Racing the Cold to Lower Latitudes | Sailing Soulianis - Ep. 26

Welp, it’s about time we get moving south, eh? With all the boat dramas from the last few episodes now behind us, we’re finally making miles south down the Illinois River. And good thing, too, ‘cause winter is hot on our keel.
We encounter all sorts of fun stuff on the river: huge locks, herds of sheep, free docks located in the heart of several downtowns, electric fish barriers, duck hunters hiding in elaborate blinds, pairs of pelicans, flocks of seagulls, and possibly some golden eagles (they were too far away and we’re not very confident in our birding skills).
After a few stops in the towns of Joilet and Ottawa, and a marina to pick up some parts and supplies, we make it to Henry, IL, where we wake up to frost on our deck. It’s getting cold as, mate. Gotta keep moving’ south.
Hope you enjoy!
Lauren & Kirk
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[@gilbert6803]

I would suggest building a checklist for routine items like filling gas so that you have a deliberate process to go through to prevent forgetting. When I got a new boat I left the gas cap off a few times and had a bilge full of gas. Love the channel, keep up the great work.

[@ericfermin8347]

The fatal flaw was not having a checklist to do even the simplest of jobs. The military, NASA, commercial and civil aviation, and other organizations figured this out decades ago. When dealing with things, even mundane tasks, but tasks that can lead to life altering outcomes, a checklist is utilized. Having two on board gives you the perfect opportunity to utilize a written checklist. One person reads, one does, one verifies.

[@sonnylange3051]

Looks a little chilly! Glad to see you two learning and overcoming the issues. Maybe they are all behind you now.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, Ralph. Yes, things will be looking brighter... (;

[@vandaliabutler6639]

Thanks for this episode. By showing your vulnerability, you are helping others realize that they can be part of the lifestyle. Great job showing another perspective by traveling the river. Keep on living!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@oldtimergoalie1]

Great video! You both are definitely on the low stress meter when problems arise. I admire that.

[@emmanuelsamaras8974]

Hard school of knocks. The great thing is that you love each other. LOVE CONQUERS ALL THINGS!!!

[@PrecisionSailLoftVictoria]

Nice video guys! Great to see your progress to warmer weather.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much!

[@2ShoesPhoto]

It's really good seeing how much fun you two have while going through all of these issues, learning along the way, and then dealing with the cold. It's refreshing!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, Chris :)

[@amo757]

Appreciate your honesty concerning your mistakes.

[@svphoenixandme776]

Kolor Kut is a water finding paste. It's almost a must have. Put a small amount on the end of your sounding stick, lower to the bottom of the tank and remove. Any water the kolor kut comes into contact with will cause a color change in the paste. Also, as many have commented, the Racor has a drain at the bottom. If you don't have a petcock installed there, put one in. Make a routine of draining the filter every so often. Adjust as necessary the interval. The metal flame shroud can obscure water in the bowl from your vision. Enjoyed the episode.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hmm that sounds cool. We will have to check it out!

[@alan6832]

@@SailingSoulianis Diesel-water emulsifyer is often worth spending some money on to remove water, actually gets it to mix with the diesel and enables the engine to swallow it, where it actually turns to steam and provides some power like a steam engine, at least once the engine is warmed up. Also, that stick was inside the raw water screen, where most screens and filters are supposed to flow from outside to inside, so double check that the hoses are on the right ports, usually the junk collects on the outside.

[@mikedhsr007]

Kirk nailed it, "process" a checklist mentality so important

[@rvhmon656]

Mississipppppppppiiii...and Tom Sawyer never even had an outboard. This will be cool. Love it folks!!!

[@sheldonpenn1815]

The Racor filter you have is designed to separate out water in the fule. Keep an eye on the clear bole at the bottom of the filter you will see the water at the bottom if there is any. Clear the water by opening the valve at the bottom of the filter. Then open the top of the filter after closing the bottom and fill to the top with fresh deasol. You are over worrying the problem.

[@JustMe-pp1mp]

14:42 - Now THAT'S how to end a video - all smiles. Stay safe :-)

[@SV-DEDICATED]

Few sailing channels have gone down the Mississippi. This is interesting.

[@tedhaas8440]

Sailing? What sail?

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

Yup, this may be in my future so I am watching with interest.

[@rayvonnesr1672]

Awesome video guys! Your videos are fun to watch! Very well done!

