A $3,000 Problem - Sailing Uma [Step 104]

In our last episode, our knock-down caused our GPS to basically fry. We were worried we would have to replace this $3,000 piece of electronics. So our first mission (in this step) here in Santa Marta, was to go deep inside own to find a possible solution.
If you enjoyed this episode, please give it thumbs up, it helps us out a bunch :)
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[@jodyssey9921]

I love that he took the diode off an old board. I used to keep stacks of old things around just for that purpose.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

When civilization collapses or we end up at war with China in 10-20 years we might find ourselves having to do that a lot.

[@frankzed7684]

It never ceases to amaze me how talented people are in “less advanced” countries. In the states it probably wouldn’t have been able to be repaired. Makes me think “prosperity” isn’t really prosperity over time. Wonderful episode, as always. Such quality. Thank you so much for being you, and sharing your life.

[@jennymossa9492]

I love how the guys in the nicer looking stores had no idea what to do and finally you were sent to a real repair guy who knows his stuff!

[@daniseakey6773]

Love it!! from the repair to the customs experience. I am convinced again that Colombia is the best country to visit and live! 15 cents coffee and no Government harassment only Government over the top help. My American friend Jerry moved 3 years ago and bought a 4 acre coffee farm in full production with a two bedroom one bath casa. Hang glides almost everyday. He told me everywhere are three recycling bins for the publics use! He traveled a country road for 40 miles and had two small bug deaths on his windshield when he got back to the coffee plantation where the two workers that have been working the coffee everyday of the year never take a break!

[@dandever3425]

I’ve watched a lot of sailing channels but you showing the work you are doing is far better than all the others.

[@ClarkKulper]

When you plugged the GPS back in and it acquired signal I was grinning from ear-to-ear. I love seeing these little successes that y'all's hard work and determination seem to bring every step of the way.

[@SailingUma]

Yes, us too! Love it when the simple solutions work. Especially after we brainstorm 1000 alternatives in the meantime.

[@JulianIbanez13]

I've seen the video a few times because it is really very interesting and instructive, and I was grinning from ear to ear also. Their videos are easy to identify with because we all dream those things and whether we get to do them or not I think is not that important. What's important is that we dream and that pushes us forward always.

[@daniseakey6773]

@@JulianIbanez13 that is true! I get motivated everyday with Kika and Dans enthusiasm for projects and positive outlook. I too think about the possibility of my lifelong dream of sailing. Everyday I start with a new video and end with a few. Then when I have viewed them all will Patreon and rinse and repeat.

[@billb.6109]

We are so glad your Chart Plotter worked after it was repaired,... he deserves a tip, and loved the plywood mods too. Safe travels.

[@kenscrackofdoom599]

Wow a great fix in a throw away society. Brilliant.

[@joshuabrooks555]

What an incredible GPS fix!

[@imassakin1607]

Love this channel. Just started binge watching.

[@SailingUma]

Welcome! Glad you like it. ;)

[@LazyJacques]

In North America, we now own more cheap electronics than ever, but it often seems like none of it can be repaired: the little electronics and appliance repair shops have almost all disappeared. I love seeing all the people in these countries who repair, recondition or re-machine gear.

[@va7dgp]

Young man after my own heart. You would make a good Ham Radio Operator (Amateur Radio) making a piece of electronics come back to life. Big high 5

[@edwardwerthner7717]

In watching your old videos n knowing where you’ve basically been, what special place would you 2 think about living after your journey so far .

[@SailingUma]

We don't have plans of "stoping" our journey or staying in one place for too long. Once the ocean gets hold of you, it's very hard to let go.

[@shauntoomey3299]

Great stuff. Good work by the Electronic technician. Glad he found the replacement Diode you needed.

[@Nabilasailing]

Well done and a great video. I had a big smile in my face when i saw you running around looking for the proper shop to get the soldering done. All thumbs for u!

[@RobFomenko]

Seriously love that you repaired the chartplotter with a $2 dollar diode at a small repair shop. Pretty sweet. It's the essence of smart cruising.

[@CorwynGC]

Yup, that's what that diode is for. Nice to be able to just replace it. Serious props for the circle cutting, over your head, in a cramped space!

[@LearningtheLines]

Great video guys. Your editing, video, and sound quality have gone up so much since the start!

[@CasualRiders]

9:35 That's a pretty neat cut for an upside down overhead maneuver you pulled there!

[@erichkestler1934]

I love how ingenious you guys are!

[@brianh6666]

AWESOME JOB YOU MASTERMINDS....

