Any Port In A Storm, and Boat Repairs - Episode 295 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@joeredmond346]

Hi Steve, get yourself a dozen heavy duty rubber line snubbers. Every line that a boat of that weight has tied to a dock needs one. Otherwise you will keep on having to replace broken bits. Thats even more certain if you are going to use low stretch dynema lines without snubbers. They're not cheap, but neither is replacing a couple of planks. Great show. Wish you all well.

[@michaeldlaguardia]

I’ve seen old tires used as snubbers at the pier 39 marina in San Francisco. They have constant big boat traffic wakes and current that sweeps through there.

[@whoever7374]

You may want to consider using some boom preventers to cushion the boom movement while jibbing or centering the boom prior to the jibe to help reduce the impact on your booms. Hopefully your boom repair will work until you get your new one made.

[@ontic2354]

Please get some sail covers for your beautiful sails. UV damage is inevitable, but every day kept under cover at dock/anchor is another day before replacement they will safely sail in the future.

[@AcornToArabella]

True story. Thanks for watching! Stack packs are on their way. -Anne

[@islandonlinenews]

Don’t worry there’s no sun out here. Haha

[@davecoz4227]

​@@islandonlinenewslet me tell you the time of how my forehead got badly sunburnt as I travelled around Sydney harbour on a cloudy day. I learnt the hard way why the locals lathered up in SP 50

[@johnnunn8688]

@@davecoz4227he even put haha, to tell you it was a joke 🤦‍♂️.

[@ukulelefatman]

I grew up staying summers on a boat in Saquatucket harbor. I've left for striper fishing in the rips off Monomoy hundreds of times in my Grady White. I eventually went in to the Merchant Marine working on oil tankers. After that I put in a couple decades on the ferries to the Vineyard and Nantucket. Got my Masters then pilotage for Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds and Woods Hole, Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. If you need any advice, drop me a line. Fair winds and fair tides.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for sharing your memories and for your offer of local knowledge!

[@argentum530]

The Better Help ad is timely for me, my life is trending sideways and one of my current therapy modes is sitting in my chair on a Friday morning with a pot of coffee watching a new Arabella video. This creates a calming start to my day, free of worries and pain. It's hard to believe it's been seven years or so since the timber fell, and here she is afloat and adapting to the forces of a life at sea. Thank You All for taking me along on the journey...

[@inventiveowl395]

Give betterhelp a try. Just make sure you don't cheat on the entry questionnaire. If you don't cheat and the result of the questionnaire is a list of hotlines and a statement about betterhelp not being suited for people in immediate crisis, I don't recommend going around it. Get well soon!

[@AcornToArabella]

So glad you’re here, friend. One of the greatest things to hear is that our work is a bit of respite and calm for people to watch. All the best to you as you weather the sideways motion, tend those sails and use what you’ve got. We’ll be here next Friday and onward for you. -Anne

[@nick.caffrey]

Sorry to hear you're passing through the storm. I'm 72, I've been there. It sucks. But there was another dawn, and they got sunnier. It's a question of being calm, and not losing concentration. Much love and good vibes.

[@mattm9871]

Echo what others have said…we have gone through tough times to various degrees. Totally agree that this channel is a favorite way to spend some escape time. Be well friend.

[@mattm9871]

@@AcornToArabellaThank you for saying that and it is so. Like a good number of your followers, it was pouring the lead keel that pulled me in! We’ve all been through hard times but, for me, Friday morning early there’s no better place to be, coffee mug in hand. Thank you Steve.

[@nigel4425]

Do you have Boom Covers on order? They will help survive storm conditions, but mainly they will protect your sails from damage from wind, rain and sun. You will be surprised how quickly the sails will deteriorate left unprotected. Also, I saw a loosely tied stern spring, but no bow spring. Properly set springs are incredibly important, they will stop the boat roving up and down the pontoon which helps stop fenders getting twisted and popping out, and it will make conditions on board a lot more liveable. One of the first lessons my Father taught me was 'One Rope, One Job'. It looks like your two bow lines were one length? Sorry to go on, but these are some of the things that no-one teaches you when you 'Learn to Sail' and you will only learn from, sometimes expensive, experience. Keep going!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for this note of care! Yes, we mention later on about stack packs being made presently. Cheers for watching and happy Friday!

[@yunclehead]

Boom repair: To supplement your epoxy repair, you may want to drill and inject epoxy down into the crack that is further down the boom. Simply drill a small hole (just big enough to squeeze the tip of your epoxy nozzle inside) perpendicular to the surface of the boom. Drill down to the crack and then inject epoxy down the hole. If the crack is relatively open, the epoxy should easily travel several inches along the crack. Drill holes about 6 - 10 inches apart and inject your way along the entire crack. You would get a whole lot more of the crack treated than by just spackling epoxy in along the exposed edges of the crack. Think of it as working inside from the center to the edges rather than the other way around. You effectively confirm epoxy is in the middle of the repair rather than hoping you are able to work it in there from the perimeter. (Useless Trivia: This was a proven method of repairing broken boards in the middle of bowling alleys back they were made out of wood.)

