Pimp My Ride! Installing New Solar and Batteries in French Polynesia WHS 68

[@ChiChi-dy9qi]

It's so good watching the little Gecko become such a well equipped sailing vessel. You're doing so much with so little, well done.

[@peterfarmer1592]

You definitely need a small portable vice on your boat Holly. Would make life so much easier for boat maintenance. X

[@shahntv]

I've never seen a bag of rum before! That is hilarious.

[@georgeroach7499]

Love the big bag of Rum. You have your priorities in order...lol...enjoy...

[@edm9704]

I wonder how many years that rum is going to last.

[@medomak1]

"But why is the rum gone?

[@milkoberben2963]

@@edm9704 years LOL

[@garyglick4304]

Persistence, determination and fairness! You will be successful in whatever you desire with those attributes and you've got them in spades. The trick is hanging on to all three through the vagaries of life. Was glad to hear that you were considering a little more Prop when you get to NZ. I've been a boat mechanical geek for many decades now, and I've been thinking since about episode 3 that moderately high throttle motor sailingpitched iesel enginesthree quarters throttle) 7 hr. or longer to burn a gallon would make one think you might be underpropped. You might be able to keep track of the motoring time the next time you are becalmed and motor for several hours and can get an approximation of the fuel burned. But it's tough to quantify fuel amounts filling out of jerry cans. don'taround used fixed pitch props aren't horribly expensive. Best of luck that happy medium, Gary

[@russking63]

I know these comments are probably a day late and dollar short by the time you get them, but may I suggest a couple dynema tight wraps between the new stanchion and the stanchion just aft of that one (just under and parallel to the new horizontal stainless pipe). That way, if you were to fall and put a lot of weight on the upper life line, it would not put all the force on the new 90 deg fitting and possibly pull it apart. Do this on both sides, obviously. Stay safe. You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your adventures and experience.

[@grandpaflorida1671]

If you’re looking for ideas for a video how about going over your tattoos one on your left arm looks very interesting to me.

[@davidrayburn2260]

You are amazing. Safe sailing, And God bless.

[@ianb4801]

Those battery termials have a huge advantage over vertical studs. As you use bolts, it's impossible to over-tighten anything such that you strip out the threads in the batteries

[@EvelOttos]

Be mindful of those exposed power wires. Most of the brands out there aren't rated for extended UV exposure and the insulation will break down faster if out in the elements 24/7. If you can wrap them with a UV resistant sheathing or with a good waterproof tape, they'll last longer.

[@richardhoffman9729]

good tip, thanks

[@timmcmullen5]

MAKE SURE CABLES ARE SAME LENGTH. SMALLER CABLE = LESS RESISTANCE SO THAT BATTERY WORKS A LOT HARDER AND DIES SOONER !! CAN SKIP TO 4: 52 MINUTE MARK. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqXRd3uBrr6kp6c IF DOESNT APPLY TO YOUR SITUATION. DON'T WORRY OBVIOUSLY 😊

[@budroberts5929]

There are UV resistant electrical tapes, one is by the Gorilla Glue Co, and others, check 3M. Two or 3 layers spiral around. If vertical taping, start at bottom. Then to physically protect the tape it needs to go thru rubber-padded holes thru bulkheads with slack on each side such that with boat motion the wire doesn't rub there. You can protect the tape with a rugged tape better than duct - such as sail repair tape. For wires straight off the batteries to stop kinking drill a hole in that wood panel so the wire goes straight, smooth out the hole, rubberize, slack. Put a dip ( a U shape) in both those fat wires before they reach batteries so that if wires get wet the drops will drip down off the dip, not follow the wire to the batteries. Some kinds of packing foams are good to firmly pad batteries. (hey, marine electricians out there: correct me if I'm wrong. Do any marine electricians know how to waterproof battery posts?)

[@ed_cetera]

I appreciate your brand of wit...

[@mytreasurechess]

Who doesn't. Some weirdos every video some thumbsdownerdopes. Holly is about the happiest spirit on YT.

