Safety & Comfort Hacks for Life Aboard a Cruising Boat

[@Chris-zo5ze]

I can't put my finger on EXACTLY what it is, but you two seem like genuinely good, happy people. Salt of the earth. Thanks for lifting my mood this afternoon.

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, thanks Chris. mom always said just be yourself....mom is always right!

[@RiverWoods111]

From my observation it is the fact that they work at practicing Gratitude! I also love how informational their videos are too.

[@kjc9trader491]

...That's because - That is exactly who they are!...

[@thejellyphone1753]

Amen to that. I concur.

[@joed7534]

Hi guys, love your show. One trick I learned is to put those little floats on important things like keys.

[@IsThisAvailable550]

Securing the dingy If you're going to use two securing lines, I'd advise securing to two different locations for redundancy.

[@mooloolahmark9807]

Hi guys, love your show. One trick I learned is to put those little floats on important things like keys.

[@getright9040]

Corrosion tip for your fishing lures - spray them with cooking spray/Pam etc. Won't rust and it won't run the fish off like petroleum based products. Thanks for sharing your tips and keep up the great channel!

[@TheOKellys]

Good idea. That’s a reel (pun, lol) problem on our fishing gear. That, and it doesn’t seem to get used properly. Operator error there!

[@sailingkaimana9776]

I love this hack!

[@tomd.3082]

@@TheOKellys A little of that WD-40 on your lure will actually attract fish. I watched an "old guy" give his lure a little squirt before each cast. He was the only one catching fish that day. I tried it somewhere else and it worked. I never made a practice of it because Gulp products came around shortly thereafter.

[@captainedc]

@@tomd.3082 WD40 actually is made from fish oils.

[@tomrichmond6931]

Porta-Patch from WALEX. It's a instant fiberglass repair, no mixing, no mess. Just open the package and cut it to the size you need and apply. I have used it and it works great. Another Great Video!

[@jonnyyounger4285]

Does it work underwater as well?

[@timpsensky5181]

Best hack i've seen for the through hole plugs (per sailing lady K) is to keep them tethered at every through hole so it is always right there in an emergency. Also, when I was in the Navy, we ate off of plastic cafeteria trays. In heavy seas, place an unfolded napkin on the table, add a few drops of whatever you are drinking to it, and set your tray on top of it. No more sliding around.

[@dethmaul]

That's neat lol, like the opposite of the salt on the napkin to keep your drink from sticking to it.

[@jonathanneethling]

‘Here on Clarity we don’t worry about security much.....”. -Ah yes. I can tell by the amount of easily accessible knives you have on deck ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@prolifedoc]

Johnson's Baby Shampoo for your masks. "No more tears" It will never irritate your eyes like some dish soaps can. When we have guests on our boat and several are snorkeling, we have a 5 gallon bucket half filled with fresh water with a squeeze of Johnson's Baby Shampoo. When people come back on board the masks and snorkels go in the bucket. Minimizes clutter, or lost masks, and they are ready to go at the next stop.

[@TheOKellys]

I love it!

[@yaa63]

That's soooooo cool!!!! Great hack!!!!

[@michynature]

Avon bubble bath works great for that too and it’s amazing on wood floors or any floor! A tiny bit goes a long way!

[@sailingkaimana9776]

We use dilute baby shampoo in a spray bottle for our goggles and masks too. Always works.

[@jerrymiller276]

@@TheOKellys NASA switched to Johnson's Baby Shampoo for the EVA suit visors after Chris Hadfield was blinded while outside the ISS by the antifog that they were using at the time. He tells the story here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKCZY4ZmqtGknqM

[@BuckTravis]

Keeping track of the power on board can be confusing. Guests and children have a natural curiosity and may disturb the panel. Use dots from and office supplies store to mark circuit breakers for status. A dot next to a breaker indicating that is should be on when underway. I did my panels (220/110/24&12 volt) and reviewed them with Diane so she can know in a glance what needs to be on to run the boat in an emergency. 👌

[@TheOKellys]

That’s awesome. Great idea.

[@alexmikhael5061]

@@TheOKellys ...wouldn't a DAY GLO COLOR THAT IS GLO IN THE DARK nail polish also be ''effective'' way of marking ''normal op position'' ????? maybe not nail polish with acetone and all that nasty stuff... but a dayglo flourescent heavy paint dot... I think would be slightly better than a stikum dot, ????? and a not so DAY GLO color for ''in port'' settings ...I don'tknow it just seemed sensable

[@nickss96]

We used retro-reflective tape on power panels in the submarine. I have reflective tape on the latch to my power panels to find them in the dark.