[@dmsdmullins]

We sail the Ohio River near Cincinnati in the Shenanigans, a 30' Hunter. We are planning a trip to the gulf but getting the time off work is proving difficult for us both. Great videos and safe travels!

[@drwindsurf]

I love the Star Wars comparison...I will never go through a lock without think of that ever again. It looks like you are getting your river-legs. I am looking forward to the rest of your journey south :)

[@paullabounty3345]

love you guys keep up the good work

[@virtual_warbirds]

Great video! I especially loved the superb color correction. 😎

[@davidmilitz2275]

Thanks for taking us along...we are hoping to be a "looper" in the next few years...so this is great!!!! Safe Passages!!! and Merry Christmas!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey David, our pleasure! Best of luck to you and happy holidays!

[@ricknelson3607]

Good job guys, just keep moving...

[@anvilhead59]

At least your "stupid" mistakes were inland and not in the Caribbean. You guys are doing it the right way and learning. I'm looking forward to your travels down the ditch.

[@russanderson7694]

You both seem to stay very positive during your life lessons on this boat! I’m not sure if I could be this calm.. lol lol. With out throwing a wrench or yelling.. lol. Great video

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Russ, well, there were definitely a few raised voices off camera, haha. But never a flying wrench! We're already losing those without throwing them.

[@russanderson7694]

My brother and I have Hunter 34 1983 model first time sailors.. were old guys actually twins brothers.. thanks again for sharing your journey.. big fan

[@frankd2301]

Canals are more interesting than seas because there’s always something to look at.

[@georgehender910]

Owned Tartan 37` for over 15 yrs great boat. Make sure you have extra impellers. The impellers cool your engine with fresh water. You cannot run the engine without the impellers because it will over heat. Easy to change the impellers but hard get them. Sure you can get them on line. I would get 5 extras. Happy New Year. Email any questions about your boat.

[@lensmith1870]

I really do feel for you and I could relate to your story nothing ever seems to go right for me either one thing after another I've been on the water 16 years but only alone I wasn't lucky enough to have a beautiful young lady helping me that can handle a wrench haha

[@6663000]

I'm sure you've learned this by now, but you should just check the transparent bowl on the Racor periodically If there is any water at the bottom you can simply drain it by backing out that little screw/plug on the underside of the bowl without taking anything apart. They're a wonderful invention!

[@ropeyarn]

"That garbage monster on Detention Level 5 is the worst. It thinks dunking people in garbage juice is just hilarious" -Space Janitors

[@KlausPedersen_gaffa]

Love following you guys. Can't wait for the next episode. :-)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, thanks Klaus (:

[@harddazeknight]

Don't sweat the small shjt... some things you learn to do right by doing 'em wrong the first time or three -- just keep on keeping on! This ain't a destination thing, it's a journey thing; ENJOY!

[@riverwizard22]

You know there is a drain on the Racor ? Just check it every few hours of running .

[@TG-cp9jw]

Nice job, keep up the good work. Good luck and thanks for the video.

[@gerryneckebroeck]

Great episode again, Kirk's "we have an engine" dance will go a long way a think :-)

[@adammool]

Good old Henry Harbor, I cross that bridge thousands of times a year in my semi! Safe Travles!

[@salnichols94805]

Holy Jesus, the Racor is a bloody water separator with a drain on the bottom. Just open it up every hour or two until the water is gone.

[@DeliveringGreatLakes]

That's got to be a little bit of a face palm moment. But it's good to know! Makes me wonder if it's listed in the manual diagrams that way.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yes but ours had never been cleaned and had two inches of black algae growth in the bottom of it. So cleaning it out completely was a good exercise on its own. But learning how to completely take it apart and put it back together again to understand how it works was priceless.

[@jotruk1]

you can rest assured that as you go and learn the better things will go.

[@travisolson9190]

Neat to find a local filming location. The ends of where the Kankakee, Illinois and Des Plaines rivers meet are visible from my backyard.

[@danielscott9769]

Learning how things work is part of the adventure. With all that debris in the water, I would keep an eye on water inlets, strainers, and filters. Keep eye on engine temp. Debris and impellers don't play well. Rooting for you!

Realy enjoying your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences...

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, Carsten!

[@calledout4437]

This looks like a really fun trip minus the problems haha. I gotta do this one day!