[@jmorefire]

Serious inspiration girl...thanks for being so roots and simple...ya make it all look so doable and easy.

[@bwuepper439]

Glad you have the power you need now. I didn't see it but you should consider sealing up the thru holes where the wires pass through the deck. Also, consider a drip loop. This is where the wires come up (working from the deck going outward) and make a loop, where the bottom of the loop is where water will drip off. This will minimize any water trying to get through the deck. I hope I explained this ok for you. Anyway, best to you and your travels.

[@robm7543]

As I was watching your video I was reminded how good the white walls with the wood doors looks! Nice job!! It is good to see you doing well and enjoying life :-)

[@michaeltudor7057]

Nice! Now u can start yer motor and so many many other powered possibilities!

[@saxophool]

A little tip for cutting stainless steel: After marking the intended cut with tape, let the boyfriend do the sawing! Hilarious. 😎

[@WindHippieSailing]

Haha EXACTLY

[@edwardsbarbara25]

Not always a bf. Good for us to figure it out for ourselves

[@michaeltudor7057]

Heheheh

[@2jackdog]

Every once in a while I check in to see how you are doing. So glad to see you happily sailing along!!

[@johnrathbun3641]

Congratulations, now you have more power. I'm glad for you. Now you will be much more safer.

[@martinbowskill5511]

Absolutely safety is the keyword fair winds holly

[@bigoceansmallboat]

Bolt sawing tip, cut the bolt at a slight angle in line with the threads and the nut will screw on easily every time.

[@jiefflerenard1228]

not every time,the nut "in" is the way!

[@mytreasurechess]

Gosh that's a full teaching video. Wonderful! Yay good job all.

[@danielbuckner2167]

Wow, she has her own solar system.

[@olddotcom]

very nice news you got to see your mom, happy you have some power, great job

[@Jackle61]

Just a little tip. Don't use the white or "clear" cable ties in the sun. Use black or colored ones, they won't get brittle as fast like the clear ones do.

[@Bantie1]

I use stainless steel zip ties for items in sun - on Amazon

[@alexmyers7837]

Thanks for sharing your solar and battery refit. I'll be watching that again.

[@prqrsqtful]

OMG! You amaze me! Can't believe the way you were standing on that spreader. Also great tip for cutting a bolt. Thanks! This was one of your best videos yet. Oh yeah! And who new you had a sassy side! You're so funny!

[@kranzonguam]

Great upgrade!! Fun video! Take good care!

[@neilskinner7662]

You are a cool lady. Keep going wherever the wind takes you. Cool channel!

[@brucemckelvy9920]

They handle a short burst of High "Amperage" draw not voltage. Just to be clear.

[@captainsalty9022]

Suggest you obtain a Lycra dive suit. $30-50 dollars on Amazon. You can probably find them in Tahiti. Typically are worn under wet suits but serve well as a stand alone ankle to neck to wrist coverage. Will protect from fire coral and incidental scraps while bottom cleaning and snorkeling on the reefs. They feel like nothing but give you some protection.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Great job Captain Holly and Machinist Mate Jarne! Now you have power for anything you need.👩‍🔧⚡💡🔌 In true maritime fashion, y'all should celebrate with some rum.🍻Y'all enjoy yourselves, take care of each other and as always, sail on Captain, sail on!⛵😎👍👍

[@johndowley3509]

The main advantage to the vertical battery connectors is they can't be over tightened & cause damage to the internal battery connection. You can feel safe really cranking up the bolts for a secure electrical connection.

[@crabuki1273]

Audio for this ep is GREAT.

[@russking63]

Some day, you could bolt on little L-shaped brackets to make the battery bolts vertical, if that helps for future attachments. Or just bolt on little pig tails and attach everything to those.

