Sail Life - Cockpit Sole ⛵️

[@Anmeteor9663]

Don't use the plastic furniture leg ends under your cockpit grating because they will creat points of high loading into the cockpit sole. Better to cut small V shapes into the supports to allow the water to run between the sections freely. And they're free. I also suggest that you give the sapele a good dose of teak oil especially on the underside where it will be damp most of the time. Stay safe

[@BradtheNomad]

Been following Mads for years now. I come back after taking a brake from watching his content. (Life just got busy) However to comeback and see Athena looking as gorgeous as she is. Also to see Mads married and still so passionate about the work it takes to sail. It’s just fantastic and amazing. Love you Mads thanks man for being such a inspiration. 👌

[@SailLife]

Omg thank you so much! That was such a nice comment to read 🙂 yeah life is chucking along 🙂 I hope Ava and I will be ready to leave Mindelo and start crossing the Atlantic this weekend. The videos are currently 3 weeks behind (so that we have videos that we can publish during the crossing)

[@BradtheNomad]

@@SailLife Ahh thats super smart way to venture! Love it man! Well I cant wait to see your future vids and upcoming content! Cheers again Mads and Ava

[@WindedVoyage]

I stepped on Mad's cockpit floor, and take from me, a real life person who was there.. . Mads you did an amazing job! You are managing quite well in "exotic" locations. See you in a few days.

[@MrJhchrist]

Hell yeah, was hoping you two would hook up!

[@brucevogel2693]

Love the Attitude! Working on the cockpit sole you said, "The aft section would be the trickiest, so I will start there." Shows a lot of spirit.

[@henriksteamroller]

Hey Mads. Quick tip! You can buy an adapter for your Dyson Vacuum, so it runs on Makita batteries instead. Much quicker to charge, and you can replace them on the go ;)

[@gkhutch]

Thrilled to hear you're eventually headed for the Chesapeake. You should time your arrival in Annapolis with the annual in-water boat show.

[@Long-wn2qm]

Congrats on the air conditioning. We installed ours a little over a year ago in the V berth. Because it was way below the waterline we has issues with the drain however. On really humid days it produced lots more water than anticipated and had our bilge pump working a little to much. A simple install of a $50 US condensate pump from a mini-split heat pump did the trick. The water is now pumped direct from the drain pan to the rain catch system. Gives us around a liter of fresh water a day for rinsing dishes and such. The AC does require cleaning on a regular basis and the air filters clog easily, but it is definitely worth it. Keep up the good work and look forward to the next one.

[@ylemoine1]

Hi Mads, I just did a DIY install of a 16,000 Btu Dometic a/c unit in my own 39’er. Instilled it under the settee, with ducting up and behind the cabinetry supplying the saloon, fore to the v-berth, and aft to the aft cabin. Two bulkheads, one fore and one aft, and fourteen cabinet sides to cut 6” holes through. The cutting took me a full day. The install was straightforward, but the routing took thought and patience. I purchased mostly for air conditioning and was surprised that the heating option is actually much more valuable, extending my sailing season a month or more on both sides of the season where it’s now much more comfortable to be on the boat on a cool and chilly afternoon and evening. I’m in Toronto Canada where summer days easily get to the mid 30’s C, while evenings in the spring and fall go as low as 10 C. Can’t believe now that I went 7 seasons without it. Mine is 110V, so can’t use at anchor, but have never found the need due to fresh breezes through the boat as you explained. Good luck with your install and looking forward to the result.

[@danknox9986]

Mads try scooter tires. Used tires are always around, you can usually get them for free, and they work great. Here in San Francisco they are used all the time.

[@mikeskelly2356]

A temporary fix for the compensators would be some decent 'Bungee' cords and two saddle clamp 'U-bolts'. clamp two loops in the mooring line just far enough apart to be under the max stretch of the Bungee cords (or, get fancy and tie bowline loops), then hook the cords to the loops and use pliers to clinch the metal hooks closed. It can all be undone when the 'real' compensators arrive and you'll still have some useful clamps and bungees!