[@tomstiel7576]

its going to fail again

[@bevomcbevenstein]

@@tomstiel7576 Yeah, I'd leave the hose clamps, and add a few more, until it is completely replaced.

[@dansbrown1313]

I agree, when Steve said he and Robin heard the boom crack, he should have used several hose clamps and secured the boom with them, instead of the lashings. which he knows are designed to stretch under tension and take much more time to apply. Hose clamps are fast and don't stretch. However, when sh*t happens people go with what they know best and he and Robin are rock climbers, not mechanics.

[@tomstiel7576]

you can say that again@@dansbrown1313

[@blanchae]

How about a couple wraps of fiberglass also?

[@jaydubya4727]

Great attitude, dude, and good on you setting the example for all of us for respecting others, finding the positive, and tackling the necessary repairs with dedication and tenacity. I really admire you guys!

[@AcornToArabella]

That’s so kind, thank you! 🙌🌊💌

[@flyinggybe2113]

If the side tie is your only option for the winter, before the next big blow pushing you onto the dock, suggest setting a couple temporary anchors to weather and securing to robustly fastened bow and stern cleats to hold off the dock. It's a bit of extra work for each storm, but probably not as much as substantial repairs.

[@americanbaldguy]

I can see the need for therapy! You might consider getting Arabella into therapy too, she has seen some rough days... ;) Happy Friday fellas!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Being on and around boats most of my adult life, in warmer climates, I was fairly concerned about how y'all would fare up north in the winter on the big water. Luckily you're all tough and making it work. Please stay safe. Mother Nature doesn't play. Glad you made it through the storm. Looked like a rough night. Thanks, Josh!!

[@AcornToArabella]

I think part of staying safe up north of Maritimes Canada would be to not be there in winter. 😊 it was pretty rough, and thanks for your kind thoughts and well wishes!

[@camielkotte]

For many people it's hard to dock safely. I always guesstimate the possible storm directions and pick a spot. Makes a good night of sleep difference instead of easy docking. You are surely taking a beat here. I would never let that happen with my steel boat. Damage and stress. To me that would be a strain on my mental state too. I opt for ease of living, so if that harbor is willing to let you switch places to not get banged into the dock but instead have it on the nose, that would be really swell. It's almost empty after all.

[@kenhill9721]

Go on the other side of the dock so the wind blows you off the dock. There looked like a lot of open berths.

[@Gottenhimfella]

That was their situation in the last blow, and they did more damage than this time despite it being less severe weather and seastate.

[@learigg]

Regardless of what happened last time the weather side of the doc is not a good place to be in a storm. @@Gottenhimfella

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@learigg That's undoubtedly true. And nor is the lee side. One side, you load the hull and fenders more. The other, you load the cleats and lines more. Unless you have a metal boat with massive cleats welded on, and huge shorelines, and massive bollards on the dock, you're arguably in less danger on the weather side of the average dock with a frisky seastate, provided you've decent fenders *and fender boards* and sturdy topsides. You're certainly more likely to stay put. Lets face it: docks are simply not a great option unless there is a breakwater or shoreline close upwind.

[@immaculatelation]

I think they might have chosen that course, had their toerail not been torn out on the one side--and then it would have torn out this time instead of last time.

[@learigg]

@@Gottenhimfella agreed, definitely lots of opportunities to learn. If you're in an empty marina then you're probably in the wrong place.

[@PaHoHaska]

why not to reposition the boat (before storm, of course) so it would be on leeward side of pontoon? Marina looks pretty empty - a lot of free space ?

[@witerabid]

Money spent on fenders is never wasted. I'm glad all four of you are ok. 💚

[@gordonquickstad]

When I had a 32' wooden sailboat in the '60's I used rubber snubbers on the two fore and aft lines which really limited the shock of a heavy boat tugging on a taut line attached to cleats.

[@jasonestes4490]

For gluing up a crack of that sort in the mizzen boom, where it's hard to get the epoxy deep into the split - would you consider drilling a couple of holes through one side, as deep as the crack, and injecting lower viscosity epoxy into the recesses that way? You'd need to match the hole to your epoxy nozzle so you can get a good seal, and do your injection while the split was levered open as much as possible, but you'd be filling the gap from the center out instead of from the edges in. Fill the drilled hole with epoxy on the way out.

[@ravicabral2522]

As others have said, a good budget (free!) solution for when you next find yourself waiting for a storm with something hard to leeward is to get old tyres from the local tyre shop. Bind them in ratchet strapping to prevent marking the hull. It may be ugly but it works and it is free. Having just caught up with a binge watch of the last year of A&A videos, it is great to see you guys learning as you go. It is also interesting to see how your various design decisions have worked out. Pretty impressive. I love that Arabella is so balanced that she can self steer. Slocum would have been proud of you. Lucky you have video footage since nobody believed that the Spray sailed herself! Hopefully, you plan to get a sacrificial strip on your jib!