[@jfv65]

sweet! some considerations: * if you hook up the panels in series you have a higher voltage which has lower power transfer losses. There is a downsize as well. If 1 of the panels gets into a shade (for instance from the mast) the entire set will stop generating power. * if you hook up the panels in parallel (like i think you did if i saw it correctly) you have lower voltage and therefor a bit more power transfer losses. The advantage: 1 panel in the shade doesn't hurt the power deliverely of the other panels. * offcourse you can also mix and match this by making multiple groups that are connected in series and then hook the groups up in parallel. in general: solar panels work best in sunny cold temps. They don't like heat but hey, what can you do when your in the tropics? For batteries applies the same, they do not like heat. They also don't like overcharging. 80-85% being ideal for long service life.

[@markjackson6721]

I agree the solar panels should be hooked up in series and then to the controller. The controller will be much more efficient using this method. Ideally you should have 3 controllers for your setup, one for each panel to maximize efficiency, but I understand why you don't. Only other comment is to put some sort of guard over your battery terminals. Don't learn the hard way how easy it is to drop something like a wrench and short everything out. Good job.

[@dutchglobetrotter4513]

Almost tripling the solar input makes Gecko a lot safer.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Good upgrade. You really needed that. You will be safer now. Stay qell

[@unclewill]

Good job girl I watch every video just to support ya

[@rickstevens1479]

Little boat big ocean, so happy you are doing so well . Stay safe.. Now you can get one of those battery powered ice chests that would make it easier to keep beer cold........

[@rogeranderson6668]

Awesome awesome Holly slowly but surely you're upgrading your little boat. Thank you for sharing your adventures with the rest of us may Fair winds fill your Sails and the Sun at your back much peace and love from Northeast Texas 🤠

[@wayneholman8563]

Welldone holly great video plus power solar sorted & the engine water pump enjoy the journey fair winds calm seas cheers

[@BA-gg7lw]

Love to enjoy your adventures vicariously 🥵from hot Vegas 🏴‍☠️arrr if you ever need a first mate im at the ready

[@johnpayne2465]

Life looks good, glad that you are smiling and happy. May it continue for a long long time :)

[@jameshassell8110]

Interesting view with you standing on the spreaders. Be careful and stay safe. Love you much Holly. 💖💖💖

[@jamesroff6612]

Great video. Good diy. Looking forward to seeing some sailing with weather as you carry on round the world

[@tomwilliams8675]

Great job Holly. Those are nice mounting clamps. I think I've seen other sailors fold their panels straight vertical when they're on passage so it doesn't put a strain on the clamps. Water maker and radar next🌷😁😊😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RandomRailways]

Looking good. Important point though - always connect the batteries to the charge controller first, before connecting the panels, otherwise you can damage the charge controller.

[@pdutube]

And the Gecko evolved! Nice job!

[@edward_j_leblanc]

A buddle voll Rum! That's quite the bottle!

[@johnm9285]

Carl Hiaasen is perfect literature for the tropics. Really enjoy your videos.

[@michynature]

So happy for your upgrade! I had to laugh at your words for Victron lol. Was it difficult to order things or search for them over there in the various countries with various languages?

[@richardrose7382]

I’d never heard of your boat’s type/brand before seeing your site. Looks like a good minimalist type of sailboat

[@robertnixon3816]

Another great video! You do good work and have learned to do with what you have. Great scores in Tahiti! Especially the rum! Power is safety so enjoy!

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

Fabulous job! Living the dream. ☺️ 🌴

[@riverbendtube]

As always, you continue to impress and inspire!

[@dimml0r]

ah the victron mppt smarty boy. got this one as well on our boat. trustworthy thing. works like a charm. very good choice

[@martyklein2560]

Good day Holly, nice to see you with more energy onboard, I too would like to know the info on the adjustable rail clamps and aluminum rail. No luck finding them online thus far. Cheers to you on your installation.

[@WindHippieSailing]

I think they're european. I bought them second hand off a german sailor. But similar items are available in the States and other places. Just search for solar rail mount clamps online :)

[@conyermud1]

Great video as ever. Keep going!!

[@tjack49er]

That bolt pattern is unpleasant but more so you’ve got a negative cable passing right by a positive post in a manner that looks as though it could potentially chafe and cause a very unpleasant short circuit and potential fire. Visible at 11:50.

