Facing our BIGGEST REPAIR (Toe Rail Replacement) | Sailing Florence Refit Ep.175

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

A way to verify that none of the bolts are making contact with the toe rail and stanchions is to use an ohm meter to make sure there is no continuity between the toe rail and the stanchions. One lead on the stanchion the other on the toe rail! This will insure that that the insulator is in fact working. However with salt water making contact with both parts you may not be able to prevent the electrolysis. 😀🛫

[@richardclegg8027]

Can you use a sacrificial anode?

[@DenisW-cz9qg]

Your refit just shows again the wonderful bond you to have, there are no captains nor first mates on Florence just two wonderful people who love fully each other and what they do. You are an inspiration for many, thank you. Denis

[@jaimealexandermeneseshuert6581]

100000000000% agree!!!😉

[@alofns]

I can't begin to understand how much work this refit is, however, you are doing a fantastic job and I am really enjoying the series. Well done!

[@Anton-tf9iw]

I can't begin to understand why Matt wanted to do a half rebuild.

[@timothykelly7974]

I know that you are heading north into the arctic regions when your yacht is ready. I am pretty sure that your vessel is ready for the challenge.and I applaud your decision to head this way. As one sailor who has spent many years on merchant vessels in this region, I must say that the weather conditions north can be pretty dreadful, even in the arctic summer. When I heard of your plans, I thought that you should rethink your route, I was on a 25000 ton tanker heading north up the coast of Norway and we were hit by the most dreadful storm which made us stop and turn into the wind. We spent days on low power dodging mighty waves. I felt safe in our big ship but I really think that your vessel would struggle in those conditions. Many years ago when I was in the Royal navy, We spent a couple of months touring around the Pacific islands, visiting magical clusters of enchanting islands, including Fiji, Kiribati and many others, this is where you should go. Most of the pacific islands are now tourist hot spots but there are still many that are untouched.

[@moviesfan5513]

Maybe send them an email, if it is too risky.

[@Gladtobemom]

On my dad's boat, he drilled and put in neodynium magnets around the windows. He has shades made of sail cloth and also some made by cutting up those insulating/reflective shades that you put in cars, he just used snaps set with a grommet setter and they stick to the magnets. They've worked out great, he just pops them into place and they stay inside.

[@georgehockaday7584]

get an manual impact screwdriver impact to keep on your boat. They are amazing. You will wonder how you did without. Set direction and smack with a hammer. They are about $25 USD

[@ranger2316]

Oh, to be able to bend down and work on my knees again. I am amazed at what you two get done together...and that you're still talking to each other! Congratulations on your progress!

[@patriciathorp4911]

Industrial standard Knee Pads recommended for this type of job ...Trust me, I know 😅😂

[@farmerjimbob67]

She will look stunning when she’s done. Bravo! 👍👍

[@mattw785]

Love the DIY approach. Skills that you'll never forget.

[@andrewseaman7012]

I found removing silicone quite an easy and quick job with silicone remover. That is quite a strong solvent and will remove all rests of silicone even the bits adhering strongly to the surface of the gelcoat. Cleaning the gelcoat of most bedding compounds is also quite easy using petroleum after removing excess compound. Acrylic windows are NOT recommended as they tend to develop a craquelée in sunlight and/or cracks, as in your case. Macrolon is the right material for that job. It is MUCH stronger. The best solution in my view is an opening window/porthole with a proper outer metal frame well bonded and screwed to the hull, with the pane of glass. The cross ventilation you get in the cabin in hot climates is worth the extra cost IMHO. Bye the way, the plastic distance plates for the stanchions should leave a generous space to the toerail so as to allow water to drain away. You didn't address the way you intend to isolate the toerail bolts from the body of the rail itself, as the bolts are of ss steel.

[@moviesfan5513]

Amy is a rare woman who is so skilled, handy and industrious. Matt you should protect her at all costs.

[@kevinpeterson5778]

Fun to watch. To stop window condensation have you thought of an inter window?Basically double plane. It works

[@iainhunneybell]

I can honestly say I have never seen such clean, shiny, pristine toerails, and the windows and steering pedestal look amazing. Hard graft, but what an amazing improvement, and they’ll be nothing you don’t know about Florence at the end of this 😊

[@baukevandijk61]

Maybe its a little bit to late, but to prevent galvanic corrosion you could use ceramic grease. The best is Staburag NBU 30. We used it in trains. Further you can use nylon flanged/shoulder isolation washers. Love your channel!

[@Tomm9y]

Also Duralac Anti Corrosive Jointing Compound is good. I like the idea of flanged washers too.

[@davidnichols147]

The new Lewmar steering station is absolutely delightful, so convenient having the factory so close. This refit has taken on a whole new dimension, the ability of a team is quite apparently here as was your episodes around the world on Florence. We all are inspired with the attention to each detail, not cutting corners, and your ability to exhibit a product well done.

