Lifeboat Conversion Ep35: Installing storage nets, other updates, and first mention of...solar! [4K]

[@thattoolguy9432]

I spotted Alan whilst down checking on my boat at the marina last weekend, looking good, Interesting project for sure

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Ah, you're in the 'smart and shiny' yard?

[@freshPrinceOfBelfairs]

Marina is stretching it a bit... There is nothing Howards Way about Benfleet creek

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Ha. We're definitely the poor relation next door, but we're a happy bunch,.

[@alanmahaffey3265]

As someone who happens to be named Alan, whenever i am feeling lonely all I have to do is come to your channel and soak in the concern and adoration.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

My work is done.

[@Space_Reptile]

as someone who is interested as off grid solar as a hobby, i dont care if its done to death by others, its very refreshing to see a new take on it from a marine person instead of some bloke in a 6 figure "tiny home"

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Will do my best

[@ManxAndy]

Good afternoon…..been looking forward to the latest on Alan, happy new year 👍🇮🇲

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

And to you too.

[@kst357]

This past year I converted the back of my 4 wheel drive Chevy Suburban so I could use the truck for camping and installed the exact same storage netting, except they are the longest ones they sell. I learned that you can stuff a lot of things in them but anything & everything that can get snagged on the netting will get snagged on them. So after the winter I'll be looking for a stretch fabric that I can affix to them. If I can find storage pouches that use a stretch fabric instead of netting I'll probably just buy them and replace the storage netting.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Good tip 👌

[@Michael-wr2mz]

God I love your dry sarcastic commentary, cracks me up

[@JSBriggs]

The motion lights at the end are great, but perhaps an optional red cover for times when you would prefer low light.

[@Garryck-1]

Damn.. and I was SO looking forward to video of you garrotting yourself! Seriously though.. bloody good idea!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers. I think.

[@Garryck-1]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals Well.. only so long as you didn't actually succeed, of course. Having once done the same to myself with a clothsline, I'm told it's quite entertaining for the spectators!

[@teeanahera8949]

I’ll be that nerd who thanks you for clarifying the conduction of heat via the handles to outside. Cold does not conduct of course. What a great idea to use the liquid “rubber” substance to insulate the handles. I moved to a place 400m from the ocean and most of my tools rust, I just might use that stuff to keep the rust off. Alan is looking pretty spiffy on the inside and the solar panels will be a great asset I’m sure. I am looking forward to the next episode.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers! And may your heat continue to conduct in the correct direction...

[@MCallsen]

Now you get recommended on the same day. YT ways are strange but wonderful :)

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

The algorithm gods at work.

[@snaaail]

I'm glad that I can finally sleep again now that the engine bay extraction duct has been sorted

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

A real triumph

[@willys4882]

I like the use of the motion lights for egress. The location of the light switch in my shop requires a somewhat treacherous walk to the other side to exit after turning it off. My shins thank you in advance for their protection. Keep going on Alan he's getting closer every day.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

You're most welcome, and thank you.

[@Toochwerks]

I've been spoiled. I've only recently come across the Alan Saga totally by accident a couple days ago, so quickly made my way through all the episodes already, one after another over 3 or so days. But now I'm caught up and wondering what to do with myself! Guess it's time to pick up one of your books while I wait. Sigh

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Goodness. I'll get back to posting Alan videos forthwith. In the meantime, yes please do try out a book or two!

[@TimoNoko]

Those flexible panels are totally destroyed when tiniest of cracks appear and salt water seeps in. For this reason I studied waterproof coatings on them. I found out that shiny coatings, like boating wax and lacquer do not work very well -- they reflect the sun back. I decided that layer of clear Vaseline is the best. It does not effect much on power production. Dry salt and ice is easy to wipe off without causing scratches. But you have to add more Vaseline quite often as it washes off.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Noted, thanks.

[@tim8351]

I’ve been following the development of Alan and it has been a exciting journey. I am fully into marine electrical work and off grid systems. If you want some advice you can contact me. Keep up the excellent work!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Much appreciated

[@yamilespanol4527]

nice, alan is getting solar panels :D

[@johnheppell402]

For the cold metal handles there exists an insulating paint additive based on tiny beads with vacuum centres. Thermalmix is a brand I have used.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Thanks

[@dcallan812]

OOoooo Alan is becoming athoroughly modern motor boat. great vidio, 2x👍

[@traumgeist]

Hash tag living the life boat life.

[@solarfunction1847]

Fantastic job, well done.

[@ClarksvilleTN]

Just a heads up on what you may already know. These flexible panels don’t typically last long. Sometimes only a year. UV exposure usually causes the top clear layer to get brittle and crack. Marine conditions usually speeds up their demise when the cracks start to appear. Best of luck to you. I really enjoy your videos.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Hi and thanks for the warning. I've noted that they don't last decades (as some marketing claims), but generally people I know with them have had a good five years of service without cracks or issues. It might be down to the plastics and resins used etc, and I'll certainly report back if mine fail prematurely!

