Sail Life - Big hole in the cockpit, hull moisture & the perfect cleat? - DIY boat refit

[@yury198509]

Because of you every other boat building I watched, I think to myself "noooo don't short cut on your boat, you will regret it in the future". Every little project you do is overthinked and overkill. I LOVE IT.

[@valvenos]

Sail Life: "Sanding has never been more fun to watch" :D

[@jimnickles2347]

All the best on your Vacation, Mads. After binge-watching all your Athena vids over the last three days, I'm Fully Ready to build a three-masted Square-Rigger, I feel! I have sure learned a LOT, and I LOVE your Work. Overbuild it Once and Forget It. Hell Yeah! And they way you untangled that spaghetti-bowl of Wiring! If I win the Lottery, I'm Hiring YOU to overhaul a Big Hull for me.

[@Jakov0007]

subscriber for 3 years from Croatia. Missed this because of game. Very competitive world cup game. Denmark was good. I learnt lot of DIY techniques from you. Thanks

[@johnnyohness]

Yammering you say? Goods Mads.....just imagine your Yanmar refusing to yammer when you need it most. Yammer all you want....we love it.

[@MaximumJoy]

Well, for various reasons I had not seen a Sail Life video since summer last year. I've just binge watched all the videos I missed. A week very well spent! If it's possible these videos just get better and better.

[@Jenstyler1]

Hey Mads - the reason the engine control panel is screwed in is similar to why electrical panels are screwed in. If there's an issue with a switch or button or something that is on that panel, the screws allow for easy access to the back of the panel for troubleshooting and replacement. If you glass that in, you should try to find a way to give yourself easy access to that panel if something were to go awry. But as long as you're thinking of that in the new technical area, it should be ok!

[@hagn7350]

This will be the best built Warrior ever made

[@stevehansen6552]

Hi Mads I personally would go with the 4 bolt cleats. With family in the commercial fishing industry it is always strength and safety over appearance and ease of cleaning. Think of the extra cost as a 1 time insurance payment.

[@mhannibal60]

You videos give me the courage to just begin already! Everything can be repaired if I screw it up. Thanks for the tutelage.

[@Wacked]

Caught up. A full day well spent ... not cleaning up my own messes. Cheerio and lookin' forward to future episodes!

[@SteelDoesMyWill]

The Danish Cursing from below the cockpit locker was epic... Its been awhile, I've been experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Thanks for the fix!

[@morganandreason]

Aye - nothing perks me up like some true craftsman's terms like "amen för helvete och satan också" :D

[@tombarker3608]

...and what about Jökull? You probably see this on your youtube report. At 2 hours after airing you have over 8000 views and over 1300 likes. We viewers love what you are doing. Keep up the great work. Hi Ava have a fun vacation.

[@charliefreeman2260]

Remarkably satisfying viewing, as usual.

[@raymondengle5247]

you and girlfriend have a good time and don't worry about gaps in the video I will still watch when you get the new one up

[@kirsten07734]

From an engineering standpoint the four bolt cleats should be appreciably stronger than the two bolt cleats both in lateral bending moment and shear, the two main forces you would need a cleat to withstand high loads.

[@ducatist4s45]

Yes exactly I was going to say that but you put it much better.

[@sullivankorbin4183]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the password. I love any help you can offer me!

[@kasemekhi6802]

@Sullivan Korbin instablaster ;)

[@sullivankorbin4183]

@Kase Mekhi thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process atm. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@sullivankorbin4183]

@Kase Mekhi it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account !

[@garysouza2277]

Thank you Mads. Have a great time off with Ava!

[@harrybloom9213]

I wish You and Eva the best trip ever! Have fun! See U!

[@bonnieschlecht2747]

That old stainless steel fuel tank could be cut to make great backing plates

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

That cockpit when painted is going to look so clean!

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

Always fun to hear “good morning guys” ! Enjoy your time with your sweetie!

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Yammer on Mads, the more yammering the better.

[@SailingBalachandra]

23 skidoo!!! OMG... my grandparents used to say that... I thought it was a Canadian thing. I'm going to have to start saying that in our videos ;)

[@michaelwallace897]

One of my top bucket list items is to visit Denmark, my dad did back in the sixties and loved it. LOVE your channel, i look forward to seeing the next video.

[@Bacoprah]

great episode Mads. Athena is looking great. Have a great week and a wonderful visit with Ava. Cheers from PEI Canada, Bryan.

