Liveaboards to Cruisers: Final Preparations | Sailing Soulianis - Ep. 19

Just one week is left before we depart our home port of Racine, Wisconsin - for good!?! - and take off south down the river.
The list of projects, errands, and to-dos is still a mile long. We need to buy anchor chain, install an anchor swivel, hook up plumbing to our secondary water tank, install sound deadening material inside the engine compartment, top off our batteries, install a cell phone booster, figure out what’s up with our engine leaking oil, arrange for our mast to be unstepped in Chicago, and organize our entire boat - which is a nonstop mess.
In between the chores, we squeeze a little yoga, a workout, grocery provisioning, and even a day sail with our boat neighbors. They’ve so graciously helped us with so many boat projects over the summer, and since neither of them were able to sail their own boats this season, we were happy to be able to take them out on ours.
Hope you enjoy!
Lauren & Kirk
P.S. If you’d like more Sailing Soulianis content or would like to support our video production, consider becoming a patron here: / sailingsoulianis
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[@amooseish]

Old vid but I hope you see this comment. You two have a blessed relationship, which is a big feature. You handle boat problems with aplomb. Surely, conflict arises, especially in a small living space with accompanying challenges. The complete sailing experience encompasses management of conflict, and I believe this topic would be instructive not only from a sailing experience, but from a relationship perspective. I am eager to learn from you both in every dimension. He quality and craftsmanship of capture and edit is first class. Undoubtedly my favourite sailing channel. God bless you both!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you for your comments :)

[@diverbob8]

Here is the story of Specific Gravity in regard to regular lead acid batteries: When properly filled and charged but unused, the SG will be about 1.28 (water=1.00) due to the addition of the sulfuric acid. Note that the hydrometer often drops the decimal point so that would be 1280. That maximum will quickly drop when used to a max of about 1260. When the battery is completely dead but still relatively new, it will check about 1100. You should also assume that you will loose one point per day while in an inactive state unless the state of charge is being maintained somehow. So in an inactive state 1260 - 1100 = 160 days or a little over 5 months from full charge to completely discharged. As the batteries age, some of the sulfate will gradually flake off the plates and land in the bottom of the cell (where it cannot be recovered by charging) , so the SG will get lower over time. When this pile gets high enough, it will short out that cell and the voltage of the battery will drop a little over 2 volts each time a cell is lost to a short. Note that slow or trickle charging will recover more without it being flaked off. Fair winds....from the hills of West Virginia!

[@lucasspaniard8430]

That was nice that you bought your neighbours some gifts and that last sail looked liked good fun. I am the same as Maria when sailing, " Do I look beautiful? That is the main thing, I don't care were this boat goes, as long as I look beautiful!" If only that fit onto a T shirt! :)

[@shanslam1970]

What lovely neighbour's you have!! Thats such a blessing

[@karitane]

Keep having fun together guys. It's infectious and it's catching over here xx

[@SailingSoulianis]

On it. ;)

[@alan6832]

@@SailingSoulianis The purpose of anchor chain, as opposed to rope, is to provide weight in order to sag underwater, which reduces the effective scope angle and makes the anchor hold better. So if the purpose is weight then why not use a shorter length of bigger chain that is of ordinary strength steel? switching to rope sooner? Would bigger chain fit in the windlass?

[@robertadair6612]

Bing watching from your start...loving every episode!!!

[@robertyoung3003]

Great videos, nice too see people getting the most out of life. They are helping me keep my dreams alive...thank you!

[@BrianStDenis-pj1tq]

Such a great way to end a video, very enjoyable.

[@coastertrav]

Hey Guys! I never comment on videos but just wanted to make sure you knew how much I’ve been enjoying following along on your journey. Please keep up the updates and I can’t wait to see your adventure continue.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Travis, thanks for saying hello. Much appreciated :)

[@rayvonnesr1672]

Nicely done! All the way around! You are good people, enjoy your adventures. It’s cool watching people’s videos from the beginning and seeing their lives unfold!

[@gidge34]

Adorbs, keep on keepin on 🤘

[@chknhwkhamr]

Love the channel. Can’t wait to see how the trip goes... Have a 23’ O’day in Waukegan. First year sailing and Loving it. Wanting to take the same route you are down the Mississippi in a few years Keep up the great videos 🍻

[@jsmith5634]

Starting from the beginning and really enjoying your channel. Love the fact that you guys are “real” and allow us to join your journey. Taking your marina friends (especially the wives} out sailing on this episode was so special. It’s clear that they have never had the chance to be the “captain “ before and for you two to do that was really special!! Can’t wait for the journey to the gulf to start!