[@Easy-Eight]

I like to watch the progress on *Alan* whilst my home is located two kilometers from corn & soybean fields.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

A niche request.

[@jpsimon206]

I've had significant experience with plasti-dip. It is not typically a very durable product but there are a few applicator tricks that will help. Firstly, you want the surface to have a fair amount of tooth, not sandpaper tooth like for paint, I mean something it can mechanically grab onto, a few drill holes make a big difference. The second tip is to always dip three times. If you have the time and patience, a light scuffing of the first two coats will help the additional ones stick better. Can't help you on the drip, you're stuck with it.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Thanks for the tips on the large holes to fill. I've done about four coats on a test piece and it seems pretty tough, for now!

[@jpsimon206]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals yeah it is typically pretty impressive at first. It's thermocycling that breaks it down. When you do tool handles, they are quite durable for about 1 year and then they start breaking down very quickly. Perhaps you could experiment by putting the item in the freezer off and on? I know you need to be able to count on things when you are at sea.

[@HandymanMark]

Good choice in color 😉

[@michaelyoung7261]

The motion controlled lights are brilliant addition. I’ve wanted to get some nightlight versions for going about home after dark just so I can stop stinking my toes on random messes left out

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

The best tenner I've spent in a while.

[@blest5132]

excellent series, thank you

[@jbprospector3638]

So glad to see the progress. Always enjoy your videos 😁

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers

[@jpsimon206]

I know that you are terribly busy getting Alan ship shape, but could I make a request? These flexible solar panels that you got, do you mind updating us maybe once every 4 months on your opinion of them? How durable they are? There are a lot of different flexible panels out there and the quality is all over the map. Having some direct experience with them is incredibly valuable, we also reside in very similar areas in terms of sunlight availability. As I'm sure you know, cheaper panels are not as efficient in low light. Thanks much

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I can certainly report back on these models, yes. I actually have an episode coming up of Maxeon vs non-Maxeon panel sensitivity.

[@jpsimon206]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals thank you very much. I doubt there are many people converting lifeboats out there but there is certainly a lot of interest in PV panels. I suspect many of us will benefit from your observations.

[@BlackwaterBronn]

Looking Good!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers

[@combat.wombat]

You might want to do a summary video to catch up potential new viewers to the series

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Isn't that what the playlist, including the early episodes and the 'origins' episode are for?

[@stco2426]

#AlanLife is continuing to impress in all aspects👋. A couple of thoughts: I find ‘dipped plastic’ handles to be hardwearing but always quite cold to the touch. Heat shrink (several layers are possible) I find to be much grippier and warmer. Good quality adhesive-lined heat shrink is very tough. I’m on the first rung of a flexible-ish solar panel odyssey so truly welcome your sojourn into that well-filled niche. Yours will be highly enlightening. Cheers. btw am I the only one who ties the ends together of lines and puts them through the washing machine?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I'll do my best on the solar! Good tip on the heat shrink. I've tried machine washing lines before, and they splayed badly.

[@marcusgreco]

This is the exhilarating content I subscribed for 😂💪 jkjk love the series mate! Can’t wait to see Allen on google earth in the middle of the arctic/southern ocean!?!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Correct and courageous comment.

[@Toochwerks]

Alan* lol

[@chris7015]

This is every boys dream. I wish my wife shared my enthusiasm.

[@freshPrinceOfBelfairs]

You can't force someone to enjoy Alan.

[@smokingbatterieschannel6060]

Sorry happy birthday to your channel

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Goodness! I hadn't realised. It was comatose for many months before I got my act together.

[@LoneWolf0648]

with the 2 sets of panels you should be good but part of me would want to put a small panel on the front and rear just so no matter what angle the sun is, you get at least some power. Also maybe have a small one as a basic battery tender just for the engine battery so you can turn off the main power and if your gone for a while, it will keep the starter battery charged so you dont come back to a completely dead battery, something you can clip to the mast and leave.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

A fair point, and redundancy planning is excellent practice, although we'll also have a smaller LiFePO4 battery hidden away that could be a backup crank battery.

[@realnutteruk1]

with the solar panels pointing in such wildly different directions, it would be wise to use a separate charge controller for each side of the boat....

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Absolutely. Two pairs of 200W.

[@Purple_crustacean]

Randomly got this recommended but you're doing a great job whatever you're doing?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers!

[@kirill42069]

I would use 3M VHB tape for those solar panels

[@cessrcd]

Use heatshrink on the stainless parts

[@slammsonite1]

I may have missed the episode but where is the cooking done?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I've been prevaricating. The stove is still in my storage unit.