[@hommie789]

Hi Mads, I am late to the party so this might not get read but on your cleats, the new ones will rely on just bolts for support, there is nothing where they sit for support. The more expensive ones have a base to stop "rolling" of the cleat and that along with more mounting points will make them stronger. Sorry I know the cheaper ones saves sailing funds but a cleat pulling out will be more expensive than buying the more expensive ones. Even with a backing plate the cheaper ones rely on just the strength of the bolts, and they look to be about 10mm and a 10 mm bolt has at best 22kN of strength. I changed to pop up cleats on my boat and they used similar hardware and a backing plate and one did pull out, might have been my handy work might be small hardware but I no longer have them on my Beneteau and went back to beefier type with a good base to take most of the support.

[@peterroland6258]

It looks like last week's video is missing from the Project Athena playlist. Summer temps here can be around 40+ degrees. A fan blowing into confined spaces makes all the difference. Excellent presentation as usual.

[@chrislynch6048]

Physics says those 4 bolts cleats are stronger, law of the lever. Personally I prefer the look of them as well. Another great video, thanks Mads

[@kathrynaston6841]

I love the newest cleat. The height/opening underneath is great for threading an end loop

[@TheSailingBrothers]

4 bolt cleats please, better to have strength rather than looks

[@pwijland]

This boat is getting better by the week. Even better then when it left the yard

[@scotte2857]

Your timing is impeccable...I am about to start doing what you have been currently working on, in my own cockpit. I have to go along and agree with the seeming majority and say that I would go with the four bolt cleats even if they are not spiffy, the lateral forces are huge in a good blow, or a tow. On a side note, how does this video, or any of yours for that matter manage to get 13 dislikes...what's not to love?? All the best from Scott and Karen aboard SV Siren.

[@timsharp8233]

Mads I hope that it is cooler in Denmark than the UK this week - my thoughts are with you ! I have been following your project for over a year now and it is my Sunday night routine now - I love Athena and all I have learnt from you.

[@legend343]

Well done as always Mads.! My condolences regarding Danmark going of the World Cup. Hope you have a nice time with Ava coming over.. Warren s/y Legend

[@aliarcher6969]

You had me at dive compressor 😍

[@SailLife]

haha :D

[@jimgilmore7336]

Agreed 🤓

[@aliarcher6969]

Just need a diving platform next 😂 then sail to Egypt

[@wysiwyg2006]

thank goodness theres a sail life video instead of crap football! your skills and work always looks professional, things never work out smooth for me

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Have you thought about some sort of hinged rain and protective sun cover over the engine panel? I've seen some pretty nice ones that were only on the top half of the opening which allowed most things to be done without even flipping it up, but worked fairly well to keep the rain and more importantly the UV off of the gauges, switches and such. Also, in the heat of battle and extreme angles of heel and rocking in heavy seas hands, feet, elbows, knees and even butts sometimes get stuffed into these gauges and can do a bit of damage to the innards when that happens. Something to protect and shield them the worst of this abuse would be nice.

[@thomasevans5467]

Wow another solid video, where to begin.... those new cleats look better! Idk why it is so satisfying for me to watch "complex" shapes get glasses in, it sure is though so thanks for that. It is crazy to me that there is so much moisture still when it is so hot in the shed there i guess once it gets into the core it has nowhere to go maybe you could explain that better. Also congrats on the upcoming vacation you must be over the moon about seeing your significant other have lots of fun and as always I look forward to more videos in the future! Especially the laying up if the non skid I have seen Andy from Boatworks Today do that and it looks exciting witg a great finished product.

[@jakobvedefors]

OMG this is just the best channel on youtube. ever. I cant stop watching :) stor lyckohälsning från Stockholm! /HR 42e

[@rivopoiss1]

"you know ye old-timey saying, if you liked it you should have put a bevel on it..." holy sanding, that was funny XD XD

[@ericthomsen9644]

I like you choice on the new cleats. Always good to have a big enough cleat to pass a loop through.

[@makhoe1]

Cockpit is looking great! I'm looking forward to seeing the wet plywood structural member, and the rudder is going to be interesting too.

[@TheEphemeris]

I can't believe it was last summer where you treated Athenas hull with your heated orange blanket thing. Time has been flying by, incredible progress so far! I can't wait for the cockpit to be painted! It'll really bring Athena together and look like a true vessel!! :)

[@jasonswinney2965]

Another great one and thanks for taking the time to share it with all of us!