[@jiefflerenard1228]

I see your point but these wire have thick insulation AND are wrapped with electrical tape AND there is space with no contact pressure AND there is no movement !

[@tjack49er]

@@jiefflerenard1228 as I said, potential chafe. It’s a boat, everything moves, that’s boats. May never chafe and cause an issue but if it does it could quickly become a fatal issue while simply rerouting could safeguard against issues.

[@trafalgar22a8]

Very nice install job Holly.

[@bryandraughn9830]

I can't talk people into using oil when they drill metal and they are always complaining about their dull bits. Go figure. You rock!

[@tomas5376]

Soooooooo happy that you were able to update your electrical system. Good job! Many years ago we took a bus from Playa Coco to Liberia where we bought 5 gallons of Costa Rican rum for fifty cents!! Salud

[@therokenman2594]

Great job on the solar upgrade!

[@rmcnabb]

Those adjustable panel mounting brackets are really cool - do you have a brand name for them?

[@CathyVerm]

You look so happy!!!!!

[@SamuelKTennis]

I saw it previously as a Patreon sneak peek, but I am watching it again, just because I needed another Holly fix! And so I can click the "Like" after it has played. (duly clickethed) I am NOT jinxing things here, but I cannot wait for the episode when the plastic rum jug ruptures and you are drinking as fast as you can - really, I am waiting with bated breath! ;-) Should be loads of good (perhaps scandalous) footage! Sam

[@miketucker3571]

They now have bi-faced solar panels that would possibly add 30% your solar input.

[@dustman96]

So much for that victron sponsorship ;)

[@faelsinnes]

OOOHH the excitement, all that lovely free electricity. Considering some of the big ships, I like the idea that you can keep your AIS on.

[@windwaterandSandra572]

Thank you so much for making this video, I learned a lot!!

[@Eddie-jr6bs]

Awsome job; power is power!

[@huntnheads7945]

Love ya channel. Super inspiring. You've started me on my journey into sailing life. Thank you.

[@ronalddelo8753]

Great job, water maker next 🤔

[@rikstone1949]

You say what you think, and think what you say. That's an admirable quality. Love your videos.🥰

[@neilquigley1030]

How do you tie down your batteries in the box? would they fall out in a knock-down? Love the family-size rum supply!

[@DarceeVorndran]

YOU amaze me!

[@jiefflerenard1228]

FOR YOUR SAFETY !No offense but it seems like nothing keeps the Dynema link to your life line from sliding down the stanchion post.see 5:30 You could fall on it and go overboard,and we would all be so sad .A simple loop top-wise over the elbow would fix this .

[@DellaDeLobos]

Fun video to watch, good job...

[@willisgemutlich2608]

are you familiar with sailing uma? he modified a forklift motor to fit his old transmission, so he could get rid of diesel and the diesel tank. the forklift motor is way cheaper than a marine motor. I thought it was pretty clever and a space saver. love you, thanks for making mondays something to look forward to.

[@styx85]

You need a _lot_ of batteries to get any kind of range, though. A full 100 Ah lithium battery gives, what, less than 1 hp for an hour before it's empty? Even with their fancy, new Oceanvolt (?) system, Dan and Kika have to be quite selective and strategic as to when they use their motor.

[@willisgemutlich2608]

@@styx85 yes they do, but remember holly is used to mostly sail only, so it would likely just be in tricky situations, and yes, she would need a few more batteries for sure. I'm not fully knowledgeable with the way dan redid the dc system to make everything 48 volts but not having diesel seems like a great game plan, along with alcohol instead of propane. me, I have a hobie 16 and a cell phone, but I do hope to follow in her footsteps some wonderful day. my only other comment would be that if she finds the time and materials, I would make all the solar panels function as a bimini high above the cockpit for those sunny or rainy days.

[@danielbuckner2167]

@@willisgemutlich2608 Your sail would block the panels and any shadow on them makes the output super low. Alcohol stove? Cool man... never heard of an induction stove? Dan and Kika's engine was an anchor so it made sense WHEN BUYING A NEW MOTOR to go electric but to throw out a working motor means that products not needed to be produced or be made and resources mined or made and then shipped from one place to another. So snapping your fingers to instantly change from one to the other is silly and way more wasteful than the small amount of use Hols puts on that diesel. When it dies, sure then swap it but before then is just consumerism.