[@blackduck7851]

Excellent video (as always) A cleaning tip I got from a boat hostess who also works in a five star hotel and has 5 minutes per room to clean is: one cleaner for all surfaces , and that is dish washing liquid. On everything. It is especially good for cleaning stainless steel (makes sense as it cleans cutlery).

[@TheOKellys]

Really.... interesting. Thank you!

[@biffjohnson7107]

Black Duck I use dawn or palmolive, diluted with water, in a spray bottle. It works wonders on countertops and my flat top electric stove. Also good for stainless steel appliances.

[@hopoutside]

Hack #1: watch the O’Kelly’s! Can’t wait till we sail round the world too...it will happen. In the meantime, it’s fun to learn about all things sailing. Great work!

[@TheOKellys]

Awwwww, thanks!

[@garymorton7211]

Some things I have done with cable ties over the years: Buy black cable ties when possible. They are generally more sunlight resistant. And, don't be afraid to use a tie that is too long, and feel you have to cut it off. Go around whatever you are securing more than once. When it has to come off, cut it where it goes into the slot, shove out the little piece, and you can use the cable tie again. If you do want to remove the tail, twist it off with a pair of vicegrips. Leaves no sharp end.

[@bongoslide]

Hack, As a white water kayaker, adopting a paddleboard stroke. its called a J stroke, as you stroke down the side of your paddleboard and when you come to the end of your stroke, turn the blade outwards to form a rudder, hold it there a little longer, this realigns your board as the beginning stroke slowly turns the boat, so you do not need to constantly swop from side to side with the paddle, also use your hips and back muscles to follow thus saving your arm as you can semi-lock your arm if hips and back rotate :)

[@matthewrehkemper128]

You guys should do a video on the mini scuba tank couple of the reviews I seen they don't last five minutes and very difficult to refill

[@georgz3990]

didn’t even know there was something existing like “spare air”. That’s a really cool hack, especially when you’ve got to clear the prop or the bow thruster... 🙏😉

[@harryanderson5551]

I bag my prop when staying more than a few weeks at an anchorage or dock to stop growth on it. Sew from cheap plastic tarp (dark colors better to stop algae growth) with hole for shaft and slit at end and down to shaft hole. Sew on magnetic strips to close it along these slits. Put grommet in end opposite the magnetically closed slits with line that goes up to the engine shift lever. This reminds you that you only need to pull the line to remove the bag before using the engine. Dive on the prop and place the bag over it with magnetic strips facing aft to close the bag and bring the line up to the throttle. Simple, effective, and safely removed it needed. Let me know if you want a photo.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Harry, that is a great tip, I think I'll make some!

[@conradsenior5843]

Great idea Harry. Thanks for sharing.

[@rogerfair1756]

Here’s a couple more ideas. 1) To avoid losing ALL your electronics from a lightning strike we put a handheld GPS and VHF inside the microwave. It’s a perfect faraday cage. The regular oven is a possible second choice but the microwave is a better bet. 2) I can’t count the number of times I use my pocket flashlight everyday. It’s not something you think about but once you start carrying one you’ll be amazed how often you use the thing everyday. 3) When coming into a marina for the first time I always tie up at the fuel dock first if they have one. Even if I only take on a few gallons. First it’s usually the easiest dock to get in and out of. Second while you’re there you can walk over and inspect the slip they want to put you in. This practice has saved us $$$$ in damage twice when we turned down slips that weren’t safe for a mono sailboat to get into. Great video guys. Your advice on WD 40 is spot on. But you might want to mention the stuff will displace water which is handy.

[@TheOKellys]

Good tips! Thanks for sharing Roger!

[@toddabrahamsson1797]

Along with your great hacks add this to the thru hull bungs. Either drill a hole or install a brass screw eye to the bung, add twine to the hole or eye and then tie the bung to each individual thru hull depending upon size with about 12” - 16” tail for working room. When the vessel is hauled out make sure you have on hand a can of “Pam” kitchen spray . Making sure the thru hulls are clean off any dabree. With someone inside opening and closing the seacock spray Pam up inside the thru hull to lubricant it. This will lengthen the life of a plastic seacock. One way to lengthen the life of a roller furling head stay is to spray fresh water up inside the barrel to clean out the bearings once a month depending upon use. The most over looked service item on a boat that could be catastrophic is the raw water pump on an engine. This must be serviced once a year or every 100 hours. Thanks again for the great videos. Please keep them coming.