[@derekjanzen9745]

Thanks for the videos.. and the heads up for the tiny gap in upcoming videos. I look forward to each Sunday session of coffee and sail life! (happy Canada day!)

[@poruatokin]

Regarding the cleats - I am not a boat expert but simply on engineering grounds the four hole version with the wider base spreads the load onto the deck much better reducing the strain on the decktop. Less chance of any cracking developing.

[@asraharrison]

Your cockpit instrument cluster is going to look awesome! Are you planning on putting a lexan/plexiglass cover on it? Flush mounted I assume... because that would look pretty dang spiffy!

[@cryptobitseeker2099]

The area of the base of the cleats will determine the torque the cleats can resist. I personally don't think the new ones will hold up in bad conditions as you might imagine. Enjoy watching your journey.

[@buynsell365]

Great Job!!! Looking good. You are a fiberglass expert now ....... Keep up the great work.

[@jamescameron7274]

Thank you Mads for keeping me entertained and inspired every Sunday

[@jeremyrainman]

I totally understand the preference for those new cleat designs. However, even though I like the spacing between the legs of the newer ones myself (personal preference)... I think the old cleats, with their 4 bolts and side-tabs would be much stronger in side-load situations, even with a generous backing plate. You're probably right in that your new ones would be fine in most cases, but with those beefier earlier ones you would never have to worry if you were using, say, a water-friction device, such as a drogue or a sea anchor, of the side-load forces bending the bolts you are using to keep the cleat and backing-plate together. It's just something to consider, I'm not making criticism. We can't plan for everything, but you can always just be more careful in your weather routing so that those situations are far less likely.

[@codylapoint]

totally agree, was going to say the same thing!

[@heaven-is-real]

use beefier cleats

[@Steffenator]

As long as he uses those rope slot doohickeys on the gunwale, he shouldn’t have much side load... if any.

[@jeremyrainman]

I wouldn't trust that my lines were going to stay in their slots in heavy seas when I'm using a drogue.

[@garysouza2277]

Just curious how many times you've used a drogue? I've been boating nearly 50 years, both for pleasure and commercially, and have never seen the need to use one, nor ever known anyone that did. Just curious....

[@Rittlesleo]

You need a fan! Say "hi" to Eva! Can't wait to see you guys sailing together.

[@8028rsj]

Mads, I have that same aluminium profile on my 2002 Jeanneau and it works nicely. Good choice.

[@scottjohnson2841]

Great work Sir. Definitely take time with the Misses. I hope you guys have a blast adventuring around.

[@daleyurk4369]

Ah, I see a glint in your eye! Enjoy her visit.

[@SailingWithVampires]

I remember talking to you a bit about diving. Can’t wait to see the compressor you go with.

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

The heat has been high on the east coast UK too. Was going to align my reinstalled engine this weekend but held it off as spending time in an overheated engine compartment wasn't very appealing lol. It's supposed to get a little cooler this weekend plus I have 3 days off to get it done.

[@brainhuge]

The "technical area" sounds interesting. Small parts storage, a workbench with a vice, built in monitor for reading schematics,.... boy would I have fun building that.

[@cliffjamerson3107]

Good luck on the adventure its was nice meeting you two when you where in LA

[@james-5560]

I hope you do sailing videos when the refurbishment work is complete

[@reb101a]

Is the bottom of the "engine control doohicky" sloped so that rainwater does not accumulate in there?

[@tiborkiss9186]

Great video again! All said about the toerails: I would still glass them over and would put an 10 cm aluminium "tape" attached to the lifeline posts instead. It would serve all the purpose a towrail have but without the thousand leaking possibility at lower cost. THe deck-hull connection would also be stronger. At least, this is my plan at our 38 feet sailboat. Best regards.

[@rogers53]

Look up perfection and there will a picture of mads!!

[@venomguysydney]

Mads, 4 bolts are way stronger than just the 2 inbolts, there are often times even a the marina where there is alot of stress on cleats so would go with 4 bolts if the choice is there.

[@Rottingboards]

Use a lot of support backing plate on the bottom of the deck and those two bolt cleats will be awesome.

[@robertvonkulig801]

The only thing I would do different is to glass over the hull / deck joint. I'd even glass in little stands to screw in the toe rail / stanchion bases as to not risk water ingress ever! Brilliant and very enjoyable project Mads!

[@glassman51]

Another exciting episode of the OCD diaries😁

[@waynemcphail7825]

love your technical approach, I have learned a great deal!