[@willisgemutlich2608]

@@danielbuckner2167 all too true, and dead batteries themselves have to go somewhere eventually. I had gathered that she was dissatisfied with engine she has, as it lacks power. I haven't fully caught up with dan and kika, so I didn't know they upgraded. the induction would be awesome but again eat power... it's all juggling, right? sailing wisdom uses alcohol and they're stoked on it, saying it's efficient and way safer that propane, plus takes up less space. I'm way out of my league here as I don't have a ship yet but was just throwing out 2 cents

[@danielbuckner2167]

@@willisgemutlich2608 Hey alcohol os safer because the fumes rise rather than sink. Thats why propane lockers are usually somewhere apart from everything else and should have a vent that looks like a drain to water and off the boat. Propane packs a bigger punch in terms of BTUs. Induction doesnt require an extra tank except batteries which are used for some much more.nobody has a propane/alcohol powered AIS or chartplotter so it makes sense to streamline your resources. They are also more efficient in the way they heat what is on yhem without letting excess heat rise up into the boat salon or galley which then creates an issue in warm climates and moisture issues in any climate. Theyre pretty cool, check one out when you can. They do require certain cookware too though and that could be considered an extra cost. The real benefit is that you dont have to have different tanks and adapters for different countries and if you use solar to recharge then you can get the sun in any country, weather depending and its free!

[@bryrensexton4618]

👍!!!yea new tattoos

[@mazroey]

Amazing

[@calvario1885]

You are looking so beautiful. Whatever you are doing keep it up. Also your videos are getting better and better!

[@odysseyofjason]

You are amazing. I admire your bravery.

[@geekdomo]

He is a good friend!

[@sallyb3]

🤙🤙🤙so happy for you guys! Cheers

[@rorybellamy2533]

Fancy shopping! shim the battery with the Foam from the box packing, how did you climb that sail mast? !

[@txhypnotist]

Hi Holly, great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@tartansailor]

I like the hardware you bought to mount the panels onto the new rail. Could you tell me the brand name for the material and where you purchased it, Thanks in advance, Cheers

[@jiefflerenard1228]

They indeed look real practical, I think she said she got them privately in a Facebook ad.

[@colinboniface194]

very slick...

[@tomhartenstine3263]

Love your videos!!! Keep them coming!! ❤️

[@longrangecruise]

Hello Holly. You go girl. Just 2 observations. You don't need my help and I know this video is removed from time and space from now. First about that electrical cable. Ouch. You could drill a new hole where you want it and have no sharp bend. I am assuming that there is enough cable already of course. The other is your lifeline. As attached it could slip down when solicited at an inconvenient time. Give it another loop or two on the horizontal rigid lifeline. Thank you for the videos and the dreams that comes with.

[@jiefflerenard1228]

Yes ,I just see that too,the line WILL slide down,it needs a loop top wise.

[@WEOWNTHESKIES]

youre inspiring AF

[@CalciteSerendipity]

Holly, the other day I anchored in Harpswell Harbor and rowed over to a Crealock 37 and met Sally and her boyfriend. Sally said she had been in a history class with your sister some years ago!

[@WindHippieSailing]

Woah that's insane! Small world

[@Kim-yl7yg]

Great job Hippie !

[@juan6168]

I enjoy a lot your videos. Congratulations.

[@dune1221]

Awesome job

[@owenkuntz9108]

New life goal. Buy and finish a 10L bag of rum… not all in one night.

[@nacdaddy5591]

So you’re in paradise yet at 7:30 I heard a chainsaw...ahhhhhhhhhh

[@BelenfromLB]

Good info

[@38below39]

Looks good , Now you need to mount a DISCO light hehehhehe ....

[@tophatter15]

Great job. Bloody interesting. Cheers n beers from Australia 🍷🍷🍷🌹🌹🌹