Battle for the Sole of Thelonious II

Closed Captions [cc] corrected. Labor-intensive replacement of the cabin sole (the floor) of a 1984 Ericson Model 381 (38') sailboat, and what it says about measuring, cutting, fitting and just about finishing off the carpenter.

[@bertboyer7021]

Dear Mr. Williams, I just finished my 4th audiobook that you authored and narrated (Rarotonga) and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I've traveled with you by audiobook and KZbin to Hawaii and back, I've picked up some old philosophy books, and started listening to Jazz again. Tonight I heard an NPR story about some of your favorites (Mingus and Parker) and felt like I knew you so well I wanted to tell you about the news story. I am searching for my first sailboat at the age of 64 and you (and Walter Shulz) are an inspiration to do it now! Every time I see an Erickson 381 or 32-3 on the West Coast, I look at them carefully, and none are as beautiful as yours. I feel like you and Bobby Ayres want me to buy an Erickson and sail the Pacific ;-) You certainly must have done just about everything on your 381...so what next? Thanks for all you have done to inspire so many of us with your story telling, informative videos, and your love of jazz and philosophy. I feel lost without another book you narrated in my queue. Happy New Year and thanks for everything! ...and if you are ready to buy a new Erickson project, let us all know and we will be lined up for Thelonius II

[@svLaGloria]

I can’t tell you how much you have inspired me. In May of 2020 I bought a 1987 C&C 35 MKIII that was living in the Ala Wai Harbor in Honolulu and singlehanded her to San Diego. Since then I have done several singlehanded trips to San Clemente Island and a singlehanded return from the Islas Marias, Nayarit Mexico back to San Diego. I re finished the cabin sole this year and am now in the middle of building an integral, Coosa board and carbon fiber bow sprit to be able to fly a code zero, as well as fly my asymmetrical spinnaker more effectively from the end of the sprit. I have watched every one of your videos and have loved them all. You are an amazing individual and mariner with an incredible talent for telling a sea story and teaching others. May you have many more wonderful sailing adventures on your beloved Thelonious II.

[@glenngray1201]

See Christian , some of us just watch all your videos over an over again .. your my favorite and your certainly are a gifted man ..

[@blueskymut]

As has been said… “Old guys rule.” You are an inspiration, Sir. Here’s to you and yours. Happy new year! 🍻

[@stevenmoore4078]

Mr. Williams, you have inspired me to replace the cabin sole of my 1964 Pearson Commander (yes, I did find a wonderful sailboat after listening to your Introduction to Sailing audio book). Thankfully, the previous owner restored all of the exterior mahogany trim, but the dark cabin sole remains. The good news is my cabin sole would only require about a half a sheet of plywood. I have until April when the season starts here in Michigan. By the way, (15:59) my granddaughter calls me "Poppi", which is also the name of my boat. Great job and happy sailing.

[@davidgrimm1079]

At 19:46, your patience is admirable. I would have been digging in the neighbors shrubbery to retrieve that busted trim because that's where it would have landed after I threw it! Ugh. Great work, Christian. Aurthor Miller would have been envious!

[@patrickjames1080]

Right! - I think he flipped his work bench over, beat it with a sledgehammer, edited it out, and poured a tall Hendricks.

[@BobMacNeal]

That was a whole lotta sole. A video ostensibly about watching varnish cure held me rapt for 41:45. I tip my cap to you for your storytelling and video editing chops.

[@jimczerwinski4951]

Love watching someone around my vintage doing stuff like you do. I think we would be great mates. Unfortunately the great Pacific Sea is in between us.

[@simplicity6564]

Your sarcasm is wonderful. Per maintenance, it's a part of life. Your calm persistence is relaxing.

[@laurence9695]

Phenomenal job! Very satisfying to watch you do it. Gorgeous results. Ericson would be so proud.

[@harrysheffield624]

Hello Christian (from the UK). It's nice to see you looking well and active. It's always heart warming to hear your narrative on living the life you lead. Keep well.