[@rickfrazier1148]

Please upload some video of your trip with Ava around Scandinavia 😊

[@kglesq1]

Hello Mads, I really enjoy your channel; the quality of your work and the thought you put into it are a real joy to behold. Regarding the two-bolt cleats, I could well be overthinking it, but I worry about the potential for those to crush into the topside of the deck over time. What I'll call "lateral loading" of those cleats (defined for purpose of this post as a force applied perpendicular to both the long axis of the cleat and the longitudinal axis of the bolts securing it through the deck) looks in passing as though it would place a tension load on the bolts which can be well distributed into the boat with a backing plate below the deck. Tension is not, however, the only load path that needs to be addressed here. Locally, at the cleat / deck interface, you will see this load taken in torsion, with the force trying to rotate the cleat around an imaginary axis that, by eye, will fall at or just below the surface of the deck. This force will be transmitted to the deck by whatever the area of ½ of each of those mounting pads on the cleat is (i.e. the area extending beyond the centerline of the bolt on the side opposite the vector of force) which is not a lot of area. On top of that, the distance from the centerline of the cleat to the outside edge of the mounting pad is shorter than the height of the cleat, thus creating a leverage ratio that serves to further increase the force seen by the deck. What all of this amounts to is that you will see VERY high compression loading of the deck immediately under the mounting pads of those cleats when lateral loads are applied to them. My concern would be that over time this will fatigue and compress the deck material, which, as it progresses, will actually allow for even higher peak loads to be generated, accelerating the process, and would also allow for movement of the cleat, setting up a scenario for fatigue failure of the mounting hardware as well. With all of that said, I think the problem is entirely solvable (assuming, of course, that there is a problem at all; as I said at the outset, this could well be a product of my imagination). My thought (which should be taken with a grain of salt considering you know a lot more about building boats that I do) would be two plates, one topside that the cleat sits directly on and one on the underside, sandwiching the deck. They could sit proud of the deck or you could route out a pocket for the topside plate to sit in, so it is flush to the surrounding deck. It'd be very strong in both lateral and axial pull, and I imagine it would look really nice too. Anyhow, hope this is of some help. If not, feel free to disregard it as you obviously know what you’re doing.

[@sailingluana3037]

I was thinking along the same lines however most of the cleats you see sunken are from core rot. Mads in the past drill, fill, drills everything. pivoting cleat would put stresses on the cleat at the deck mating surface, but fiberglass doesnt work harden. So i think with the thinkness that boat has, a backing plate, and protecting the core it will be fine. My thought... The stainless shear rating of the bolts should be taken into account because stainless is not a strong shear material. Shear would be less of an issue with a larger footprint because the force would be more transitioned to lateral pull. But, I bet the bolts are more than strong enough. That being said... Not sure i would go with the 2 bolts on blue water unless i was installing chocks to direct the load. big beefy cleat feels like good insurance to me. lol

[@dothewap]

glorious, glorious sanding....

[@somedaysailor7913]

Thanks to your meticulous attention to detail, Athena is already a far superior boat than her original new condition. If you ever want to do a video of something different and if you have the stomach for it, might I suggest an interview with Chili Klaus. Of course you will HAVE to eat a pepper :)

[@Majoofi]

it would be interesting to see a test of how much more force the four bolt cleat can withstand than the two bolt cleat, before tearing out.

[@johnnyohness]

It's all about the back plate. The bigger the better.

[@almath9987]

Test would be cool but i think mads has plent to fill his time lol. A big backing plate will help, i wonder if there is enough material to allow him to drill out and tap a bigger size like go from M8 to M10 that would also help

[@Bozemancurtis]

Thank you for putting so much effort into your videos! Enjoy your time off. :)

[@xavierbell3526]

I would definitely stay with the four bolt cleats Mads. 90% of the time the two bolt cleats will be fine, but that one time, when you're on a messy mooring in high winds, or being towed off a lee-shore, you'll wish you wish you'd gone with the four bolt arrangement.

[@wicuswillemse6600]

Hi Mads, great to see the progress you are making. You mention a backing plate for the cleat. I'm wondering, did your existing cleats have backing plates?

[@franknicholson1400]

Athena is looking fantastic. A lot of work. I wish i had that ability.

[@brucetimmons2617]

Frank Nicholson you

[@BaronWeber1]

Another great video Mads, thank you! You may want to reconsider the two bolt cleats and go with the four bolt pattern with a backing plate, just my opinion. Have a great vacation.

[@rasmuskurten8455]

Great video as always! Enjoy your timme together!