[@AcornToArabella]

There is one… it’s just the same material as the rest of the sail.

[@h2energynow]

Images and talk were so honest and truthful. Incredible journey you are on.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you, Sonya!

[@BigRedNZ1]

Well done Steve. The leaning curve continues. FYI - with a bike pump you could have a couple of deflated teardrops stashed onboard for future needs, they’re a pain to store otherwise. Arabella is a curvy lass & will always benefit from large teardrop fenders. Well done again, and happy new year

[@robm.4512]

My thoughts exactly, I’d just add that fender socks are worth their weight in sanding and painting materials too…and save a whole bunch of sunny day life for doing things that are a lot more fun. 👍

[@dennisdownes9319]

Steve....make no mistake....Call this south-blowing storm, in the middle of winter, in Harwichport a MASSIVE success!!! Many a boats took far worse damage in the middle of the summer than you did! A strong boat you have there!! DD

[@Fuhugawagah]

Hang in there steve. Its probably worth considering the amount of damage you're taking at dock and reconsidering how you ride out storms. Seek the advice of some more experienced and local sailors. It will pay dividends!

[@richardwhite4277]

just wonder if tying the boat off on the opposite side of dock where wind would push Arabella away frim dock would be a better solution ??

[@AcornToArabella]

It would, yes.

[@kerrydrinkwater3823]

I’m pretty sure you could find a more protected spot to spend the winter. We’re only two weeks into the season and another big blow is on it’s way. If that harbor freezes over and a wind storm comes, the ice will crush that boat

[@AcornToArabella]

Truthfully it probably won’t crush that hull shape. It would be havoc to the paint of course, and it’s unlikely the salt water will have much more than a skin over it, but yes, a strong storm from the southeast when this harbor is well protected from winter’s normal northerlies was not great. -Anne

[@williammuseler5542]

Did you consider setting an anchor with a brest line to help keep pressure off the dock?

[@TheOverproof151]

That would have been a good idea.... but also moving the vessel off the unprotected lee side and taking an inside slip would have helped as well.

[@karaDee2363]

I love Harwich..My aunt and uncle built a typical Cape Cod cape home after they retired and lived there for many years. I miss them very much since they have passed on

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for sharing the memory of your aunt and uncle with us, and glad we could bring you to Harwich by way of this video. -Anne

[@jimclester4754]

Steve, I’ve enjoyed today’s episode. Congratulations for all the great video content of 2023. And thank you. If it’s OK with you? I’ll just continue to travel along and enjoy sailing with you. 2024. Good luck!

[@AcornToArabella]

Of course! So glad you’re here! Happy new year.

[@65Corvair]

I love Ben's original titles each week. 😂

[@AcornToArabella]

😁

[@noahstephens7622]

And here I was, bummed that I wouldn’t be seeing any more boatbuilding now that you’ve launched. (until you build the new console roof of course!) Boy was I wrong. Love to see y’all roll with the punches. I reckon having and sailing an all wooden boat will prove to be a lifetime of boat building/repair. Good to keep your hands busy this winter. Happy trails Steve and Robin.

[@AcornToArabella]

Glad you’re enjoying what we do, thanks for being here!

[@Gottenhimfella]

I guess if you had a dive bottle with some air left, you could have used medium pressure air through a nozzle to drive the glue deeper into the mizzen boom. Also a handy trick for when anyone reading this has a future need to reapply protective coatings or sealants between planks or into joint crevices, in cases where it's somewhat reluctant to infiltrate otherwise.

[@Darrenholmes]

I would of drilled a 1/8 hole in the centre of the the boom through to the centre of the crack and forced the glue into the 1/8 hole until it oozed out around the sides.

[@AcornToArabella]

Interesting tips, thanks for sharing them.

[@hatpeach1]

The build was interesting, and I thought I understood what you were doing. I didn't. This is crazy stuff. BetterHelp makes sense as a sponsor.

[@RossWilliamsDC]

That was a bit of a blow. I guess no dock space on a lee pier? Seems like finding a mooring or anchoring out, bow-to would have been a lot easier on the boat topsides.

[@oldwillie313]

Why not wrap in fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin?

