A new Autopilot and some boat projects

[@Jim33933]

Your editing and production is awesome. I like how you show just enough to get the idea across but not waste your viewers time with unnecessary video.

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Sam always has the best sheet eating grin even during the difficult days.

[@daafip]

For more grip, you can look into tape for bicycle handle bars. Roadbikes or mountain bikes often use those, only about 10 euros for a roll of tape and is made to add grip.

[@samholmessailing]

Great idea

[@ottisthedog3544]

"I'm not gonna drill a hole in the boat" Something i never thought i would hear out of Sam Holmes 😂😂😂

[@Davidhamnett]

Thank goodness, at least not in the bilge!!

[@edwardfinn4141]

Sam you are ‘ the Man’ ….. ….finds a discarded stern arch in the dumpster….. makes a boom crutch out of it. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@giantELF]

Seeing you back in your shop and the fact that you’ll be at Annapolis boat show lessens the drama of your Atlantic Crossing. Congratulations on your second crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

[@samholmessailing]

Haven’t crossed yet. Will be crossing in December.

[@conororeilly1908]

@@samholmessailing you'll be accelerating to 88mph on the crossing? Or do you mean the Annapolis boat show in 2025? Or is December a typo? Anyhow good luck with crossing - maybe I'll see you at the show.

[@giantELF]

@@samholmessailing Copy that.

[@johnharman5440]

That’s quite a story, congratulations on having the patience without losing it my hats off to you, sir.

[@1dkappe]

Fingers crossed on the new autopilot. And you drilled a hole in the boat, so it was a good day.

[@leecowell8165]

Yeah I think he has more holes in it than screws!

[@chriskelly6559]

Keep commenting that there should be a name change to swiss pickle. Holes ya know. Dude, you're amazing. Take care, Crackerjack.

[@rak3151]

Hello from New Hampshire! Chasing Latitudes sent me here to watch you. After this episode, i’ll go back a year or two and begin watching every video from then to this. Looking forward to it, too! Wishing you safe journeys.

[@nerdvaniadotnet]

You have to take a drink every time Sam drills a hole in a boat

[@twidapate]

I love my Pelagic! I’ve had it for almost three years, and recently completed a voyage from SF to Oahu and back without any issues.

[@victorcontento850]

Thanks!

[@davidsmeglap4023]

The autopilot will come in handy dead downwind. Any tool that allows you to rest is a safety tool and worth it.

[@paddyredmond3039]

You're in Africa - I spent 50 years there and fully appreciate your frustrations.

[@CaptainMagnus]

truck bed liner works really well. scuff the metal up real well and spray. might hide some of your holes though.

[@russmarkham2197]

Love the way you find things on the beach or in the garbage and put them to good use.

[@horstlauch453]

Please keep us posted how that Autopilot is performing!

[@andrewwatkinson1548]

Pickled herring becomes the Swiss Cheese! Again. Can’t wait for the Atlantic videos. Best of luck Sam.

[@12345.......]

I'm wishing for a Ryobi sponsorship for you soon.

[@SimonFlax]

Hay is sam on autopilot he doesn't stop lol great video thanks 🎉🎉🎉

[@DreamAdventure4me]

Sam makes me smile more. You always smiling 🕺🏻 Love your channel.

[@Digger1107]

It’s always a good day when Sam uploads

[@adventuresinbasicreality219]

Can’t wait for the next episode looks like you got a lot done 👍🏼

[@timothywaterworth8649]

Well done sensor marine.

[@ReviewByGeorge]

I really appreciate the editing on all the installs! I never have to fast forward on any of your videos😄

[@BrianJones761-wc4hu]

Nice to see you in your element again of drilling holes in your boat 😀 Good sailing with your onward trip.

[@susanhawkes2519]

Found over by the garbage. Nice! Napkin holder becomes an angle bracket. Best channel!

[@Brad.whatthe]

If you brace the new to you boom gallows to the existing hand holds on the hard dodger it will make it so much stronger and just buy more hand holds for the coach roof, saves holes in the roof too

[@samholmessailing]

Great idea. I will do that

[@68Thunderbird]

Chasing latitudes sent me here! Be safe, have fun!