[@robschlotterbeck2566]

I’m not sure what your communication plans are? I would suggest HF 2way radio if you’re going to be in nowhere at any point on your journey. I would love to hear what your plans are, even a side band CB radio would be better than nothing.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers Rob. Perhaps the live Q&A next Saturday will be up your street. For remote comms I'll tend to use satellites.

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

Obviously I'm late but I was wondering what type of charge controller you're using. I have both but I'm waiting for warmer weather to do some experiments. Best of luck to you and yours.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

All will be revealed in the installation episodes. There's a new solar test just posted too.

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals Yes, just watched. Thank you.

[@FMuscleZ28]

Good one.

[@Vortagh]

How "fixed" into place are these solar mats regarding sea swell? Amateur-sailing-me looks at them and at once thinks "well that won't survive the first couple heavy waves that manage to get a hold underneath it", so I'm wondering what your final plan will be in those next few episodes. Especially as it looks like the mats aren't one continuous flat surface, but seem to have flaps or slots at the edges? Als the cables. Wondering what salt air corrosion will do to them as well. All in all, looking forward to seeing the next few episodes. 🙂 Also, it's too bad your website's store software requires a credit card and won't accept paypal. I wanted to get the hardcovers, a few months ago and it just wouldn't let me pay for them. :-(

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Hello. The solar panels will be adhered on all four sides, don't fear. Waves won't be able to get behind them. This was just for brevity in the episode and to make sure I was content with their location. Cables will be sealed, besides the fact they are stainless and UV resistant. On the books - send me an email via my website and we can arrange Paypal. Cheers.

[@TimoNoko]

I vote for not glueing them on permanently. I suggest tight line of tiny knobs you bungee-cord them on. Very destructive to scrape ice off.

[@pontuswendt2486]

AMAZINGNES!!!

[@111elf1]

more of a question than a suggestion, but as you tend to go far north, would a lower, steeper (more vertical) position not be better usage of zbe solarpanels?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Once very far north, the amount of energy from the sun outside of the summer months is feeble anyhow, so you'll be on wind or diesel power.

[@jgriff3218]

A link to the motion lights please. I am looking forward to the solar. Others I have followed talk the big words and I learned nothing.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09DFR7RM9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@jgriff3218]

Thank you. Wanting these for our caravan.

[@Garryck-1]

KZbin algorithm go BRRRRRR!

[@smokingbatterieschannel6060]

Hi Alex Why not try a wind turbine.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Yep, got one. Currently mounted to the rear of an Arctic sled.

[@155stw]

I forgot, but do you already have or are planning to install a bathroom?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Not a separated/cubicle one. It's for a crew who are expedition teammates.

[@VinceW187]

What preparations are you making, to your navigational skills and survival in freezing water? Or are you already fully trained in these areas? Anybody can build a boat but that does not necessarily qualify you to operate the boat safely in extreme conditions, especially when something goes wrong.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

There's a number of things to tackle there. In terms of remote location comms, survival and protocol that's sort of my career 101. Specific to the sea, it's why I'm picking the brains of experienced people every day of the week. And once Alan's deployed, I'm likely to work with people/someone who has more sea time, and me with more ice time.

[@greylocke100]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals I would suggest you also take the course from your version of Coast Guard for small craft handling, if they offer it. Or take the course from private instruction. It is very useful and it will teach you things you can't really learn from a book or online. Especially if you get an old salt as your instructor.

[@jpsimon206]

For argument's sake, if you had a regular viewer who was passionate about your project and interested in reading your books but happened to be poverty-stricken, what would you suggest? Unfortunately, my library system does not carry your works, clearly this should be rectified. For what it's worth, I live in Gig Harbor, WA. I have no idea why but virtually every captain in Dutch Harbor lives here in the winter. Quite a large part of the Alaskan fishing industry winters here for some reason. I'm not sure why I mentioned this other than trying to imply the remote possibility of it being advantageous for you down the road. I do know quite a few Tlinket, I used to be married to one.

[@jpsimon206]

It's quite cheeky of me, but if you were willing to send me a book, I would commit to donating it to the library after reading along with a handful of other books that I have already completed. I figured no great harm in asking. Normally I would just buy it from Amazon, read it, and return it. I'm concerned this would reflect badly in the reviews, no matter how small I don't want to harm your livelihood

[@darrellcoy]

Headspace / void under the solar panels? condensation and expansion taken into account?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Can you .... expand ..... a bit? Only one side of the panels are currently bonded down, so advice welcome.

[@darrellcoy]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals Sorry, i thought you stuck all four sides down. My thought was that if the panels get moisture behind them, then freezes, it could cause damage to the panels or the skin of the boat. Only being attached at one edge that will not be an issue.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Ah, yes understood now. I think it's possible in theory to provide a complete all around seal, but you're right that if a small gap appears in that seal, water (whether liquid or iced) could enter and then fail to escape. I'm probably going to bead the lower edge so that water can drain.