[@TheOKellys]

Never made sense to attach bungs to inside of boat. They are often driven in from outside. Very much agree about raw water pump. Keep diesel engines lubed and cool and they will go forever.

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

@@TheOKellys Handy to plug the inside with a bung (with a handy potato or carrot ?) to stop the ingress of water while someone goes outside to bung up the throughhull.

[@teeteevincent6544]

You two are so fun and charismatic, and very helpful ! My captain and I just bought a boat, and we are going to sail after hurricane season this year .

[@OnkelDude]

Our two favorite hacks for the boat - 1. to save water, we use a spray bottle to spritz off the soap when doing dishes, uses way less than just rinse under a faucet. 2. I highly recommend ear plugs when wanting to sleep. You might think you wouldn't hear someone or something, but you're wrong. Helps with a restful sleep while underway or at anchor with howling winds.

[@bravofighter]

We use the spritz bottle with slightly soapy water, because we find (and so did Dawn apparently😂) that we use way less soap, and just a spritz of soapy water is all it takes to cut through grease. Then a spritz for rinse water is a great idea that I’m swiping now!

[@PaulBartomioli]

Saliva is a great defogger and you always have it with you.

[@WillN2Go1]

Good tips. I just learned that the WD in WD-40 means Water Displacement. It was made for this purpose for rockets. It's also the best cleaner/prep for 'dry erase marker board' coating (I've tried them all including products made specifically for this - nothing works as well as WD-40.) I use it on my whiteboards at home and for the formica backs to the head doors on my boat which I use for To Do lists. Those floor fans: wire a furnace filter any way you can to the back of the floor fan; turns it into an air filter and keeps the blades clean. 'wire any way you can' ? yep. A couple of years ago I made some temporary hack to the one still sitting on the floor of my office - it worked, I never bothered to 'upgrade' it. The bike lock for the dinghy is a good idea. I never knew they came 12' long. My best security is at work when someone says, "You don't need to do that - here." This is a 'No one can out run a bear" situation. No bike lock or cable can hold up to good bolt cutters. I just need to be a bit faster than someone else, or have slightly more security than other dinghies.

[@animistchannel2983]

Great episode, great ideas. One product I'd recommend as backup for repairs is "J-B Weld." It's a heavy-duty metallic epoxy compound that sets up literally as strong as steel for structural repairs. It's slower to cure, but obscenely tough.

[@TheOKellys]

Yes, awesome stuff. Maybe I do a video just on all the adhesives and sealants on board.

[@mickmccrohon]

Always tie a lanyard with a clip to all your tools, spot lights, fishing rods, etc

[@IanSGI]

@Agent J I should have in idiot line for my cell phone and wallet. Actually, I should have an idiot line for the pens on my desk!

[@alexmikhael5061]

...some (A LENGTH OF) ''string/twine'' with 2 small rare earth magnets on each end???? (so you don't have to WIRE UP all your tools) ????????????? make 5 or 6 of them, wind them up and stick them on a bar in the engine compartment??? and inside one of the cabnits with a few others stratigically placed in other places you may be using a tool???

[@thinkchip]

Best little hack I know on a sailboat is having a little battery led motion light in the head kinda behind something so you get very gentle light at night for just the time you need it.

[@TheOKellys]

Good idea!

[@michellestuart3725]

I'm bringing two of those for our cat.

[@goralki]

Once again the O'Kelly's deliver. Always informative, accurate and tested information that is so usefull to those sailing and those planning on sailing. Thanks a ton for that.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

Great video. If you're using WD-40 as a protective coating, I'd recommend the 1 gallon containers, a LOT more economical. Auto supply shops have a gallon for $20.

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, that’s a lot of WD!

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

@@TheOKellys They also sell it in 55 gallon drums if don't to buy any ever again. www.amazon.com/WD-40-Heavy-Duty-Lubricant-Gallon-Drum/dp/B00PM8BSME

[@TR4zest]

Somerimes, being economical with storage (small can) is more important than saving money on a big can.

[@qb6025]

12:35 "resisto roofing membrane" extremely sticky and strong thing for emergency patching (hull, dinghy,sail,) especially when you preheat surface. i even patched car tire with side hole.