[@emmamacbeth2300]

A lovely combination of skill, superhuman patience, dry humour and downright silliness. Thanks!

[@johnoshea5316]

Your videos are brilliant, great wit and humour whilst doing a really good job ! Still laughing at Epiphanies 😂

[@WJdad]

Thank you for sharing, Mr Williams! I’m slooooowly renovating/repairing my little Catalina 22. Love your videos!

[@nickpitera7891]

Tackling a DIY project can be a daunting task requiring Herculean effort. Just remember.. Veni. Vedi. Vici. Your cabin sole turned out beautifully. Bravo.

[@obxarms7685]

This is the perfect job for that stage in life where the brain starts to kick out a slow, degraded register that resembles, almost to a tee, patience and precision! The occasional cocktail seems to really accentuate the furtive nature of the whole façade nicely... I like to tell the kids at the Marina that it's the result of years of discipline and accrued knowledge. They usually buy it...

[@gawano64]

Your shop is much like mine, three fire extinguishers at the ready. I too am a devotee of Mr. Goldberg and talking a problem through out loud, it’s the best way to figure out how or how not to get things done. You have a very entertaining way about you because I just spent 41 minutes watching you replace the sole of your boat.

[@swinneytim]

There are a zillion boat maintenance videos on KZbin. Thank you for finally making one interesting enough to watch all the way through. Cheers.

[@andrewwilliams9419]

Love the 4 x 8's tied on the roof of the Audi LOL

[@kurtism9040]

I hope I can avoid that varnishing error because you've shared this. Thank you, so much! If I discover knew techniques to avoid, I'll pass them forward, to repay your kindness.

[@j.s_cabin]

It's wonderful to sail. I myself learned to walk in a boat, as did my father and grandmother. Great-grandmother was a sailor at the beginning of the 20th century, and that's how our family's sailing life began. It is a pity that we have to take our boat to the dock for the winter due to the freezing of the sea. Next week, week 1 in 2024 is predicted to be -50°C below zero, it's -58°F, that's cold even by the standards of my home country Finland. But there is a good side to lifting the boat. Fiberglass boats are allowed to dry on the deck and hull. An incredible amount of water is absorbed into the fiberglass in the summer because gelgoat paint is not waterproof, even though many people think so. I think that's exactly why your frame was wet under the floor. The solution is special in terms of structure, why aren't there even holes for water to drain into the bilge?

[@pumpc00]

Cheers on a job well done. Patience is a skill that cannot be taught. It can only be earned. A dwindling skill today. You sir have earned it in abundance. Thank you for sharing your video.

[@kentfletcher8539]

Thanks for another great vodeo! For next time, here's a tip about removing buried/broken screws: My CT56 has framed screens under the large (60 & 70 Series) hatches. They're hinged, and when I got the boat several of them had the hinges rusted frozen, thankfully in the open position. Over half of the #6 screws had the heads already stopped, and others broke off during removal. My solution was to get very small hole saw bits. They're diamond grit, made for tile work, but with frequent rinsing, I was able to drill out the screws. Filled the holes with thickened epoxy, new pilot holes and screws. Since they are covered by the new hinges, the plugged portions of the (Mahogany) screen frames and jambs are invisible.

[@jonelliott9553]

Another great Video! What an ambitious project and a beautiful completion. I pulled my floor boards up on my Pearson a few years ago to refinish and didn’t consider the damage the water in the bilge did to delamination. Big job

[@johnpascoe9728]

Finally a mentor i can relate too :) Gives me hope for the next 15/20 years. Love this dude.

[@SV-Valhalla]

Thanks so much for putting together this video. I am in the process of doing the same on my 1983 Ericson 35 MK lll. Fantastic job, it came out absolutely beautiful.

[@blueskymut]

Having a few cold beers watching again for the second time today.