[@adamwackerwood2039]

love it so many people would have trashed that... repair & reuse .you guys rock

[@jackterry7664]

Everything is throw-a-way and replace these days. Really nice to see something fixed!!!

[@spinnaker5514]

If I could, you'd get two thumbs up for this video! Only you guys could get your GPS/Chartplotter repaired for tw0 dollars....well done! Most people would be out shopping for a new GPS. Also, love the idea of the trash bin, what a great use of space. My trash been in always floating around the floor, and always seems to be in the way. I do enjoy the travel logs, but I love the fix its, repairs and design ideas in your videos more than anything! Surprised some boat builder hasn't snatched you up yet to work for them!

[@robertofontana3891]

spinnaker5514 i

[@swiftadventurer]

Ya, I recall working the computer industry, mid 80s, installing 20 Mbyte hard drives in IBM XTs for thousands of dollars. When we got access to 40 Mbyte hard drives we didn't think anyone could fill those beasts up.

[@cptblack5705]

Not marine grade....don't embarrass us Canadains. wait till have $ down scope!

[@daniseakey6773]

I use a small 2 gallon bucket with the screw on top for compost here at the bed and breakfast. It could fit right into the hole on the counter and then you could turn the supports to place the top back for a smooth surface when you need that. A suction cup handle instead of a hole!

[@Kyleinasailing]

My boat is of a similar size and age as yours. The way you've gone about adapting your boat, to how you want it and on a limited budget, is an example for all. Intelligent creativity and problem solving.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Excellent fix! So satisfying to repair electronics. “No user serviceable parts inside”. Yeah right, hold my beer!!

[@Idgeyballsack]

Awesome fix on the GPS! Fun episode.

[@edwardwerthner7717]

Thank you, I guess I’m getting older and maybe I’ll feel the same way. The Caribbean just seems so complacent n SXM being my part time home gives me a serenity meeting and dealing with happy people. Best

[@katieamarshh]

The customs part at the end really amused me! So funny!

[@cestmoi1262]

Amazing! An off-the-chart-place can fix your electronics for a few dollars while in the US you wouldn't be able to find a place within a thousand miles.

[@mauricepowers8079]

You guys got VERY lucky with the Plotter...the 12V Zener Diode was probably in the Power Supply section of the Circuit Board and it is used to regulate the output of the Power Supply ... Basically a electrical clamp to guard against Voltage Surges...it acts as a current shunt if the input voltage increases

[@Plyschbjornen]

It's really nice to see that you are not afraid of opening the electronics and try to fix it, rather than just buying new stuff. Good work!

[@8028rsj]

Amazing repair. Go back and give that guy $100 ASAP. That would have gone into a service centre in the US and cost a fortune.

[@evanofelipe]

I totally agree, its the least they should have done.

[@scanjett]

He could have charged more if he wanted +he got a lot of free publicity for the shop

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

What an awesome blessing you were able to get the GPS repaired for a very low cost... I love seeing answers to my prayers... Well I just keep on praying for God to continue to bless you kids and keep y'all safe... L/H/P... BBE

[@jameshoiby]

Kudos to the engineer that had the foresight to add the circuit protection diode, and to the manager who ok'd the added expense to the bill of materials. The end result is a robust, repairable product!

[@johnstockamp2817]

thank you much for posting your videos, i am a late comer to your channel but am very impressed with problem solving and especially your workmanship. also impressed with your personal relationships, Thanks again

[@wcvailster]

Great video. Y'all are killing it. So proud for ya

[@RiDankulous]

You are so young but with a wealth of mechanical and electrical information for useful application. That's a tremendous skill to have!

[@MJSailing]

I don't know if it sounds mean to say this, but it's so fun watching you two be the ones to cut and epoxy wood and shove yourselves into tiny little spaces, while we're now chillin out in the Bahamas. #rolereversal 😂🔨

[@dougterhune9364]

Glad to hear that you fixed the GPS and it did not go to a landfill!! Awesome!!

[@mxf2812]

Wow great job on the GPS repair! Most would have just bought a new one but - good you have the language skills too, I'd have been scuppered in that situation.

[@befriacreate5701]

So awesome that you are comfortable ripping apart electronics like that. I didn't think anyone did small repairs like that anymore.

[@billroberts3864]

Glad you got your GPS/plotter repaired for $2. I laughed with you as you encountered the customs man. Enjoying your video editing and music. You two are an inspiration and seem very happy. Your giggles and smiles are wonderful.

[@ortiko]

This diode is used for reverse polarity protection . It may be blown up when water entered at that pin connector. Nice to plug it after the repair and works fine

[@TonyAnschutz]

Great use of space Dan! And extra bombdiggidy on that GPS repair. Nice work for sure! So many people are afraid to even look at complex electronics. But that was a pretty sweet fix!