[@justincase5272]

Great stuff! Couple of points of feedback: Dinghy Painters: Ensure you connect them to two different hard points on your boat. That way, not only does it halve the stress on each hard point, but if one fails, the other hard point (hopefully) holds. WD-40: Fares poorly in most corrosion tests. Try searching KZbin for one of the several outstanding tests to see what works the best and lasts about 50 times longer than WD-40. Fans: I've had four Lasko box fans for 7 years. On low they're quiet yet move far more air than the "small" fan you recommended, but they cost $10 less. Each. On high, they can easily ventilate 150 sq feet of floor space per minute. Oh, you have 1,500 sq feet? That's 10 minutes. Lightening: Check out both air-gap to grounds as well as the concept of using multiple grounds. By adjusting the air-gaps to multiple grounds so that no two grounds have the same air-gap, repeated strikes can travel -- and destroy -- different ground lines while leaving the others intact. Dyneema: And it's lighter than water, so it floats! Dinghy Dock Lock: Another consideration would be to use a GPS tracker that alerts you via cell phone if it's moved more than a set radius from your set point. That radius could be 5', 500', or whatever you want. Not only is it good for knowing if someone is stealing your dinghy, but also good for alerting you in case of an anchor drag (or a stolen boat!) while you're ashore.

[@TheOKellys]

that's how we do it with the painters. Good points. WD40 isn't the best, but it is cheap and easy.

[@sailingkaimana9776]

Our favorites are the water saving fitting and the double painter for the dinghy! My hack is that I have a magnetic spice rack in my (tiny) galley which frees up a lot of cupboard space. Oh and I wash the boat while it’s raining while we are underway to save on fresh water. But make sure it’s decent rain otherwise you’ll only get half the boat washed like I did today 😂

[@TheOKellys]

Interesting. Magnetic spice rack. Good idea!

[@aprilmcgowan9297]

I also wash our boat in the rain!! I enjoy it more too.

[@NateSail82]

Thanks guys as a retiring guy looking to liveaboard there are some really good tips here.

[@samvohra6992]

Tying up the dinghy was the best hack in my opinion 👍

[@johnkeegan6646]

You two are the voice of experience in boating. Well done, of course!😁💥

[@pamelaorisek4822]

Dyneema great for standing rigging. Anyone can rig it off shore,, no swedging. 4x stronger than steel but can saw right through clutch teeth, had to replace all ours, and cuts through just about anything else. Prone to chaffing. I would check that tramp often. Bouncing on the tramp accelerates chafe. Favorite lubricant T9 learned that from a super yacht swabbie. At home too. And yes lost our dink in carib and someone brought it back many islands and days away!!!! Always have a inflatable and a small torquedo for backup. Speaking of lost dinghys, beware in st Martin there is a gang there who rounds them up and loads them on a ship to s america!! They even drop them from your shrouds everyone has a die grinder these days. Could go on about outboard protection, disable it. Electric charged tape solar powered across stern steps is very entertaining prevents boarding. Lots of destitute islanders out there after the hurricanes, all our boats are a gold mine. very tempting. (Never use weapons give them everything will live to tell the tale). Thanks for your channel very useful. Pam USCG 100ton Master.

[@guyh.4553]

"Losing your dinghy" sounds VERY personal! 🤣🤣🤣

[@DragonXDrei]

Have you tried ACF-50? It's for Aicrafts and I have been using that on my motorbike for a long time. You can put it on every metal bit.

[@worldtraveler8255]

I know it can sound too much but let's take the risk and speak out. You guys are waaaay the best and I'm so amazed, impressed, blast anytime I watch the O'Kelly's. Have been browsing a month roughly across channels, catamaran reviews, sailing couples ready to spread the "Live on a boat" message around, sometimes naive sometimes pretentious or just born-to-be-expert of this and that. Run into cool stuff too must admit, agree with @Daio btw. Overall I have watched and learned a lot around stepping into undistinguished material too btw. For the most part I watch the first 3 minutes till editing - subject - content - miscellaneous kill the vibes, interest sunk in deep water and you back to day-to.day. For weeks now haven't checked the O'Kelly's hence wanted to come back and it flashed again the real thing. Don't want to be misunderstood I'm not a friend or relative to the O'Kelly's just strive to be frank and honest hundred percent. I am not a sailor (dream of) I am not an expert of any and I know don't have the command of English too. Ultimately just want to say the O'Kelly's make the whole thing out there. The way they choose the subject, discuss, present, interact, edit, that's how-it-should-be. I know I know... there's a pro background that's make the difference. Anyway, I'm sorry it went wordy just might be adding I feel one day I'll be coming across the O'Kelly's whilst sailing around the world... "Big thank" in advance guys. Yours faithfully, Max

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, Max, thank you very very much for that. I actually really love it when non-English speakers go through all of the work to translate their ideas for us. We appreciate it! As for the videos and how they are made, it is not a very organized or professional process, I can promise you. We just do our best to film what looks like it might be interesting, and they edit it down in a way that does waste your time. We are still learning this craft....probably learning to be better forever! And it is a lot of work! So when we get a note like yours, I can tell you it is very meaningful to us. It inspires us. Thank you Max!

