Girl Takes on 230HP Diesel Mercedes Boat Engine - Incredible Transformation!

Bringing Yabá from wreck to dreamy! Episode 145
In this episode of our boat restoration, we finally test our overhauled engine after so much sweat and heart that was put into it. Will our hard work pay off?
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🇧🇷 Legendas em Português em todos os episódios!
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💙 Who are we?
We are Ben and MP!
Recently we decided to purchase a two-masted wooden schooner in Brazil. The fun detail about our story is that the boat we bought was sinking and relying on many bilge pumps to survive so we had to lift it onto the dry to start a full refit. Once the boat was lifted (for the first time in her life) we realized that the work needed was much more than expected. Between bailing or accepting the challenge, we decided to go for the second option. Watch us as we bring Yabá back to life with the help of an amazing team of traditional shipwrights, sharing every phase of the process, overcoming the highs and lows and having fun along the way.
More about us:
👉 About us + Q&A
• What does MP stand for...
👉 more info about the project
www.sailingyaba.com
💙 Massive thanks to our amazing team of carpenters that never let us down and continue to amaze us at every step of the process: Toninho, Zeca, Hélio, Claiton, William, Nezo, Nico, Adilson, Beto and Luiz. YOU ARE LEGENDS!

[@jeffreylord8172]

When you started this , I,thought you were slightly insane, well more than slightly. You have rebuilt a beautiful boat. Well done 🎉😊😊

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you Jeffrey!!

[@kennethd.cooper5252]

Be sure to put some sort of cushion strap under the tanks even if they're plastic they will wear from movement. Looks great. Be safe

[@claudehopper9813]

Congradulations on the Diesel ! There's nothing more reassuring than a clean , well set up engine room or compartment . When the wind dies and the swells are dragging you toward a lee shore , the sound of a strong and dependable engine is music to your ears . Well done MP , Ben & crew .

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you Claude!!

[@Who.is.Clinton]

Love the David Shi hat the dude, DAVID we love you!!!!!!!!

[@forresta65]

ahh the mechanics foot. the most versatile tool in the box.

[@johnwishart3851]

next to a "bigger hammer"...lol

[@forresta65]

@@johnwishart3851 Yes a Sledge hammer is plan b or a depending on how far away it is!😄

[@aucarreau]

Such a work! SO nice to hear about your Patreons! Lovely souls! Crying again... 😭😂❤⛵

[@Maxdekriek]

YEAH!!!!! succes...... i was holding my breath .... i am so happy for you guy's .... i am drinking a glass of wine on your succes😉😊... greetsz from friesland... max💛

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much Max!! Cheers!! 💛

[@dag455]

I noticed that you filled the freshwater part of the cooling system in the motor with only water. You should absolutely add antifreeze, not for freeze protection, but for rustprotection of the cooling system. Really nice job with your amazing ship!!!!

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Yes the additive package is rust inhibitor. However strait water is a better coolant. Doesn’t hold heat like antifreeze. Just add a small amount of rust inhibitor will do the job.

[@bobuncle8704]

Hearing the engine running was music to my ears. Not only is it sounding good, it looks amazing.

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much!

[@hanssolo4ever]

Nice to see you gotna second dog, now your dog's have company.

[@paulr.3058]

I aspire to be Tally Ho, but at heart I am Sailing Yaba. I love you guys!

[@upinyou8]

Thanks guys. Love you

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you! ❣️❣️❣️

[@jannerkev]

Cracking job. Still think you need a wire cage around all those belts. In a heavy sea, you could do a header into them and loose an arm, hand or leg.

[@johnharris2337]

Your joy is priceless, well done, girl power! In the engine room will you have a smoke, carbon monoxide ambient temperature detector? Heat reflector material on the roof over said engine on wooden boat is a thought. A peep hole with a cover on the door to look in without opening the door, some are big enough to take a fire extinguisher nozzle are also a good thing. With your blower system have shut off or covers to stop air flow into the bay the event of a fire. If those tanks are plastic have them wrapped in something fire / heat resistant as well as your pipes. Looks fab.