[@dave_bob]

Have a great vacation.

[@SailLife]

Thank you kindly :)

[@jimgilmore7336]

Much deserved. Enjoy and don't worry about us. Go have fun. We will survive.....................I hope lmao

[@freerangewhanau]

Have a good holiday mate. Well deserved

[@josuehernandezmago]

Hi Mads. A technical question. Are you sure the 2 bolt cleat is for traverse loading? You can work out the bending stress and that may pry on the fiberglass. Perhaps are only designed for load along the cleat like mast cleats or to be bolted on aluminium or steel bases. The math is simple I hope you did some checking, in curious to know what it is. Keep up the good work. Cheers

[@mikelarson401]

Always a great video , thank you Mads . See you next week. Suisse are wathing !

[@PhillipBolan123]

Love the videos. I am learning so much about fibreglassing. Cant wait to give it a go. Keep up the good work Mads!

[@tricole1]

We like the yammering :-)

[@SailLife]

Thanks :D

[@derekjanzen9745]

Yes we do!

[@yamon9896]

Mads the cockpit locker aft of the helm that you glassed in still has frame protruding on the vertical surfaces, I’m kind of surprised that is not bothering you? I hope you are feeling alright!

[@Rottingboards]

I love the razor blade box openings...so dramatic!!

[@rickfrazier1148]

I love how you are glassing everything in nice and clean. Did you consider making the box a bit shallower?

[@clarkkent2913]

Regaring cleats: For normal (e.g. baltic sea weekend cruise) I would prefer the slim ones with 2 bolts. But when I plan a around-the-world I wouldn't make compromises: I would chose the 4 bolt version. You never know, what you have to fix on such a cleat.

[@scottwheeler2494]

I would do a comparison test of holding power on the cleats. Two bolts versus four will be a factor no matter how big you make the backing plate. You don't know just much load you might experience until you really need it. How much are you giving up for the reasons you are favoring the two bolt cleats?

[@manudo2342]

Hi, Im following your neat and interesting vlogs for a while now. Thanks for the way you show your work and considerations. About those new cleats: in general you never know what forces they need to withstand neither the direction. Personally I would prefer not to use those you showed with the two bolds. Thoo more need design and easier to clean, All the force must be resisted with just those two bolts... And sideways there is no really support. Worst off all imo is the fact that all the force must be taken by the thread in the Aluminium. And you have to tighten it in the first place. The one with four bolds have much more sideway support and 4 strong bolds with plates and nuts will keep it on the deck!! Wishing you a wise decision!! And a good holiday.... 🤗😎

[@melee401]

I like the larger bridge clearance center of the new model cleats. Easier to get a braided loop through.

[@haojiang2928]

I want back to watch some videos that you made four years ago and find out 1: your camera (shooting) skill improve a lot! 2: you lose a lot of weight 3: you lose a lot of hair 4: your craftsmanship is miles ahead. Good on you!👍

[@FlyNineVictor]

I like your approach to your refit. Looks like Athena will be a nice solid boat when you have her finished. What is your budgeted cost on time and money to complete the project?

[@clarkkent2913]

Instrument panel: I think there was a reason why the yard screwed this in. Just for easy access when you have a problem there. I agree that it will look much nicer when it is glassed in but you will have problems to get access to the instruments. But certainly you have thought about that.

[@ianwalker4740]

I keep waiting for you to show us how you cleaned up the bilge. Why did they fill it with foam? I can't wait to see the before and after. When all that oil and foam is gone, it's gonna look spiffy! You are going to have the best bilge and pump ever!

[@SailLife]

You just need to wait one more week ;) That's the pre-recorded video :)

[@sethwilliamson]

Looking pretty dang spiffy!

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Looking great Mads. Must admit that toerail profile looks kinda skinny, is it comparable to the old one? I also can't quite see how it will sit as each time you held it to the hull you left a gap. Thanks. Andy UK

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Helo mads a lot of work you make look fast and easy .

[@brianwalk108]

the cleat envy is real!

[@RealLuckless]

Would I be considered paranoid for wanting to bevel and glass the outside of that box as well as from the inside before starting with fairing compound? Also hope that we can get a little highlight reel of the touristy stuff you guys get up to as something to put up for that 'missing' Sunday. Rebuilding a boat is great content, but reminders of WHY one would put all the effort into a boat are also nice to see.

[@Garryck-1]

No.. not paranoid at all.. that's exactly what I'd have done.