[@CookieMonster_1969]

Hope to be watching you two for years to come, you are doing well together...

[@johnpray9049]

I find watching your videos is a great way to relax at night! Looking forward to seeing more:)

[@53glowe]

Enjoyable and entertaining episode 👍 You guys have lovely personalities making it a pleasure to watch. Sailing Soulianis...much to like.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelryerson1315]

Lovely. So glad for you guys.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Michael!

[@christiancormier7847]

You two are rockin it! Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Christian!

[@ronvandermolen8676]

I've been looking for new videos, I enjoyed watching them. More please

[@davidinafrica8898]

Great episode guys! So much work, so little time. Thanks

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks David! You are so right.

[@DriftaholiC]

Just binge-watched the whole playlist. Keep it up! Love finding new channels that inspire me to follow suit. I didn't even know cruising was a thing last year and now I'm thinking I need to do the same.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Right on! Thanks for watching :)

[@steveangell4426]

Great video as always. Looked like a very fun time with your boat friends. Something that one should always make some time for.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Or else what’s all the boat work for, right?

[@andrewstewart3133]

You guys are great. Looking forward to following your adventures. Sail safe.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Andrew!

[@henrymorgan3982]

Love you guys! Sail on!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers Henry!

[@drwindsurf]

It is so exciting to see the progress you have made. I love that you trying so hard to stay positive in the midst of the stress and drudgery that is a launch date. Thank you for sharing another great video :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Jeffrey! Always appreciate your thoughtful, lovely comments :)

[@rictus7222]

I just discovered your Channel yesterday and have been binge-watching the first playlist 20 episodes getting caught up on the journey. I'm subscribed to several sailboat Journeys and young couples living the dream. I'm very impressed with the quality of the videos the story you tell and you two looking so magnificent, in love, inspired by each other . captured my heart and attention you now have a new eager for more content subscriber.

[@MichaelPaulHenderson]

What a fantastic group of folks! Great pace and emotion in this episode - thanks for sharing your precious moments.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, Michael! So glad you enjoyed it :)

[@tomprevost2477]

Night at the Roxbury dudes.....cracked me up. nice episode.

[@shebearski]

Maria did look Beautiful !!!

[@stevecrombie5357]

Keep them coming guys, I'm hooked. Hope you find the time to post these videos on a regular basis. Be safe.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Steve, doin’ our best! Really glad you enjoy the videos :)

[@rundown48]

This video... I loved it... so much fun ... Look out Chicago !!! Best wishes and ...... Cheers .

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, David!

[@bartblack7326]

Really loving your channel. I can't wait to see what your future holds. Keep up the great work!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, thanks for watching, Bart!

[@TheSwampdoggydog]

Good luck guys, can’t wait for the upcoming adventure to start

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Brett!

[@fxpthl]

You kids really work/play well together! Those last week projects were epic but your attitude got them done. Looking forward to your upcoming river trip!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Edward, thanks for the comment! 💛

[@DaleRISmith]

what wonderful friends you have made, that is big reason to become a sailor :)

[@Ruffway64]

Great video,,,cannot wait to see more!!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks!

[@TheJohn5710]

Great video. Excited to see what is next

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey John, thanks for watching!

[@sailingluana3037]

Nice... :) thanks for sharing.

[@926Trucker]

Watch all your vids. Good Stuff. Excited for your journey to begin...so keep making vids!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Will do, thanks for following along!

[@matthewwarren7252]

Red, White, and Blue are the traditional watch colours from the Royal Navy. They originate from the first three fleets. The Red was for the Med, the Blue for the home fleet and the White for the rest of the world. The downside of marking your anchor cable with red however is that night you cant see the red markings under red light (to save your night vision). Ps, loving the show and have just started from the beginning again.... hense the late comment.

[@islandonlinenews]

So much fun, big smiles.

[@SailingSoulianis]

😁

[@alanbrookes3056]

New chain always a good move!

[@madridpunch]

I’m loving the videos, well done, just finished binge watching from the start! Just a word on the tool bag. I’ve always found that a tool bag will result in rusty tools, especially once you get to salt water. About five years ago I started using Peli cases. Hard plastic waterproof cases often used for camera gear etc. A bit more pricy, but save a load of money on replacing tools. Stick a few of those silicon desiccant sachets in there as well...