[@SAILINGDIRTYBIRD]

Ow my friend you are a Big shot 😮...I left Oriental N.C. for Virginia ...God Bless you 🎉

[@captratty2167]

Good choice on the autopilot. I went through three Raymarine actuators before changing to the much more robust Pelagic. Because the compass is in the control head, if it is too sensitive to motion high up under the dodger, try mounting it low down. Pelagic warn to keep it clear of other electronics, but it seems reasonably tolerant of VHF , as my control head is right next to the AIS and I’ve not seen any difference in sensitivity with the AIS on or off.

[@billgolden6450]

Another new Auto Pilot. Good Luck with it. Thta Wind Thingy seems to be reliable ....😁

[@vinceglauser4770]

Sam you always get me with boat projects!

[@Troggination]

do a french whip on the handles with some small cord! kind of a neat traditional look that will last a long time

[@dianne.murielrobidoux9008]

Sam, when you mentioned a futur taught that while you will be in Indianapolis show maybe reach out to the 2 sailor's of "Boatfools sailing" who find great purchases in old sail boats! Good luck . can't miss your video's because even if alone on that small tiny boat you make it lively interesting!!! 😊

[@njbaskipper]

Hi Skipper Holmes. Congratulations on the Pelagic Autopilot. God blessed you with a new Arc, excellent! It was a big surprise. The little toy in the bilge IS NOT BAD AT ALL, perfect. P.S. Now give the Crocs flip-flops, the ones Shrek gave you, and wear boat shoes. 😏🤣 Well DONE.👏👏👏

[@nicolasreed8002]

Holy White Balance, Sam!! 🤣

[@popparedneck]

can you show the process when you dock

[@samholmessailing]

Sure

[@eddieseachord4985]

Thanks, I look forward to your videos. 😊❤

[@davethemmp]

Sam your going to love the Pelagic Autopilot mine performs flawlessly Davethemmp from the PNW

[@russmarkham2197]

might see you at the boat show

[@FirstHomeStudio]

I love sailboat content

[@navegandomivandestadt34]

Brilliant video

[@Digiphex]

If you were buying a boat to make your crossing and cruising, what boat new or old would you get today? Not talking expensive yachts but just everyman boats that would have the features you like.

[@leecowell8165]

Tell you what whatever it would be Sam ain't stupid he'd be getting a full keel with a keel mounted rudder.

[@12345.......]

👀 good question

[@samholmessailing]

@@Digiphex the plan is to find a catamaran for the next boat

[@Digiphex]

@@samholmessailing That will be interesting. What do you hope to gain by having a cat vs. your current boat?

[@curzonpeier6539]

Great news on Pelagic Auto Pilot, will be very interesting to hear your thoughts on it! Hopefully this one will last MUCH longer :)

[@alanduncan9204]

Bureaucracy and red tape was invented in Europe and perfected in Africa and Asia. I worked in four African countries and had to smuggle loads of gear including tools and spares to do the job or it would just never happen. I feel your pain Sam.

[@paulklein6962]

Congratulations on the Pelagic! Only failure I had was the actuator. Salt water ingress killed it. Make yourself a sunbrella cover. Their off the shelf cover is obscenely priced!! Actuators are available from the manufacturer but you need to buy 10 at a time!! Good luck

[@nautilusshell940]

Marina and customs bureaucracy sounds like a nightmare

[@mariajosemorenoguerrero8638]

Very elements! Some KGS. on the deck!!!😮

[@billh2294]

You need to buy stock in autopilot companies. Dude; You are a Saint! I would have lost it a customs.

[@dhogan8]

Sam, I sympathize with your custom issues but for a different reason which shares the same Turkish obsession with redtape. We've been fighting with Royal Air Maroc airline over an egregious delay of our luggage for several months but have yet to get a resolution. Glad you were able to work it out.

[@SteifWood]

The YT most opposite sailing channels: Sam and Doodles. Must be fun to watch. hahah

[@magdakaniewski]

If you can buy that actuator online somewhere..then you can take apart a raymarine and mount the "brains" inside and controls running to actuator..perhaps tgat would be a solution to these failing. Its tthe elements that kill the off the shelf ones

[@lostpony4885]

Ooo remote i hope theres an override for when the remotes overboard

[@MattPhelps76]

Frankenstein boat!

[@trey1531]

I hope you autopilot lasts a long time!

[@BrokePhilanthropist]

Chasing latitudes sent me. You’re also popular on my feed.

[@MichaelHolloway]

Take a print out of the thing as its listed in the online catalogue - so they can see it's about yachting?