[@soundbeings1]

Hack heaven!!! Cheers guys - very informative AND entertaining! be happy, from NS

[@tylordid2695]

A good product to have on a boat is a seen on TV a rubber sticky mat that stops big leaks it works under water. If you hit a big rock or reef on the bow or keel this product will cover a hole around 1' x 1' maybe more. Thanks for the videos guys..

[@TheOKellys]

Interesting. Will check on that.

[@qatarsailor7727]

Thank you for fantastic demonstration

[@glmaguire]

Loved the hacks - great episode

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you Charlotte!

[@Tampo-tiger]

That video about boating etiquette was fantastic. Your videos are so easy to watch, so thank you.

[@robertorzech8922]

Ive been using those screens for a long time. I buy them 10 at a time from the dollar store for about $3.00 each. They are the greatest especially for the animals ! No more mosquitos ! Cheers

[@SuperEnthused]

I love a specific number of hacks!!! I always get excited for a new O’Kelly video!!!!

[@TheOKellys]

Awwwwww! Thanks!

[@timmitchell8784]

Loved this video all the hacks were awesome. The one with the TV made me giggle. We have used a wall mount and mounted our TV to the ceiling above our bed. Works great. Thanks again guys Timmy

[@TheOctopusPirateShow]

On clearing the fog: There are special markers on the market that do the same thing, but without the risk of getting into the eyes. Dunno how they are called in English, but they are usually sold as accessories for gas masks. Hope that helps you on your journey!

[@charlesmartin5846]

Good to see you guy this week hope you have made it back to your home port now. those are some great tips you all gave i really liked the one about the shelving mat. you all have a wonderful week

[@MickeyMouse-lf4gr]

as always another great video to help us prep for our retirement plan ;). thanks a bunch stay safe

[@jimcahill6330]

The Amazing Boat Cushion sounded like an actual commercial...I was waiting for the "But wait!...."

[@TheOKellys]

Oh there is whole fake commercial on our channel from last spring.....we had fun with it.

[@terryroth9707]

But wait... There's more. It's not sold in any store. Now how much would you pay? Weird Al reference.

[@dc2288]

The first time out on my new trawler I lost my tender during the night. I got it back pretty scratched up but still working. Clips are the way to go!

[@TheOKellys]

We’ve all been there! Or at least a lot of us....lol

[@mikeferguson2828]

Megan get Nick to put some hinges on your dishes drying bin lid with a folding spring holder on the front . I saw it on a friends Leopard a couple of weeks ago and immediately did it to mine. It helps so much in keeping the galley more tidy and while sailing you don’t have a heavy loose lid flopping around

[@TheOKellys]

Hmmm, interesting. That thing has been in storage since we bought the boat.

[@terrypen]

3:00 knucklebump for Top Gun!!! Best movie ever!!!

[@erinjones7752]

Thanks for another terrific video - just added another 3 items to the boat to-do list! Really appreciate the practical information you both share in such an enjoyable format. Safe sailing!

[@bttrthedviluknw]

Your music is perfection.

[@seanruffolo6083]

Brilliant you guys, super helpful to people curious about the liveaboard life!

[@peterbrown2336]

Fun and informative. One idea I've seen used extensively is to have the bungs for any through hull tied by a lanyard to the valve. That means no rooting around trying to find the right bung as water is coming in the people tank.

[@TheOKellys]

Yes, some people ascribe to that. Bungs may need to be driven in from outside though. Hope we never have to find out which is best! For now we just keep all the collision/ingress stuff in one spot.

[@peterbrown2336]

@@TheOKellys Very true, I'd double up as you cannot afford not to be bunged up. LOL!

[@JayBr61]

Do you ever use 50/50 white vinegar and water for mildew and mold? Works great.

[@TheOKellys]

Yes we do and it works great! Thanks for mentioning.

[@ooweesaler]

Some great ideas. Buy a stainless padlock for that boat cable. Ours is on year four and as good as new.

[@dennisalston2801]

Thanks for the WD40 tip. We live on a 44 ft steel Bruce Roberts in currently in Thailand. Everything above the cove line is stainless steel so I NEVER stop cleaning and polishing. I put Singer sewing machine oil on all my standing rigging and turnbuckles but for some reason it never occurred to me to coat all the handrails, dorades, bimini top, etc. During the dry season after a day of sailing all the stainless looks like the top of a margarita glass dipped in salt. I wish you both fair winds and following seas.