[@tonywaller680]

You guys are a fabulous team.thanks for taking the time with the exellent video and commentary.heres wishing you many happy adventures.kindregards TW Canada s west coast

[@hv2sailsvsweetpea680]

New dose of respect! Hang in there guys😎

[@jasonc470]

I'm rooting for you guys but man lol cool videography and editing! Hopefully warm weather will greet you soon!

[@birddogmason9862]

Huck Finn would be proud.

[@thomasblesinger9374]

Just have to say, I really like your style. So open for everything new. And when the going gets rough you pull through together. 👍

[@SailingSoulianis]

Appreciate that Thomas, thank you. :)

[@ThompsonBMXbikes]

Well you escaped the Death Star trash compactor, now let's see you escape the ice planet Hoth without getting eaten by a Wampa.

[@MrRourk]

Beware the Goats at Goat Island. They can digest fiberglass.

[@bru864]

I love how Kirk makes sheep noises. I love to watch your videos, your a great couple. Thanks for the content because all the good deals on boats I’ve loved at lately have been in the Great Lake area or Florida so I’ll have to go the way your going or through the Panama Canal.

[@michaeldobson8859]

When your engine quits, drop your anchor first if your in restricted waters so you don’t go aground. If you think your fuel tank has water in it, open the tank access cover to see how much is in the tank before you take action.

[@floathi]

You can easily drain the water off the bottom of your Racor. Check in the morning. I would recommend a larger sea strainer. Safe travels

[@akathesquid5794]

rule of cruising, the 7/16 is always missing. Buy 4 and stash them everywhere.

[@dickcartelli1882]

Same on my boat!

[@siaripop7]

@David Frost So that's what happened to Amelia, she lost her 7/16 at the wrong time in her life!

[@sailingmariposa7887]

11 MM is .004” smaller than 7/16 and is usually interchangeable, should get you by if needed.

[@alr2656]

Your videos are informative and entertaining. Very well made, keep them coming.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much!

[@Windsailsanddogtails]

Loving watching this episode by Episode. We are highly considering doing this same trek soon here.

[@johnsmith-yk5vz]

Hello from Russia, Kaliningrad - city !!! Love you, guyes.)

[@MrHradecky]

Welp? Is that a word? I use it. Glad to see you still have your diesel and didn't replace it with an electric motor.

[@artsmith103]

That goof ball idea to change out a diesel for an electric was a different channel that seemed to be a collection of dumb ideas being used for click bait.

[@PremierNZ-qb5zd]

Hey guys I love watching your videos have watched them from the beginning. Best way to learn about sailing and yachts is to just do it and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help. I’ve been sailing for 20 years and started out pretty much like you. My wife and I thought the sailing life looked pretty good so did some research and bought a boat and learned everything along the way with some embarrassing moments thrown in now and then. It’s funny thinking that right at this moment I’m down here in New Zealand getting the yacht ready for our month long Christmas cruise and you guys are up there on a river in the cold. I wish you both a happy Christmas and an awesome new year. Safe travels and looking forward to your next video.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Chris, I always thought it was funny to think about you guys decorating Christmas trees in bathing suits! Thanks for watching, and happy warm holidays to you! -L

[@TruthFreedomKingdom]

living Free!

[@jackbego6571]

Keep on truckin you are doing great Congratulations jack

[@darrengilliland1943]

Just started watching I live in Peoria il wish I could of met you guys hope you guys have smooth sailing .

[@frankd2301]

I noticed that line in the lock. I was worried till you pulled out no problem. Cool that the bollard floats

[@billroberts3864]

Love your video editing and filming skills. You both seem happy and are able no to master the challenges you face.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Bill!

[@billkimbell6190]

You have likely changed the raw water filter by now....the one you installed here is for fresh/potable water system. Way too small for diesel engine raw water intake. Get a true bronze strainer with large stainless basket. One day in an area with eel grass or other floating weed and you will understand why. Also have the means to remove intake hose from thru hull, push out through the thru hull, at some point it will get clogged w debris. If nothing else works, before going in the water, fill a foot pump w water and use water pressure to clear the thru hull. Air compresses, water does not, so very likely you will clear the clog. Also, agree with previous comment - water pump belt very loose. It will wear and eventually jump the sheave and/or break. Find spec and insure alternator is positioned to adequately tension the belt. Have several spare belts and impellers. If water pump has slotted screws holding cover, replace them w hex head machine screws. You will thank yourself many times.

