Cruising Conversations Episode 1 - Mike Pizl - Diesel Duck 462 Lucky Duck

[@SpecialtyRep1]

Great story.. Keep em coming..

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Thank you Trawler Life - we have more on the way!

[@nwboater3916]

Bravo! What a breath of fresh air to hear from BOTH broker and owner talking about issues AFTER the sales transaction. Congrats to Mike for taking on this passage, for choosing the ideal vessel, and the right broker to make it happen. Give us more of the same, Jeff.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Thank you very much Richard, your comments ring loud and clear. Mike and I spent a lot of time looking for the right boat, out relationship developed into a friendship and we speak regularly. He's having a ball and I'm not only keeping in touch, but having fun hearing what he's up to.

[@captainrick9379]

That was Awesome! love see more of these! Thanks Jeff!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Hey there Captain Rick! You are a consistent positive voice and we appreciate your comments, thanks for chiming in. We're on it!

[@astrodiver1]

Heck of a story, thanks for posting this. Also thank you for mentioning Mike's height, it's helpful for us taller folks to feel out the layout without stepping aboard.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Hello Astrodiver - you are welcome. Bill Kimley of Seahorse has an 80" rule - he builds his boats to have 80" head room and 80" bed lengths for taller people. Thanks for watching!

[@astrodiver1]

@@JeffMerrillYachts Well I like Bill Kimley already! He's given me 2" and I can't wait to check out a Seahorse/DD! Thank you for the reply.

[@brianprinty3662]

Great video, would love to see more like this !!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Thank you Brian

[@CEOsario]

You are very welcome...I saw those comments as well... I am a guy actually getting ready to get a trawler...I will even be at Seattle Trawler Fest this month...I like your reviews and information...Keep it up...

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

I am going to be there as a presenter, feel free to call my cell +1 949.355.4950 and we can set aside some time to talk.

[@mcanning51]

A real Marine MacGyver Captain 👨‍✈️, Thanks for bringing his journey to KZbin

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Mcanning51: Yes, incredibly resourceful!

[@PreacherwithoutaPulpit]

What an awesome vessel with a level headed captain. Were I younger and single I wouldn't hesitate to crew for him if asked. I'd love to sail with him and learn about the day to day operation of one of these beautiful motor/sail trawlers. As mentioned in the text at the end I'd have liked to hear about her sail plan and sailing characteristics but maybe next time. Captain Mike, may you have fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God's Blessings...

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Mjr Burn: Very nice compliments for Mike, he would have loved hearing that. Thank you!

[@tomaberle9939]

Great Video

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Thank you very much Tom!

[@eye4662]

great video thanks for making this

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Thank you Loren. I think people enjoy hearing about what can happen when you travel on a long trip. Mike did a great job of keeping it all together.

[@eblakeny]

If I ever take a bare boat any were I'd love to have Mike with me He's the Man.. Good luck sailing to you

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Ed: Agree, Mike is one of the most capable and resourceful people I know!

[@cherrypickerguitars]

If only I had the dough! I’d rechristen mine “Daffy”. I love me these clam crushers! Safe and unstoppable - my type of vessel!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Daffy - I like it!

[@TheMrJackpinesavage]

Mike is such a cool guy to have you back on board to recap the trip... I hope he is still there for the next couple of week we will be heading that way and I would love to troll the docks looking for that boat ... I believe it to be the coolest boat around and is on the top of my list for retirement in 3 years

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Thank you Mr Jack! We are fortunate in that our clients become friends. It is a fun process and you get to know people really well. If you send me a direct email to [e-mail] I can try to introduce you to Mike. He may be out cruising the islands, but he's very proud of the boat and a wonderful person whom you will enjoy even better in person. Thanks for watching, there are a lot of great Diesel Ducks out there and three years will fly by.

[@hansc.4175]

Hats off to Mike for his problem-solving skills! Hope I'm that resourceful when we go cruising. (p.s. Barbie says 'hi.' :-)

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Hello Hans! Yes, Mike is brilliant on fixing and solving, not easy when you are in the middle of the ocean. Hi to you and Barbie!