[@PaulDeCamp]

My thoughts exactly

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Arabella's Acorns. 👍👌👏 Very well done again and as always (video and work). Nevertheless: This episode was a bit painful to watch. I'm really shocked how much Arabella already suffered although only being in the water for such a short time: Mold in/on the wood in the seating area (under the cushions), loosing electric energy (hope it was only the stuffing box problem?!), problems with the alternator, new anti fouling paint already necessary, the ripped off cleat and now the broken boom. Additionally: The inside of this boat looks very chaotic to me but maybe it's only because watching it through a camera. I'm not a sailor but I would have tied the boat on the other side of the dock. So that it would be pushed away instead of being smashed against the dock by the storm/wind. I would've also taken off the paddle board because stored like this, it works like a sail. I really hope that neither Robin or Steve are suffering because their dream isn't going in a nice direction. Akiva nevertheless seems to enjoy everything a lot. I simply love this cool dog. 💚 As always: Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and especially health to all involved people and Akiva.

[@adambell2068]

I laughed so hard at the end credits and Steve’s title for this video 😂 Well done Ben!

[@AcornToArabella]

😁😁😁

[@musicbro8225]

hehe, not mine, I never had any in the first place :)

[@JDarrow999]

"Probably has at least one of your fenders." That was gold

[@billhenchy8972]

It would be less funny if it were your fenders that were borrowed and broken. I did not find it funny, and I do not need the extra work to re-fasten and replace the fenders taken from me. Some basic seamanship--secure your vessel, move it to the downwind side of the dock when it is well forecast to blow 70+ from the South, buy your own fenders rather than break those owned by your neighbors whose vessels will return to their slip in another few months. Ask the harbormaster whose property you broke so the owners do not need to find out on KZbin. Those expensive fenders cost that much when the rightful owners purchased them as well. And before the next calamity, do a proper repair on that boom--that fix won't take 15kts of breeze and the weather changes very quickly this time of year.

[@robm.4512]

@@billhenchy8972I’d agree with you, except that Steve already replaced the old sun-damaged borrowed fenders that failed with brand new items and returned the others to their rightful places. I’ve had young good fenders stolen. I’ve had young good fenders borrowed and returned cut and useless. I’ve had young good fenders borrowed and returned but not re-hung, just chucked into my cockpit. I’ve also had fenders borrowed and returned, carefully re-hung and a thank-you note along with a bottle of wine tucked into a cockpit locker, which I appreciated. What I’ve never had is an old tired fender borrowed, burst, then replaced with a brand new one, let alone two, as Steve commendably did. On that basis, he can borrow my non-essential fenders anytime and if he makes it across the pond to SW UK I’ll make damn sure he does, it seems like a pretty good gamble to me. Old for new borrowers are very rare beasts in this modern world, like unicorns. In this case a commendation for his exemplary honesty seems to be more in order. It might encourage a few others to act in a similarly decent manner in the future, you never know.

[@direbearcoat7551]

Steve is a good neighbor. Returned tools he borrowed and replaced the ones he broke. Good man!

[@davidprocter3578]

It maybe possible to repair those two fenders, ~I have over the years seen many repairs done from chemical welding patches , heat welding plastic patches with soldering irons blow guns etc to just filling them with expanding foam, not recommended.I bet if you ask around you could come up with no end of tips. Of course you can always take to walking Akiva along desolate beaches they are usually a good source of free fenders fire wood and suitable plastic patches.

[@AcornToArabella]

Love a free beach-foraged fender! -Anne

[@TheOneMinuteFix-vo6or]

Really hate seeing those beautiful sails uncovered.

[@AcornToArabella]

Not sure what milk you’re talking about, but stack packs are on their way. -Anne

[@stickshaker101]

@@AcornToArabella Well, this comment should keep me confused for awhile😂

[@oldwillie313]

You would be better off in a slip where you can suspend the boat on all sides rather than at the end of the dock where you continuously get slammed against the dock.

[@gregorychaney7604]

I was going to recommend the same thing!

[@StephenHughesJelen]

I suspect cost, maneuvering, and space availability are all factors to his choice on dock location...

[@donaldbaumgartner9621]

During my 50+ years of cruising, I learned to adhere to a firm hierarchy of mooring possibilities: 1) a slip, 2) a mooring if its condition was verifiably secure, 3) our own anchor and ground tackle. Only as a very last resort and only for a very temporary stay in settled weather would I consider rafting off to a wall or pontoon ... no fenders are sufficient to cushion the weather gods. Suggest you find a permanent slip for the winter ... you've already narrowly survived two close calls.

[@Roger-sb2bv]

@@donaldbaumgartner9621hi

[@andyhastings5950]

​@@StephenHughesJelenCost is relative. You pay up front and you can sleep better knowing your not going to wake up with a large repair. Even the hull got scraped up.

[@lory2622]

What fun! Thank you, for the 300th time for providing me with this distraction. I get to do other things today and come back to finish this later. Best wishes from Vancouver Island.

[@hockeytops]

Not sure if it's the same in woodwork, but in aircraft maintenance, when there's a crack in a surface, we "stop drill" a hole at each end of a crack to stop it from propogating. Something to consider.

[@AcornToArabella]

Interesting!