[@launchsquid]

I remember ages ago watching a vid of these two folks looking a a racing catamaran as a potential liveaboard yacht, fast forward to today and youtube decided to show me a vid of you two buying a yacht, I've watched every other vid in sequence, I've subbed, and I've realised I'm going to have to wait a week for the next update :( I'm really looking forward to seeing how the journey down the river goes, if I ever get a yacht and if I ever get to the US I intend to do the same. Live the dream.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Glad you found us again! Happy to have you along for the journey :)

[@clifflong1203]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! We are in the process of doing many of the same things with our new boat ( first boat)! Hope to see you out there!! S/V Harmonica...it's a wind instrument:)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Cliff, good luck to you with your new boat! Dig the name. So many options though with an explanation like that: S/V Flute, S/V Clarinet, S/V Tuba, S/V Didgeridoo... -L

[@mattchapman5941]

You guys are great. Another great video. Wish there was a new one every day!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Haha we’d never sail anywhere if we made one everyday! Or eat, or sleep...

[@yeelinli1]

Very Good thank you and well done

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, Howard!

[@clayfarnet970]

I guess we can say it now, because you’ve earned it...fair winds and following seas! 😜👍

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Clay!

[@mmanut]

That was one of the very best sailing videos I’ve watched & thoroughly enjoyed. U R a fun couple, stay that way, keep enjoying life & each other. THANK YOU for sharing your videos‼️👍👍⛵️ Vinny 🇺🇸 PS, Use deck lines, stay SAFE, Think Ahead, plan everything. ⛵️👍🙏

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Vinny!

[@kapekodbob]

Glad to see you have some fun sailing. Keep those exercises scenes coming but put him in the back.

[@thewaldens5812]

Made me smile …..Lots !! From the watermelon to the dancing. Excited for you to get going next week.

[@SailingSoulianis]

I was so sad about that watermelon. -Kirk

[@SailingSoulianis]

Awesome, so glad you enjoyed it! -Lauren

[@larrykramer6057]

I almost got to Racine years ago when I rode my bicycle from Lincoln Park to Kenosha and back. Too tired to get to Racine.

[@derekfreeman6888]

Coming along for sure!!!! Have fun!!!! No glass beer bottles....only aluminum!!!

[@OneGenericName]

No boxes or labels on anything either. Crawley critters love the glue. Remove them and mark the contents on can good lids with felt pens. Put boxed goods in plastic bags or Tupperware containers

[@iainlyall6475]

i think this is more of a concern in hotter climates. but still good practice to observe.

[@SV-DEDICATED]

Always good.

[@danielhoyle3546]

Wonderful video. You both are very interesting, am looking forward to your sail south. Very cool you worked at Hobie Alter's. Thank you for excellent video's.

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Nice episode guys,looking forward to your passage down the river,or ditch I think you referred to it as👍😊

[@SailingSoulianis]

You got it! It’s coming up soon :)

[@brettkraatz437]

"Do I look beautiful? That's the main thing!" LOL

[@hymanocohann2698]

In 1960 a tv show, " Adventures in paradise " got me hooked, followed by all i could read.....y'all, the utube sharing folk are a fitting avatar for the dream of josh Slocum,J.W.Wray, Tristan Jones.. As a geezer let me tell ya, go now, treasure the trip...

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers thanks Dennis!

[@donsherman4403]

Your videos are fun to watch. I enjoy them a lot. Thanks. Can’t wait for you trip down the river to get under way. Suggest that you plan to stop in Guttenberg, IA on the way south. It is at Lock & Dam #10. There is a small marina just south a the locks. You can tie up and walk the little down town area. Several little restaurants and a great ice cream shop within a 3 block walk. This is my mom’s home town. It is a very nice little place.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Don, Guttenberg sounds like a great little town, thank you for the suggestion. However we hopped on the Mississippi quite a ways down river from there. We took the Calumet, to the Illinois and picked up the Mississippi in Grafton, IL.

[@haroldsimpson7260]

Tip. when you tighten two flat surfaces together its best to put a small countersink in the bolt holes this prevents all the sealant/etc being squeezed out and will forming a seal around the bolts and holes.good luck. Harry Simpson

[@SailingSoulianis]

This is great advice we just recently heard from someone else and will be adopting it for all future projects thank you :)

[@furtherahead5867]

Went to mobile from Cincinnati last year. There are so many free things to do and see. So many state parks. Pick up a couple of cheap folding bicycles. Go with the flow and don't make plans

[@iainlyall6475]

as your neighbour, you playing that OLD disco/motown 'stuff' loud, i want 2 bottles. :-) very nice thought though. loved the reactions of your neighbours when you took them out.

