My Boat has a Very Serious Problem - Dry Rot

[@barriegannon3572]

You have to do the surgery Mark, it’s a major issue best faced head on. Good luck mate, we’re all rooting for you 😊

[@powershooting6882]

Your dry rot treatment: 1) Use Chlorine Dioxide. You can buy 3000ppm Solutions of it, or produce it easily yourself. Just google that up. It will kill everything, but not affect the wood fibers. As it is a gas (which is easy in solution in destilled water), it will penetrate perfectly into the wood. 2) to improve the penetration of the Chlorine Dioxide, drill holes into the affected area just as you did. Get a strong vacuum pump. Cover all with vacuum foil and vacuum sealing tape (you can get this in boat building equipment stores, which provide stuff for vacuum infusion building of Boats), seal it all up and get the affected areas and the Wood vacuumed. Then infuse the vacuumed Part with the Chlorine dioxide solution (which release the vacuum, but it will get sucked all the way into the wood where you created vacuum by the pump). Maybe do this process 2 or 3 times, after PROPERLY dry out the wood before closing up the holes. This might kill the fungus forever.

[@markhorrell9213]

I tried it without using a propper vacuum. Initial results looked ok. Went over it a year later.. not happy! Repaired it properly

[@davidford4200]

HEED THIS WARNING!!! I can't sugar coat this Mark, the dry rot is your number one problem, drop everything else and deal with it. My father had it in his house and did avery DIY job on it he could think of, a ceiling still fell down and it was nowhere near where he found the rot. Motor down to Begium or France where you can get proper treatment as soon as you can not in the spring. All these jobs you will do instead will be pointless, and all the work you have done so far if the boat rots from under you. I have watched you since you started the project and we are all astounded and impressed by what you have done. Take your courage in both hands deal with the rot, we will be backing you all the way. PS: I did a lottery ticket tonight, keep your fingers crossed.

[@faircompetition1203]

From the internet : Wood rot fungi require 4 things: The right temperatures. Generally wood fungi have optimal growth temperature range of 65 to 95°F. Near freezing or above 100°F decay activity stops Adequate - but not too much! - moisture. Moisture is the most critical requirement for fungi to colonize wood. Fungi will not attack dry wood (i.e., with a moisture content of 19 percent or less). Decay fungi require a wood moisture content of 35 to 50%. Wood that is over-saturated won’t rot because all that moisture deprives the fungi of: Adequate oxygen. Most fungi require oxygen for growth. Food such as wood or cellulose. It was actually too wet before to grow the fungi so it is drying , you need to get it below 35% = 19% is better . Maybe by removing the fiberglass trapping in the moisture and a fan and dehumidifier but you need to determine the extent so you need to beg and borrow a moisture meter .

[@claverton]

That approach won't work unfortunately if the wood rot is already there. Complete replacement of infected areas is the only sure fired way of solving it. But where replacement is impractical/too expensive injecting very thinned epoxy was a method I used successfully to get rid of it on my boat. This can be problematic because treated areas have no strength and it's difficult to know if you've reached all the infected areas

[@robertgrennan2824]

If I had the money , I'd buy you a brand new finished boat, you have truly put in the work and deserve to realize your dream, I wish you the best !

[@Sing-a-longs]

🌼⛵️🌼 Oh Mark, the colour is fab.u.lous, you're working so hard, my heart bursts with pride & then that fungus...I could cry for you 😢....but Mahi had been neglected for over 10 years & the hard work & life you have put back into her is commendable 🤗....Just chip away at that devlish fungus, but dont forget to have lots of happy times too....I feel so sad for you, but youve got this Sparks.....Proud as always & loads of love...🌼⛵️🌼Mum🌼⛵️🌼

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Mary, Wicks used to sell tins of wet and dry rot killer and hardener .🤔🧙🏼‍♂️

[@nealeburgess6756]

I like the way Hanika helps you with her immense knowledge. She is one great lady. She is a good friend to you.

[@Tuur75]

Hanneke.

[@NeilBarratt]

Agree 100%. This channel is a good promotion for the boats though.

[@iansmith1556]

Mark. You’ve put your heart and soul into this project. Good luck with curing the problem. We’re all wishing you well.

[@karlmoderna]

Sailing distant shores always implies fighting with background demons. Keep doing the good job, we are with you.

[@peterschouten-ys8yr]

Hi, I will mention it once again. You have seemingly set your mind on a boom for the main sail. I still believe you can achieve the shape and handling required with a double mainsheet system. A number of main advantages. No boom crashing back and forth. No preventers required. No traveller needed. So what is there not to like? Do a bit of research. Even very big boats like the schooner America have used this system. On a catamaran is it very easy to set up because you have such a great spread between the hulls. I hope that you take this on board (pun intended). Cheers Peter.