[@hanssolo4ever]

That's boat life, two step forward , one step back.

[@rohantherockwiththerocketh7871]

Great video guys, and I'm stoked your viewers were able to point you in the right direction with the gearbox. Have fun you guys!

[@gordonagent7037]

Ben, you did a cracking good job of that transition piece, it turned out great, amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it, well done. Neat to hear the engine fire up again.

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you very much Gordon!

[@rolandtb3]

Blast off, some nervy moments, thanks for invaluable input from the patron group. Another major milestone.

[@brickcity9mm896]

Goodmorning to my favorite KZbinrs 🙃👍☕☕

[@SailingYaba]

Good morning! ❤

[@dcallan812]

You can guarantee it takes 3 times to fix things on a boat. 😂 So the engine starting in on the second attempt is a bonus. The gearbox got you to the yard without any issues so it should be OK. Great update 2x. 👍

[@SailingYaba]

That was exactly our thought, we travelled for almost 50 hours and the gearbox never had any funny noises, so why would it be broken now?? Luckily it was all a misunderstanding, phew!! Thank you!!

[@wileyboles4179]

Thanks!

[@scottjones5221]

Cheer up ❤ keep your head up ❤

[@jimdavidbarnard3862]

The four diesel tanks will give about a 50 miles range assuming you get 5 miles per gallon. It might be good to get more or larger tanks. Also, be sure to keep your diesel tanks full so as to prevent water condensate. And, you need to have a water separator connected to your fuel line to the engine. Put in a fuel shut off value so you can stop fuel to your engine in case of a problems, and you should have a fire alarm/extinguisher system setup in your engine room.

[@schuttrostig5729]

he said he has 4 tanks of 210 liters which is 840liters or 220 galon... makes 1200miles, not 50. 220 x 5 = 1100. I think they might eaven get more like 1400nm but i am sure they will try it out when in the water and tell us the results. I am already eager to hear the results.

[@Who.is.Clinton]

Well done on tha flange =WOW some serious beautiful work there Ben =SALUTE =WOW x 10000000!

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much!!

[@VenturiLife]

Your engine / diesel mechanic does amazing work, I remember seeing him do the rebuild. It's probably worth adding a small portable stanby generator to the engine room later for emergencies, with some batteries+solar as you have just the one powerplant.

[@joeykuiperij4806]

I like the engine from tally ho its a generator/diesel/ electric hybrid

[@verdigo5892]

Except for hammering the battery lugs on.

[@saylaveenadmearedead]

Yes! A turbo diesel should never EVER sit and idle!!! A genset is absolutely a must have... congratulations on a job very well done. Ben is starting to look like a trucker boss!!!

[@verdigo5892]

@@saylaveenadmearedead Why not?

[@saylaveenadmearedead]

@@verdigo5892 the turbo will clog up with soot and overheating of all systems happens quickly and usually at a place that is far from machine shops... turbos utilize exhaust to reduce fuel but must run on high rpms and as we have seen the gearbox needs to be engaged too.

[@kevinmartin3859]

I'm very glad the engine ran okay and very happy for you MP that with some advice from your patrons that the gearbox is okay the restoration is moving at pace now see you all next time

[@austingode]

One of the best engines in the world ….. but it still needs Anti Freeze not water as you will get electrolytic corrosion

[@barroosa]

Literally shed a tear when she first fired up. Immediately thought of resistance on the drive train being the gearbox problem. So glad you have wonderful support! Shed another tear when you realized the gearbox wasn't a problem. So happy for you guys!

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much for caring ❤️

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

If you had a set of extremely long jumper cables, you could jump it from your van, HA! Your engine really looks nice!

[@davidlevitz3119]

VICTORY IS AROUND THE CORNER !

[@SailingYaba]

Yay!!!

[@MikePaton-Williams-yv9qo]

Brilliant vlog. I really felt for you people with a dead battery and the gearbox problem. Bravo⛵️

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you Mike!!