[@SailingSoulianis]

:D

[@claregross2365]

OMG, I love you 2!!! : ) xo

[@SailingSoulianis]

💛

[@JustMe-pp1mp]

Lauren you REALLY have to perk up a little! You go girl, you'sa dancing fool dancing fool. Two 'thumbs up' - one for the video and one for Lauren. :-)

[@heathkindle6260]

Doubt you look at these old videos comments but working on the battery reminded me of a time my father and I did it on our boat. He emptied all the acid and water into a beer can. Then accidentally took a drink. My mom had to call poison control. Nothing happened he was fine. I'm sure he washed it down with an ice cold cheap beer (all he would drink).

[@SailingSoulianis]

Oh my gosh! Glad he was okay!! What a story 😂

[@stijnbraunius854]

Oh nooooo, the watermelonnn :P Great episode guys! Keep it up :D

[@SailingSoulianis]

I love watermelon and I was so excited to eat it. Dropping it totally changed the flavor, it was so sad! -Kirk

[@stijnbraunius854]

Oh wow interesting... now I wanna do some tests :P then again, that’s a waste of a great fruit

[@pocketchange1951]

I said, "Call Security", the first 30 seconds was worth the price of admission, great video guys

[@bayareablues2255]

I bet you're excited the boat work is almost done! Oh, wait. It's a boat. It'll NEVER be done! hahahahha ;-) Another great episode. Can't wait to see your travels down the river.

[@SailingSoulianis]

So true... the boat is always a work in progress.

[@Tanrestednready]

Nice Edit = Good Tube

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

I'm here in Racine also... I had no idea y'all were in our harbor... LOL

[@lucasspaniard8430]

were in your harbour!! This episode happened about 11 months ago I am guessing! Nice harbour though!

[@lotophagi711]

I feel happier with the swivel on a short chain stand off rather than shackled directly to the anchor. With a well dug in modern anchor the side loads can be massive and a gut feel is that will cause failure. The only downside of having a chain lead is an extra shackle but its easy to seize properly.

[@SailingSoulianis]

We actually did purchase two extra shackles to do exactly this when we first bought the anchor. We were told that this swivel was different and wouldn't suffer the same side loading issue as many other designs... It is true that by connecting the swivel to the shackle instead of the anchor directly, it is much less likely to side load as the shackle allows the swivel to move freely side to side. That said, on one occasion after anchoring in a swift moving tidal current for a few days we noticed that the swivel & shackle pair did seem to be stuck off to the side when hoisting. So I just may end up cutting a foot off the end and doing exactly as you suggested.

[@svgitana2499]

Great video and love the fact that you guys ARE DOING IT!! 🙌🏻👍🏻 The only thing, I would have gotten 300’ of chain : )

[@SailingSoulianis]

We would of had to raise the waterline if we did that. We’re pretty bow heavy as it is. Not sure our prop would be in the water if we went with 300! :)

[@jessicakirchoff1214]

Just carry some extra in the bilge. Cheers. @@SailingSoulianis

[@SailingSoulianis]

Our bilge is the size of a shoebox.

[@jessicakirchoff1214]

Whoops I guess a shoe box won't hold 100' of chain. hmmm @@SailingSoulianis

[@BroDJTheWednesdayWord]

Maria...yes, you are beautiful...keep sailing! 😁

[@user-tz1zt3jy2e]

Little tip keep your bananas away from other fruit, they release a lot of ethylene gas which makes other fruit spoil quicker. ;)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yep. And apples separate, too.

[@skiffsumner]

Another Tip, Never take a banana on a boat. Bad luck

[@arottie4097]

I'm not sure. But I think that could possibly fall into the category of Fruit Racism? Haha! Really enjoying your channel. Thanx for sharing. ;)

[@lotophagi711]

Also umbrellas, priests and women.

[@arottie4097]

[@zealot335]

Lol the chain: red white and blue national colors of the dutch flag. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@grahamjones5885]

You guys are great. It must be the northern Midwest sense of humor. I grew up on Lake Michigan in Indiana so I understand it. I'd eat the watermelon I dropped too.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Lol - honestly laughed out loud at your comment 🍉 Happy to be on the same plane with you, Graham. -L

[@dalebada4810]

Just discovered your channel and binged to EP 19. Enjoying it so much, so subbing now. Your content helps keeping the dream alive, to one day cross the Atlantic with the family, before getting too old. Oh btw, I would totally name my boat Enterprise if I have Kirk in my name. 🤓😁

[@frankegan6049]

hi guys, love your channel. Spent the past summer refitting a steel 35 footer in Lake Ontario. I would offer one piece of advice. Not to be a downer, but drinks are for after the daysail. You gotta be sharp underway.