[@boooshes]

It's definitely a useful procedure in wood working. Of course, the grain structure is quite different and determining the correct positioning of the relief hole is sometimes difficult.

[@ronhowe9913]

Its true that Arabella has taken a beating but I recall earlier in the building process a conversation that the work will never be done...its part of boating life that things break and wear out. I have every confidence that Arabella is in great hands as I have seen the skill of the builder. Cant wait for the next episode.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks so much for watching. See ya next Friday!

[@rdavisrock]

I'm truly sorry for you about the damage to Arabella. One thing is for sure is she is in very capable hands. I have been watching and enjoying your channe since before Alex went his own way and before you pord the keel. Thanks for sharing your journey with us and congratulations on your engagement 💍. Love-it

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for being here! Happy new year to you!

[@theconfessionsof_a]

Great work, I love how relaxed you are about damage and repairs. Much love from England

[@Harleyhb2703]

Wish you, Robin, Akiva and you're family a Happy New Year. Greetings from the North-east off the Netherlands.

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers and happy Friday!

[@Sciolist]

Use tyres for fenders done in many places, decorate them with rope if you find them bit of a eyesore, but they are cheap and very useful solution to 'not enough fenders'

[@marckraus1710]

Chafe Protection is a must. Modern 3 strand will heat up and weaken over a deflection point. Moving up a size will work up to a point, but will reduce stretch. All fairleads should be as large as possible to be able to handle adequate chaffing gear.

[@robm.4512]

Hi Steve et al. Happy New Year from the UK! There’s plenty of others offering wisdom about weather sides of docks and pontoons in a blow so I’ll not go there. What I would offer, just as a suggestion, is an easy, quick, tried and true way to help the Mizzen Boom repair survive a mile or two until you get a chance to make a new one. Lay your hands on three lengths of roughly 1” x 1 1/4” oak or similar that are long enough to cover the length of the cracked section plus about 10” to a foot at both ends. Leaving the 1” measurement untouched, taper one face of the 1 1/4” from near zero thickness at the ends up to full section about 1” within the ends of the cracked area. Plane 3 flats 1” wide on the boom, one either side and one underneath. Drill holes every 6” - 10” across the boom into the crack, inject epoxy until it extrudes Glue and screw the strips to flats on the boom, plane/sand any corners to a kind radius. They will provide considerable strength to the failed area, the tapered ends will allow the boom a degree of bend without any hard spots that’ll just make a new failure point. If you’re bothered you can relieve half rounds out of them where your sail lashings go, or just use a longer lashing and go around the outside of them, your choice. So, to put it technically, you’ll be making three external webs to beef up the spar, quite honestly, if they’re 1” x 1” they’ll probably be fine too. Done decently that repair will take a surprising amount of load and it sure as heck costs a lot less grief than risking your beautiful young sail again to the naughtiness that a fully broken boom can do to it. The lesson really is that, before gybing, it’s always a good idea to harden up to weather a few degrees, then sheet the Main and Mizzen in, then bear away again slowly until you can pop the booms across onto the new tack and paying out the sheets again. It’s generally an idea to give them a push by hand to help them across before the wind gets on the back side of the sail and slams them over. The main thing is to have them sheeted in before it happens so they don’t have a chance to freely gain velocity on the way across, which is what hurts stuff. Hope that doesn’t all come across as knowitall, ‘cause none of us do really. We just try to pass on stuff we’ve been shown by the last old bloke who found out the hard way, it’s all a learning curve and that’s what keeps it from getting boring. Never broken a spar in my life Guv’nor, nope, not me, must’ve been the other bloke. Cheers, R. 😁👍🍻

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for this kind and detailed note, friend!

[@jimreid67]

Sitting here in Florida watching the weather channel. Looks like you are going to get another Nor’easter tomorrow. Hopefully you were able to get into slip and away from the T-head. Happy New Year crew.

[@Pocketfarmer1]

12:02 You don’t really need to replace the shackle on the mizzen sheet. You need to turn it over so the pin is not riding the horse. Then you need to mouse it.

[@johnm9285]

Glad you ended up in Haa-wich. Having lived there, I think it’s a good place for you. And ps, if you need a respite or more space, you might find a cheap winter rental, often nice with good views. Landlords are often grateful to get any revenue in the off-season.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the local knowledge!

[@TwZlr.]

I've been watching since the lead keel event. I won't stop watching while you both continue making videos. I will come to visit you in a few years. You and your team are awesome.

[@AcornToArabella]

So glad you’re on the journey with us! Thanks for watching!

[@benhetland576]

The engineer within me still can't believe you're putting the cleat back onto the toe rail ... It doesn't really matter whether you're mounting it on a 2" block or even a steel plate; at the end of the day you will still hold the entire boat by the toe rails. They might be strong, but not _that_ strong. The cleat itself should be mounted with a structural connection to the hull/framing IMHO. Maybe to the decking with some back support, or one of the deck beams would suffice.