[@jonathanworthing6278]

You’ve put so much hi tech stuff into that boat I think it’s brilliant.

[@Howt-ooo]

Best channel on KZbin 😊

[@myblueocean2]

Spiffy deck mate! Tip for your compensators: Use a Y arrangement between stern-, dock- and spring clamps. That way you can take a lot of strain in bad winds and even use the compensators on the spring side with reduced load, just make sure the aft lines never go taught. That way the compensators last longer. Also climbing ropes laid in multiples are excellent compensators and you have a long thin rope on hand if you need one. Cheers

[@jacksrus]

Lovely bit of decking Mads. Some groves cut under I think might be better to drain, no point loading then. Love your channel.

[@jimduke5545]

I think you’ll find the air conditioning will make it more bearable in the Caribbean, too. It’s amazing what knocking the heat out of the boat for an hour can do to make sleep more comfortable. You won’t need to run it all night (like you will on the east coast of US in the summer) but if it breaks…you will want it fixed! Have Eva bring the plastic furniture do-hickeys. You’ll want the water draining as freely as possible.

[@angela1984a]

On a fancy HH cat they instead (or also) have a tiny AC-unit for the bed. They have a curtain/drapery/drape that acts as a barrier between the bed and the rest of the boat. That way you can sleep in an AC space, but it keeps the power draw to an absolute minimum. You can see that boat for yourselves. It was the larger HH that the Wynns were on recently.

[@SuperDirk1965]

If the Caribean is so hot and inhospitable, I wonder why everyone wants to be there. I'd rather be in some place where I don't need aircooling.

[@andrez3640]

Your workmanship is unbelievable you sir are awesome your quality workmanship is commendable

[@YTMegiddo]

Great job with the grate! I was think of the same thing for your little dingy. It might have to be creative to keep it from moving when you step in.

[@normanboyes4983]

You are continuing to complete the extensive refit.😉 Suggestions: (1) Fingerhole in the grating above the fuel fill. (2) If you do put the AC unit in the ‘wardrobe’, no need to trash the door - just a removable panel of the appropriate size.😉👍⛵️

[@EdToml]

another option would be to cut an opening and use a grate (probably metal).

[@janholst]

Mads, you're not entirely alone on the boat. Someone opened the door behind you while you were opening the seatee at 14:57 )))

[@timdhines]

That's just the roll of the boat

[@philgray3443]

That cockpit sole looks amazing. Well done. Our factory production version is very similar in that it is in two sections like yours. However it isn't as well made as yours and was an optional extra at nearly 5 times the price in 2002.

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

I made my wood cockpit grate exactly the same but I cut a notch in each of tee bottom supports for drainage and it works fine

[@fireantsarestrange]

You need a wind vein second rudder. I have found that electric auto pilots fail. And then again, having the spare parts is good but you probably would spare your parts if you had that wind vein.

[@FM-mb2lu]

Please keep in mind that marine ac units are very loud. My boyfriend has a Pearson 365. He put the unit in the v-berth where we sleep. When that ac cycles on and off it wakes you right up. The noise when heat is on is even worse. I would suggest putting it in a location farther away from where you sleep.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Nice work on the cockpit grate Mads. It looks like the AC install is going to be a major project. You might consider using perforated cane panels similar to the caning on chairs for the locker door to improve ventilation. Take care and thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

My dad & I made the cockpit sole grid for Wavedancer from reclaimed teak (his brother had bought in auction 30 years ago) he had in storage in his yard sheds

[@scotttan6377]

Have to give a shout-out to your technical acumen and creativity ! Your explanations are clear and you make it appear simple , but to some of us mortals , your end results are magical ! Looking forward to the A/C project ! If anybody can do it , my money is on Mads !

[@bdphourde]

That was a nice job on the c/p decking! We know what you did with Athena in a controlled 'shop' environment! Now we know how well you perform on an 'expedient' DIY! It looks nice!

