Trouble at Sea. It happens in threes... Free Range Sailing Ep 188

They say things happen in threes...
00:00 Sailing outside Ningaloo Reef
00:49 Introduction
02:04 Our Rubbish Compactor
04:32 Trying Not to Run Aground
08:07 Problem 1. Autopilot Service
09:53 Problem 2. Corroded Exhaust Pipe
14:43 Exiting Exmouth Gulf
16:01 The United States VLF Towers
18:04 Whales
18:47 Kite Boarding (@thecruisingkiwis)
19:10 Problem 3. Watermaker Catastrophe
This video filmed in July 2021
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Pascale has put together a FREE 40 page Provisioning Guide. The Guide explains and provides examples of how we can travel eating a variety of healthy and delicious meals for up to 6 months at a time on our tiny boat with no resupply. There has never been a better time to start learning how to increase the food storage potential of your home. I hope this guide will inspire you to make more informed long term provisioning choices for the future! For more information visit the Provisioning Page on our website ( www.freerangesailing.com/boat-provisioning ) or to grab a copy directly by clicking on the link below.
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Music Credits
All music sourced from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
On the request of one of our patrons we put together a playlist of some of our music on Spotify. Follow along and listen here: open.spotify.com/playlist/4Qe...

[@ottawaframed]

Troy your calm approach to problems is a trait that cannot be taught. Well done fixing the water maker.

[@justinkubu1619]

Troy, As a US Navy Captain, I’m utterly impressed at your ability to effect repairs at sea. I truly admire your self sufficiency. As a personal small boat owner, your repair of the water maker bolts was amazing. Have you ever considered making an episode on how you equip your boat to respond to contingencies?

[@FreeRangeLiving]

It might be more a case for leaving out things I don't comprehend! We run by the navy motto: We've been doing so much, with so little for so long; soon we shall be able to do everything with nothing forever.

[@colinboniface194]

Boating... Fixing boats in exotic places... So very satisfying...

[@5minpick-me-upswithlorenwa496]

Who'd have thought watching a half a hour of fixing an exhaust and water maker could be interesting, somehow you make it compelling viewing, great stuff, thanks

[@rickwatts7885]

“Work arounds” is what we call them in the broadcast world. If something breaks, we must find a way! The show must go on! Love the Navy blue shirt!!! Stay safe!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

We don't have you guys' mastery of gaffer tape

[@domw2747]

Trooooooy the Tradie. Can he fix it? Yes he can! It's in your head now. It will be sung.

[@robinwells8879]

I love the dynamic between you two not to mention the dryness of the engineering humour! If necessity is the mother of invention then I reckon sods law is the father! 👍

[@alanrobinson5109]

Troy & Pascale, you too are excellent film makers and always make interesting & informative video’s. All the best from the UK.

[@Mark-Boss]

"good luck when having bad luck" >>> you got an epic thumbnail 😁

[@joecucch8261]

Free Range doesn't have problems, they have solutions. MacGyvering at it's best !!

[@donnakawana]

Don't focus on the problem focus all your efforts on to the solution.... That's what I've learned..

[@PaulBKal]

Mmm, I reckon Troy could teach MacGyver a thing or two.

[@nooneanybodyknows1321]

Pascale isn't the only one that is impressed. 👍

[@americanbornwalkaway9110]

GOOD SAVE Troy....Troy is the Fix'it King and Pascale is the TOP Chef 🥰🥰

[@ImnotChuck.]

Love that egg carton vise(21:37); I'll have to try that.

[@shaneboyle9860]

I eat at that ramp on most days for lunch.. it was great to meet you in person . Safe travels guys

[@Waldby]

I saw a Tasmania couple about 10+yrs ago pack an Atlantic Crossing in a container like that. To make more room they cut the packaging up into smaller pieces

[@danrutherford9159]

So many sailing vlogs,none better than yours

[@whotknots]