[@7884mac]

Good job Jeff. We had our engine shut down twice on a 11 day passage from Malaysia to Sri Lanka due to contaminated fuel then the fuel filter on the pressure side of the fuel pump started leaking. We made it though. Diesel Duck Dora Mac 462 hull # 5.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Hello Randal! I was just with Bill Kimley the last two days up in Richmond aboard a Coot 38 (Pacific Sail and Power Show) and he was telling me about you. I've seen your adventures on the internet and though we haven't met in person I feel like I know you. Contaminated fuel is tough to work around. On Lucky Duck it was just air introduction into the fuel lines (I guess in a way that is contaminated too!) but much easier to purge once the problem was methodically diagnosed by isolating one potential problem at a time.

[@loslosbaby]

I swear, I want the same thing on "hard core remote" diesels every, single time: dual-pre-filters, with A/B valve! Big, high-flow, with common filters. I swear, on my 1985 PT-36 Wanderlodge, the previous owner had "hardened" the fuel system with this setup, and an in-line fuel polishing setup with the SAME THING on the return to the 300gal tank. I had algae in my tank develop, but, without this setup I would have been stuck. I tow on a front-kneeling RV (air system on all three axles) requires a slider trailer, like for bulldozers...$$$. I say "thanks" the more experienced and cynical operators out there.

[@CEOsario]

You know with your knowledge of Ducks...And knowing that George has passed...Maybe a video on him and his works would be great? Have you read his books? My favorite is "Cruising on Land". I had the pleasure of talking to him a couple of times.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Great idea on a Buehler video, let me think about that some more. Yes, I have read the books and they are inspiring.

[@JulianIbanez13]

Well, Jeff, I got to take my hat off to you. This is the best selling video I've ever seen, period. Were I on the market for a trawler without a doubt a phone call to you would have been my first action.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Malanga: Thank you!

[@CEOsario]

Great video...Thanks for sharing...

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

WSario - Thank you for your positive comment. I was disillusioned from the previous two negative comments slamming me for "interrupting". I wish people could provide constructive comments that are meaningful instead of bashing just to see their name in print. Have a great weekend and thank you very much for watching.

[@iq6840]

Always bring many hoses and hose clamps, fluids, prop, filters, and an AIR STARTER for the engine, it's essential. Anyone here me, an air starter, talk to your engine manufacturer for what they recommend. Extra steel plate and a welder.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

IQ: Being resourceful does help make the cruising more enjoyable!

[@loslosbaby]

Fail by fail, it turned you guys into 1600's sailors!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Greg, being resourceful at sea has helped many a sailor reach landfall. When it all goes out the window you do get reduced to the 1600's. I don't know how the original explorers did it, but things certainly have improved.

[@loslosbaby]

@@JeffMerrillYachts Makes me think about the tubing, benders, flare tools, flare wrenches... and also some parts for a "gilhoulie" like he made. Different adapters, hose, clamps, etc...and even a multi-diameter double-male adapter. A working fix is a beautiful fix!

[@markw9679]

1 litre /nm is very effcient what would it fall to if the sail plan had been fully utilised in say 10 knots average TWS? 0.5l/nm?

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Mark: I think the sail plan is the secret weapon, but that is a math problem I'm not able to calculate for you.

[@pocketcruisersailing]

Kudos to Mike for putting up with constant interruptions!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Paul: Understood.

[@Trevorburk1]

My dream boat here. If it were only red.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Hi Trevor - Have you seen Moby Duck? She is a later model DD462 that we used to have listed for sale (no longer) and we did a video of her - she's RED!

[@Tanglangfa]

Where does one learn how to do these repairs? I wouldn’t know where to start. Great video!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Tang: Mike's skills are based on years of mechanical play - it's kind of a McGyver talent, I don't think you can just sign up for a class in this type of trouble shooting!