[@FlightEagle]

Have a good think about placing your air-con unit so close to your main bed. They are loud enough and the nature of how they sound can be quite annoying. I don't think you would want that next to your bed, especially if you are replacing the solid wood door with louvers.

[@Janespony]

The return air duct will draw all the dust in the boat through that hanging locker. It will liberally dust anything you hang there.

[@LucScheffers]

It might be a good idea to fix the floor grates for what i can see 2 reasons. Damage and personal safety. All it need now is 1 big breaking wave onto the cockpit to start floating the not so light grates. Specially the back one is so heavy that you don't want this banging around in what is then has become a rocking bathtub. And for sure one day it will happen simply because of the duration of travel.

[@DonMarcoHH]

Another way to make the new wooden cockpit sole let water pass, would be using your router to build big canals front to aft in the supports. That way you wouldn't raise the sole once more and could work with what you have now. They would have to be at least 50mm wide, but if they are rounded, the chance of something getting stuck there, is minimized.

[@frankesser8666]

As always a nice video, good Sunday evening entertainment. The floor looks very good. Why don't you fix the wooden plate for the diesel access with a construction of strong magnets, so it will hopefully always stay in place.

[@corujariousa]

Thanks for the video! Nice wood work for the deck. Suggestion: For the next mooring compensators consider the metal spring type.

[@andrewseaman7012]

If you have the cockpit drains aft, the first layer of sole support should run lengthwise.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

Beautiful job on the grate. Love your channel. Aim to set sail soon myself… can’t wait. Fair winds and looking forward to the Atlantic Crossing.

[@dennisboisen]

Warm wind doesnt cool, Thats why we use blinds and close the windows during day time, in the south. Good episode

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

Hey Mads make sure you get some kind of lanyard to attach to the diesel access so it doesn’t get lost! great video!

[@jayshockin2305]

I love watching this channel. I'm so invested. ⛵

[@davem8972]

That decking looks pro!

[@deans2790]

Have you considered the noise level of the unit in relation to your bed? An AC unit will do you no good if you can't run it because it keeps you awake!

[@FM-mb2lu]

Amen! Marine ac units are horribly loud.

[@williamjacobs236]

Another great video Mads . Missed Ava .

[@MrTallpoppy58]

AC unit behind the dryer mate .... by far the best option.

[@leemartin366]

Mass a good friend of mine works at the airport. He has a hearing aid it translates for you. You said it to the language then you hear your language as they speak in as you speak translate to theirs so you can take it out and let them here. You should probably look it up.

[@mhicks80]

Loving the helm floor, are you going to secure it down in any way? I'd hate to see a wave crash over the stern, and it float off!

[@NothusDeusVagus]

I'm not familiar with the nature of timber that you've used for your cockpit decking but I wonder if you should apply some kind of protective coating versus moisture and slipping? ... another fine presentation Mads... Thank you and well done..

[@jeffreywettig5302]

When you get to the Chesapeake we will have to meet up and do a little podcasting!

[@AustinBoil]

I'm betting you will use the A/C a lot more than you think once you feel the comfort. 😎 Cockpit decking looks extremely nice, good job.

[@Bill23799]

Great job on the Grate Mads. I am sure any inconsistency in the spacing will stop grating on your nerves after a short time.

[@flodrio]

you could just fix a jerrycan full with water/fuel to the mooring line. sunk in the water it will not pull. lifted up it will

[@bentaylor4570]

Nice job doing more DIY. It looks like you are shooting for the Annapolis boat show for the fall.

[@fraserkittson5590]

Would love to see you guys head up to Lake Ontario Canada. Great sailing and people. If your heading up the east coast of USA

[@Grandpacarlreacts]

For straighter cuts with the jig saw. Use your square as a fence to keep the jig saw square and straight. East fix.

[@katungyejohnson3333]

you can make one groove to the support to enable water flow in the right direction to the drain

[@pezpengy9308]

youre never alone on that boat, you're just besides yourself.