Later in their long lives a late great Aunt and Uncle were enthusiastic and comprehensive rovers with their four wheel drive and caravan who visited North West Cape antenna array in it's heyday. I recall them assuring me that holding a fluorescent lighting tube in your hand as close as the public could approach to the ULF facility was a popular tourist activity. They said this was because the level of power inherent to the antenna could make the tube light up all on it's own with no conventional source of energy and they had personally verified it as fact! They also said there was an astonishing range and quantity of colorful minerals coating features below the waterline on surrounding marine terrain. Uncle thought that was probably due to electrolytic effects created by the powerful electromagnetic field produced by the antenna precipitating minerals directly out of the seawater!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I have seen the fluorescence tube trick so it all rings true

[@brianinbrisbane6632]

Enjoyed your chat about the towers at Exmouth. Back in 1977 when I in the RAAF we had a exercise at the RAAF Learmonth base. We scored a tour of the towers and the installation. The Americains has a bowling alley, cinema, Americain cars just like back in the USA. Lots of the buildings in the towers complex were.made from a composite wood to avoid.problems with metals, radio waves, and electricity. No secrets have been revealed in the above. We spent 2wks supporting the Pot Shot.

[@joebrown1382]

Troy can fix anything except the crack of dawn. Cool compacter.

[@MikeJohnson-bu4gl]

Was stationed at NWC in '74 '75 Our subs could receive the VLF signal at most times over 50 feet submerged with a very long trailing antenna to bring in the signal. The signal then was in excess of 3 megawatts in strength so that it could bend around all the Pacific islands and even under the polar ice. The pier you like to use (swim about) was built so that we could get major cargo. The largest aircraft was a C-130 that could land and the road south was nearly 4x4 only.

[@sailawayteam]

The beauty of the metric system.

[@jennifercash1093]

"Nothing's a problem" - Troy is so like my dad, manages to make a fix to see you through even if it's not 100% ideal or perfect!

[@discord2000]

My Dad would have fixed it too but with a lot more swearing 🤣

[@Dagwood9]

It's the calm well considered approach to sorting the problem that stands out as a lesson for me. Despite being miles from workshops or service agents there is no swearing, no dramas, no blaming. Just a "What's the fault and what have we got to use" mentality. Probably more the result of experience than any training but if you could bottle it and sell it at a chandlery store you'd be on a winner...

[@Waldby]

I worked at the VLF site back in the late 80's. It was an amazing place to work. The story goes that the power coming from the antennas had the capability of wording off cyclones. I remember once the VLF site had maintenance days on Monday's, and a cyclone was approaching and the Exmouth mayor requested the transmitter be turned back on to ward off the cyclone. What do you think happened? The cyclone made a detour slightly back out to sea. Some may say the NW Cape land mass created that, but others say it was the VLF transmitter. Believe it or not?!

[@coalfieldbeelovergerald3687]

Enjoying as always your continued adventures, insight fixing n random info about the area your in at the time. (Low frec. Antenna this time) as well as others. At 76 yrs n poor heath I’m for the grounded mostly caring for my Sweetheart n myself but inspired n refreshed by your videos. Thankz as always. Papa J.

[@giterdunpete]

Gratifying ....even though it was another breakage requiring another repair. I get it.

[@cottagefarm3103]

What skills, there is nothing like being upside down in a dark hole on a boat. What confuses me is why (at time of writing) 5 people gave a thumbs down for this video? :-(

[@coopersrace7277]

Love the organisation and stock of materials. I work like that too. I am always picking up nuts bolts and scraps of steel and aluminium as I walk around. You never know when you might need it. Good on you Troy!

[@tonywoollcombe1799]

Ahh how pleasant it is to sit and watch a charming video …….from the lockdown capital of the world. Looking forward to more of the same… keep safe. My morale is always better after watching your videos Tony W

[@user-gx8oc1dq8f]

Ey beats. Thank you for showing the rubbish, very thought provoking

[@lyngilbert2589]

I've made use of an "eco brick" for years. All our soft plastics go into a bottle. Saves space and if it does end up in landfill (not recycled), it stays all in one space (the bottle contains a LOT if plastic).

[@angeloattard9748]

Thank you for the idea of standardising threads.

[@JoeTurner141]

25:10 Absolutely glorious expression, no words required!

[@donnakawana]

It's a beautiful thing when your man can fix everything in your home or boat. It's a beautiful thing!!!! Fare winds an following sea's ✌🏻💗😊❣️

[@sunlovesailing]

So awesome you guys do that with your plastics!!! Great message, great invention!! Thanks!