[@dawei1237]

Don't worry, you'll conquer the mold growth problem. In New Orleans, after Katrina, it was heavy Clorox Bleach, it kills everything! My recommendation is to put the sails up and get moving south ASAP. Get to Cascais and finish up your work. Waiting means spending a harsh cold and extremely wet winter in The Nederlands. You can get to Portugal in good time, which will be better. Praying for you, brother!

[@moonhand8311]

Good advice. NW Europe is just so miserable on so many fronts.

[@TheisKrarupHansen]

Make sure that you treat the wood in a large radius around where you know the fungus is. It'll send mycelium tendrils as far as it can so you'll need to poison the wood ahead of it. Idealy you'd dig it out and replace that wood but shy of that you might inject the area with a thin resin once you've killed off the fungus.

[@fonhollohan2908]

Don't allow that fungi to get you too discouraged, sometimes life throws us mellons. I've been there many times but i've always have won in the end because I was determined not to Quit. Your a fighter Marc you got this! so keep fighting you'll overcome. I've got hundred percent faith in ya the key is never to Quit... Cheers.

[@williamnicol2779]

Mark Stick to it, I'm sure things will work out in the end and the rot will be gone. You have done alot of good work and always nice seeing your parents helping. Bill Niagara Falls, Canada

[@SailingTaranto]

Hold fast Mark. We love you and all you do. You have a secret gift, the gift of remaining calm under such enormous pressures, keep the faith 😊

[@Useless_Knowledge07]

Great experiment for sure... Take pure silver, clip gator clips from mini volt charger. Dip silver halfway into glass jar of filtered/distilled water. Use new gator clips. Turn on charger and let it percolate for hours. The longer, the high silver content in your potent solution. I bet it sorts out the fungi. You can use a TDS meter. Take reading of water with calibrated meter before and then after. You concentrate should make gallons of solution.

[@BernieD940]

Good update Mark Thanks!! Don't give up the ship... 😁

[@matsanga1]

You've done really well. The rot will not win!

[@liamclarke64]

Mark, if you ever get demoralized and feel that things are too much for you, I have some advice... go back as far as you can stand in your videos and notice how much your skills and workmanship have improved over the years. I first came across you when you had just got the catamaran - the first time I saw you pick up a screwdriver you scared me hahaha - I have watched you ever since!!

[@mitchski98]

How about a portable ozone generator like they use in cars to kill the rot. Maybe use a hose to put it into drilled holes, in the areas of concern. Good luck, I enjoy your videos.

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

When you're sailing around the hope or in the Kimberley like life in a nut shell. You put this behind you. Russell

[@brucejohnson6529]

Vivaldi s 4 seasons, great driving and working music

[@jackjfjfjf]

My brother i hope all is going well with you! Honestly I second the comment about keeping this boat for local sailing . It might be a good design, but that doesn't mean the builder was a good builder. It also doesn't mean it was cared for correctly. Ive had many boats you'll never find all the rot at once. Youll fix more then bang you find more. And it could be in structural places you cant see. Confirm with a moisture metre.

[@meofnz2320]

Every time I get discouraged with my wooden boat I watch an episode of Ship Happens. Then I realise that you can fix ANYTHING!

[@UNRELATIVE]

Don't give up, Ben!

[@Andrethebum]

Ai man, I feel so sorry for you. I've been following your videos and now this. Aag, just stay strong keep up the good videos

[@boguing1]

Need some Amrican input, but I believe that their solution to dry rot in a wooden house is the bag the whole house and take the whole thing up to a certain temperature and hold it there for a time. That absolutely kills it, it does not miss any, which with the best will in the world, you just can't do in a boat. Lift out and bag, it's winter so in a shed or good insulation to cut the energy bill. (I had it in an old house. Hid it, sold it. No I don't feel good about it).

[@5fingers1]

There's an answer to every problem Mark keep the head up.

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

When the notification came up and I saw yellow I mistook your boat for that channel I detest with the yellow tri. I almost deleted but at the last second the blue caught my eye. 😁 I stuck around for shooting up acid. 💉 Thanks for sharing.