[@user-cw4ks6th2o]

Same way we do repair Mercedes buckets here in Russia!!!))) 😂 You have to ask Daimler-Crysler for sponsoring, definetely, after showing them this video!!!! 😊

[@curtishyde1842]

I understand the feeling, and it's something that you can't explain. Unless you've been there done what you have just accomplished, it touches something inside of you that no human being can put into words.

[@douglasburch2320]

Major progress!! As always, thanks for taking us along on your journey.

[@SailingYaba]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@jeremyjudd5236]

great as always best boat rebuild on KZbin

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much Jeremy 🥰

[@curtishyde1842]

Congratulations on bringing the heart of your vessel alive job well done above and beyond, most outstanding.

[@b.b.grenade1407]

I am so impressed with this old engine.😅

[@lufegimenez]

A scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances!! Godspeed my friends!

[@gaz-gemw5801]

Your engine looks really really nice, and works👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻, take care everyone.😊😊😊😊🇬🇧👍🏻

[@ArmandoLazo]

Fantastic job, MP! You are my most admired engineer and a great source of inspiration! 💯🤩💙

[@Krieghandt]

Defeated?? Someone who isn't a mechanic rebuilt your first engine, and when you started it, the rods stayed in and the cam didn't seize. That's a true victory right there. And welcome to mechanicsville, where every fix allows you to find another issue.

[@jamesazahn6842]

It is so very nice to see your sailing yacht coming together, after such time and valiant effort by everyone. Your ship's project is truly amazing and I've enjoyed every step of the journey; and too, that which is still to come! "Thanks" for sharing your eventure!

[@narr0wm1nd49]

You guys should plan a deep dive episode on the fuel system. Are you going to plumb the tanks together or setup manifolds to switch between tanks. Are you going to setup a reserve tank or just choose one as a reserve tank. How are you going to setup your filters and water separators. As you have enough tanks you could setup manifolds between them such that you can run a small pump but push the fuel through water separators and filters so you can polish the fuel. In addition what sort of pre-filtering are you going to do. Given you have the space you might be able to put a pre filter connected directly to the deck fill. Often in remote areas the quality of the diesel can be poor so being able to polish the fuel can keep the engine running well. I know you are planning on going with Solar and high voltage alternators but you might also think about designating a place for a diesel genset. You don't want to put hours on the engine if you just need a bit of power. Even if you get it later having a place and plumbing for it will make it much easier when that day comes. Especially if you are going to have high consumers while you are on anchor like dive compressors, water makers, freezers, washing machine,

[@ernestospadolesto8126]

A very clean revision of the engine - you guys did a great job. The machine sounds clean and good. A ship's propulsion system that is in tip-top order and runs well lets you sleep better and gives you peace of mind when you travel. In my opinion, the Brazilian mechanic made good decisions for the overhaul. I trust MP that she can already find a fault on the machine herself and maybe even know how to repair it. 👍

[@dennisg8164]

nice piece of fabrication Ben. Good job

[@looyosummers5796]

That's a beautiful engine, well done.🍻

[@DanielLloyd-ve8sy]

You have done incredible dont let something you didnt check get you down look back at what got you to this vid and keep smiling you the work you folks have done is freaking incredible :)) well bloddy done lol

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Congratulations on a working engine! Especially to MP! Of course this is special after all the stuff she did or watched being done and learned about it! I am kind of looking forward to seeing more of the electrical stuff ... Keep the good work going!

[@georgeobrien282]

I had a wooden boat years ago and some guys I hired helped me to drill and tap the shaft alleys to screw in a grease zerk. The boat shaft slanted downward and back, so they told me to pump into the shaft alleys 4 or 5 tubes of grease just after the boat was put into the water with a grease gun. I never had any water coming into the boat which is normally required to lubricate the shaft. the water pressure keeps the grease at the high end of the shaft alleys and lubricated the shafts. I had 8 alternated layers of chopped strand mat and woven roving, stappeled before the second layer kicked hard and stainless screws after layer 4 into the ribs, and rot ended completely on the planking, ribs and floors. I also covered the roof and decks with chopped strand mat, FG cloth will not stop tiny fissures when wood moves with temperatures. Also, when you get your varnish perfect out in the sun, go to an automotive store and get clear coat with UV fighters to cover the varnish, instead of lasting months, it will last years!

[@robertyouens7764]

MP, I am impressed, not sure why... you're a SCUBA Instructor and incredibly strong woman. Eventually your experience with the engine is going pay off. Shit happens and everyone on the vessel needs to be well informed. Keep moving forward with your positive energy! I so look forward to splash day, but will miss the shipwrights!

[@nessuno1948]

Very scientific experiment. Human ingenuity.

[@jamesvanian5524]

I am so happy for you. The engine is beautiful and practical and it works so well. You are making great progress, engine work is complex mechanics and you have done it. I continue to look forward to future episodes. Brilliant. Keep well and safe. James.

[@Arnaud58]

@19:35 Nice to hear the engine purr!👴👌🤗 Probably the response on the noise was correct, but...,I myself would still send an email to the manufacturer or a dealer of the gearbox to verify it.👴🤷‍♂

[@KymHammond]

Well done, MP, Ben, and crew! It’s great to hear the engine once again. I think the last time we heard it running was on the sea journey to the boat yard. Thinking back on that journey and understanding now just how much work was needed to stop Yaba’ from sinking, you all should be commended with bravery awards. lol! You will curse yourself for a long time to come for not opening and making sure all the bearings and bushes in the gearbox were within tolerances while you had it out, but it is nice to see that the problem was relatively solved. MP, with your long, unbound, and unprotected hair around those unenclosed pulleys and belts, I do hope you set a safety rule to prevent it and loose clothing from being caught in the moving engine parts, especially because of the way you must enter the engine room and can move around over the prop shaft. But it's so good to see Yaba’ rapidly approaching her splash date. Looking forwards to it.

[@NavegasEsPReciso]

Com certeza merecem cada um dos patronos que vcs tem!! Um grupo incrível de pessoas que acreditam em vcs!! Merecido!!

[@chandrasutton4669]

Good job guys!!!😊🎉❤ It won't be long now. Whoot Whoot

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you Chandra!

[@glennjaggard7065]

Hey Ben are you going to put a big header tank for fresh water for engine cooling instead of salt water was nice to hear the motor run in new engine bay

[@doncummings3915]

The best way to look at this....Thank God the problem with the gearbox revealed itself while you are on the hard and not a thousand miles away from a marina with a Gale chasing your tail...you rolled the dice on the Gear Box, and you crapped out, but again, it is a blessing in disguise....as you said, nothing is linear, but it is all part of the process...you are blessed and count your blessings with the great support you have...the magic mechanic, the love and support of all your friends and family and just think once YABA is in the water all of these memories...ie it is the hard times that you fought through and overcome that will stand out the most as your testament to faith....as I always said...if it was easy...everyone would be doing it...call it a night, have a great dinner with your Team, rest, regroup and hit it again in the morning...you didn't come this far to give up now anyway...this is just another stop on the road to your ultimate victory...BTW, I don't have much money, so the way I contribute is by providing lengthy comments, as I know this really helps because if people give long comments it means your channel is very interesting...Namaste, keep on keepin on YABA will sail again!!!

[@joseromanelli5807]

Excelente trabajo con ese motor y el Yabá en general. Por suerte aparte de ese gran equipo, cuentan con todos aquellos seguidores que los pueden orientar con sus conocimientos. Esperando el próximo video, les mando un gran abrazo y buenos vientos.

[@josephsichting8162]

Keep up the great work. Engine sounds great

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you!

[@kevinjahnke7043]

Loving it so far!!! One thing I would suggest is isolated dual starting batteries. You seem to have the space and knowing that you always have starting power is a huge load off your minds. Keep up the great work and this is my favorite channel.

[@donniebooth8478]

You guys are amazing doing all you’ve done for this big ship I would have been t scared to take on something like that I appreciate you sharing with everyone can’t wait to see it in the ocean living in it

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much Donnie!

[@lookronjon]

Great job. The craftsman are exceptional. The engine room looks great the engine looks and sounds new. As a former marine mechanic I have had to fix a few forward gears “gear box” That noise is very familiar. Once or twice I had to retorque the flange nut. If they are not at the proper torque it throws the tolerance out. Some are over 200 foot pounds. I would see what the spec is and check it before you install the shaft and hardware. It is going to be a great home for the three of you. Cheers from fenders junction Colorado.

[@wileyboles4179]

I am so Happy for you Nice Engine job,it looks so nice!

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you very much Wiley!

[@FromThePrairies]

I’ve been watching since the beginning. Well done! I’m in awe of what you’ve accomplished. From someone who works around loud equipment, Hearing Protection!

[@billhadden7219]

Air filter and maybe a air cutoff for the intake. Dont want dirt in the turbo. Looking great everyone.

[@maybellkonopelski3704]

Wonderful shot

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

SO TRUE ABOUT TRYING TO GET FROM A TO B.

[@SailingYaba]

Right? 😅

[@NanosEnzo]

Stavo imparando il portoghese e non so se vi devo ringraziare per aver messo i sottotitoli in italiano. Vi seguo dall'inizio. Complimenti e grazie...continuero con l, italiano senza rinunciare ad imparare il portoghese. Saluti dall'Italia, Salerno. 😜🎉😂😮❤❤

[@idreecemian2192]

Finally she is purring, "congratulations". MP how beautiful you are apart from your ever happy and bubbly side of your personality when faced with a problem that ran concerns through your heart and mind. Generally a white colour will suite the personality of Yabá with some varnished expressions here and there

[@dickdegraaff5452]

Dear Maria Paula and Ben, Willeke and I felt happy together with you when we learned that the engine as well as the gearbox are running as they should because overhauling the gearbox must have given a lot of delay plus might have cost quite a bit of money. We find the engine room so nice and clean looking in comparing with the mess it was when you bought Yabá. We guess -looking at what still needs to be done- the launching of Yabá can be possible by mid October. We’ll see and look forward to your next vlog and send you love from the Netherlands

[@martinbowers852]

hey MP is good feeling when you rebuild an engine and see and hear it come alive. well done happy for you

[@cecilpacetti1491]

If you're looking for more truck parts you might find some old truck tires, wrap them with rope, and use them as fenders. Given how big and heavy your boat is, they might prove to be better than inflatable ones.

[@ArroEL922]

That sound of the exhaust at 9:58 is sweet music to any gearhead. And yes, you still need to STRAP that battery down since it is a boat that will roll at times.

[@englishmaninfrance661]

You can't beat a happy ending

[@Mrflynlow]

Very nice how your knowledgeable followers step up with help. Well done!!

[@stevemarks3538]

Hy guys , just wanted to make a comment on the exhaust elbow, I would guess the stainless elbow is around 5-6 inches and of considerable weight especially with the rubber pipe attached. what my concern is you may get metal fatigue due to the vibration and the weight and you can only support off the engine. I have followed you from the beginning and love what you have done, great show

[@heli-man-]

Probably a good idea to join the tanks to keep them balanced you will not want a manual valve between them switching from port to starboard easy to forget where you are and you don’t want air locks

[@Sluf7]

Nice job Team she's coming along nicely😊

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much!

[@richardchiriboga4424]

Wow!! You are getting so much done!!! Not only is the engine working perfectly, but it is also the prettiest diesel I have ever seen!!! My Sunday morning coffee with Yaba was very satisfying!! ❤

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you very much Richard!

[@ralphbourke5473]

May I help you get back on course, please, the only way to look at a gear box issue at this point in your re-build is first, once the gears are fixed you are 99 1/2% finished with all things in the engine room, 2nd would you rather this happen at sea? I see this as a higher power is looking out for your best interests. Your almost their folks, there is always light at the end of the tunnel and we are all cheering you on so never think for a second you are in this alone. We will see you two on splash day, God bless all of you.

[@davidross976]

Nice work guys. You have quite a team supporting you. Keep it up and you'll be in the water in no time.

[@ThatDidntGoAsPlanned]

Is the green on your Yaba shirt a indicator of the final color?!?!?!?

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

I really hope so because I love nearly anything that is green. 💚 Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@gaz-gemw5801]

I think you’re right 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@leepattykelly2132]

Very few know what seems like everything. So the rest of us have to get there by what others know and being able to contact them in so many ways. We know ...... and all those around us know ..............................................................! Keep it up young lady!

[@MRREPTIL007]

aguante el pretolero, vamos que ya sale

[@hunglikeadonkeybutnotassmelly]

I mean.. you couldn't ask for much more than a Happy ending in the engine room with MP.

[@jamesallen712]

Was it 2 and a half years ago you came to the boat yard. I've watched since the first outing on 'Odd Life' before the chanel was started. i love the colour of the engine, much better than the green it was.

[@astronorthwet636]

Good News everything is ok in the engine! One step closer!👍

[@dhutch2000]

Everyone loves a happy ending!

[@leonaessens4399]

You were happy? My heart was positively POUNDING! And then that gearbox not playing nice. The suspense is killing me...

[@kennethpaladino4948]

MP, U seem more excited about the engine than all the rest of the restoration! Ur excitement is contagious! Won’t b long b4 Yaba is taking U world cruising! Thanx 4 bringing us along! ❤️👍

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much Kenneth!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Great episode! More progress! Keep rolling Yaba crew!👍👍

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

@@SailingYaba 👍👍

[@kiweekeith]

Absolutely Fantastic News getting the Engine running after the Rebuild .... Also some Great Suggestions regarding the Gearbox .... Going back a Few episodes .... I watched you fill the 'Heat-Exchanger System' .... I am not sure IF I got it wrong, but it looked like you just used WATER ...... ????? IF So, you need toDrain it Completely and refill it with the Correct COOLANT. This will be Anti- Corrosion and also do a better job of Exchanging the Heat from the Engine into the Seawater via the Heatechanger .... IF I got this wrong, then I say Sorry !!!!! :-) :-) :-) Best to ALL from ChCH, NZ

[@GoneSailingCA]

Nice mechanics MP!

[@montyforster3370]

Go girl. Wishing I had a first mate like you. Cheers you two

[@duanemiller5606]

Looks like you picked up a second puppy you better get out on the water quick or you’re gonna have a floating dog house full of puppies. 😂 In truth, it just shows you have kind hearts which is part of the reason I like this channel and you guys so much.

[@kennethwikert2841]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. The engine room is magnificent! I love wooden boats, ships, schooners. You must too. The frames the planks especially exposed like they are takes you back to an earlier time when that was the only way. This wasn't just a test of the engine it was a test for you and as usual you passed with flying colors.

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much Kenneth! 😍

[@timothytardiesr576]

Well done team. Hopefully you secure that battery from the top. If that battery gets loose it is a major fire hazzard. Also it would be a good idea to have a battery back up. Keep being awesome team.

[@sailorman8590]

Damn….you guys got so lucky with the gearbox. I bet the day before you felt like you got hit my a train. Been there done that. Unfortunately it’s most often that reality is not as lucky as you guys got this time around. Congrats on avoiding a big job!

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

Here's something easier for that bare exhaust pipe instead of Fiberglass Cloth (Refrasil), the Fiberglass Tape used to hang the Refrasil. Put a couple wraps of that Tape (it's also Fireproof) around the Pipe for protection from Burns, because trust me when I say you DON'T wanna even graze that pipe with your arm when it's hot. I use the Tape on an Exhaust Pipe for my Motorized Bicycle to keep my Leg from getting burned, works great, and still stuck to the Pipe!