[@dougsmith8971]

Troy! The hyper competent captain! Improvised engineering at its best.

[@advfhorn]

You too are so cute, love how you interact

[@howardhudson11]

The plastic bottle was a great idea.

[@coalfieldbeelovergerald3687]

P.S. love 💕 the water 💦 maker fix n your positive conversation along with it. Cheers 🥂 n congrats 🎊 as always .. Papa J

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Good job sorting all those potential problems 👌🙂

[@tonyfindlay1225]

Keep up the good work, necessity the mother of invention

[@fartacus3011]

hey, if you guys are up near Ronsard island, there is a camp in the mangrove estuary that could be handy for you. should be able to park up 60 or so mtr's off it, and check out the shack. has water, a shower, and the mangrove system is chock full of jacks and estuary cod. drop some nets or walk low tide for good supply of muddies! camp has survived many cyclones and was a great destination for my terminally ill father, before the trip was beyond him. love your vids and would love to join you guys for a few days!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Sorry mate, that would have been terrific but we only going as far as Dampier.

[@MrLebro11]

Troy always calm & cool even when major repairs are needed. Sure can fix anything! Nothing fazes him.

[@jefferyturner517]

Troy’s the shit. On repairs. So encouraging. Thanks to you both. ❤️

[@peterknudson9106]

Very helpful in planning for my own more extended (than currently) cruising; in regards to spares and generic material that can be improvised for fixes. Excellent! Thank you.

[@gavinfox7254]

FRF. Free range friday, always great. Thank you.

[@fartacus3011]

there is also a nice deep trench offshor, between roinsard and headland that has mackies, cod and jacks cruising and easily hooked up!

[@vingreensill]

Great problem solving Free Range.

[@phillockwood8414]

Nice job, I watch several sailing channels and one thing that seems common to all are lots of repairs.

[@leebenson4874]

That's life in general. A $ saved by DYI'ing it, is $ earned.

[@haywood12]

sailing is just repairing your boat in exotic places

[@artlovehope9352]

You crack me up Troy..."thumb in a bum" - I nearly fell off my chair laughing. Haven't heard that before.

[@AdrianSmythe]

"Like a thumb in a bum, mate"... hahahahahahaha

[@guydriver]

Just like a farmer. Those guys can fix anything…..

[@andrewtaylor9615]

316 8mm threaded rod (and a few other sizes) added to my shopping list!

[@MrTallpoppy58]

Troy, repairs made easy are the BEST repairs and the most impressive by far.

[@tonycook2347]

Great vid. I meant to comment in an earlier episode. Iv always wondered why wind generators don't come with props that you can change the pitch on in high wind weather. To act as a gear down, so you can still collect power.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

An adjustable tail fin would be simpler- offset the angle of attack to the wind.

[@angryjellyBirds]

Charming intro shot

[@ingeebeltoft]

Big sailor Greetings from Vadsø high up in Norway. Like you a lot 🥰

[@dantucker9323]

Real life cruising...this is pretty much the way it really is...keep up the good work

[@MarkSmithMelbourne]

Preparation and insight. Very cool

[@zerofox7347]

6:00 I love seeing the evening shot where it’s dark but your in your self sufficient boat all brightly lit. 🤗 show us some more cozy night time shots showing us what you do in the evening and maybe what you do on a night watch. 😋 if you don’t mind me asking haha!

[@1425race]

Hey Troy, I thought of another idea for that threaded rod. Make them a bit longer and put two nuts on each end, nyloc if you have them that should stop them sheering off again.

[@Dutch_off_grid_homesteading]

heya wel pascal it's good that you have troy to fix things

[@scottysscandinavia5793]

Just weld the exhaust. Easy. There must be someone around who can do that. Definitely worth learning how to do it if it's stainless. They crack easy and you eventually end up with a tube of weld material which is a hell of a lot stronger than the original stainless and you will never ever need to replace it.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I can weld. No there wasn't or I would have done it.

[@matt_kildea]

Ok this is message number 8 of " I want Free Range Sailing to come to South Australia" campaign Cheers Matt

[@pavichapin]

Did they not just do South Australia?

[@matt_kildea]

Yeah sort of but they were in a hurry to get back to WA and didn't spend much time here.