[@donnakruse61]

Have to say the Vvivid hack we were trying to figure out a cheaper alternative than upholstery covers for our hatches. Thanks for the tip!

[@TheOKellys]

Recommending. Hatch covers very handy though if boat is left parked a lot.

[@FatherTech]

You guys really are the best. Love your videos. Can't wait to reach my cruising dream one day.

[@TheOKellys]

Don’t wait! See you out there!

[@RBLVentures]

Very nice presentation Relaxing and low stress THX

[@bearparts]

Great info as always! Always happy to see you here.

[@chrism1190]

Nice video. I’ve found the Yamashield Rust and Corrosion Protectant to be THE best protectant out there and can also be layered depending on the type of water and conditions one finds themselves. I use it on everything outside metal including the anchor and it doesn’t discolor. It’s more expensive than WD40 but it’s worth it and lasts a long time.

[@acts9531]

Try threading a small plastic or cork float through and secured at the ends of various lines where appropriate. Like the boat end of a dingy anchor line. That way the end floats straight up and it gives you something to grab onto with hand or boathook if you lose your anchor for any reason. Sure beats diving for an anchor rope. This is especially a good idea for a man overboard line because it gives you something that you can see above the water level if you fall in AND it's something to stop a slippery, wet line from sliding out of your grasp ... leaving you wistfully gazing at your boat as it sails off blissfully into the sunset without you. Even if you're not a single handed sailor the other crew might not see you go overboard so towing a man overboard line is always a good idea. If your boat is making good way when this happens it's easy to lose the line because there's considerable pull as you accelerate to boat speed and then encounter resistance while being dragged through the water.

[@rustysteel8714]

The best hack of all....always willing to learn. Great advice at the end of the video, Nick! Fair winds you two. ;-)

[@TheOKellys]

Exactly Rusty, so fun to learn. Thanks for your note, hope you’re doing well.

[@cgeorge6250]

Love your boat hacks, enjoyed your info commercial. Need more of those!! Megan is a natural!! I will be working on many of these on our boat. Thank you

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you so much Connie! We had so much fun making that infomercial 🤣🤣. Glad you found some useful hacks for your boat!

[@jimgodsey555]

I'm always impressed by what a great team you two are. Wonderful!

[@sailnav]

Plastic-foam pipe insulation installed around a mooring-ball pendant (and fixed in place with zip ties). Keeps the pendant floating on the surface; easier to pick up. Also serves as a stand-off to keep the pendant from submerging under the mooring ball or mooring barrel and getting tangled. Also, in a crowded harbor, keeps the pendant visible and thus less likely to be run over by an eight-year-old in an Optimist. Maybe not for cruisers who live on the hook, but a boon for us day sailors who return to home port each evening.

[@TheOKellys]

good ideas!

[@mydreamboatproject]

Thank you for the Hacks. I'm going to put a few to good use. Happy Sailing...

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

I was going to say wd40, its great, rp7 or lanolin is as well, but what you can actually do is spray stuff with clear plastidip. Its a peel off paint, but it forms a sealed layer protecting whatever its coated on. Its essentially a rubberised spray on coating. (I use the opaque stuff on clear windows to make them privacy windows too)

[@Captain-TBone]

Great video I have a lot of new ideas now

[@carolemcclintock832]

Love the Knife hack!! So smart 👍🏻

[@jillburgraff-miceli5294]

Thank you, I learn something new every time I watch your videos.

[@zoffinger]

This is good stuff. I can't wait till I'm making my own list of everyday live-aboard hacks :^D

[@TheOKellys]

See you out there

[@shirleymckenney-hornyak7117]

@@TheOKellys ?moo

[@itsokswallow]

Captain I have an absolute answer for your fresh free running water. install a sprayer handle with a hose on your faucet stem. so, when you need water you; [ 1)depress the trigger and when you don't not, 2)release the trigger the h2o stops. you also have the option of the hose for longer reach you may call it a presence switch

[@davidfrank2824]