[@toddwever4916]

As many KZbin channels I've watched, I normally skip the refits/ repairs as I seem to have my hands full with my 35 year old boat. But you sir are always enjoyable to watch what ever you do. A true sailor and scholar! Just wish I were on the west coast to maybe cross paths one day sailing.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

You did a fine job. Theres tricks to the trade as in everything, but you reasoned things out. And some advice for all those who are going to undertake their own refinishing projects. Lay some old carpeting down around your work area. Should you drop a piece of teak thats been formed it hopefully wont break. Christian your sole is as beautiful you're soul. The attention to detail is a sign of caring and patience. Both are best traits in a person. She looks bristol. Fantastic job. And my thoughts go out to all the people and staff of the marina. The club house is the heart of any marina. But fear not. It will be revived. Happy New Year to You and all those viewing. May this year bring everyone fair winds following seas and the prosperity that happiness brings.

[@peterkadelbach7010]

Tomato cans are my go to too. Great work. What a satisfying job. I spent a summer repairing a squishy deck. Every time I stepped on it after that it gave me a thrill. Perhaps do a final fit check before all the careful varnishing next time 🤭

[@tomvilhauer]

Emerson's ghost smiles with enthusiasm on such exercises in self-reliance! Kudos.

[@dave93793]

Thank you for the nice Saturday afternoon break time video. Floor looks great, btw.

[@jonwillard1422]

I have been quietly watching your videos over the past months as I gain momentum towards getting my first keel boat. I discarded my television years ago so find myself watching a lot of KZbin. Your soulful video on replacing the sole might be the most satisfying thing I’ve watched. Refurbishing the soul👍

[@thelivingbranch]

happy new year old sea dog - big fan of these videos glad to see ya mate still kicking strong - missouri landlock still can dream thank you for the you tube dream - the victory was 40 yrs old in 1805 - nelsons flag ship - capt cook loved the journals - love the way the inside is laid out == perfect for a live aboard - good luck mate

[@stephencoulter9205]

Nice work! Your epiphany is actually pronounced “epi-phan-ess”, which is the best varnish ever

[@promielex]

Beautiful job as always, happy NEW YEAR 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Fair winds and following seas.

[@parkerssafes]

I love this guy. So much good info for aspiring sailors. Thanks Christian. Wishing you all the best in 2024.

[@brettvassallo8293]

Just finished listening to Rarotonga-I thoroughly enjoyed it. The experience was genuinely enhanced by the superb narration! Thanks

[@markgarry7866]

Nice to see you back, love your adventures, your great story telling, your jazz, dancing, and your philosophies. Watching you since your first Hawaii crossing. Just bought my first bluewater boat a 56 Formosa, will be refitting and restoring soon in Oregon. Originally from Westchester, Redondo, and RPV. I think you live in the area...thanks again, and hoping i see you passing mdr for the haha 2024 if it happens. Please keep them coming.😊😊😊😊

[@growthandunderstanding]

Mr. Williams, on my 1986 J 35, I recently chose to use 1/2'' coosa board covered with a layer of 1/4" synthetic material that is colored to imitate the appearance of your expensive teak and holly plywood. I like that the synthetic material provides very good grip on my shoes, that I hope will prevent slipping in rough seas. The coosa board is both inexpensive, very durable, and not subject to the same wear and tear of the elements, once I covered it all in a layer of fiberglass. That is to say that I expect the coosa board to outlast me, I'll be 52 in two weeks. Any time the synthetic teak and holly-look material wears or becomes excessively dirty, I can simply cut new pieces to replace the old. Thanks for the videos. I have been enjoying them for some years now. Happy New Year!

[@richiedavis6641]

I absolutely love your videos, my friend. Perhaps oneday we can sail around together. I wish you fair winds and full sails.

[@1AloneX2]

beautiful work Christian! always puts a smile on the face to see a new alert from you! Happy Holidays!

[@jeffreybrijohnson]

Great job I love your personality William thanks for the entertainment and beautiful job on the sole !! , now let’s go sailing

[@SunshineSailing84]

Mr. Williams. You're such an example to young and the elder alike: to never stop learning! I sincerely hope you reach a 100 years old in good health so we can enjoy your videos for another 20 years.