[@Tanglangfa]

@@JeffMerrillYachts fair enough but if I want to own a trawler sized boat, I’ll have to get the knowledge somehow

[@zarnell]

At the University of Do It Yourself.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

@@zarnell That is one of the best places to learn!

[@jasongrinnell1986]

Experience

[@adrianrubi5012]

Diesel Ducks have KETCH rigs/sails?

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Adrian: Ketch or Sloop are most popular.

[@adrianrubi5012]

@@JeffMerrillYachts thanks

[@loslosbaby]

I wonder on these dual tank systems, if there's a front-to-back transfer system, and if it runs through a polisher.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

I believe there are four tanks on this model (can't remember off hand) so you can transfer diesel through a Racor fuel filter (technically not a polisher) to balance the trim and to filter impurities.

[@CEOsario]

I will thanks.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

See you in Seattle!

[@scottheitmanmarinesurvey3557]

I wish you guys explained that seachest at his feet. Ive never seen that arrangement before

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Scott: The seachest is a cool way to distribute cooling water. We were just giving an overview of the boat and not “selling” it.

[@CDNRower99]

This guy's a real MacGyver! Too bad that the autopilot wasn't caught/fixed from survey.

[@CDNRower99]

BTW Jeff, this was a GREAT video.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Silas - yes, Mike is truly a MacGyver. It was the steering tubing that was dripping and the tube broke when the fittings were tightened. Technically not the autopilot. Hindsight always -maybe deal with the drip (wrap with Rescue tape - a band aid) while at sea and then take on the surgery after you are safely ashore. Can you imagine finding and fashioning the rubber hose to fit? Amazing!

[@br5498]

Yeah that's been my point with surveys for a long time our survey is it worth crap he's just a guy that's coming on board who doesn't love the boat and doesn't hate the boat he's just inspecting the boat....... That's why all surveyors boat House car no matter what the inspect have that little disclaimer that they aren't responsible for nothing....

[@nicolasbouyiouclis4726]

Ok I enjoy the interview and the conversation along with the very good fixing skills of Mike, But am I the only one that didn't get it's filled with the viewing of the ship? The interior nor the exterior of it! Usually when I watch a video of this kind [and I watch LOTS of..] I have a clear view in my memory box of the vessel for quite some time after words... On this one that have watched it for a third time so far, I'm still missing something.. I don't know whether it's not having wider shuts on the inside or what... ..on the outside video, I only remember Mike seating on the deck chair and all the buildings surrounding the port... Sorry! I would like to see a new video of this very nice vessel if I could, the in and out of it...

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Hello Nicolas, thank you for watching and commenting. The concept of this video was to hear about Mike's passage from WA to HI. I didn't know when we got there that he'd have so many "exciting moments" to share and that became the story. This is not a typical boat for sale tour, it was an interview to discuss how this very talented man in his very capable trawler crossed the Pacific. We tried to show some of the boat so that the viewer could have some perspective, but the entire interview could have been conducted in the pilothouse with no boat tour, but we wanted to mix things up and show some of the boat as well. Thanks!

[@nicolasbouyiouclis4726]

@@JeffMerrillYachts thanks for your response friend, I totally understand and I very much enjoyed watching the video, it's just that I personally care so much about this tipe of plder boats and I was hoping to see it also... No worries, it was a fantastic experience... Thanks again

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

@@nicolasbouyiouclis4726 We will have a future opportunity to film another Diesel Duck - when we market one for sale we do a thorough Talk-Through video to explain the trawler.

[@JulianIbanez13]

I don't know if it is the one Jeff refers to, but I did see a video of this same boat about a year ago, in fact, I remember it was crossing oceans or something like that. I tried to find it to post it here but I was not able to locate it in Utube anymore.

[@andrewfree5580]

This dude is 6'4 how tall are you

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Andrew: I'm closer to 5'11".

[@harbourdogNL]

Sorry, and not trying to be rude, but right after he bought the boat from you, on his first trip the plotter, auto pilot and engine failed, and you guys are still on speaking terms?