[@SailingUma]

We were soooo glad when we plugged it back in and everything worked again!

[@ollebrandt]

Hi, I really like all your clips, they always give something extra, in this step (as always) - a lot. I soo much love to see this, following you an Ran (of course, in a Swede) and others... AND the guy down-town, he was actually pricing his services correctly - in comparison with some of us other sly guys, trying to pry into different ways of overpricing our services... because they are hard-to-understand, or need special skills, like solding the right "thing" to the board... etc. I really admire you for having the guts to get down-town, finding the guy and simply trust him (with an edge of fingergefûhl) it is really great. Once more I love your videos, and I am (always) awaiting them with the most of hopes and expectations (which I know you always will fulfil, you hav always done that).

[@bensteel3944]

Tools, knowledge and the right part and you can pretty much fix anything ... awesome fix ..

[@edrosenberger6947]

I feared that the damage didn't stop at the diode and I was surprised when the chart-plotter was reborn. A bit of work and asking around paid off big time. That cheap plywood should work just fine once it is sealed on all edges.....inventive re-use of space! Each one of these "fixes" increases the desirability and value of UMA. I marvel at how effortlessly these projects seem to come to fruition. Good show you two!

[@ohiorides7626]

Awesome Guys ! :)

[@billkaroly]

Necessity is the mother of invention and you guys are the epitome of invention.

[@Alan62651]

Great storage cabinet. It holds one DAN.

[@sailing_SV_Lovisa]

tumbs up for a cool repair done - U guy's rock !!!

[@GuyMitchell007]

You guys are awesome!

[@g.gordonwoody645]

Just incredible. Great job - all around!

[@TheCDANet]

Awesome stuff guys! No one can predict the future. But we can say fixing something instead of replacing it is a more sustainable route more of us may need to actually depend on at some point in the future. Anyway, it is inspiring to see you two successfully experiencing the world, and doing it frugally, with sustainable solutions, and always with a positive attitude. One of my first posts to you was one that included a level of skepticism, I was talking about all your decisions, including the electric motor and the way you were fixing your boat, but I countered my skepticism saying that I wanted to see you succeed. And here I am saying you've been succeeding from day one. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@Keepingittocool]

That’s cool . Now that’s done

[@SailingNorma]

Nice move as always.! Love the editing of your content! Regards from sailing Norma

[@Tedterranova]

Another great video. Watched this with the kids and emphasized to them how you guys troubleshoot things and work out a fix/solution instead of just throwing things away. We had all our fingers crossed when you powered up the gps and we cheered when it worked! Thanks for sharing your great experiences.

[@travisbutler5095]

Y’all are really doing a phenomenal job at recorded and editing your videos. The camera angles are fantastic and just the story telling in general is just so amazing. Keep up the great work! It does not go unnoticed! Cheers

[@Kavack]

Very awesome, very lucky and very Uma fix. Nice! How you found that is a story in itself.

[@PlainStraightShooter]

Needless to say I tripped on the Customs People found you like that.. And engine serial number? What did they say on a serial number for a electric motor................. Good job on the GPS. WoW.. Had me holding my breath there...

[@briansaid1730]

U should consider sealing the dividers within your cockpit lazerettes so that when the hatches are ripped off in a storm knock down water is blocked, limited to swamp only the storage ateas rather than the whole boat. This was the single most cited cause of vessel losses in the Fastnet tragedies (of the seventies).

[@davidc6510]

Great Video Thanks!

[@johntripp2028]

Good job on the GPS. Persistence pays off.

[@sm6wet]

It is great when you can repair things like the way you did. People should do more of that instead of buying new all the time. What is the best wifi speed you encountered on your travel? Where was it? What is the best 4G you encountered? Where was it?

[@dunknoent.8089]

This vlog shows you a day in universe time. Awsome adventure.

[@tlowe2502]

Great video guy's, all of the work on the boat looking good. We love the price of coffee, that was great. Fair winds and following seas: )

[@MsSomeonenew]

If the diode fried under normal operation you might consider adding some extra cooling vents, manufacturers after all aren't concerned if anything works past the one warranty year.

[@JCrook1028]

It didn't fry under normal operation. It fried when it went the antennae went under water when the boat was knocked to a 70 degree angle. As he says in the video if you listen.

[@busog97641]

You two, never cease to amaze me!!!

[@captaindave47]

well done with the GPS you are the main man. most of us would be crying over having to pay another 3000 out for a new one.