[@tamanduaa]

If you coming to Portugal... Meu querido amigo Mark, tu vais ultrapassar esse problema, tenho a certeza absoluta,Um forte abraço

[@10marlie]

As someone who has built literally dozens of catamarans, plywood, cored hulls both balsa core and foam, I can virtually guarantee that you will need to replace 10-20% of the plywood in the boat. It seems that there is double plywood sandwich construction which does nothing but trap moisture. All of this vinegar/boric acid discussion is just a waste of time. Get the boat home. Haul out, tent it and start cutting out the bad bits. Honestly at the end of the day its way faster and cheaper to do this than bits and pieces patching your doing. Will you ever be able to trust your boat if it isn't fixed properly. My dad built a wharram in 1968. Our family is a first and second generation catamaran sailers. I think i have seen a dozen multihulls in club cut up because people ignored / trued to treat bits of rot.

[@mikeisanisland]

Agreed.

[@Mmm-y5w8o]

I don’t know much about dry rot but you sound spot on the boric acid will never penetrate all areas it needs to be cut out I think you could slow it down by injecting supper thin epoxy and this at least adds strength The rot was probably dormant but he has added heat and got it going.

[@arkansasboy45]

Keep your head up Mark. It will get better. The music was great and the boat looks fantastic.

[@danwilliams6882]

Actually for myself, I have not seen anyone eliminate dry rot. This video has been very good to watch. FYI, my 2 cents for projects. Look for headsail tracks & cars so you can adjust trim. Your size boat should have at least 8:1 for your mainsheet ratio. One flying gybe and a wood boom will snap like kindling. Go find an old aluminum boom! Thanks for your videos!

[@tomwhelan9872]

Hang in there man. Lots of good advice in the comments. This too shall pass.

[@mrdavegeorge1]

Keep positive. Follow your dream. You’ll get there

[@Tim8mit]

Mark, you have the talent, you are working on the patience, which is growing in leaps and bounds, your biggest underestimation was just how long. Look at Mads from sail life, 6 years to repair osmosis and rebuild Athena, or Magic carpet, 4 years to rebuild a cape George......You will make it, and it will be good.

[@moosenbeans903]

We both are on about the same latitude i live near seattle. Wood anything yup. I have 100% given up on wooden boats. There sheer works of arts but turn to mush. I feel your pain my friend. I thought you were injecting super glue. Hmm. Super glue

[@jameskiehm546]

My suggestion, hire a Marine Surveyor to assess the boat for seaworthiness before you venture out on the blue waters.

[@JeanMorisset-ii7hs]

Don't give up. You're my inspiration.

[@pedroazevedo7413]

loved the music ;)

[@johnandrews1954]

Mark, I've been following your KZbin channel all the way, and your skill and determination have made it constantly engaging. It's going to be great watching you sailing again. You got your dream boat, and not on the other side of the world. That would have been a disaster. You will surely be the mould, so don't let it get you down.

[@sashababich827]

I don't know much, but free boats are the most expensive ones...

[@danieltinker854]

Good luck with the rest of the restoration, doing a great job. Dry rot is common in wooden houses as well, they just live with it dealing with it yearly.

[@woodandwaveskayaks]

Sorry to hear that mate! As a long time viewer I know that you've got the perseverance and creativity to solve this problem. You can do it!

[@Jimmyb918]

Hey Mark sorry to hear about the problem you're having it would be depressing hopefully you can contain it hope you have a good week see you next week then keep your head up dude I know that's easy for me to say I'm not the one that' it is happening too you will get it

[@dingbat7740]

Keep grinding bro... it's a struggle and so is life... you'll get through it ..😊

[@johnmerrett5186]

Boat looks fab, awesome colours. Dry rot can be cured! Sent you another super thanks. Great vids capnjohn ⚓️👍😎🇬🇧

[@roberthoman4789]

I know that if the moisture in plywood was above a certain level (depending on the quality of the plywood) the plywood desintegrates over time, especially if you cover it with epoxy or paint before the moisture level is low enough again. You will end up with sawdust. If you're lucky the moisture level is not too high in most of the plywood.

[@FionsMcCormick-ox8tb]

You have done amazing Mark. The Boat looks amazing. I am still saving like Crazy but hopefully next year will be my year. And putting alot of Love into something is character building and rewarding. Hopefully you can sell it on to someone who has the same enthusiasm you have had and you will find something in perfect condition that you can just sail. I have been looking at some of the new Trimarans coming through at the Boat shows over the past 2 or 3 years. I would never have considered a Trimaran a few years ago. But now they seem to have more room, be better equipped and seem to be better with systems handled from the Cockpit.

[@dancarter482]

_Dragonfly?_

[@miketaylor5088]

Git Rot penetrating epoxy is a widely used fix for this problem.