[@elliowb2]

Great video. Thank you Christian. I always find your videos refreshing and a pleasure to watch. This one in particular because I can relate to much of what you have gone through on this project. I try to make maintenance and upgrades a fun experience However they can sometimes put one into contortions as we try to get out of that tight spot, so I can really relate. Always keep learning.

[@mlk4life]

ive said it before but ill say it again. you give me hope.

[@YenniBunny]

Of all the projects I am dreading on wth our Baba 35 refit its the sole. Nothing some Jazz and tea couldnt get through I guess. Great video thanks!

[@murraycharters6102]

Got a feeling I read a long time ago, that you were the same age as me. I turn 80 next March. If that is true you are remarkably fit for your age. Greetings from Brisbane Australia. You are an amazing man. I still ride my motorbike regularly and flew hang gliders regularly for 23 years, however my back would not let me attempt the job you did.

[@stephon4661]

😂I love the fact that you've proven that just bcuz you're of a certain age bracket, doesn't mean you can't have fun and act silly sometimes.....KUDOS to you Mr. Willams! 👍👍👍 Great educational video as well! Thanks!

[@YourMom777-x3x]

We have a 2005, 31’ Pacific Seacraft in Southern California. replacing the standing rigging. This is the best time of year to go out in the channel. Will be there soon. Hopefully we will see Christian Williams out there too.

[@music-man]

Over the years and through covid i have just loved watching you. Your humor and inspiration are what gets people through life but i must say your Dance of the drills just really topped it off to make me realise you are quite mad! Na just kidding my silly british humor. god bless you we need more people like you in the world. happy new year Christian to you and your family. cheers from the Brit in San Clemente California

[@CoachWindell]

I believe they used (and still do use in wooden boat building - see Sampson Boat Co) flat head screws is so that you could more easily clear out the slot and remove them later on, in 40 years when the next rad dude replaces her sole. 🤜❤️🤛

[@alistairdevlin9662]

You have brought back so many memories of watching my Dad building a pram dinghy and also various repairs to his Albin Vega sail boat woodwork in his garage, thank you so much for that. Brilliant work Christian! So sorry and shocked to hear on the video that the Clubhouse has burnt down. Hope there is enough funds to get a new and better Clubhouse soon.

[@stephenconway4976]

Therapy. To watch. To listen to. And to learn. Thank you Christian.

[@jameseaton905]

So wonderful to hear Arthur Miller mentioned; one of my favorite writers for about 60 years. LOL I've seen that video and I'm certain you ARE a better woodworker.

[@tw1972]

Looking at what you have done you need to be patting your self on the back for the next few years. Looks gorgeous.

[@cetterus]

Great narration, great music: so interesting to watch.

[@MarkCartret]

Great to see you back! Happy New Year. As usual I learned something that I will take to my sloop. Thanks Christian. M

[@sailavagracecharters7932]

Had a super time watching this. And learned some interesting facts as well. Thank you for all your great videos. Capt. Pete ⚓️

[@KenWallaceFilms]

Beautifully realized project! Truly inspiring. If you ever need a helping hand I'd be happy to pop down to MDR to help (and learn) from you!

[@k2smd]

You are a very brave man Mr. Williams. Your efforts have produced a finished product that far exceeds the original in both quality and beauty. And as others have stated... You are an inspiration to those who would have thrown in the towel.

[@justinmhuerta]

Yes! Good to see another video Christian. Thank you and happy new year 🎉

[@kierancurran3233]

That cheered me up Christian! 😂 Very well done. I’m off to the boatyard tomorrow to tackle a few of those jobs I’ve been dreading…

[@christip20]

I had rather do something myself because to me it’s also a waste of money to hire it done and judging by your Sole, I just can’t imagine how anyone else could have done a better job, because they couldn’t possibly “care” about the Boat or the job itself as much as you do. It’s a great feeling too! To do something like that & do it well. Most of mine are in & on a old Barn, but that feeling of accomplishment is still in essence the same soothing feeling. And now it’s time for Sailing, with some truly great Music & deep thoughts! Happy New Year to you & yours!!