[@pavichapin]

@@matt_kildea Was it winter when they passed by South Australia. They seem to go in a clockwise direction so maybe in a couple years they make it back again.

[@matt_kildea]

@@pavichapin maybe spring coz I reckon they spent the winter in Tazzy refitting Marool.

[@timothyperrigoue3997]

We doodlie-do what we muddily-must... Well Done!

[@richardshippful]

I should make a household plastic shredder (like a paper shredder). That would make plastic recycling truly cost effective.

[@graemeh2634]

As always a great program.. been watching you from the start from across the creek... youve helped me so often with my own 32 ft yacht. Keep up the great work. You guys are brilliant.

[@fishaholiclures]

Whether it is sailing the sea, traveling the remote roads, or doing repairs around the house, 2 quotes always come to the mind....Good fortune favors the prepared...think like the Boy Scouts, ALWAYS be prepared. I see so many travel vlogs (marine and terrestrial) where when problems arise, they have neither the knowledge, apptitude or resources to effect a repair, even temporary ones. Being an ex boy scout, who has traveled the odd bush road in questionable vehicles, sailed the sea in older boats and lived on the land, I always have a tool box full of wrenches that fit, a 'gash box' full of useful stuff like random bolts and nuts, hose clamps, epoxy putty, glue and other odds & sods.

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Thank you another cracking video enjoyed it very much

[@justinstubbs5922]

Pascale is not the only one impressed. Well done mate.

[@mccoymrm]

"Easily impressed" Hahaha! Not at all Troy! Very impressed! Ingenuity like yours is not as common as it used to be. Another great episode from the best Sailing Channel on YT!!! Thanks!

[@jaysoncody8716]

That thumb nail on your video. Looks like your ready to get pegged ! lol

[@anthonybeck2384]

Outstanding as per usual……impressive forces to shear the water maker bolts ?

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!!

[@MiQBohlin]

Also, Nice whale footage!

[@10lauset]

Cheers.

[@raygoodwin17]

Your information on submarines and VLF communications, as well as nuclear targeting, is spot on mate! Pascale must have done the research on that one (j/k)... -Former Submarine Radio Chief Petty Officer USN

[@robmitchell9513]

Love this channel, great episode

[@isnoo1]

Just found you - and am looking forward to watching all your others!

[@horstkotte6114]

Fun Fact: The german norm for split washers (DIN 127 A and B) was revoked in 2003 because they're considered to have no effect.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Lok-tite stocks soar.

[@horstkotte6114]

@@FreeRangeLiving Well, loctite was acquired by henkel, a german company. Maybe split washer work after all :-)

[@geraldinepluyms5935]

Love it. Thank you!

[@bake162]

Good stuff folks!

[@tigersharkzh]

Yes with the VLF array they can communicate with submersed subs, even through pack ice and far over the horizon. those signals are also very easy to intercept. Those bolts on Katadyn and Spectra water makers are a weak point. Replace them with titanium bolts.

[@pauleohl]

Grade 8 bolts would be cheaper and the same strength.

[@tigersharkzh]

@@pauleohl that's steel so it'll still rust. Strength isn't the only factor, especially in a marine environment. Hose clamps are one of the thinks I replaced will titanium ones. They won't break, not in 25 years but steel will. Then there's deck hardware like pad eyes etc. I hate having rust stains on deck and down the sides so I gladly spent a few thousand replacing as much as I could. Fuel and water tanks are now all titanium too. I'm keeping my boat for as long as I can sail so I see it as money well spent.

[@johnmayer3433]

@Andrew Baumgartner Where did you get all that Titanium items ?

[@Garryck-1]

Excellent work! 👍 (Not that I expect anything less from Troy)

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

What was that again Troy, "Just like a thumb in the bum"? 🤣 Lot's of good info in this one and some very funny humor if you're paying attention to what's being said, like "Okay leave the dad jokes to me". 😁 This was another great episode, I'm pretty sure I'm spelling this wrong but great job on editing and filming "Pasky", is that right? It just keeps getting better and better. I truly enjoy y'all's channel and it doesn't even need to be something spectacular. Just sitting in on the simple things like your little chats, banter back and forth, and a water maker repair are enjoyable to watch. Thanks for all the hard work and sharing your lives with us. Fair winds, safe travels and God Bless...