[@AtaleofTattonTug]

great vlog Mark - keep going you are doing an amazing job

[@Charliesaysz]

One thing I’ve learnt from watching your videos Mark, is that you are an incredibly resilient bloke. The rot is no doubt a pain in the you know what, but you’ve come so far and I’ve no doubt you will conquer it. So many decent comments about how to tackle it and looks like you are already making progress. Keep going buddy. 👍👍

[@51marshmellow]

I think you have been doing an extraordinary job so far and it’s obvious how much you have grown and learned along the way. I’ve been impressed from the very beginning at your vision, your tenacity in times of so many hurdles thrown at you and I can understand where this is a huge issue but I feel that if it can be done you will overcome this as well. Hang in there and remember we are here to support you in any way that we can. Remember to breathe your way through it and take some breaks from time to time for your mental health and well-being ❤

[@thebrokenbiker869]

Mark. It is looking great. I understand the dry rot is giving you a headache. But keep your head up. Your doing fucking great. I believe you will get back on the water sooner then you think sir.

[@TheRoxymusiclover]

You have wonderful parents!!!

[@emielieo]

Keep going mate, your doing great! Handstand with a tent or makeshift cover. Workshop under the boat

[@rotinkerbell]

It is a battle against entropy rot and moisture - sounds like a description of life! I hope you manage to halt this in its tracks. Be safe. x

[@islandonlinenews]

dude, go sailing. sail the shit out of that boat then move on. don't try to make it last forever. Nothing lasts forever. Go have a good time.

[@Briguy28ca]

She needs a new climate! Get moving and fix it as you go.

[@anthonyrussell4650]

Very true u will want bigger and better in a few years u !!!

[@romolo484]

Ahstma insists, this is the way,!

[@1crustyoldmsgtretired870]

"You got dry rot. Every boat has it. You are lucky, yours is above the water line. Well, most of it, anyway." -Captain Ron Hope the boric acid works for you. It works a treat on roaches. After the treatment, dry it out and use some injectable epoxy that's made for this situation. THEN you can fix the holes.

[@alistairi]

"if anything is going to happen, it'll happen out there"

[@StingrayBay]

Awesome post, stay strong, or as we say here, kia kaha. We have an epoxy product here in nz called norski timber sealer which is the consistency of water and can be painted or injected much as you were. It cures in wet wood, hardens it and kills rot it would definitely stop it spreading. I think there are other products from epiglass that are similar but i do not have any experience with these. Good luck😎👍

[@tropicartedable]

2'years ago he (they) were repairing catamaran Minke in France, similar issue, a boat guy suggested epoxy mixed with solvent. Someone else has that boat now hope that rudder hasn't failed

[@robertfontaine3650]

I suspect you will have to pull the boat out of the water this winter and do some aggressive cutting. Depending on how extensive the rot is you may have to make some hard decisions. Probably be smart to get someone competent to assess the issue aooner than later. If not this boat then the next.

[@sophiebeachus257]

Smuggle in some good dry rot treatment, you will need less than a liter: it will save the boat

[@TimFenton-dx4xe]

Stay positive and keep going, you can do it 🎉🎉🎉

[@johnmerrett5186]

Thanks

[@keithdesign6231]

dont worry in a couple years youll be sailing again

[@kevinmartin3859]

good luck with the dry rot

[@JoeTheLion60]

Getting your boat to warmer climates may be the answer - I read they grow best at 23c and start to die off above that....ideal heat treatment is 15 minutes at 40c....can you heat treat from the inside? Hairdryer etc??

[@LorenHenriksen]

Thank you. From Canada

[@GerryMiller-y4d]

Hang in there Mark

[@aserta]

I would've been surprised if the rot wasn't there given how long it has been in that state before you had it.

[@Riri-rw5ft]

For sure...

[@sinan1752]

You have the skills to deal with it. Dont be worried!

[@jbransgrove11]

It's nice to be supportive, but he literally does not.

[@mikakari9498]

There is a Wharram at my boatyard. They built a nice looking doghouse in front of the cockpit.

[@cherylsibson2529]

The gift you give yourself are experiences good or hard, your gonna figure it out!

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

Dont worry about fixing all the rot in the immediate future. Get your boat in a safe sailing condition and head to warmer / dryer climates.

[@robertcarkeek8391]

I have used Bora-Care, a boride consentrate. Active ingredient = Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate. One Galon jugs. Nisus Corporation, Rockford, TN. Safe e on any surface you don't eat off of. It works!❤

[@markstewart3551]

Best of luck

[@Bladel1965]

Just get it off your chest. I disagree with some comments made over time that insinuate that you get rid of this boat and move on. This is clearly more than just a rational project to you. Your boat in good condition is seaworthy. We've seen plenty of examples of that. Everything once built can be brought back to perfect condition. It might take time, money and effort, but, if you can do the work yourself, it's worth it. However, I can understand it can get demoralizing when it's one step forward and two steps back. Could you get a tent over (part of) it over winter to tackle the dry rot once and for all? It could set you back a few months, but will give you more peace of mind when you start traveling. I'm confident you'll get there in the end. Good luck!