[@carlosfernandes7457]

I love your videos ! Big hug from Lisbon/Portugal ❤

[@fordland08]

Like water to the thirsty, your videos never disappoint.

[@BabyRattler]

i'm happy as all the time to see a new video from you. But i'm sad again that you to far away to shake youre hand in and with all my respect. But at least now i live on the same continent) just a different coast. So thank you for all the moral power, experience and inspiration that you gifted to me by the books and this channel.

[@YourMom777-x3x]

A Purdy brush from Lowe’s is the best. You can clean it with a steel brush and it doesn’t fall apart. Well worth the investment. I’ve had mine for years and no dried clumps.

[@osten_petersson]

Glorious sanding and nice 5 layer varnishing :)

[@osten_petersson]

Uh 7…

[@Blueybob]

We are the same age. I know because of one of your videos. The quality of this job is only outdone by your flexibility getting out of that bloody quarterberth. Well done you mad bugger.

[@donandbridget]

My Ericson 35-2 was purchased after reading the Philosophy of Sailing. Such great work on the cabin sole Christian. Great to see you both in this video. Happy New Year.

[@jasonm4695]

Thanks again for another beautiful video, sharing your experience with us. Also, very sorry to hear about the marina’s clubhouse. We passed through in late November camping our way across the west, visiting the nephew currently not far at Santa Monica Beach. Enjoyed seeing the boats and clubhouse. What a bummer.

[@richarddebenedettoph.d.3769]

A labor of love You did a terrific job. Go sailing!

[@johnsmith1474]

Great work. I do finishes, always use a vacuum attached to any sander where dust might be an issue not the silly little bag. It's cuts airborne dust and as important prevents pilling of the material on the abrasive surface. Yes the acetone dissolved the can liner, it will dissolve anything, I'd not use it for cleaning a brush, ever. I could probably destroy the brush given time. Thin Epiphanes with mineral spirits or if spraying naptha (evaporates faster).

[@johnfetzer9637]

lov u dude ,,, learned a lot for this newbie wanna be sailer at 66.

[@juanjo-992]

Un navegante con muchos recursos, admirable Sr. Muchas gracias por compartir todas si experiencias. Desde Cádiz ( España ) Un devoto admirador

[@squallyheiferadventures]

Another great episode with the fine details of carpentry. Its a labor of love that looks terrific.

[@Jarek12010]

So much work, thankfully we all like this sort of stuff, don't we. I'd say though that Ericson dropped the ball here, mainly by attaching the sole permanently to the structure and fitting all those 34 trim pieces, making it impossible for the water to escape. I have a Beneteau First 35 from 1982 and the floorboards are absolutely pristine; but they are just dropped down in place, thus removable, with the added advantage of being able to peer underneath them, should something untoward be happening down there. If I were in your shoes, I would probably make the new floor boards drop in, if at all possible and forgo the trim pieces, where/if possible. Keep up the good work ;-)

[@scottcates]

Thanks for the insight. I might be buying an Ericson 381 soon.

[@richhamel6810]

Always a treat having a video of yours show up. . . Happy New Year Christian and thank you for sharing your journey. Great job on the sole.

[@cbrey]

Inspiring as always. Thank you, Christian.

[@leveneziadvm]

Thanks for making the effort in producing this video. I did our sole last winter so know the time and patience commitment. Fortunately for me, on our Little Harbor 46, the entire sole comes up in panels which are easily removed and replaced. There were 36 panels, so I did several per week through the winter.

[@flyguy437]

I can't say I've seen the drill played with such virtuosity.

[@Box52222]

Thanks for all the effort in recording this video - very cool - great job.