[@GregoryVeizades]

Yeah, I'm not an engineer, but I know a thing or two, and that cleat solution will need changing before long. They should be deck mounted to the covering board.

[@Rsama60]

Another engineer and also a sailor. I fully agree the toe rails will be too weak.

[@youngbloodbear9662]

Maybe its better to have a safe failure method thats easy to repair than to risk unknown damage- at a certain point something is going to give, maybe if the toe rail can’t hold it, you don’t want it holding

[@charlestosi5199]

Hope that you mom is doing okay

[@Rsama60]

@@youngbloodbear9662 then boatbuilders over the centuries made it wrong. Imagine the following situation: the boat is docked on fenders like Arabella in this video. Now the wind changes and pulls the boat aways from the dock and all the connectins break in a safe (but easy to repair) way. If in this situation nobody is on board the boat is gone. I have a sailboat, not a wooden boat though, and all my cleats are laminated into the hull at strong points.

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Good morning A2A crew. Wow, those fenders are expensive! Bur the hen again, anything to keep her safe in a storm is well worth the money put into it. I bet the guy that got two new fenders will be pleased. Stay warm and safe . Prayers continue for your mom.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Kathy!

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Typing without glasses. Need I say more about my type-o's.

[@johnnunn8688]

@@kathywrightjohnson6804, I once burred a hen, she was not best pleased. Didn’t lay for a fortnight.

[@robm.4512]

Can’t say I’ve ever tried burring a hen but I’ve un-cast more than a few ewes in my time. What gets me is that they’re never grateful, they always totter off a few paces then look back at me with acute disapproval. Funny things, sheep, and almost never grateful for help, which is also why my shins and toes aren’t quite the way my mum knew them. 😂

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Oh boy guys! You have me laughing so hard I had to read your comments to my daughter. Funny how a type-o can create some seriously funny dialog. Thanks for the laughter.😂😂😂😂

[@susanprestipino55]

Life is a journey whereby we all learn more as we go along. Give Steve a break. He has already come further along than 95 percent of us.

[@Gottenhimfella]

Absolutely. Some of the advice being given here is (I feel) much more suited to the general case of a newbie than to Steve's particular situation - he's a highly resourceful guy with lots of related experience gained from hard climbing and mountain weather, and (as is clear from the way Arabella came together) a born and gifted autodidact with good judgement and valuable intuitions. Given the waters and harbours and remote wildernesses where he proposes to sail, it seems to me he needs to gather deep knowledge gained from weathering hard situations, rather than using local knowledge and/or exercising excessive caution to avoid encountering them altogether. If my own experience is any guide, given such a background and ambitious aspirations, it's good to tackle ambitious situations after gleaning as much as you can from the experiences of others, and then maintain a very attentive, open and flexible mindset to the evolving situation, so as to be well placed to meet potentially adverse situations resolutely and energetically (as Steve did here). One more point from my wonderful life afloat: I always take the most notice of the advice of those who acknowledge that they do not (nor do they ever expect to) have definitive answers ahead of time to every situation. But this does not stop them (nor me) musing during the long night watches on potential scenarios they have yet to meet, and using their imagination, powered by intuitions fueled by various other adverse experiences, to come up with and test ideas for ways to cope. This is not done in a gloomy pessimistic way, but in a curious and engaged and almost joyous way. It is wonderful to encounter a situation which you have never heard of nor experienced, but which is nevertheless usefully similar to something you have previously thought through in considerable detail.

[@jimjensen1414]

GLAD you both made it through that CRAZEE storm, and the boat, too !!!!!

[@tigerkzr]

That's freaking wild!! Thanks for the shot of the hanging gear! Really lets us know what the rocking is like on the inside.

[@jean-marievennin8405]

Hello, may i suggest, by personal experience, that the 2 ropes coming from the pontoon towards the middle of the boat passing through the bulwark (if it is the good word in english?) must not be turned on the cleats near this passage but at the opposite ends of the boat where the cleats are fited on the front and rear boat strong frames. (Hope this is clear, sorry my marine words in english is small!!!). This is why there is generally 2x2 major cleats at at each end of the boat. therefore the bulwark does not risk bursting as was the case. Wish a better weather to fixe broken parts.

[@Frustratedfool]

If you add glue then run a thin cord through the crack you can rub/work the glue further into the crack than usual. Just add glue at the front and work it down with the cord and repeat until you feel you can’t get any more in there.

[@raycooper9994]

This is why sailboats need to be built as strong as possible.

[@luckytoastsebastian]

You've been a joy to watch, thank you and happy journeys!

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers!