I enjoyed your video. It made me think about some of the things my family have done on our boats. You think forgetting to tie your tender to your boat was scary try forgetting to tie the entire boat to the dock. When we first started out we had a smaller boat and we did not have any real system in place at that time. When we were getting to our dock we would scramble around getting fenders and lines out and at that time I helped doing this. Once we were at the dock I was putting fenders out thinking my wife was tying us off to the dock. At that time we did not leave food in the refrigerator. Normally my wife would go get the cart from the main gate and I would pack the cooler and since it was so heavy I would put it on the dock myself. This time things did not go the way they normally did. As I'm putting the cooler up I gave it a push and then the boat moved and I fell into the water. Lucky enough the one routine that at that point I did the only thing that got wet was me. And lucky enough it was myself this fell in the water my wife would not have tried to bring the boat back by herself. So I swam after our boat and now everybody's watching us. Once I got back to the dock everyone's laughing and clapping. I would love to say that was the only time that happened but then I would be lying. When you started showing your bum I started laughing about that. Once we were getting up and bigger size boats I would buy different things for safety and to help us out if something went wrong or someone else around us. At this point we would buy a new boat every 2 years. And we would gather all our things off of our current boat and put them on our new boat or put it in a pile to go home or garbage. Most of the time I would grab everything out of the engine compartment. My wife always went behind me to make sure I didn't forget anything. When we were setting up our new boat I was looking for my bums. I thought well I must have left them on the old boat. No big deal we've always go to West Marine anyhow so I would just pick up more. After the third time and I could not find my bums I started thinking if someone stealing these from me. So this time my wife and myself went to West Marine together. I put another bag of them in the cart and went about picking up some other things and so did she. She saw my bag of bums and takes them out I asked her why That's when she told me that we have about four or five bags of them at the house. She did not know what they were. So once we got home I put all of them on the boat and I was handing them out like candy to all of our friends. I was showing my wife your video and when she saw the screen door that you put up she looked at me and said why can't we do that. She goes every time we get a new boat you spend about $2,000 or more for screens for the boat and I can go to Target and pick these up for a couple dollars. So I promised her when we pick up our new boat next year that I won't have custom screens made that we will try your trick first. I'm even thinking about trying that on my garage door at home. I love seeing that you guys tie and lock up your tender when you walk away. I could not tell you how many times that we have witnessed people coming back and their tender is gone. I always disable our tender. We also learned at night no matter where we are at that our tender goes back into the garage and if we don't have the room it goes up on the fly bridge. There's even KZbinrs that make similar videos as yourself that have woke up and find their tender gone. I like how you have yours all tied up and that should make a lot of noise if someone tampers with it. You are dead on about the knife on the boat. When we bought our very first boat and I picked up a couple knives just to keep on board my wife didn't understand why. I think it was our second time out and we caught a crab pot line and it wrapped itself completely around our propeller. So lucky enough all I had to do was raise the drive and I was able to cut it away. Our home water is on the Chesapeake Bay by the naval academy. The state of Maryland is known for their crabs. Every inch of the bay have crab pots out. You talk to anybody from around here and they well have a story about a crab pot. Enjoyed your video look forward to watching more

[@dougberrett8094]

The WD in WD40 stands for water displacement. The 40 means it was the 40th formula. It was formulated to displace water.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Tip if you want a powerfull big 12v fan pick one up from a car parts place or breakers yard..

[@njsarn]

Great hacks guys. Like 👍so much wanting more. Thanks.

[@tokyobosco]

Very nice video. You guys are fun to watch but living aboard looks so complicated.

[@yachticus]

just on being good to go "at the ready if you will" with the diving kit we have found it really handy to have a divers weight on a 60 ft cord ( blinds cord) and a float - we call it a divers shot - anything goes over the side - drop the shot next to it or along side where it went over - simple establishment of a search datum.

[@TheOKellys]

What a good idea. Going to rig that up for sure!

[@yachticus]

@@TheOKellys the way we rig it is to get a small round polystyrene float - say 100mm - cut it in half and join with a small round dowel. making sure the space between each half of the float is marginally wider that the divers weight to the dowel wind the blinds cord around the stick and then when the divers shot is thrown into the water (deployed) the lead weight is sufficiently heavy enough to unwind from the reel. - love your work .

[@tonyneibling3464]

@@yachticus Hey guys would you please send a pic of that...thanks for the great tip 👍

[@michynature]