[@vancekeith5642]

Well done Sir! I enjoyed watching this from Avalon on a mooring while sipping on some fine wine. Every time you step on that sole you will realize the boat is part of your soul and you a part of it’s.. Happy New Year and safe sailing

[@operatorjeffdeathstar7759]

Simply an inspirational man...full stop...

[@tommycheshire5508]

Your skills to repair your boat never cease to amaze me. I’ll bet you could take the deck off and put it back on. Plus you have the best music on the internet. May God bless your strivings. I suspect peace has finally your way.

[@SailingWithVampires]

Hi Christian. It takes a lot to take on a project like this with such bravery and confidence and you certainly show it! You battle dragons well Sir!🐉

[@trep53]

Your ending comments about why do this yourself is accurate. This work is more tricky than hard but with some determination and persistence the tricks are revealed and the job is done. I particularly enjoyed your breakdown of the plywood cost that stuff is like gold. My adventure replacing my boats mahogany plywood sole caused me to completely blot out the price in my brain forever. Happy sailing!

[@mikefetterman6782]

I love boat work videos. It is half the fun of ownership! Another great episode, very inspiring, and a good job. I have always been more of a horn guy myself, Herb Alpert, Chuck Mangione, Charlie Parker. But Monk is good too. Smooth sailing from here on out! Thanks Captain Williams, thanks.

[@xrstopherpopp120]

I'm working on replacing my ugly/gross laminate countertops with Corian. As I got into the task, I realized that my entire approach to carpentry was completely dictated by the boat, as opposed to home renovating which I'm somewhat adapt. Chisels, fine cutting, niggly corners, lots of hand sanding, and a great dollop of love must be taken with marine carpentry, it would seem. I'm glad to see your experience feels the same.

[@dominicbuckley8309]

I believe the saying is that a carpenter works to the nearest 1/16 inch, an engineer works to the nearest thousandth of an inch, while a boatbuilder works to the nearest boat.

[@williamjohnson4797]

Every episode you have made is wonderful! Thank you Sir!

[@leecowell8165]

Wow what a remarkable job, sir! Done my share of walking on knees and we just ain't designed for it. And quick drying varnish is so difficult to work with as well. Yep teak is getting like gold to find. And those trees grow so slowly and in not very many places as well. There's just too many people on this rock to be honest about it. What a great job though and you did remarkably well through 40 days of patience & persistence. Enjoyed the video and you did a great job there as well. Take care.

[@unstoppable5417]

The satisfaction in doing and accomplishing repairs yourself. There’s a great sense of accomplishment and your self esteem level skyrocket’s. ( Good job 👍🏻)

[@pauleenwardbrown]

Just lighted on your vlog. How delightful! And just subscribed. As another one of your commenters said you have inspired me, our sole needs replacing and I am determined for Holly and teak. Thank you for the inspiration, ideas and learnings. Loved the 'strap' template idea. A very happy creative sailing New Year. Fairwinds and following seas

[@robertmills794]

That's a very well done job Sir! Well done indeed!

[@laurence9695]

Those varnish and epoxy fumes finally got to your brain! Epic Thelonius on Thelonis dance.

[@Coyotehello]

It seems to me that you just gained 1/4" more headroom! Great project, the cabin looks a million times better! I absolutely love those diesel cannister holders secure to the shrouds. Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@blueskymut]

Not to mention the many dollars saved in just a 1/4 inch of thickness.

[@sailingvesperonthechesapea8111]

Christian, I throughly enjoyed this video even though there wasn’t any sailing involved and I particularly like the Ryobi tool interpretive dance part too. I can appreciate the work you did because I’ve also replace the cabin sole on my E32-3, like you also did once I believe on your previous boat, but you’re E38 was much more involved.

[@mikekremer5417]

Always impressed. Happy New Year. Looking forward to seeing what you're able to complete in 2024. We own a 44' Defever. You've given me inspiration to design a hardtop using similar material

[@piotrlobacz]

The result is admirable. Fabulous work.