[@PrivateUsername]

At the end when he said "Yeah, that's frost" I expected him to look at Lauren and say "Ok, your turn to clean the bottom"

[@miketoy191]

Troubleshooting! Be sure to jot down all the issues and fixes for later. 1) Motor stalls: (1)Check fuel level (2)Check fuel filter to see fuel is visible (a) shut off valve open (b)water in fuel (c)spiders in vent line (d)... (e)... (f)... You will be Old Salts before you know it.

[@SteffanRhoads]

Oy, I’m sorry you are having such issues and hope you maintain your patience to get beyond your mistakes and enjoy the journey. Would suggest you consider developing checklists and procedures to avoid such in the future

[@spinnaker5514]

You should've laughed at the Lockmaster when he called you a pleasure boat. Doesn't sound like this trip has been to much of a pleasure so far.....LOL! Hopefully it's all down hill from here and things start getting better for you! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you guys! Oh....and everybodies forgotten to put their fuel cap on once in their boating lifetime so no big deal. Depending upon how much fuel you hold, you might want to build a portable fuel polishing system. The water screen was obviously a great idea as you just started it up and stuff was already in there! Smart investment! They used to sell these fuel funnels called Mr Fuel that had a screen small enough to seperate water from diesel I swore by it on my boat no matter where I filled up I used it. You always get water in those huge storage tanks! Good Luck....keep the videos coming and Merry Christmas!!

[@dougmc666]

An intimate relationship with your fuel system is a good thing, you have to break the ice sometime. Happy travels!

[@ivanmatu1]

Hola....los sigo desde la Patagonia de chile..... gracias por los subtitulos en español.....buenos Vientos....

[@ronvandermolen8676]

Glad you're making more videos.

[@furtherahead5867]

Shame you did not leave in September. Your going to start pushing for miles because it's cold and your going to mess soooo much wonderful places to explore. It's still a adventure and life at 5mph. You will settle into the lifestyle come the Tenn. River. Talk to the barge guy's when anchor at night. Thay send word downriver to let the others know your there. Will be useful come the Tenn/Tom River we're the channel is tight.

[@keithjohnson9936]

Thank you so much for sharing you dilemmas. You guys are raw material, and we appreciate it! We are looking to grab a large catamaran sailboat and I have one very apprehensive significant other. My hope is to allow her to see your videos and determine whether, boating is and could be a wonderful experience. I grew up in Chicago, and always desired to do the trip that you’re currently doing. However my playground is now the Bahamas and I look forward to seeing you guys there soon. All my best, and keep up the great videos. We are all very envious!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Keith, who can say no to a floating platform of fun?! Lol, jk. Actually for real. Has she been on a charter in the islands? Sunbathing, snorkeling, cocktails at sunset -- on a boat that doesn't heel!! If that doesn't sell the sailing life, get back to me. ;) -L

[@keithvanbrunt6721]

cool sail boat trip.

[@_Akicita_]

“The expert at anything was once a beginner.” ― Helen Hayes

[@SailingSoulianis]

No doubt. (;

[@chriscoast2coast1207]

Sailing the world will begin right after you finish earning your certificate for hands on motor boating!! Stay Mello, just around that final bend. Hello Gulf of Mexico!

[@atoyot123]

Great to see you making progress!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Steve!

[@oldmanflyer1]

Yea, great to see you guys finally moving down the Ill. river.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, Robert!

[@boatscrypto5856]

Finally you have a boat. I watched when you were looking at the catamaran in Canada but now I can safely subscribe to your channel. Don’t mess it up.

[@dozer1642]

At the risk of offending the folks that are offended by the fact that you are not living in squalor and relying on the government for your next meal, I would like to point out the fact that you two are providing inspiration to a whole lot of us out here in the real world. We are envious of you two without being angry about the fact that you can pull this off without showing up for welfare in every port. I only say this because of the inevitable comment about how you are privileged and everything is handed to you because of your skin color or because of where you were born or just because you are you and they are them. I can’t wait until this voyage reaches open water. Please keep posting, you two are awesome.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey, thanks very much. Appreciate that. Everyone's goals and circumstances are different. We could've bought a boatyard special when we were broke at 23 and probably scraped by, but we decided we wanted to do our cruising dream differently. It took us a decade of working our tails off to make it happen. And we're still working our tails off, ha, and don't see that ending anytime soon. Sometimes people make quick assumptions after watching a few 15-minute videos. But I think I'm preaching to the choir :) -L

[@OneGenericName]

Remember Occam's Razor, the simplest solution tends to be the correct one. Someone once showed me an amazingly simple engine won't run troubleshooting "trick". Turn the engine over for say 5-15 seconds then smell the exhaust pipe, if you smell raw fuel the problem is a lack of spark and electrical if you don't smell raw fuel the problem is between the engine and fuel tank.