[@volvotango8363]

To prevent water from getting into the cored deck and causing it to delaminate shouldn't all the holes be drilled oversized then filled with epoxy and then re-drilled to size?

[@samholmessailing]

@@volvotango8363 yes they should

[@SailboatDiaries]

If you spend your time fixing everything you’ll never go sailing

[@evilpinkfloyd]

The pelagic autopilot will be great for sailing. Not so great motoring due to vibration resonating the poorly mounted gyro sensor in the control head. Had it on my boat, tried everything to make work, but ultimately had to return it.

[@TravelsOfNema]

Hi Sam! I'm looking forward how your Pelagic autopilot is going to work during your atlantic crossing. I have similar problems :) and I am in the process of "completely rethinking" how to do downwind sailing in general. Personally, I have lost trust towards tillerpilots and windvanes are complicated to install in double enders (like my L28). I just can't believe that we can't do downwind sailing using sails only.

[@thehoughtonshow6405]

Handle bar tape, like what you use for racing bike

[@dentaltok]

Bureaucracy sucks….glad you stayed cool or you might still be there…😅…or on your way home in a FedX box🤣🤣….nice repurposing that s/s frame..👍 cheers

[@rvaguitars]

Wrapping the handrails in rope is a good idea, but you need to use black waxed net twine instead of that big rope. If you wrap it and pull the ends under it will stay put and last for years

[@SOLDOZER]

No you dont.

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks for the tip i’ll try that

[@fredmuellerphotographer4532]

Sam ... your old TP Simrad mount looks a little loose ... the Pelagic is essentially a stepping motor and works in accumulated small steps rather than strokes of variable distance ... so it likes to have a rigid mount .... just an fyi. I have one in my Cape Dory 27. Cheers.

[@axelvis3698]

Franken-boat!

[@damonsails]

What if you tie a paracord type line around the stainless tubing to add a little grip. Just make sure it’s UV resistant line of course

[@SoloSailorDave]

Sam, when will you cross the Atlantic back to North America? See ya at the Annapolis Boat Show!!!

[@samholmessailing]

December

[@matthewoliver6655]

We all wish we were doing what you do

[@louieescobar1966]

grippieness: how about fine grit sandpaper? Like on a skateboard but gentler?

[@LiLi-gy2xw]

Customs made you start turning grey!

[@TurboSixxSpeed]

i wonder if moving the autopilot forwards on the tiller toward the bow would be easier on the motor. like using a breaker bar on a rusty lugnut vs a stubby ratchet. extra length will give more leverage/reduce load on the motor?

[@bmitch3020]

There's a trade off on leverage vs steering range. If the sails are well balanced, there shouldn't be a lot of pressure on the tiller.

[@TurboSixxSpeed]

i hear you...but the company making them has shareholders, and they probably learned using under rated motors/parts will mean lower cost per unit, and failures drive replacement sales. it'd be interesting if Sam sent the parts to louis rossman or some other electric nerd channel for analysis.

[@bmitch3020]

@@TurboSixxSpeed given the number of auto pilots Sam has gone through, there's certainly something happening there that doesn't affect others. Maybe he doesn't have the sails balanced. Maybe there's an electrical issue with an over/under voltage, or stray current to ground causing galvanic corrosion. Or maybe he had been ordering from a bad supplier the whole time.

[@davidlittle6621]

Could you spray some Flex Seal on your new arch to get a better grip?

[@alyxiastarling7990]

The boatyard pulled my engine out and the electric stuff is going in soon. I can't wait for our b&g hydraulic ram to be hooked up. Hand steering 1000 miles isn't fun.

[@Velo1010]

Why does a sailboat have two separate batteries: starter and house?

[@howtodave1725]

hope your grandmother is ok in fort Myers, this storm just keeps building.

[@trippontwowheels]

Woo hooo!

[@markettrader911]

He’s got an angle grinder on hand, what else is on that boat?

[@SVRestless]

Will you continue to sail after you cross the Atlantic ?

[@kenmcmanamy6809]

Skateboard grip tape cut into strips.

[@mariajosemorenoguerrero8638]

Captain gadgets!!

[@ratandmonkey2982]

you know it must have been bad if Sam "almost lost it" ...

[@cactusrose55]

Hahahahahaha

[@drodakarambo]

Yrvin epoxys rope for handles all the time

[@timwebb8153]

How waterproof is the motor on that thing? Seems pretty exposed to me.