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Your attention to detail and not cutting any corners at all, is a testament to the integrity that you both bring to everything you do, and have done, on your sailing adventures. That takes a whole lot of discipline and determination indeed. Well done for all of that, cheers!

[@yowser8780]

Stainless into Aluminum ? Loctite (243 + others)... and Never-seize. (Nickel formulation.) I'd abandon any 'Phillips' head screws for Hex. Kinda late advice tho.

[@richardkohut4309]

I own a aluminum boat. When I use stainless bolts I put heat shrink tubing on the threads where they contact the aluminum. This has worked well isolating the two dissimilar metals.

[@trhosking]

For that steering pedestal, check out ceramic bearings. Expensive but far superior to steel, especially for corrosion resistance.

[@vandalorian8777]

A tip on dealing with stainless steel into aluminum is to install stainless steel threaded inserts into the aluminum first. Amazing job on the toe rail. The only thing I might have added to the process is that once the rail was preliminarily attached to the boat I may have used a heat gun to release the stress in the aluminum.

[@georgeburns7251]

You know what you are talking about.

[@robinvoice-ln4rh]

All these bolt holes through the deck worry me, hope they are properly sealed to avoid water ingress. RV

[@simplecountrydrummer]

I know exactly how much work this refit is. In fact the things you are replacing were all easier to do the first time when the boat was built. However you are doing a great job and doing it right. I personally have a different sealant I like to use for some of the things but as you mentioned you use what you can get where you are at and I am sure it is just fine. Great work

[@ScotChef]

Florence 2.0! she already looks amazing, well done 🎉

[@LPay-jy8mx]

Congrats to you both on the great progress! Amy, this episode gave me extra inspiration to see you in full work mode in the yard, and to be reminded what a capable, badass beautiful woman you are (meant as the highest compliment!) with your equal force of intelligence, quick initiative, and skillful physicality. Of course, that's visible whilst sailing, but in a different context. It's inspiring to see you in action on land too. What an awesome role model you are, just by being yourself. Lee

[@exae352]

When you get the boat in the water don't forget to recalibrate the compass.

[@humblestever24]

If you were to sail the Great Lakes instead of the Artic it would ease corrosion problems. : ) Also please remember to check the keel bolts. Also cotton trousers are more comfortable to work in than jeans. Great work you two !

[@tomatobrush3283]

New drinking game, every time they say sailing around the world, take a drink.

[@geraldfelchGoose]

Why go dry that long

[@ingriddoorn1201]

Love seeing you working together and bringing Florence back to her beautiful self⛵️

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

Whenever you are about to put glue or sealant somewhere, always brush it evenly so it is on every milimeter instead of making zig zag patterns. It will make the final results better.

[@SamuelKTennis]

When yo9u are bending tubing wrap a coil of wire around the tube (think of a spring) tightly, and then apply the pressure. Talk to some old fashioned machinist who might have vastly more knowledge than I do, I was but a wee apprentice when I saw this done. And we had access ro a lathe to make the winding easier and very accurate.

[@di3352]

The work you are both doing is fantastic. 😊 I do get squeamish though. Please stay safe while working. My partner had a fall of 3 metres a couple years ago, and he still has much pain. I love your videos, you are both really inspiring. ❤

[@philkakid5617]

I was a boat builder for over 20 years. One of the things that we made sure to do was to bed in a non-adhesive sealant any hardware that might need to be removed. This included cleats, rub rails, toe rails, and the like. We never used adhesive sealants on windows and port holes.

[@briantrei6488]

Since, you already have the toe rail in place, this is just a fyi, a UK company that also supplies extrusions to outfits like BAe would also have been able to bend the toe rail. Your toe rail is just like an extrusion that is in a variety of places in an aircraft, except in an aircraft they can have any stresses bent into them(you did) because stress cause the extrusions to fail. They first pull the extrusion to yield and then bend them to shape. I would imagine that there are a variety of shops in your area that could have formed the rail for you. Just a FYI.

[@IIAShadowII]

For stubborn screws like that look into a impact driver. It's like a screwdriver you hit with a hammer.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Oh yes we tried that one thanks. No luck...

[@jdarrellsteele3264]

Love the channel and watching your adventures. Windows look great but for others thinking about changing out windows, you may want to consider not using any screws and using 3M VHB tape to hold the windows in with no holes. It's the stuff that holds windows on skyscrapers and is plenty strong. I did this on my refit and used a bead of Dow 795 or 295 (similar to Sikaflex) around the perimeter as well.. No leaks. I do actually like the look of your windows with the screws though.

[@neil3589]

She is looking amazing already, those toe rails are stunning and it’s all coming together. Well done not long now.