[@AccidentalSailorGirl]

Cruise repairs. These are sometimes necessary and the mother of invention 🤪 I guess if you would’ve went to the other side of the dock it would’ve been a boring video. 😂 Being at a dock even, it’s a lot to keep on your toes. Constantly moving to find shelter. We’ve had many times where we have had to pull anchor and go to a safer anchorage, and many times of not enjoying going out in it. However, for some reason you feel safer when you have water all around you… 👍 What a heck of a year for y’all 🤗❤️

[@worldexplorer75]

Happy New Year! I'm excited for all your upcoming adventures. It might be worth to ask the marina as the next storm approaches if there is a free spot in a place where you aren't getting hit on the side. Maybe temporarily anchor or moor somewhere during storms? Those side wind/water forces on Arabella must have been tremendous.

[@AcornToArabella]

It was intense for sure. Yes, I hope that if another forecast comes through like this one that a little shifting can happen! It’ll make a big difference. -Anne

[@TheBeer4me]

So fascinating to see how a wooden boat holds up over time and the amount of maintenance it takes. I wonder if mooring Snubbers would help reduce shock?

[@metaljam7197]

Owning and maintaining a boat is a ton of work, and it's a learning curve that is gained only by experience. I wonder how you guys honestly feel about it now that you have some real experience and a list of things that need to be repaired? It can be exhausting and you feel like all you do is worry about the issues and work on repairs....Hope you are both doing well with it all...

[@AcornToArabella]

I think Steve feels a great sense of pride as he uses the boat and does a balance of work that involves both maintenance and finishing up projects dreamed of long before launch, like installing the woodstove and diesel heater.

[@dannyvanstraelen3273]

Can't you drill a few opposite 45° angle set holes through the boom and glue in some costume made dowels in? I think that would be stronger than just glue down the crack, where you don't know if the parts are glued completely. Just an Idea…

[@AcornToArabella]

The irregular surface of the break is something that epoxy LOVES for adhesion. The holes/dowels you suggest, with some titebond III instead of epoxy, sound interesting. -Anne

[@fordfan3179]

Maybe next year you can winter in some places warmer and more friendly.

[@SavingMaverick55]

My youngest kid has a checkup at the Outer Cape Health clinic across Rte 28 from the marina next Wednesday at 3. Mom and him will be there and the rest of us usually chill at the harbor while we wait. Maybe we'll see you guys there! Oh, by the way nauset marine in Orleans will have all the fenders and other similar stuff you need.

[@AcornToArabella]

Neat!

[@billmeldrum2509]

Happy new year gang… on top of other interesting advice noted here, I’d like to suggest that you look at one or another line ‘shock absorbing’ solutions available to the marine marketplace. It will help you with your boat and make life down below just a bit more comfortable. 🇨🇦

[@badcat4707]

Good morning Akiva 🐺 and Crew , Happy New Year to everyone 👍🎉🎆🎊🙏😸😺

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy new year and happy Friday!

[@brucer7762]

It appears that the tiller/rudder connection seems very springy. With the tiller lashed during the storm, the rudder was still moving back and forth quite a bit.

[@Slikx666]

I've found that the various constrictor knots are good at keeping things together, my favourite is the Turkshead knot.

[@ThaJay]

Should attach the toe rail cleat to the deck. If it fits on the covering board that would be really strong. Else on top of a deck beam.

[@rick91443]

Happy Friday, as always...cheers richard Normandy, Fra.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday and happy lunch time, Richard. Hope your health is good, didn’t you have Covid a little while ago?

[@rick91443]

Yes. Am feeling almost back to normal...Thanks for asking...rr@@AcornToArabella

[@JonnieBGuud]

The fenders appear to be the woodworkers equivalent of using all the clamps 🤣

[@AcornToArabella]

Ha! 😁

[@kevinmartin3859]

Good luck with the repairs Steve 😊

[@InnerLight933]

Are you open to making a radical turn in your journey? The weather is going to increasingly get very unpredictable this winter, particularly in Maine. Would you be open to the idea of pulling the boat out of the water and going home. It’s not a setback it could be a reset.

[@AcornToArabella]

No, we won’t be taking the boat out of the water, and she probably would have been better off in Maine but Steve really wanted to be geographically closer to his mom. This harbor is protected from the north, and the boat is a design well suited to winter conditions. You mention a valid option for some people for sure! But it’s not really something we’re considering.

[@trotterpandora46]

Lesson !: Belay yr boat on board. So always be able to adjust movement and chafe. And on leaving y are in control over the last line, pref double to let slip. And y do not have to rely on shore help which possible does not understand what y want. And also very inportant do not use sharp corner for yr mooring lines. . so prevent use of cleats, and go over your obstacles instead of through applyances with a big angle.

[@Sabre2165]

Is the slip opposite you long enough for Arabella to tuck into when a big blow is forecast? It's generally preferred to be blown off the dock than blown onto it...there are never enough fenders when the boat and dock are slam dancing!

[@joecioe8566]

Nothing like the calm after the storm. Happy New Year and looking forward to 2024.