[@ptonpc]

Ah, the ventilation is solved! Now I can sleep!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

You and me both.

[@HanssLin]

You need to leave air space under the solar panels, otherwise the life span reduce to 1/3

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Interesting. To allow air/heat flow?

[@greylocke100]

Not sure if that is correct for the type of panel he is using. I know for my aluminum framed panels the manufacturer specifies 2" air gap underneath. I've seen that type directly adhered to the roofs of RV's by the installers recommended by the manufacturer. So he should check his spec sheet to be sure. You may be correct for that type of panel, buy I'm just going on my personal experience.

[@mr.m2556]

You might want to test out positioning your lamps to indirect or bounce the light by positioning traditional down lights up and let the ceiling distribute the light in a wider pattern for a more over all area light. A single flash light pointed up at your ceiling can light up a a decent sized room vs directly pointed task lights. Thus more over light with less.

[@lancer2204]

One down side to that option is if you have watch keeping shifts and someone is always asleep.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Agreed for getting a general light 'bathe' on the whole area using light bounce. This is more for a couple of useful zones for now.

[@davidpaterson6271]

My buddy and I are doing lifeboat conversions here in the US. Thanks for your content. My lifeboat will likely hold the record for "most duct tape used". Here's a quick drone vid of mine from the first day... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn6QY5pvYpeoos0

[@birdseyeview1543]

I wonder, should a lifeboat need a... lifeboat?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

A life-raft yes. Alan can't sink, but fire is a different matter.

[@mr_gerber]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals Cant't sink? Just like the Titanic. Impressive!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

No, fundamentally different, Alan is buoyant. Even if sliced in half, he would float. So, that wouldn't be fun, but it's true. Fire remains the primary way to destroy Alan.

[@mr_gerber]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals Yeah, I know. I need to remind myself to not be sarcastic on the internet :P

[@HandymanMark]

Paint job needs stripes

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Don't plant ideas in my head....

[@HandymanMark]

Take a look at my camper. On my KZbin channel

[@JonMadsen70]

:)

[@Scottyrock1000]

Watching you is a lot like watching paint dry. Only watching paint dry is a bit more exciting I fear.

[@CAMSLAYER13]

Cool story bro.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Generally people do the painting and then let it dry without surveilling it throughout This may help.

[@pontuswendt2486]

First!

[@bella-xx4vx]

This project is taking to long mate its been a year or more HURRY UP AND SET SAIL

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Sorry mate. Up on the north coast of Alaska. Alan is but one of many things I do.

[@jefflowe8803]

I will be unsubscribing. Your content needs to be better and longer

[@Oimbubi]

Not enough painting, I am out #Alanlife #Blessed #firstworldproblems #nofilter #sorrynotsorry

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I offer no defence.

[@Oimbubi]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals ... but seriously, you are making top videos (fun and informative)

[@jackfntwist]

Does Alan have an alternator? I'm a non-millennial, and therefore have zero faith in solar power. Lol.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Alan certainly does. A nice shiny new one.

[@darrenparker8359]

dreaded van life people? Hmmm

[@purpleom9649]

So funny, "when Alan rolls around in his animated charming manor" then a view of a mill pond like water. You know people (who I assume you trust) who have been at sea for decades, why not ask them how your boat will act out at sea, I suspect the motion will be unbearable within 24 Hrs and in few days you will see anyone aboard jump into the sea to end their life. You need weighted keels or maybe some sort of outriggers, this boat was never designed to do what you are asking of it, it's like crossing the jungle in roller skates.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

A real 'shoot first and engage brain later, if at all' comment. So you mean like the cumulative total of over a century of seafaring experience friends and family are kindly offering? Or the episodes that are about keel redesign, ballast and stability, not about mesh nets and rubber coated handles?

[@purpleom9649]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals So are you saying your friends and family haven't mentioned the totally inappropriate hull design and the folly of trying to take such a ill designed boat out on the open sea? After your abrasive comment I'm now thinking you deserve to try, it's clear you have little to no experience with seafaring and I didn't want you to fail like the last time you tried an expedition, stand aside Randolph Fines.

[@alttabby3633]

you must be fun at parties

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

It does sound like folly to cast aspersions at someone having launched a poorly considered and ignorant attempt at a 'gotcha'. Clearly having done very little background research save as to see that not all very challenging polar journeys are successful. Indeed, I've been somewhat soft. I could have suggested that such comments are invariably the product of ageing resentment and insecurity from someone lacking the drive and relative youth of someone actually doing things, and learning. The advice of those I speak of is honest, expert and well-meaning. Which is why it's worth a hundred times your contribution. I'm also not sure who Randolph Fines is.