[@samuelclemons6821]

that's a good tip but not real useful on a boat since the exhaust is submerged...

[@rrrobeltnest7295]

this is neat seeing this part of america. good luck.

[@MikeSheasheaDtree]

hot on our keel...I like that ha! Oh and Descent tunes... BTW Stay warm .

[@karl4soar]

You guys and your sailing videos have inspired me to learn how to sail! I live in Joliet and currently have a canoe and small fishing boat. I go fishing alot in Wisconsin. The thought of living on a boat and sailing to the sea is very intriguing to me. I just bought a one man sailboat to learn on, and am so excited !!! Love watching your videos. keep looking up : )

[@bayareablues2255]

12:41 - "This is not very pleasurable!!" Made me laugh out loud. Having just spent a very cold weekend sailing on San Francisco Bay, I feel ya brother!

[@SailingSoulianis]

And I'd hazard a guess it was much more windy on the bay! -L

[@pumacat1637]

By the way things are going for you guys you better keep that tow boat US number very handy

[@ronbuckner8179]

I will say this, your humility is admirable! If I ever meet you I will buy you a drink! Provided you drink Rum!

[@MonkPetite]

That’s a small filter but is works. Check it frequently.. Nice vlog. Thanks for sharing.

[@waynedoeblin6801]

A few more lessons learned,always best to learn them early in your trip👍 Frosty mornings are pleasant when the sun is out,how are you going with condensation? There are certainly some unique sights along the riverbank,the forest on the barges,wow. It didn't take long to suck a stick into your raw water filter,I guess you will have to check and clean that regularly. Bring on the last low bridge,so you can step your mast again,and switch the engine off👍 All the best😊

[@chitownxring1444]

It was a nice 45' today in Chicago with no wind and plenty of sun.. Hope the weather holds out for you..

[@arottie4097]

Burrrrr! Thanx taking us along. What kinda low temps we talking bout?

[@SailingSoulianis]

High in the upper 40s. Lows around freezing.

[@kb8wfh]

Loving the adventure. Glad things are moving well now. Safe travels. Ps-YEA, trash compactor scene from eps III looked familiar - minus Jaba The Hut. Take care and safe travels !

[@Pure_walrus]

Gotta get down to Florida haha Weather is amazing down here

[@littlenemo82]

liking your vids you guys past by my town of LaSalle on your journey

[@dhmalcolm]

You made my day with your video.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Aw, happy to hear that!

[@HeadlineNews]

Those were most likely juvenile Bald Eagles. It takes around a year (??) before their heads go white, even though they can be just as big as a an adult.

[@lyfandeth]

Fwiw, the belt on your engine seemed to be jumping around a bit. You might want to check the belt tension. There are tools to do that, instead of guessing. They're just not common. And, a "turnbuckle" that will hold your alternator out tightly while you snug it down. Inexpensive, old fashioned, invaluable.

[@miltonhurd1016]

Enjoy your time a'river. Wave as you pass the arch. Someone will wave back:)

[@amyclarke9085]

Love you guys! Looking forward to spring on Lake Michigan! Hopefully in our own boat :) Great job! To err is human...

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Amy!

[@johnshaffer4184]

Lauren & Kirk. I watch several sailing vlogs. One ( Adventure Adrift) showed a couple who had little sailing experience taking several course to prepare there selves prior to hitting the open ocean I think the courses were thru a junior college. One of the courses was is small Diesel engine operations, maintenance and repair. Don't know where your heading for in the gulf, but you might want to check when you get to that winter port. Based on what I've seen so far it appears that this could be very helpful. You both should have knowledge on how things work on your boat. It may save your lives

[@johnfeser]

One of your best videos yet. Content was great. Keep them coming!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, John :)

[@bryshadify]

Nooo! I’m almost caught up!