[@Tomm9y]

I have found Duralac Anti Corrosive Jointing Compound good for creating a barrier between dissimilar metals. Particularly with spar fittings. I would recommend using it as preventative step for example on your new steering binacle, and renewing it during maintenance.

[@alearnedlife]

Congratulations on the toe rail! I appreciate your explanation of techniques. Keep up the good work

[@coonahan4judge]

I love your refit videos. Getting to know more about Florence is a real treat.

[@tomchristensen8619]

always blows me away, that old-fashioned slotted screws are still used in marine applications. 🤯 Just love how thorough you guys are.

[@garywinslow2973]

You guys are good! I am hoping you are enjoying your fine progress as much as we all are just in viewing! Florence will be the finest 37 foot superyacht on the Earth's oceans!

[@MrCrabbing]

That looks a bit like the boatyard where GRP Versatility range of fishing boats used to be built. I did some windows like that on a GRP cabin and used two M6 stainless washers on each bolt to give me the clearance for the sealer to form a gasket and stop squeeze out and they were ok.

[@Francis-hc2fv]

love the videos, look forward to every one! good luck :)

[@johnbosworth777]

lovely to see Florence coming back to life. Cant wait to see her back on the water

[@Stikyj]

Hi guys. I would suggest you can use some (not much)oil or lubricating grease to prevent the screws to stick into aluminium. Eventually it will but if it sealed it will last much longer time. Great job

[@liamegan4303]

Hi Matt and Amy. The toe rail looks great 👍. Nice one, Kev, lol. Jesus thats alot of bolts 🔩 in and out Guys. My knees would be in bits. Anyway great progress and chat soon 😅🇨🇮👋👋👋

[@cutaway7405]

You 2 are doing a Great job on Florence! You'll be So Happy when you're sailing again on a stronger safer Florance!

[@davidbamford4721]

What you need is a ‘Jim Crow’ which railway fettlers use to bend rails.

[@martineyer5336]

Geez I am enjoying this more then watching you guys sailing 😂 you have moved the refit along very well.

[@badgersupdate]

Guys see the latest episode of the B1M . The Faroe Islands are a must visit up North

[@Grahamcracker6366]

I’m excited to see the upcoming adventures. I even like watching all of the hard work it takes to keep Florence the beauty that she is. Great job, y’all!

[@JohnResalb]

It's already March - how time flies.! Everything takes longer than forseen. But I've given my usual thumbs-up to encourage you along through your hard work.

[@jameskelly5973]

The only thing I can say is….impressive. Very well done guys

[@stevemellor7989]

Wow, a massive undertaking!!! She'll be like a new boat when you're all finished.

[@SandyCurrie865]

Great video. I loved the innovative problem solving techniques you come up with. I ran Lewmar Marine in Canada years ago and used to visit Havant frequently. I loved the place and also enjoyed the local pubs in the area. Why not call Lewmar and have one of their service engineers visit Florence to service all the Lewmar gear and check the cable connections in the new pedestal? You’re loyal Lewmar clients, local and it would be to their advantage to spend 1 day offering you some TLC and customer support. Just drive by the factory and ask…. They shouldn’t hesitate to say yes!! There’s nothing like a satisfied client!!!

[@CooyaBeach]

Add Tefgel to every stainless aluminium interface. Be it screws, bolts or stanchions.

[@stephenburnage7687]

Or lanacote

[@abeare9616]

You'll be glad you've done that toe rail. It's a monster job but ultimately worth it.

[@bertsanford7943]

Funny you mention knee pads. I put those on first for any project on the boat because it seems I'm always on my knees 🙂. Also, very much enjoy your videos. Love the storytelling and the quality of them. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Coleen_West]

Wow... looking at Florence @04:04 you can see that she has some nice lines. Removing that dark non-skid and having the deck and side so bright white, reveals her natural line and she is actually not "pudgy" but sharp and bright. When laden down she starts to look different. This current look is great.

[@Lokia234]

one of my dream sailing .

[@jonathanscott550]

Hello Florence already is looking better. Can't wait to witness the finished work. I said before 6 months is a tight timeline and hopefully you make it. Enjoying your travels and looking forward to your travels ahead of you .

[@timallen6025]

Your windows look better than any I ever put in .. Nicely accomplished tow rail and pads too.. soo often the competent owner has the motivation and patience and tools and investment to do a really sound job. And you guys have so clearly grasped all the techniques along the way ..

[@bootybandy]

At last. Some smiley faces afetr the doom and gloom of last weeks video. Well done guys.

[@tomcraddock244]

I was hoping you would sell Florence,find a bigger boat and fix her up.but your rebuilding your home and knowing how you two are she’ll be better than new!! Fair winds

[@clarebailey]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing and taking us alongside!