[@lowrads3653]

Those autopilots seem like consumables at this point. How many nautical miles are you getting with each one? Seems like the only real solution is something that installs below deck.

[@Clavito999]

Props to you for not freaking out at them. I definitely would have.

[@Cam.Klingon]

That's alot of water you're buying. At what point do you consider a watermaker? Or have you already done so?

[@samholmessailing]

I will probably pick one up next year

[@enriquelaroche5370]

Check the Current draw on your new autopilot so you don't get surprised

[@Vincent_fast_Stop]

Simple and strong autopilot : look at Milo Tiller pilot

[@samholmessailing]

Cool. I hadn’t seen that one yet. Maybe will try that after the pelagic and pypilot die.

[@scotthughey7439]

Another great episode! Dont know how you keep your cool with all the customs BS. It's not like you are importing a rocket launcher! Sam, how is the calypso wind instrument working ? Does it give you the apparent wind angle as well as wind speed or speed only on the app? Would you recommend the product?

[@samholmessailing]

No it had a lousy connection whenever I was sailing. They sent me another and it had the same problem. Eventually it broke all together.

[@scotthughey7439]

Thanks for getting back to me, Sam. Love your channel. You keep it real and practical.

[@WildRoverSailing]

Nice add but please wear safety glasses when you use your tools.

[@IcemanMobile]

Bike handlebar tape?

[@samholmessailing]

Great idea

[@mikewatts5825]

Spoken like a true cyclist… I had that same thought.

[@1BIGFROGGY]

Tennis racket tape if you want wider tape too!

[@louieescobar1966]

@@samholmessailing A lot of the cork and plastic stuff gets slick when wet. the cork will probs mold and degrade in sun. If you do I'd get the leather stuff. But I'd consider fine grit sandpaper as a back up in case it doesn't work as a back up. Most cyclists don't ride in the wet wet. and none is designed for UV. Check out what cyclocross folks use. I say sand paper because our track cycling bars for sprinting, which take more torque than any other bars on the road (but here velodrome) often don't take tape, they come pre-abrazed like sandpaper so we can hang on in standing starts and sprints. And even if you do wrap them, that underneath abraized surface is super helpful

[@WJSpies]

I love Sam's videos. Rarely do I ever skip any newly uploaded vid.. but amount of ads coming though the Netherlands 🇳🇱 VPN location node is obscene. The US and Japan vertual locations seem much less frequent and far better. What's up with that Netherlands? Keep sailing on Sam.. great video, good luck. Shame on KZbin for the frequency of silly mindless ads.

[@DB-yj3ii]

All that paperwork they kept went straight into the bin after you left.

[@postbustersfencing]

You’ve been through so many AP’s, I was wondering why you’ve not put one on the rudder post below decks. Much quieter, stronger and …. More expensive. Probably last though.

[@samholmessailing]

My rudder post comes straight through to the cockpit so it would be a major rebuild to make the rudder post controllable from below deck

[@postbustersfencing]

@@samholmessailing I figured you must have a good reason. Hey, I’ll be heading down at the end of November. I’m just looking at light wind wing gear. Last season I used my 6m Slick all the time but I might take an 7 or 8m as well. I’m thinking of a Ventis. I really like light wind winging, it’s so peaceful.

[@stevenwatsham5973]

Pouring down with rain in the Thames estuary today!.. Booo.. No boat projects for me..

[@ImnotChuck.]

Sam, what brands/models of electric autopilots have you had failures with? More details would help other single-handed sailors make better choices. Alan on the Wave Rover and Kevin on the Ruth Avery like wind vanes better.

[@kjdude8765]

Sam uses the windvane primarily, but uses the auto pilot during light wind or when running downwind.

[@samholmessailing]

Ive had three or four simrads die and one raymarine

[@ImnotChuck.]

@@samholmessailing Those are both well respected brands, and yet they don't hold up for you. It will be interesting to see if the Pelogic does better.

[@ImnotChuck.]

@@samholmessailing Those are both well-respected brands and yet they have not done well. It will be interesting to see if the Pelagic does better. Are you sailing the Pickle back to the US?

[@samholmessailing]

@@ImnotChuck. yes

[@stephenkillick5812]

If you think North Africa beurocracy is bad, try that in Africa south of the equator!

[@magdakaniewski]

And we complain waiting in line at fedex...we are lucky in north america

[@NathanSvensson]

8:18 paracord?