[@onthebeaches]

The editing at the beginning of the video was extremely superb...top shelf...PRO! ALL the way!

[@stevenuk]

love the ability you guys have to fix everything.. it is very inspiring.

[@grahamambridge8370]

Beautiful. Thank you. Sheffield England.

[@sheffguy29]

Me 2

[@Smilliztho]

When I read the title I thought you had an actual 3,000 $ problem and was literally getting ready to donate you some money. Love your videos and as I have been following them for I while a have noticed them getting better and better and this one was like a movie. Like wooow, beautiful shots and storytelling. Keep it up guys!❤️🎉

[@emilybh6255]

The title was click bait obviously.

[@Smilliztho]

Well, you never know on a sailboat!

[@SailingUma]

I mean.... it WAS a $3000 problem since thats what a new GPS Plotter costs. BUT, we found a $2 solution.

[@Smilliztho]

Sailing Uma oh yes of course, which is really impressive. But if you had to pay 3000$ for something I would always try to help because I love what you guys are doing!

[@Boatyarddog]

🇺🇸✊🏻thank goodness for protection in circuits.

[@KnotVikings]

Loved the intro and when you met the guy from customs! Hilarious! Cheers and keep up the great work

[@GTyoutube]

Well done on fixing plotter - top job 👍

[@KartizaK]

excellent Bingo on the plotter fix!

[@jbk1961]

Another winner. Love your project videos.

[@SailingShaggySeas]

Such an awesome video! Great job on the GPS repair and the plywood projects!

[@jeffgriglack9624]

I'm glad that you were able to get it fixed after the discussion on your facebook page. Now, you should probably try to make sure that the board can't get wet again. You can spray the board down with a conformal coating to seal it, and you should try to seal where the water got into the system. Also, if you ever upgrade to a new one, it will probably have surface mount parts which are harder to replace. I like the modifications you are doing to the boat. The cockpit lockers on the P36 are similar to the ones on my P30, and the peg board that came from the factory was not a good solution to start with (and hasn't gotten better over 40 years). Exterior grade plywood uses the same glues as marine grade, but can have voids.

[@amerie1987]

Geezzz. I would never go sailing/traveling without my own 'Dan'... #smartcuteandhandy #winwinwin

[@idratherberiding3456]

Awesome stuff guys! No one can predict the future. But we can say fixing something instead of replacing it is a more sustainable route more of us may need to actually depend on at some point in the future. Anyway, it is inspiring to see you two successfully experiencing the world, and doing it frugally, with sustainable solutions, and always with a positive attitude. One of my first posts to you was one that included a level of skepticism, I was talking about all your decisions, including the electric motor and the way you were fixing your boat, but I countered my skepticism saying that I wanted to see you succeed. And here I am saying you've been succeeding from day one. Thank you for inspiring me. (I'm posting this from my other channel, that is more personal)

[@johnturner9924]

Best sailing channel on youtube!

[@andrewburnett2215]

cool vid. Just started watching you guys. The other boats I have been following are getting too commercial. I like your vib!

[@texasstar4357]

so true now theirs nothing wrong with commercial thats just shows there hard work but i love uma realness!! ps how much is the marina?

[@me9061]

These guys keep flooring me! That chart plotter problem would have sent people to getting a new one. Would a layperson have been able to figure this out?

[@me9061]

New(ish)sailor, just discovered your channel. Love it. New subscriber!

[@fatb0tLP]

Yes! Love the boat work vids guys!

[@mariemorrissey9378]

#LoveSailingUma 💖 You may get knocked down but you get right back up and take the next step!!

[@jimjones6915]

You guys are the bomb.

[@lyfandeth]

A shop that can actually rrplace a diode. Now you've given me a reason to visit Columbia!

[@unclebob6728]

Nice job on the GPS Dude!. And the wind vane.

[@froogal8887]

A great frugal repair!

[@mikedean8061]

Its great that you can work on most, if not all, of your projects. You are very talented. GREAT JOB!!!

[@davecote21]

Another Excellent Video - Thanks!!!

[@shanslam1970]

Great vlog...what a shame the beaches there are so dirty and covered in trash!!

[@donw6537]

I love countries where artisans actually repair things.

[@fuquasewing265]

We have a home in Cartagena Colombia 🇨🇴 you need to visit there is so much history and the food is awesome be safe out there

[@AthelstanEngland]

Cool video again guys. A little hinged circular disk cover for the trash can lid may stop a few smells.... look at me giving Capt Dan suggestions! How impudent!!

[@frickandfracksicem]

Hi, I have mentioned using scuba housings for your cameras in the past, this would reduce the death rate in your gear.