[@bitcoinbilly]

you guys are amazing. Both of you are masters, im in total awe of you both, been watching you from the beginning and look forward to every episode

[@ED3]

❤ the video. Lots of work done. Should be proud.

[@terenceacton5803]

Very professional job. Well done👍

[@beasawade6032]

Incredible work you have to do hope you had some fun too ❤

[@johnnyjoe0515]

you guys amaze me. is there anything you can't do? been watching you for years and am looking forward to years more. can't say i'm very excited to see you going north though. but it will certainly be an adventure.

[@michelpaulcote156]

You are absolutely amazing and inspirational as a couple! Thanks.

[@charliemcgrain]

You guys atre doing great. Well done!

[@superformOG]

As an Aussie, if i could offer I piece of advice, always apply sunscreen to the back of your hands when you go out on deck!

[@Sailor_Greg]

Awesome Video, you're really cracking on!

[@pnwcruiser]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing your efforts!

[@ashtontechhelp]

You may have already solved the curtain problem - but I would suggest neobdymium magnets drilled into the fibreglass, then either single magnets or magnet stripping or steel in the curtain fabric.

[@jamesburdett2644]

Fair play to you both, fairly formidable tasks. I'm terrible for delaying doing work on my sailboat

[@grahamemason9955]

Well done both of you, she’ll look amazing when you finish her refit 🎉

[@philipmasters7491]

10.35 marvellous just how it should be done, raised a smile!

[@PNWwonder]

Looking good, I have my fingers crossed you will eventually make it the coast of the PNW in the United States, specially Oregon, hint, hint 😊

[@brianwhalen7783]

Looking great, keep up the good work. Great video as always! The step by step of the repairs is great to see, thx!!

[@stevelambert7496]

Really interesting episode thanks for sharing love seeing the progress

[@iainhunneybell]

“Hopefully never to come off again … ever!” There was a LOT of feeling in that “ever”!

[@swalemouth]

Nice job but surely thermal insulated blinds,impossible to make into a vapour barrier (unless inside double glazing?) will keep the acrylic colder and increase the condensation,out of sight .Our acrylic windows are certainly overthick at 10 and 12mm but don't seem to engender condensation.

[@georgemorris9971]

Great progress!

[@svZia-Switch51]

Nice progress!

[@user-qq2ym4fe4n]

Didn't see if you used Duralac or a similar isolation paste between your alloy toe rail and stainless bolts? If not, you may still be facing future corrosion issues unless your sealant is going to keep the two metals fully dry where they meet. A tube of Duralac will last a long time, and I use it everywhere I fit stainless bolts into aluminium fittings etc.

[@stanleybest8833]

John Deere greased AN2562 and thicker TY6341 are excellent choices for librication and corrosion painting on insides of castings. You will soon be replacing the ABS plastic, so start looking for a substitute. I'd have used 3003 L for toe rails and bent them like railroad iron, except I'd have clamped them in wooden blocks.

[@william6526]

I was thinking people might want to purchase a small piece of the old toe rail to have a piece of florence to display or just own . Just an idea to maybe help you fund the refit.

[@RenegadeADV]

The toe rail is looking great! I think you will have an issue using PVC there as PVC gets brittle outdoors, granted under the stantion that process will take a lot longer. Personally I would have used UHMW as it is more UV resistant than PVC and does not get brittle over time.

[@amoret6108]

Well done with the toe rail and lucky you with the pedestal, it only took Lewmar 10 months to deliver a replacement pedestal for me, that and a lot of phone calls.

[@norman4991]

Well done, great job on the toe rails, I'm about to replace my wooden rails... Wonderful channel. Thank you

[@Boediprasetya]

Nice Refit Project.... Greeting from Indonesia⛵⛵⛵⛵⚓⚓⚓⚓

[@mikefetterman6782]

Florence sure is looking pretty. Like she went to Beverly Hills to see "a dentist" lol. So happy for the both of you and filled with envy (not the work, but the finished product) for me. Hoping to see you someday after I win a lottery or sweepstakes and pass you in an Ovni 370 or similar. Many sunrises and sunsets to both of you and Florence.

[@howardwinrow62]

Hi. Congrats on installing the new toerail. I know how hard and time consuming it is because I have re-bedded the teak toerails on my Morgan 42. l had to fill, fair and re-drill at least a dozen holes where there was a conflict with either a bulkhead or the Genoa track which obviously had been installed last. No wonder it leaked for 30 years!😅😅. Lovely job on the windows as well. Isn't it great when you can see out of your boat again? And they say plastic is for ever, I think not!

[@billb2176]

Super well done guys :-)))

[@tianriseng1453]

Good job!

[@patrickjames1080]

Brilllllliant - Thanks for sharing ⛵️ 👍

[@kimphilley621]

Your doing nice detailed WORK.

[@Chris97302]

I have to admit gelcoat is one of my most worrisome projects needed on my boat.