
I have a C&C 35 II and would love to hear what you think the pro's and con's are cruising on a C&C 44. I like your channel!!
hi Bill, I’m not that familiar with the MK’s but people ask about the 44 all the time. the #1 difference is fine tuning. the 44 has loads of adjustments to the sails and rig that most cruising boats don’t
@@SailingBalachandra C&C's handle well and are really fun boats to sail!
6:00 put in a diode? though, it will cost efficiency
If you have a Yanmar, carry a spare mixing elbow. If it breaks, you’ll be really screwed.... ask me how I know..
Seriously?! Now that you put that out in the universe I now have no choice but to buy one 😭
Have you thought about adding a diode inline with the solar panel fuse to prevent the back feed from popping your fuse?
Yes, but will need a very large diode :) Going with a new Victron before splashing so hopefully backfeeding will be built in!
Do you use dielectric grease?
Very connection should have it.
Do you use dielectric grease on you electrical connections? There is a product called Coax-Seal that you may also want to take a look at.
we do on most exposed connections, esp. batteries
2:50 properly stored engine belts 😁.
Man, unwrap that thing an place it in natural position,like if it's on engine
thanks, yeah I should :) it came like this from Yanmar believe it or not :O
That barbecue grill: Had you ever considered using a *removable* magnesium sacrificial anode?
(Magnesium melts at 629 C, aluminum and zinc at much lower temepratures.
Warning: If you don't remove a magnesium sacrificial anode before the grill becomes hot, it will melt. When ignited, magnesium burn at a 3 times higher temperature than coal (at around 3,000 C)
cool idea... the high temperatures weakens stainless steel so the inside burner plate starts rusting after the first use. the zinc would prolong the life but I doubt it would last too much longer. the best prevention is to cover the bbq when at sea
Would it not be safer if the fuel cans were in some sort of shade?
Do you have to be a bona fide handy person to be able to cruise full time? It seems like everyone in sailing videos just knows how to do this stuff. Are there repair manuals you can get for these things??
Speaking as an Electrical Engineer, it sounds like you have an overarching electrical issue stemming from either your batteries or solar panels themselves.
You probably already know, but just in case: use dielectric grease on all your electrical connections. Reapplying grease regularly is a lot easier and cheaper than replacing corroded/failed connectors.
Edit: posted before reading comments. Sorry :)
Would you have these issues on a new build?
Thanks. Are electric outboards a realistic replacement for dinghy engine (I know they are limited and slower) but seems to a good idea and no maintenance?
Nice thing about the old-man having a boat when I grew up knowing boating = breaking. And you better learn how to fix things or you better be rich.
replacing the fuse to a bigger one? please dont do that if the cables and other parts are not rated for higher amount. That fuse is there for a reason and it burns out like it should to prevent other things from melting and burning.
Agreed. Someone mentioned a diode which will def. Work as they are DC, but you'd need a big one
@@SailingBalachandra I have no experience of diodes but I hope you find a fix for it. Enjoyed the video keep up the good work on the vids and the boat.
@@SailingBalachandra exactly what i was going to suggest.
If that's all you did well,
No pumps batteries ,
I am an evil architect and Marine Engineer I would say more than 50% of your failures are due to poor design and lower grade stainless steel 304 instead of 316 L another 20% or due to Continuous use a lot of the stuff is designed for just recreational eight week out of the year on the weekend to use
Every Yanmar engine comes with a maintenance schedule... Why would anyone replace an impeller, if it is not recommended and there is nothing wrong with it? 🤔
Hi Nick, well, digging little bits of impellar rubber out of your entire cooling system is one heck of a nightmare... one you do not want to be doing underway, and there are no tow boats in Cuba. $50 = cheap insurance
Plastic gasolin cans are not supposed to be in direct sun light - most plastics does not like UV light.
LED is fine but has a problem if the type/construction is not choosen wisely - LED's, and any other unsealed electronics, directly exposed to the environment, especially, the salty sea environment is a bad choice.
All electronics (and solder joints) must be sealed .
This is not less important with the outside mounted Solarc panels - btw a well done montage of a solar panel should had been sealed already.
The failing fuce from your solar panel regulator to the battery sound like it is a poor quality - or there is an error somewhere else in the installation........ chargeregulator for the generator.
You are not the first boat to head out with a poorly prepared electrical instalation and poorly choosen electronics - and you will not be the last - sorry :o/
totally agree. I seal and repair any connection I find from the PO’s that are sketchy. We always use heat shrink marine connectors. the LED bulbs cost nothing online so we just buy a whole bunch and replace when they fail, however the cheap ones probably fail more...
@@SailingBalachandra well that is on approach to solve the problem of having light.
My approach is to buy the right environmentaly sealed and mount it the right way first time - it tent to be a much higher price up front but I am pretty sure if you start calculate, my approach will be cheaper sooner than you would expect.
Most people get surpriced when I calculate the break-even, and they get even more surpriced when the calculation proves right.
I learned that 40+ years ago and has earned good money many times for being able to do it.
A very nice side-effect of paying up front ? - you never have to work in darkness and you save money in the end.
LED lights are not the only thing that benefits from a TCO (TotalCostofOwnership) calculation - just about anytjing you need to rely on in any critical or non-critical situation and you can't get replacement right away.
🇨🇦⚘🇨🇺
why the name "Balachandra"?
It means "Rising Cresent Moon" in Sanskrit
@@SailingBalachandra Bala and Chandra are not Sanskrit, they are Tamil, my friend
en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/बल
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandra