Hanging By a Thread in 45 Knot Winds - Anchored for a Storm in the Cook Islands - Episode 127

Want to help support our video productions and get real time updates?
🌍➡️Join our One Life Crew here:
/ sailingonelife
To watch our journey from the beginning, click on our playlist:
/ @sailingonelife
One Life Merchandise: svonelife.com/merchandise/
For business inquires, email [e-mail]
For more Sailing One Life Adventures follow us on:
Facebook - / sailingonelife
Instagram - / sv_one_life
Website - svonelife.com

[@renaudtheis1197]

I could feel the tension and the stress in Brooks voice. This is not drama or clickbait. That’s why you’re the only sailing channel I enjoy watching. No nudity and clickbait and other nonsense. Sincerity is the most precious commodity. Keep it real, I love it. Watching from France.

[@SailingOneLife]

We try to show what it is really like out here. Of course, we have some really amazing, magical days but occasionally we have some times when things aren't so ideal. In this case, I was feeling very anxious and not too good about the situation we were in. Thanks for coming along with us all the way from France! Cheers!

[@masewoods8337]

Drama? Expressing your anxiety in such a composed manner is authentic. You two are not 'Jersey Shore' in any way. Neither of you are creepy, with is also great. I imagine you don't feel composed when it's scary, but on camera you guys come off great. I just want to see what it's like, and you guys do that great. You dont point the camera at your own faces too much like other channels. You don't try to wordsmith like you're Hemmingway or Sigmond Freud. You both come off genuine and likeable.

[@SailingOneLife]

Thank you for such a nice comment! We really appreciate it! Happy to hear you are enjoying the vibe on our channel!

[@Furree_68]

Man, that underwater photage was crisp clear. Awesome!

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey! Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! 🐳

[@Life-Dreaming]

The whale 🐋🐳 shots were absolutely fabulous - humans in harmony with nature. All except that bit of platic, THANKS FOR COLLECTING IT. Safe travels. Remember to VOTE. 💙🇺🇸💚👍😇

[@SailingOneLife]

It was such a bummer to see the plastic so far away from society! Oh well, glad I could pick it up! The whales were just SO COOL!! Thanks for watching :)

[@Building_Bluebird]

Swimming with a momma and baby humpback inside a remote atoll? Wow! Truly epic. The extreme contrast of experiences out there is very apparent in this video with the broken water maker, days of high winds, and the anchor watches! With such a deep anchorage, some moorings would be a good addition to their national park.

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey Larry! Moorings would be such a nice addition! We would love to see more moorings in the South Pacific. It would be really beneficial for everyone (no more coral heads to destroy, get wrapped around on and they could charge a small fee for the moorings to help with local costs) win/win!

[@lawrencesnyder817]

The reason I watch is the reality that you are able to convey. Great Job!

[@SailingOneLife]

Thank you! Good to know you are enjoying our channel! Cheers~

[@johnmccormack7360]

As someone living with ALS, I appreciate your Team Ozzy t-shirt during ALS Awareness Month.! Thank you for raising Awareness. Just another reason to love your channel! #ALSAwarenessMonth #ALSSucks

[@SailingOneLife]

Hi John, thank you for sharing your personal experience. We have a family member who is also living with ALS, so this cause is very close to our hearts. We're sending lots of good vibes your way and we will continue to support the fight against ALS.

[@brucemasters9132]

Tough couple of days... Living a blue water life is not always what folks think, but after a week of bad weather or 30 days sailing you can cram a lifetime of fun into a week of liberty in a new port! Those are the memories we keep, the good ones...

[@SailingOneLife]

100%, I call it Sailors Alzheimer's! As soon as we see or experience some place new, we forget about all the crappy days!

[@donaldwatson554]

“Nothing good happens at 2 AM”….. amen Brooke I can agree with that one for sure!

[@SailingOneLife]

My mom used to tell me this when I stayed out til the wee hours in my college days. Still true today, just applied differently! 😅

[@dannyfisher9223]

G'day Brooke and Gary thanks again for bringing me along with you on that wild stay! Your channel ain't no click bait it's the real deal and that's what makes your content so enjoyable to keep watching mate, you always show the full aspect of the sailing life! Well done guy's and much love. Cheers

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey Danny! Ah, thanks mate! We hope you are having a good week! Glad you are enjoying our channel!

[@brucerhodes8197]

Bummer that the anchorage didn't work out like planned, but the gift of seeing a humpback mom & calf is pretty spectacular! Many years ago I repaired my starter in a 1973 Chevy Impala Custom with brushes from an appliance store, made for a washing machine. I had to file them a bit to make the correct fit for the starter, but they worked every time for at least the next 2 yrs I owned the car. So if you can't find the exact match, you still might find something you can work with, at least get the water maker running temporarily while you wait for a new motor. With your engineering background and being a sailor who has to improvise often, I'm probably not telling you anything you hadn't already thought of, but I have to say for being 19 when this happened to me and having zero automotive mechanical experience, I was prouder than a peacock in full strut!! lol

[@stephenprouty8728]

... talk about adventure ... wow ... thank you for taking us along for the good, the bad and the ugly of sail cruising ... it is a lifestyle of self reliance for sure ... and just so you know, no unnecessary drama detected, tension and stress, you bet but that's only natural ... you guys done good ... thanks again ...

[@SailingOneLife]

We're glad you enjoy coming along on our journey! Sailing definitely has its ups and downs, but it's all part of the adventure and the lifestyle of self-reliance that we love. Thank you! :)

[@andrewross5604]

The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use. Great episode BnG

[@SailingOneLife]

Ha exactly! Not sure why we even try to plan most of the time!! Thanks, Andrew :)

[@bonetiger8]

Wow that's so cool that you are on your way to New Zealand, such a long journey full of adventure and hurdles, you both have conquered, lived and loved the whole way. By far my favorite sailing channel

[@SailingOneLife]

Hi there! Ah, thank you! Happy to hear you are enjoying our channel! 💙💙

[@gregmikk]

No worries Brook! A true sailor knows what you are going thru!

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Greg! 💙

[@rbrt1465]

Nothing like a little terror in the middle of the night. Get some rest! ❤❤

[@SailingOneLife]

Always in the middle of the night, isn't it? 😅 Thanks, Bob! 💙

[@robertlemoine3500]

I thoroughly enjoy your descripted technique thank you .

[@SailingOneLife]

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying our channel.

[@ScottBryant-wi7gb]

Good Morning SV One life!!!

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey Scott! Hope you are doing great!

[@freedomwanderer91]

Wow. Those whales were awesome. Great video.

[@SailingOneLife]

The whales were so amazing!! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@wow.sailor.]

Endurance, commitment and dedication to be a sailor, but all worth it ❤

[@SailingOneLife]

100% worth it!

[@Cptstokes]

It's the law of the sea. Daytime, everything is kinga ok, nite time. between 2 and 4 four am, all hell breaks lose! Every Damn Time! 25 plus years on the Pacific

[@SailingOneLife]

Haha so true! Everything bad happens in the middle of the night!

[@obieandlaurie]

Towards some comfort whenever or wherever. Great to hear about Hannah. Hugs and love, 🤗

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, guys!! Hannah will bring some sunshine to our videos! Sending big hugs!! 💙

[@jendix1984]

O! M! G! That was so freaking fantastic swimming with the humpback momma and baby! That is like a dream come true! So exciting

[@SailingOneLife]

It was simply amazing!! 😍🐳

[@2QueensAdventures]

FLOAT YOUR ANCHOR CHAIN. It will save your energy, your chain and the environment. Love watching your channel. P.S. It is not dramatic… it is real life. When your life depends on something and split second choices… it is terrifying. Something few understand.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

@2QueensAdventures Yeah. They do float their chain. In shallower water around live coral heads. Floating the chain when the end is 70 feet down isn't as easy You need much longer lines to reach the depth. And you can't just use short 10 or 15 foot lines to the floats. They would be dragged down and crushed. The only thing that would work would be open mouthed lifilting bags. And that would require a lengthy dive to do. Not all cruisers are divers either.

[@SailingOneLife]

Glad you enjoy our channel! We try our best to keep it real! Rick pretty much nailed it with his reply here. Floating the chain is a useful trick in shallower water, but pretty impractical in deeper water. And to safely anchor for a blow, there's no way around having a lot of chain resting on or near the bottom to ensure the anchor is pulled horizontal.

[@dmttday3030]

That was the biggest and longest smiles guys!!! Baby whale! Awesome

[@SailingOneLife]

The mom and baby were just amazing!!🐳💙

[@rhondamaydanski89]

I love watching you both with your challenges and amazing adventures. You seem to keep it real! I’ve sailed a bit around Grand Cayman on a 32 foot boat, never losing sight of land. I’m not sure I could manage in the middle of nowhere. I’ve felt some of your anxiety , it is real! Mother Nature can switch in an instant and we are very insignificant! You are in my top 3 sailing channels. I look forward to your new videos and for right now I live vicariously through you. Safe sailing always🩵⛵️

[@SailingOneLife]

Hi Rhonda! We really appreciate your comment! We are happy to know you are enjoying our channel! Thanks for coming along with us! 💙🥰

[@svadventure3134]

Great video! I’m sorry the weather didn’t cooperate, your encounter with the whales was amazing.

[@SailingOneLife]

That's all part of the journey! The whales certainly made up for the crappy weather!

[@magnusb6311]

Great episode. Im so sorry about the weather. Remember who its was telling you, you cant miss Cook Islands. Now, if you go a little south, youbwill reach Aitutaki, a really nice atoll island. They got water there to fill your tanks. If you had gad water youbreally should visit the other islands in the northern group. On the way from Aitutaki to Samoa you can visit Palmerston Island, and after that, Beverage reef. Cheers Magnus

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey Magnus! We would have loved to stop at Palmerston and Beverage reef but unfortunately when we were there Palmerston wasn't allowing boats to stop because the moorings were in disrepair and there was also a rat eradication happening on island. Bad timing for us! Maybe next time.

[@magnusb6311]

@@SailingOneLife ah I hear you, maybe for the better, the islands moorings have had issues in the past as well. Hope Brooke got some Coke now when your in NZ. Cheers

[@SailingOneLife]

Haha I sure did!! I always thing of you when I have a nice cold coke after not having one in so long. Thank you :)

[@magnusb6311]

@@SailingOneLife That makes me happy to hear. :)

[@TammyBillings-qt1ve]

What an adventure guys. Enjoy your videos

[@SailingOneLife]

Hi Tammy! Thank you! Happy to hear you are enjoying our videos!

[@svevergreen3370]

Nice I got the exact same bridle grip metal piece you do nice to know it can hold on in 40+ Kt winds :). Great episode got to show the highs and lows can't take the cruising life without both !

[@SailingOneLife]

Yup it's not the easiest to deploy and remove from the chain sometimes, but it works great! We've "tested" it to 50+ knots. And also good news is that it seems to stay attached if one of the two legs fails. We were worried it would shake off, but it never did.

[@jorgegorina3039]

❤❤ be safe guys. The whales how beautiful. 🙌🏼

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Jorge! The whales were just 😍😍

[@Andre-yu3qs]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing.

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Andre!

[@user-mv3vu7bu6p]

Another great episode as usual tyvm

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@MavericAvi8or]

I’m so sorry you had nasty weather for so long. You folks are real troopers! No clickbait just a great honest story of real cruising life! Thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@SailingOneLife]

We appreciate this! Thanks for coming along with us and all the nice comments you leave us! 💙

[@tompayton81]

Hey guys! Great underwater video, and the humpbacks....awesome! Sucks about the watermaker and the crummy weather. Can't imagine sitting up all night on anchor watch. Just glad you guys are safe. Happy travels!

[@SailingOneLife]

Hi Tom! The whales were just too cool! A bummer about the watermaker but it gave us a good run! Thanks for all the good vibes you send our way! Cheers!

[@moise171]

this is Nice. thank you guys.

[@SailingOneLife]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching :)

[@hagdav]

Thanks again for the recommendation on the water bottles with the filter inside. We just spent 2 weeks in Africa and the water bottles were invaluable to us!

[@SailingOneLife]

Awesome!! So glad you liked them!! We love ours! Thanks for sharing!

[@kanewestgaard7910]

Hey just thought id let ya know im watching you guys in the same conditions fitsroy GBI hauraki Gulf NZ 50 knots plus on anchor. Lol rock on guys all the best

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey there! Oh wow! Sleepless night for you! Hope your anchor held tight! What boat are you on? We will keep an eye out for ya!

[@ducatiparts966]

dont let the intercoastal cruiser get you down, the reality is that if you miss one small thing you could end up on a reef and lose your boat, or your life. Your ground tackle has to be top notch, and you can not be too careful. You guys are doing it right. The whales were EPIC!!!!!

[@SailingOneLife]

Thank you! We appreciate the positivity and encouragement! You are right, one can never be too careful out here. The whales were pure magic!! 💙🐳

[@TammyBillings-qt1ve]

Awesome

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Tammy!

[@fabiopotenti2123]

Great video guys!! 😊

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Fabio! Hope you guys are doing great! See ya soon, we hope!

[@SVBlownAway]

Thanks

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks for watching :)

[@JKART-do5jc]

That water maker sounds like something you can fix. I love that you take things apart. I do that also and have had some good luck with modifying stuff. Invented a couple of tools to make jobs easier. Wish I was there with y’all. You are living the dream, but problems make it harder. Last time I sailed in the islands the anchor was something to deal with. I always have to check out where you are on google earth. A lot of small islands out there. The reefs look questionable…so worried about our oceans. HAVE FUN!

[@1960jammy]

The ups and downs of sailing!😳🙏🏻 Ps You said at the beginning of the video, that you needed to catch some rain water!😂😂🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SailingOneLife]

haha yup! Thankfully we were able to fill our tanks to the brim with all the rain!

[@btrent9244]

Love your videos. Best channel. Real life experiences feed the brain. Gary you gave the ole water maker a fighting chance. No drama here. Great to see you guys swimming with the whales or was that green screen. Just kidding 🤣. 🥂 cheers.

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey Trent! Aw, thank you! 🥰 Gary certainly gave the watermaker all he had with the resources we had available. It had a good run but time to upgrade! Swimming with that mom and baby whale was just so amazing! We are having a Patreon Video call on Thursday! Hope you can make it!

[@poponthedock9667]

Be safe out there pop on the dock 😊

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks! 💩⛵

[@ptrollip1]

Awesome footage guys

[@SailingOneLife]

Thank you! 💙📷

[@petercaras3696]

No shortage of rain to collect!

[@SailingOneLife]

Yup! We didn't show collecting it, but we left Suwarrow with full tanks! 💦😁

[@earlashton1342]

You hit the Cooks @ a bad time. SAD YOU DID. It is beautiful.

[@SailingOneLife]

We will just have to hit them again on our second trip around! 😜

[@Rittlesleo]

Don't let the turkeys keep you from soaring with the eagles. You're doing what very few have the courage to do.

[@SailingOneLife]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🦅🦅

[@davidzaharik5408]

I could feel your fatigue... oh major bummer on the water maker!!! And too bad about the weather... we know all too well. My brother came to jump on board for two weeks of sailing in the southern Bahamas and we had 10 days of 30 knot winds... good thing he liked rum.

[@SailingOneLife]

Oh man, 10 days of 30 knots is a killer! Rum certainly helps! Hopefully your brother had a good time regardless!

[@gcrauwels941]

The scales of living exacted a bit of a toll on you two. Pretty epic that you swam with a Humpback mother and calf, but dang, the cost ! Safe passage!🙂🙏

[@SailingOneLife]

Yes, we were feeling pretty worn down in this video but being able to swim with the whales was something we will never forget! Simply amazing!

[@donlindell1994]

On some other channels I say, “I did not come to watch your wife’s boobs, butt, or boo hoos”. This episode perfectly captures the difference between sincere risk management and manufactured drama. Working through this storm really put everything on the line, one line that held every investment and your very own lives. I learned a lot watching this episode and I’m so glad you shared the real deal with us.

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Don! We really try to keep things real and focus on the genuine challenges we face out here. Glad to hear you found the episode insightful and appreciated the authenticity. See you next episode! 💙

[@Tiki71]

I wonder if floating the chain above the bommies with round fender guards would have helped? They way you were pitching, maybe not. Also, you might look into Katadyn Survivor manual saltwater pumps. You could keep it in your abandon ship bag and always have peace of mind that no mater what, you can make water. They're pricey, but cheaper than a hospital visit for dehydration or worse. ;-)

[@RNVOS]

Water water everywhere but no fresh water! Time for a new one. As always another entertaining video! ❤ from 🇨🇦 BC

[@SailingOneLife]

Good thing we had lots of rain! Thanks for the love! 💙

[@rickhunt4487]

What a Beautiful island ! Great episode yall ❤ Stay safe 🙏

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Rick! 💙🐳

[@shredderhater]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventures ❤

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks for coming along with us! 💙🐳

[@russellneville7145]

Hay one life crew. Yet another good honest watch. Thanks for keeping it real. I look forward to catching up soon 👍. Until then, keep up the good work.. SV Kiwi Lady Opua Bay of islands New Zealand 👍🏿

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey Russ! Just sent you a message over on FB! See you soon!

[@cindycornog8006]

❤❤

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Cindy! 💙

[@EvgeniShatohhin]

Now you know to always keep stock of generic motor brushes. When in big need they can be tailored with a file to fit any motor.

[@ChrisandKellNowHere]

Swimming with whales!! My dream come true. It’s always interesting how the weather can make or break a place. We’ve been to a few places other cruisers drool over and then we show up with shite weather and have the complete opposite experience. Cheers to preaching the truth! It IS dramatic!

[@SailingOneLife]

You are so right! We are at the mercy of the weather and sometimes it just plain sucks out here! Hope you guys are doing amazing!!

[@ChrisandKellNowHere]

@@SailingOneLife We're learning quickly that other people/cruisers are also a big factor in enjoying a place 😅 It's so lonely out here sometimes!

[@ralph9987]

Buy yourselves a karcher or similar 240v pressure washer pump and integrate that into your system. That will make it future proof and cheap to relpace

[@henryoppermann134]

With regard to the motor issue for the water maker, find a motor rewind shop, they may be able retrofit a more modern motor for the pump, if that is the only thing that is at issue. I would inspect why the shaft key failed, most likely the pump has an issue and has locked all of a sudden causing a shearing event relating to the shaft drive. Good luck..

[@paulvince5518]

If you rub the brushes on some flat sandpaper slowly they will become slightly smaller and slide in the brush holder

[@markbernier8434]

At least with all that rain you are leaving with full tanks and everything cleaned in fresh.

[@SailingOneLife]

Absolutely! We didn't film it but we pretty quickly filled our tanks just by damming behind the deck-fill ports. 😁💦

[@Trueblue1061]

Great video - that was quite the adventure! A few questions for you - I happen to notice that you have an in boom furler and we are wondering your thoughts on it? How do you adjust your foot tension? Do you have an outhaul that you can connect on your different reefs? And if you had to do it over again - would you stick to an in boom furler?

[@lanetatom2701]

Everyone email them some water.

[@captainjimolchs]

Or USB them some wine.

[@SailingOneLife]

😅 drone drop us some rum

[@timoouwehand6178]

Bearings about to seize in that electric motor ...... rumbling sound is a dead give-away.

[@MrPaulcm1]

Damn guys.... That's rough, hope you're all okay.

[@SailingOneLife]

All good! Just a rough few days!

[@markhamstra1083]

Two items: 1) That bridle/snubber looks seriously short. More length means more shock absorbing capacity, so consider going longer when you replace it - like two or three times longer than it looks like you currently have. 2) You’re probably aware, but there are water makers on the market now that are significantly more efficient than your old one. Also significantly more expensive, so reduced electricity consumption wouldn’t be cheap, but still worth investigating as you consider replacing your water maker.

[@SailingOneLife]

We have found the dynamics of a bridle to provide more shock absorption than a snubber of the same length. Seems to reduce yawing and the associated snapping shock. The breakage here was actually due to the slack section of chain rubbing on it as the boat pitched, we need to lengthen our chafe protection near the hook. And yes, it's totally time to upgrade the watermaker. Since we have a generator on board, we plan to go with a 110V system producing much more water per hour. Eventually we will upgrade to a lithium battery bank and we would be able to run it from the inverter if needed.

[@markhamstra1083]

@@SailingOneLife “Energy recovery” water makers are the newer, more efficient kind. Available from a few manufacturers, but roughly speaking you’re looking at less than half of the energy consumption per gallon of water made, but about twice or more the initial cost to purchase the unit.

[@donnieallums4847]

I was full time in a motor home for 10 years with the ex wife. Y’all must really love each other, because living in such close quarters can be a nightmare at times ! 😂 enjoying your videos . Greetings from south east Alabama USA ☮️❤️

[@SailingOneLife]

Haha yeah living in a small space has it's downfalls but we seem to live pretty well like this. Thanks for the love from Alabama!

[@donnieallums4847]

@@SailingOneLife you are welcome. Stay safe .

[@craigc.494]

Just finished reading all the comments, and all the positive notes said are quite true and resonate with me. Quite surprised nobody brought up the excellent story of the island and Tom Neale. Brooke did an excellent photo essay of his story for your video, I was quite excited to see what I had read ages ago. I read the book "An island to one’s self" twice over 30 years ago and always dreamed of finding it and living out my dream there as well. Seeing it, it’s appears much larger than the book portrayed in my mind. Once I had a boat and prepared to go there, in my research was quite let down personally, as it became a park. On the other hand, it is saved for many other people to see and experience. I just wish your experience was longer there to explore the island. Two questions, can you shop online for the best water maker and ship to arrive next destination? And if that is Hannah G you got a gem. For a few crossings?

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey Craig! So glad you enjoyed the small segment about Tom Neale. We also read the book and agree that we thought the island would have been much smaller. We were quite bummed we couldn't have explored more but the weather just wasn't cooperating. The rangers did tell us that in the last 10 years there have been about 1,000 yachts to visit the park. To answer your question about the watermaker: Yes, we did research to see if/how/where we could have a new one shipped. Ideally in this part of the world the easiest and quickest option would be to have a watermaker shipped in from NZ or Australia but since our boat is 110v, we are limited to getting the new watermaker from the US (unless we do some electrical work, install a transformer, etc which we aren't keen on) which adds quite a bit of lead time probably a month or more for shipping and along with steep customs import fees. This would also mean staying in one place (Samoa/Tonga) for longer than we wanted, especially with cyclone season and needing to continue to make miles. So we opted to tough it out until New Zealand, where we would have time, could save money on shipping and import fees as well as it being more easily shipped from the US direct to NZ. No, our Hannah is not Hannah G! We love her too but we think you'll enjoy 'One Life' Hannah too!

[@loisphillips5826]

Hi Brooke and Gary. Wow, what an experience swimming with the humpback whales. Too bad the weather was so crappy. Looking forward to Samoa.

[@SailingOneLife]

Hi Lois! Swimming with the whales was such a beautiful experience! Yeah, that's just the way it goes sometimes with weather!

[@user-wm1pi1ix2i]

Greetings from Tlaxcala Mexico ❤❤❤

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks for sending us love from Mexico!💙

[@narrowescape81]

Good video as always! Good luck in Samoa. I've heard from other cruisers that it's the worst stop between LA and Australia 😬

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks! Yeah, most people don't like American Samoa but everyone who stops at Western Samoa seems to enjoy it!

[@narrowescape81]

@SailingOneLife Excellent point!! I'm anxious to watch! Fair winds ⛵️

[@WSallai]

Hope you were topping off the water tanks with rainwater. Great for laundry and showering whilst it is raining. Since you have satellite communication, you should be able to research for your water maker, either repair parts or a more efficient/reliable replacement and have it waiting for you when you arrive.

[@SailingOneLife]

Hi there :) We should have showed it in the video but we didn't get any footage of it! Our tanks were completely full after these rain storms! Despite the weather being blah we were very thankful for the rain! Yes, our Starlink is great for being able to troubleshoot and research things like our water maker. Due to the logistics, lead times on shipping and customs issues, we made the choice to wait until New Zealand to receive the water maker.

[@user-ok2vl1yo5s]

Distilled white vinegar needs to be kept in the cabinet on a world cruiser for just this case, take and boil your brush plate and brushes in a 2 to 1 ratio of vinegar to water for about 20 minutes then try to move the brushes if no movement boil a sec9nd time

[@SailingOneLife]

We keep lots of vinegar onboard, unfortunately vinegar didn't do the trick in this case.

[@thomasbrasse3145]

That lack of protection was unsettling. Glad it worked out alright.

[@SailingOneLife]

It wasn't ideal but the whales made up for the weather! We are having a Patreon video call on Thursday if you can make it!

[@Joe-zt7ef]

Nice Video :)

[@SailingOneLife]

Thank you! :)

[@36offshore]

You wanted this life!😭😭🤣

[@SailingOneLife]

Haha yup sure did and still do!

[@SailingOneLife]

And the funny thing is, even after all the tough days, we still want it! Maybe we're crazy?!?!? 😂

[@stanparsonstreeinc]

And two golden eagles living the crocodile lifestyle .

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Stan!

[@bobbybronkhorst7129]

With a mallet😂

[@SailingOneLife]

Ok it might have been a wrench, but same idea.😂

[@johnmagnan759]

never cut the budget on ground tackle and rigging. Can't go wrong with a Rocna or Mantus anchor and good chain. I went a size up on both chain and anchor. Of course Rocna and Mantus weren't around when I was cruising. We did have a delta anchor can't remember the brand though.

[@captainjimolchs]

Each design of anchor has its strengths and weaknesses. It is rather impractical to carry an assortment for all conditions. Their chain worked fine. So did the anchor.

[@johnmagnan759]

@@captainjimolchs my delta never failed me. Saw all kinds of conditions. While other boats dragged ours held fast. You’re not beating a delta anchor in my humble opinion.

[@eduardoHMYT]

What an aventure! Please consider using the carbon brushes from an angle grinder!.

[@SailingOneLife]

The thought of cannibalizing some other equipment to make it run did cross my mind. But the combination of multiple issues with the watermaker made me accept it was time to move on. And we got plenty of rain to fill our tanks there. 😂

[@jimgarvin9159]

Question on chains. Do you float an anchor chain at times ? Is when in shallow only when floating a chain when bombies are an issues.

[@SailingOneLife]

Good question, we should have discussed it in the video! Yes we do float the anchor chain at times. It's not really feasible in 60 feet of water with 275 feet of chain out. There needs to be a significant amount of chain laying close to the bottom to ensure the anchor is pulled horizontally. Since the anchor has to be on the bottom, and the chains connected to it, there's no real way to totally avoid chain being on the bottom.

[@stanparsonstreeinc]

Epic whales , did you find the seahorse for brandy yet. 😂

[@SailingOneLife]

Still searching!

[@dennispatrick4999]

Float some fenders from the chain to keep it off the boat...

[@SailingOneLife]

We of course considered this, but it's not really practical in 60 feet of water with 275 feet of chain out. There needs to be a significant amount of chain laying close to the bottom to ensure the anchor is pulled horizontally. And in 40 knots the chain is just about pulled tight in a straight line anyway (actually a catenary curve if you want to be technical.) When possible we do float the chain in shallower water around live corals.

[@carltontweedle5724]

That looked like a bad few days. But whales.

[@SailingOneLife]

exactly, WHALES! 🐳💙

[@sailingopcy8154]

Stuk on board ?? You're at home .. you got al ya need

[@SailingOneLife]

Home sweet home 💙

[@ckfpv]

Hey Guys ✌️✌️✌️🇺🇲⛵⚓⛵

[@SailingOneLife]

hey there :) 💙🐳🌎

[@williamdgurley421]

Would Floating the chain have helped you avoid the bombies ? Or would doing so make the anchor less effective in the big blow?

[@SailingOneLife]

Good question, we should have discussed it in the video! Yes we do float the anchor chain at times. It's not really feasible in 60 feet of water with 275 feet of chain out. There needs to be a significant amount of chain laying close to the bottom to ensure the anchor is pulled horizontally. Since the anchor has to be on the bottom, and the chains connected to it, there's no real way to totally avoid chain being on the bottom especially at this depth.

[@quolls2]

Brushless motors are the only way to go. You have the same round lights as my Meski the yacht 😂 buy a new hp pump.

[@normanswango7347]

Hey Gary and Brooke when are you getting to Samoa. We are currently here. Or are you guys going to American Samoa? Hope to see ya here. Love your videos. Be safe

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey there :) Unfortunately our videos are far behind real time. We never stopped at American Samoa but we really enjoyed Western Samoa - what did you think of it? Where are you headed next? Maybe we will see ya somewhere?

[@normanswango7347]

Thanks for responding guys. We are still in Apia. We will probably be going to Fiji in a month or so. I figured your videos were behind but was hoping. I do hope we cross paths someday. We’re on Sailing Vessel Mig. Be safe.

[@SailingOneLife]

Ah cool, hopefully we will see you in Fiji then sounds like we will be there around the same time! We will keep an eye out for you!

[@peterasacker5948]

Been there .....many have no idea of the stress....time cannot go by fast enough...as I sit here wondering if you had a chance to collect any rain water?

[@SailingOneLife]

You are right....time seems to move so slow in situations like these! We didn't film it but yes, we were able to fill our tanks to the brim with all the rain! Lucky for us!

[@SADIK19631963]

👍🧿

[@SailingOneLife]

💙💙

[@phedrob3735]

Sorry to hear the sad news about the watermaker. Do you have anything in place for collecting rainwater?

[@SailingOneLife]

Yeah a bummer for sure! Our water tank fill is on our port side so when it rains we just swing the boom over to port which leans the boat over just enough for the water to run right into the fill! Pretty basic but it works great!

[@Rouge_7]

Does the amount of chain out prevent using floats to keep the chain off the rocks?

[@SailingOneLife]

Good question, we should have discussed it in the video! Yes we do float the anchor chain at times. It's not really feasible in 60 feet of water with 275 feet of chain out. There needs to be a significant amount of chain laying close to the bottom to ensure the anchor is pulled horizontally. Since the anchor has to be on the bottom, and the chains connected to it, there's no real way to totally avoid chain being on the bottom especially at this depth.

[@johnrathbun2943]

Hey those are whales, momma and baby. I bet that was a great experience for you to swim with them. Yeah, sounds like you need a new water maker. Maybe you can get a new motor and rotating pump and covert your water maker into a Frankenstein water maker. Or you can fork out thousands for a new water maker. Sounds like salt water baths and fresh water rinses in the future.

[@SailingOneLife]

Hey John! The whales were just so cool! We've decided to go with a new water maker.....but yes, lots of salt water showers and rain water rinses until then!

[@codegame027]

I know videos are delayed. Have you since replaced or repaired the watermaker?

[@SailingOneLife]

We have not yet installed a new unit but hope to do it soon!

[@colinboniface194]

I wouldn't worry too much about the key board warriors... You are out there doing it, they are not...

[@SailingOneLife]

Thanks, Colin! We appreciate the good vibes!