[@robvangelderen2359]

Yes Sail to a place which is warm and tropical and rebuilt everything with nich mahonie or teak wood so your Mahi will be indestructible

[@jadams3427]

'Still good progress, Mark, despite your dry rot issue. I will email about my thoughts. Video quality is superb ! I watch on a 43" 4K monitor and it is pin sharp. Well done !

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Hey Mark, I don’t think you are overreacting at all. My sister had dry rot in a house and it’s bad stuff. Hopefully someone with good knowledge will give you done great advice. Keep your chin up. Best. Andy UK

[@upinyou8]

Love it buddy❤❤

[@thomascooley2749]

The fungus is among us my friends When your drilling cutting ect use ozone generator to kill off the fungus that was spread through the air or it will keep spreading ozone doesn't get to the stuff under the surface tho Ozone wont get whats under the surface and its not healthy to be around but as somebody who is hyper allergic to mold i use ozone gen in cars im working on that have sat in the south east and an hr of run time is enough to work magic in an auto might take a few hrs in the boat

[@johnallen8094]

Hope you have not gotten yourself a gold plated Turd ! I mean you have put in so much hard work all the best in finding out a solution Cheers from Christchurch Nz. Ps your folks are brilliant you’re very lucky !

[@loveoracle8797]

Lol

[@rascu2744]

Great music! 🥰

[@JamesDevon]

Perhaps try researching heat treatment for the dry rot. You could potentially put the boat in a tent and heat it above 40C? Or just heat up the relevant areas. Worth a try maybe.

[@MiNiD33]

Totally missed the chance for a chef's table edit in the intro with that song. Still good choice.

[@Tim8mit]

Mark vinegar is a antifungal.....table vinegar is only about 3%.....cleaning vinegar in Canada is 10%..... you can buy concentrated acetic acid at photo stores, called stop bath, for old school black and white photography

[@buza1300]

Dril one hole in the bottom and one at the highest point, then you getting a nice spread ! And pressure test it with a empty syringe to test for free passage!

[@davidhutchinson1069]

Hi Mark, great to watch the progress, stick at it! One question, why don't you go for the deck pod? A fair chunk of work but it would be much better (more protection and space for a watchman's bunk), for the long distance travels which you are aiming for?

[@Vastnill]

Love your videos and dedication! This type of fungus does appear in wooden houses if not heated and maintained properly and is the nightmare of any owner. Typically in order to get rid of it - you need to cut 50-100cm further from the visible line of the problem eg the roots of the fungus. After that chemical treatment is required and even then the probability of it returning is extremely high. I know people who have torn down houses if that shroom shows up, as quick end is better than a long nightmare. When I first saw you with that shroom, I crossed my fingers hoping for the best but I guess it is what it is.

[@gregvanosch969]

it helps removing t5ape by using a heat gun while pulling off slowly

[@RichieKeane]

Mark, look at the first pic v today. will figure it out. have you a dehumidifier in there? seal up all the bits you can and freeze dry the fcker until you can get south

[@lynnwamego3337]

Try using "Copper Oxide" powder you can mix with your vinegar, they use copper oxide as anti fouling paint (when mixed with a base paint)

[@ruthless_jj1259]

You need to just permanently fiberglass all your beams in and build a real deck house on the boat and use the hulls just for your bedrooms

[@murraymadness4674]

It is like rust in an old car. as you dismantle more of it, you find more and more. But you will tackle it. It will take effort maybe unexpected like rusty cars, but in the end you will beat it.

[@duncanmcdowall]

Ooof. Creep it down to the med. Cut ut out and repair. Couple years cruising easy there. Suerte tio

[@andrewcolquhoun4007]

Bought a boat and discovered dry rot……located the areas affected and cut the out ,luckily flat plywood cockpit area…….probably worth getting a survey,does not have to be a marine survey Dry rot is in houses

[@ЄвгенОлещук]

not sure but maybe acrylic varnish for wood will help, it dissolves in water for deeper penetration into the wood, dilute more with water for the surface less, nowadays even cars are painted with acrylic...

[@dcallan812]

Keep at it Mark, you will find a way to move forward. You have learnt so much doing Mahi. 2x👍

[@peterv.276]

you need more protection between the wooden beams and the hull. just some tape will be gone after one month sailing

[@boomer3305]

yes i agree with faircomp