[@shaunglendinning]

Enjoyable as always! 😀

[@davemcgowan2731]

Love it !

[@christophermelo7889]

Years ago in a small commercial boat shipyard we decided to try stainless for a wet exhaust run and found it degraded faster than galvanized black iron pipe in similar service. Chemical corrosion I guess. Maybe a higher grade SS like 316 would have performed better had it been available in our sizes. Monel is the stuff if you can swing the $$.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Cast is even better.

[@tsurdyk]

Wonderful episode. Bit of sailing, bit of explanation of where you are (I follow along on Google Maps, so thank you for the names/locations), bit of repairs. Real life on a boat. And ends with a smile and a laugh, too.

[@tarmon768]

Such great attitudes :)

[@SailingOTR]

I had similar problems on my TP10s. I think what happens is that when the AP is in use it heats up a bit and of course it is usually lying horizontal in the sun during daytime use adding more internal heat. If you continue using it through sundown and into the night it cools off a bit. This causes contraction of the air inside the unit. When this happens the contraction sucks water inside the unit through the Control Buttons on the top of the unit, especially if there is some spray or rain. What was my solution? Pretty easy really. I made a "raincoat" for the TP10. I used a piece of "Sunbrella" type fabric. I made the fabric a bit longer than the housing and wide enough to wrap around the unit with enough overlap to add a Velcro(about 25mm wide) "zipper" to the whole length. The "zipper' is centered on the top of the unit and can be "unzipped" as necessary to access the control buttons, then zipped up again. On the bottom or downside of the fabric I installed one brass sail grommet of sufficient inside diameter to allow the unit's mounting pin to pass through the fabric. This effectively locks the raincoat into place to keep it from sliding around or along the unit. Results? Fantastic. This has added a great deal of longevity to the life of my TP10.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYTLf3hoq7Vpgpo this video covers our install.

[@SailingOTR]

​@@saylaveenadmearedead Some years ago on my last boat while in Langkawi, Malaysia I had the good fortune to obtain an original Aries wind vane. The owner of the unit used it as you suggested on his Mason 43. In order to use the electronic AP he removed the wind vane blade and installed the pin normally placed in the main rudder's tiller in it's place. This worked fine and enabled him to steer the boat with very little power consumption. It is necessary to fine tune the AP settings so as not to cause over-steering. This should work fine for what you want. I have often found the need to use an AP to maintain an accurate compass course over a heading relative to wind direction.

[@SailingOTR]

@@FreeRangeLiving I have done similar setups on my current boat with the trim tab on the auxiliary rudder and on two previous boats dating back to the early 1990s. Works great.

[@1425race]

Those Simrad APs are in my opinion junk. I used to sell them and 3 out of 5 sold came back faulty after 6 months. In the end my firm stopped stocking them. Get yourself a Raymarine Tiller Pilot (used to called Autohelm) they won't let you down.

[@christopherharlow5475]

Troy is a real life McGyver. I would love if he could to a list on tools & things that are a must have on a boat, to get out of trouble. Plastic compacting is a great idea. P&T videos are adventure & usefully lessons. Thanks TC.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Cool garbage solution, it’s been mentioned on numerous channels already, good news travels fast. Andy UK

[@FreeRangeLiving]

And here we were thinking it was something new. Nothing under the sun etc.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

@@FreeRangeLiving Hi, I think you misunderstood me. I meant that your channel was mentioned elsewhere and this video a good solution for garbage. I have watched many of your videos but hadn’t seen your latest. I was trying to say your good idea had got around. 😃

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Oh, well that's great- hope it helps more people. Thanks for letting us know mate.

[@jbsanger696]

Well done Troy!! Great work mate!

[@dbentley2195]

Good to have you guys back out! ❤️👍

[@townsville69]

The thumbnail should have read 'Yacht Eats Man !'.

[@rexstiger6090]

Great work on the repairs!

[@aldobongers807]

good work crew, i love to see the repairs being done.

[@flightplan1000]

Nice work...

[@mrpmessina]

Brilliant tutorial, especially on what we should all do with the plastic. Fantastic video and great edits. Glad I stumbled across your channel.