[@SailAwayVlog]

Such a process! Been there! Really looking forward to the river stuff. Where are you guys now? Hope we run into you again in South Florida or the Bahamas...or wherever!

[@SailingSoulianis]

We are back up in the Midwest, getting ready to head back to the boat down in Florida to get her ready after the Hurricane season.

[@SailAwayVlog]

Cool. We're in Stuart, FL right now...so far so good with the hurricanes. Hopefully it stays that way. Give us a shout once you're back down this way!

[@1werewolf]

Good episode.....hope someday you do saltwater......thanks....

[@SailingSoulianis]

Your wish will be granted, Philip!

[@stulora3172]

@Kirk your face at 9:03 is now officially the "Watermelon face"!

[@Viendopiedra5029]

Looks like Belmont harbor in the background where I learned to sail..

[@SailingSoulianis]

Good eye! You'll be seeing a lot more of it in the next episode :)

[@Viendopiedra5029]

Yep, view from the dingy dock and club house

[@bryshadify]

Had to pause the video at the watermelon scene to comment. Stomach hurts from laughing. Whew that was great. 😂

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

YESSSSSSS! I dont even have to watch the video to know your cool. Lol

[@6663000]

Maybe you talk about this in an upcoming video (I'm currently watching them in order), but what's the story with the rental properties? I'm considering various passive income options while making some liveaboard plans for the future. How many properties/units do you own, can you cover your monthly living expenses with rental income, have you hired someone to manage things in your absence? Did you start with a small down payment on one, do some renovations and stuff to increase value, cash-out refinance, small down payment on a second property etc. ?

[@ibsurfun]

it's a haws pipe.

[@VigilanceTech]

um, actually you want your swivel to be your weak point so if anything breaks its just that and you only end up losing your anchor and not your chain too. You can tie another small line around the hoop on your anchor to pull it out from whatever its hooked on (underwater cable, wreck, etc...) from the opposite direction if need be.

[@curacao11]

cool

[@sergyk9588]

👍👍👍⛵

[@hellsop]

There's a standard paint scheme for marking chain for those that want to use it. If you replace the 15-fathom shot of chain used for big ships with a short shot of 5 fathoms (the 30 feet you reasonable chose) as your interval it works quite well for cruising boats. After 150 feet, you usually don't much need to measure anymore until you get to the "you're running out of chain" yellow and red links. (Whether that transitions to rode or whether you're getting to the bitter end depends on your setup, obviously.) boatmanuals.tpub.com/TB-43-0144/TB-43-01440085.htm

[@scottiedoesit9480]

Awesome vid guys! But where was the shout out to Hamilton City of the Future???? :p

[@christopherclevenger7118]

Your lighting struggle at 3:00, I know the pain. Try softening the light with a soft box effect using a thin pillow case hung from the overhead between the light source and the subject

[@pierrevivegnis5985]

Awesome, I'm binge watching all your videos and they're really nice ! What's the wirecam used @ 10:16 ? Can't find it in your amazon shopping list :/

[@br5498]

When ever you think she's a mess....think yoga ... 😉

[@jonas190]

Really enjoying these videos as I am also from Chicago by way of Michigan and looking to make the same transition. I have one rental property in Ravenswood and am looking for the next to help fund the independent lifestyle. If you don't mind sharing, what management company did you guys hire? Watching your videos in order and loving them. Cheers!

[@ddubtoille]

We used spray paint to mark our chain and within 6 months or so the paint had worn off, hope it works out for you though!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yeah it’s definitely worn off since we did this spray job. Have you figured out any better method?

[@ddubtoille]

I’ve seen a few people use different coloured zip ties, we got these plastic numbered tags I don’t remember what they are called or how well they worked long term, this was about 8 years ago now

[@inthewoods999]

Jumped that fence like she had experience?? HEHE

[@acat5254]

the reason we have the song "she don't know she's beautiful" is cuz of ladies like yours.

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

Aaaand. A bag of weed??? Everything's better with a bag of weed. Lol🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kapekodbob]

and a roll of duck tape !

[@jannasmark]

Finnaly...