[@martin5504]

Thanks for the videos. If you regularly spill diesel when filling up, like I do, you won't be able to clean up as it will run under your new sole.

[@icelandviking1961]

Before you build a new louvre door, drill a nice pattern in the door and and a thin board on the back behind the holes. Space it off 1/2” to 3/4” and the air will flow just fine. The backer board will keep the clothes from plugging the holes. Time to get out the hole saw and pencils.

[@dsanner]

Having it in the hanging locker will allow the return/supply air to be in a closed circuit allowing you to only cool the forward cabin if/when you need to run it overnight (w/ salon vents closed). Hopefully it won't be very loud in there.

[@alan-sk7ky]

This is when (as i said years ago ;-)) a winch on a removable plate and swop in a vice on a plate etc ;-)

[@SVLibertas]

I have been sailing the Chesapeake for over 20 years and if you plan to sail the US Mid Atlantic coast, you will definitely want AC! Great video!

[@WreckDiver99]

You may be surprised at the temps in the Caribbean. I've been on a couple live-aboards there and HOLY HECK was it HOT. I'm like you, cold doesn't really bother me as much as heat...and I'll tell you what, I was sweating just sitting. Unfortunately live-aboard dive trips are way too "this is the number of dives we do" and I didn't have as much "bottom time" as I'd like...and thus was not able to stay as cool. Thankfully, we did have AC on these boats so I did tend to spend quite a bit of time inside in the cool air. :)

[@davidvillarroel2480]

Hi Guys From your video, Your autopilot problem apparently from my angle here. Is that the base of your cylinder is on a horizontal axis and the rudder is on a vertical axis. Creating a lot of bending stress on the rod of the piston. The base of the piston should be also in a vertical axis, to allow it to rotate with the rudder.

[@cuppfw50]

In a pinch get used rubber inter tubs for mooring compensators. Cheap, easy to get.

[@handsoff5822]

I had the same problem with those mooring shock absorbes in the med. Replaced them with a spring attachment.

[@angela1984a]

On a fancy HH cat they instead just have an AC for the bed. Then they have a drape that acts as a barrier between the bed and the rest of the boat. That way you can sleep in an AC space, but it keeps the power draw to an absolute minimum. You can see that boat for yourselves. It was the larger HH that the Wynns were on.

[@HighlandSteam]

Can I suggest when you are doing Timelapse on board. Can you turn stabilisation off on the camera. Then it will track with Athena instead of holding the horizon level and causing the subject from bobbing all over the place.

[@scottstrickland3515]

Wonder if you asked Eva about using the hanging locker... lol😊

[@pgltdrew581]

Awesome. I didn't think you'd hit the Chesapeake Bay. Think about any meet and greets for your East Coast Fans?

[@mk1photography62]

Top job and of course a spiffy one too of the little deck board

[@pgreenx]

How about test sailing the boat ever day for other problems

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi , great work , your all ways up to something , have fun .😉👍👍

[@keithhall9298]

Sapale is lovely exotic wood have a louvered door made out of it for your AC and your local place - And your cockpit looks great -

[@GoofieNewfie69]

you can make a mooring compensator from a old tire or steel spring

[@garybtownsend5898]

Mads, if the Chesapeake is in your plans, you might consider a visit to St Michaels on the Eastern Shore's Miles River.

[@aaronallen4647]

Hello and happy to hear the joys.

[@Spuki2k]

maybe u could use the small plastic caps for the things that keep doors from smashing the wall.

[@patricklyons7683]

Glue a magnet under the diesel cover wood block. So that in bad weather it doesn't go overboard!!

[@boondog8504]

I made my toe rails from Sapele. Looks great, was a third the price of teak,and was easy to work and bend

[@thomashoberg3573]

Hej Mads. Tak for alle videoerne. Jeg har i mange år brugt et 6 kg vægtlod midt på fortøjningerne når jeg ligger på en urolig Havneplads.

[@thomashoberg3573]

Bare et forslag😉

[@aserta]

6:53 could also have a pulley system with a stainless a steel spring wrapped in fabric to avoid damage from touching. Rubber has limits.