[@daverolstone5669]

Hi Steve, Turks Heads are the ideal way to reinforce the boom where you have sprung it, they can be worked very tight and are far stronger than any lashing.

[@AcornToArabella]

I fixed a walking cane for a dear friend that way. Mighty strong solution. -Anne

[@daverolstone5669]

Hi Ann, nice to here from you again we had some correspondence when you worked for WB and I did some pieces on boat repair @@AcornToArabella

[@AcornToArabella]

Ah! Hello hello!!

[@rolanddunk5054]

Hi,whenever i have tied up a ship or a boat i have put the eye ashore and made fast onboard,that way you remain in control of the lines.Is there a reason that boats on KZbin seem do it the more other way around?cheers.Roly🇬🇧

[@AcornToArabella]

I think it’s an American thing… my Norwegian friends always had to remind me and now I’ve got a new practice of doing it “the right way” 😁 (when I remember) cheers to you and happy Friday! -Anne

[@rolanddunk5054]

@@AcornToArabella A very Happy New Year to you all.Roly🇬🇧.

[@DouglasMiller-iz9yu]

I’m glad you came through that OK. I noticed you only had one spring line at the beginning of the vid. You may have added one the other way.

[@horacio1962]

Regarding a compromised spar, honestly lashing can be one of the strongest answers to repair that one can apply. When done properly uv course.

[@Fuhugawagah]

@0:32 hopefully that bronze chock will hold in a blow. I had a similar one on my boat which bent out under heavy load.

[@AcornToArabella]

Wow!

[@larrygawne3529]

Happy New Year. Hope your Mom doing better >

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy new year! Thanks for the well wishes.

[@moejaime2654]

Happy new year , and fair winds and good seas !!

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy new year and happy Friday!

[@bridgetl.303]

I was wondering if you could have drilled some holes into the crack in the boom, and pushed the Thixo into the hole with the pressure of the gun? Or would that weaken things?

[@AcornToArabella]

No, it wouldn’t weaken things I don’t think, and there are a lot of ways to go about this fix.

[@juliancrooks3031]

Happy New Year, I hope you guys have a great year sailing 🥳

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers! Happy new year!

[@philparmenter53]

Happy Friday and A2A day everybody from Plymouth UK

[@theflyingfool]

That storm looked scary! With hindsight would you have been better off deeper into the marina with the prow facing the entrance?

[@TheBearDenPhotography]

Happy New Year A to A crew/team! All the best in 2024. Stay safe, keep well, and fair winds and following seas.

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy new year and happy Friday! Thank you so much and same to you.

[@ryan_mcme]

G'morning, 'bella fam. Happy Friday and Happy New Year! ☕

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday to ya and the best new year. ☕️☕️☕️

[@lenhornsey2175]

My very best wishes for 2024 to all of the A2A crew 🇻🇨

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers and happy new year to you, too!

[@delhatton]

Why did you remove the hose clamp? Why not add a few more?

[@AcornToArabella]

They’re sharp and not really great to have on something that sweeps through the cockpit.

[@paulheitkemper1559]

A bit late, considering this is ancient history by the time we watch it, but after your experience with the other storm that broke your toe rail, I'm surprised you didn't move your boat for this storm. You're docked with all the fetch of that storm blowing across that harbor, not to mention the extreme fetch when the wind shifts to blow right in the mouth at you. I can't imagine there's a marina around that would mind if you move your boat to a vacant slip for a storm then move it back. If possible you always want to be in a slip that allows you to be blown OFF the dock instead of onto the dock. Even if you stick out into the fairway a bit much, it's not like anyone else is going to go out in that nonsense, so that becomes a non-issue. Maybe the other slips aren't dredged deep enough for Arabella?

[@robmarshall5100]

Get busy living or get dizzy dying. That's why you built the boat. You don't need to be talking to somebody that you're nuts. Go out, live life, be happy and be free. Understand who you are for who you are. You don't need to tell others if you do well then you aint living life for what it is carry on captain Steve.

[@williamflynn4954]

Would it have been possible to wrap the boom in fiberglass as a temporary fix? It just seems to me that using multiple cross-biased plys would have been much stronger than glue and binding.

[@jackrabbit5047]

Peanut gallery here advocating for future reference: you would be much better off anchored out in a storm. I would never tie up to a dock under such conditions - far safer out on the hook, especially in a nice protected cove like that. Of course, this assumes you have good ground tackle, and a decent anchor (which you seem to have) - I have not had good luck with CQR and Bruce (ooh, fightin' words?). For that boom, clear spruce will make for a resilient spar.

[@AcornToArabella]

Every ground tackle conversation is a ticking time bomb… hahahah just kiddin! Thanks for watching! -Anne

[@dwansbo]

Call to the nearest tyre fitting shop. I'm sure they will be happy to supply a couple of used car tyres at minimal cost. Fabric radials are best to make winter fenders, you probably wont mind leaving them behind when you leave!