I was hoping for a hack video! I’ve been preparing a list so this is great! I had slip grip already as I used to use it when travelling in or with a trailer and still have a bunch! I’m surprised no one has mentioned that before now! You had an epoxy stick in case of leaks. Is it just easier to store than a can or Navicoat or Splash Zone? As effective? In a jam I’ve heard people say pool noodles, nerf balls and expanding foam will help. Loved the knife tip! Wasn’t expecting that! Now I’m going to see if I notice in your other videos as I keep watching lol. Also suddenly, I want to take up sewing lol. Tried it and fried it before, but these tasks are a new inspiration Megan! I looove all these additions you create and they are so helpful in staying organized etc. That rod holder too is exactly what I’ll need. Out of the way but ready in a second. Excellent! I thought there might be more kitchen or bathroom hacks tbh. Or is that Hack video #2? 😆. Thanks folks. Appreciate the tips and videos.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks for the kind note. Yes, there is definitely a part two down the way. We put a few more tips and hacks in the podcast this week. Splash Zone....heard of it, have not used it. I like the putty as it is so easy to use. No thinking required. Collision mats are a good idea but we don’t carry them anymore as this boat wouldn’t be very quick to sink even if truly holed. As for sewing....It’s an awesome skill to have on board. Best, Nick

[@dennisfano2574]

Really enjoying your videos. Good info for us weekend warriors too!

[@oaklandmax]

That epoxy stick is magic. It’s not really a “hack” to use it for its intended purpose, but it is a great and useful thing to have on board.

[@TheOKellys]

Tru dat

[@scharftalicous]

These aren't hacks, these are mostly how to make it home by using wisdom. Hacks are usually gimmicks that don't actually change anything. Thankyou for the tips

[@mvdospeces4370]

The one I liked best was the epoxy putty. I’m thinking it might also do the trick for wallowed out screw holes. Thanks!!

[@MrWastedSaint]

Just a tip, that bike lock cable can be cut through using sidecutters to nibble away at the strands in barely minutes. Not a thief :) , it's part of my job knowledge.

[@carltonoakes4770]

Bravo excellent job ALL great info

[@jcoghill2]

I know Dynema is new and all the rage. I think I ran into it during training but if its what they said it was I don't like it. It's too stretchy. I don't like stretchy lines. They snap without warning. A towing line should always be hemp. It doesn't stretch and will smoke before it snaps. I saw Dynema used as the lower life line on a sailboat. Which in my opinion was a lousy choice of line for that spot. If you slip and you're not hooked in, the last thing you will hit going over the side will be that line. You don't want to hit a rubber band, it will stretch and over you go. Love how you keep a knife installed at all locations you could possibly need one including the type for the location. Brilliant! I think you just made a lot of good sailors better sailors.

[@TheOKellys]

Yes, a knife can save a life. No, you’re thinking of something else. Dyneema doesn’t stretch. The stuff is like wire.

[@MurphysLemonadeStand]

Not lazy. That TV clip is genius. Old that oldie video was something. But California? I though you guys were from the Northwest? Anyway. If I haven't said it before. Seattle was my home for sometime before I went into the Marines and after that I lived in California up till a couple years ago. Where I moved south (to be closer to the the BVIs) and look for my next boat (which we have). But west coast sailing is my experience. Nice dive knife at the helm. and I love spare air. Great invention! Screens so important for all the bugs out here. lol

[@TheOKellys]

Lol. Thanks. We have sailed all over the west coast. Oregon, WA, Salish Sea, SE AK, California Coast, Baja, MX, SOC.... glad you liked the vid!

[@donaldoutdoors]

Thanks for the tips! I love them all, but particularly the TV in Bed and the Phifertex from Sailrite :)

[@humbertocares8385]

What a Lovely Couple.... thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@x-rayrob7291]

About the scuba masks, if you have a new one, burn the glasses with a lighter until they turn completely black and clean them with soap afterwards. (I always use strawberry soap because of the nice smell) :) The reason why burning them is because they come with a thin protection layer on the glass out from the factory what makes glasses very quickly very foggy.

[@levelplain9887]

Super good, thanks guys for a greatly informative and fun package.

[@bradbusch9585]

Great job guys knowledgeable and entertaining

[@happyreefer]

Cleaning dingy carb with Pinesol cleaner. Pull carb fully apart and put in old tin food can,, soak for 12 hrs or longer. Does not eat up rubber gaskets and smells better than carb cleaner.

[@joe9303]

SCUBA tank with 20 foot hose to the 2nd stage. Great for jumping in to scrape the hull.

[@TheOKellys]

Interesting. Like a hooka?

[@joe9303]

Exactly. Hooka but using a tank.

[@TheoSmith249]

Agreed Joe.. I did this for 20 yrs and had zero issues. great hack!

[@jltotheb5550]

@@joe9303 soooo.... tooka?!

[@alexb5766]

Ya i would not trust that spare air get a 30-40L tank and just put a regulator on it have you used it successfully?

[@netltube]

good info on the phifertex! thanks!

[@foundatsea3483]

This is gold and I think Nick could get in the water w fins and snorkel gear in 22 seconds lol