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

HDog: Mike and I discussed all of this. He admitted he should have waited longer to get familiar with the boat before attempting the crossing. Used boats have faults, what works during the survey may not last and eventually almost everything needs to be replaced.

[@harbourdogNL]

@@JeffMerrillYachts Thanks for the reply. I quite enjoy your channel (and am subscribed, of course!)

[@scottheitmanmarinesurvey3557]

Also I dont think that the autopilot was involved in the steering leak. Rather I suspect that the steering lines to the helm pump failed. Kudos on that repair. Stallion.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Scott: You are correct. The tubing holding the hydraulic oil that ran to/through the autopilot is what failed. Incredible repair job by Mike, not everyone can do that!

[@loslosbaby]

I've learned the hard way: you want diesel in your life, learn all about fuel, filters, learn how to flare tubing, and have plenty of it, and real flare nuts and NEVER USE A CRESCENT WRENCH! No kidding! Get flare wrenches! Amen!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Greg, agree that you should have the right tool for the job BEFORE you leave the dock, but when you have to make changes on the fly you use what you have!

[@raymondnoya5653]

You can fix anything with a good Crescent wrench.

[@georgeh9967]

great boat, unfortunately if you are in uk or europe you could never afford the fuel, to go anywhere.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Hi George. Thanks for watching. One the terrific advantages of the Diesel Ducks ,something that I completely overlooked while talking to Mike is the sail plan. These DD's have unlimited range (as long as there is wind). Fuel costs are always important, but boats with diesel engines are so common and popular that the key is to find an economical package (especially if you intend to cross oceans) and minimize fuel consumption - DD's are very efficient and have incredible range.

[@tracytimberlake6588]

Maybe he should consider changing the name of the boat. LOL!!!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Tracy: Everything is working just fine now!

[@johnmcmart]

Dont use compressor for the sound (vocals bumping awful)

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Mojon: Are you referring to the recorded audio?

[@loslosbaby]

Rule #91: Don't ignore anything you can perceive.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

I like it, lots of these rules we learn the hard way and are reminded that we already knew them!

[@lorandlayton1756]

What kind of an interview is this ? tell him what problem he had and then tell him how he fixed it ? Why don't you just shut up and let the man tell "his" story about "his" boat and "his" trip. You make it sound like you don't even want to be there .

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Lorand, I loved every minute of my time with Mike and was fascinated to hear Mike tell about his repairs. I admire his perseverance and determination. Have received many positive direct email comments from viewers who appreciate the honesty about what happened. Not sure what your offshore background is, but it's not uncommon for something to happen at the least convenient time. Thanks for watching.

[@JDS11ify]

If you stopped interrupting the gentleman it would be a lot smoother, and you would not piss him off.

[@merliclovis]

Came to say the same thing let the man talk for goodness sake!!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Jedgar, that is two negative comments in a row, I hear you. I can assure you Mike was not "pissed off". Thanks for watching.

[@pieternaessens2815]

@@JeffMerrillYachts there’s always the one “negative Nancy”, so don’t worry..

[@fatherthomas1575]

No engines didn't stop you from raising the mainsail....

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Father Thomas - I completely missed asking Mike about the sail plan and you raise a great point (hoist a great point?) that the sails may have given momentum and stability.

[@johnbecay6887]

Why does Diesel Duck make their systems so interdependent? Why can't the boat steer without an autopilot. Dumb design.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

John: I don't think your comment is fair, sorry if my video is confusing. The boat steering was lost because the hydraulic fluid line for steering was severed and has to be repaired. You can't hand steer or auto pilot without the hydraulic lines. Thank you for watching! Very capable boats, I'm sorry you got the wrong impression.

[@johnbecay6887]

@@JeffMerrillYachts i was confused, i apologize. it seemed to me the boat could not be steered manually because they lost the auto pilot. i admire the owner figuring this out while getting tossed around in the north Pacific.