[@robda7195]

You can get round to rectangular plenum fittings if your worried about squeezing into tight spaces

[@jkepleriv]

After running round ducting everywhere for a/c I redid it with ducts made from 1/2 in insulation and 3m aluminum tape. Built in in situ, self supporting. all the vent openings were round fittings to square vents anyway.

[@robertdegraaf5215]

good job Mads

[@dannyjones3840]

Mads, don't forget to stop in Oriental NC- the sailboat capitol of the state!

[@andrewmoylan6295]

Cockpit sole turned out pretty dang spiffy old mate. I'm sure your gonna hit it with some epoxy too right? Glad Eva's making the crossing with you to Mads.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Amazing recovery

[@jab5569]

"Hi guys, welcome aboard my DIY project that doubles as a sailboat! We aspire to sail across the Atlantic in 2055!"

[@einaronsager3007]

You can use dishwashing soap on sceycy ropes

[@jacktyler7599]

The biggest disappointment I feel on Mads behalf is his sole focus on these autopilot drive units. Based on my ocean crossings, I think he'd find it an interesting, energy saving, almost fascinating experience to make most of at least one passage using a wind vane. Having that single experience, he would - I believe - subsequently consider it a primary arrow in his quiver rather than simply a "back-up". And as it comes time for the Pacific runs, he'd be ready to benefit from a vane's many advantages. Sadly in this case, his adoration for technology is a weakness rather than a strength.

[@nathanbrisson8515]

The vind vane is the vay to go.

[@jacktyler7599]

@@nathanbrisson8515 Clearly. The stronger the seas and wind, the stronger the vane's control of the boat. This is hard to appreciate until at sea and on the vane...and abundantly clear the minute one relies exclusively on an a/p.

[@DiederikAms]

I would let him organise his trips the way he feels most comfortable.if that means he has a lot of technology aboard, than that is the case. Simple. Better have a comfortable captain than one that is constantly worrying if he has done all he could when things get rough. Much safer.

[@jeffwood8109]

I believe this was addressed last episode. There's some kind of issue with the wind vane that makes it's failure more possible.

[@brucemacsr.6776]

And yet, he’s on his boat and,alas, you are on your sofa.

[@EuroNeuro]

About the mooring compensators: Maybe a turn less of rope?

[@gregeconomeier1476]

The wooden deck looks great and will probably feel good to walk on. You might consider what might happen if you get a wave into the cockpit. Just make sure a floating deck cover won't cause too many problems around the cockpit.

[@phygital1]

He can/should attach a line underneath the grate and cover in case.

[@tomhermens7698]

Make sure its watercooled aircon

[@Enrique2k52]

wonderfull job !!!

[@vigleikjessen2373]

When plans have to change - your stay in Mindelo dosenˋt seem to be the worst that could happen😊 certainly you have made the most out of it💐🇳🇴

[@southernpaths2986]

Awesome! I love win-win situations.

[@milt7348]

Stay safe and we'll see you next week.

[@sbuzz5889]

the dryer area seems to be out of the way with alot of room easier install /service . double up cut away

[@spinkey4842]

those lil plastic bits for the bottom of the wood since you can't find it just make them out of resin

[@stevelindley191]

I love watching your boat work videos, been watching your channel for a long time, but you're driving me crazy with waiting for everything to be perfect before your crossing....its almost like you are looking for reasons to hold off. Get Ava on board and go already!!!

[@sailingeden9866]

Good video.

[@stinkintoad]

I would install the ac under the setee for noise abatement. The thing will be noisy for the occupants of the v berth. Just my thoughts.

[@lyfandeth]

Mas, look at a Rocketpad II. Think of it like a large tablet, with the surface designed to feel good with the stylus. Uses e-ink not color, but can do some very nice things with taking your handwriting into OCR text. So you can work on a "pad" and still get that saved in computer format as well.

[@ubbeus]

Are you sure about the name? I cannot find anything on rocketpad.