Sail Life - ⛵ Galley refit, compact laminate countertop - DIY sailboat refit

Join me as I trim a new countertop for the galley in compact laminate DIY style. Easy enough to cut, although I do make one tiny mistake.
Also, I take a very brief look at an awesome book: "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" by Nigel Calder
Links :
Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual
US: amzn.to/2i5sxmp
UK: amzn.to/2itQjr8
Light used for video and painting:
Aputure Amaran AL-H160
US: amzn.to/2i5yrUx
UK: amzn.to/2heF7he
Sail Life on Patreon:
bit.ly/SailLife...
Sail Life on Facebook:
bit.ly/SailLife...
Sail Life on Twitter:
bit.ly/SailLife...

[@VentoRacing1]

That black looks a lot better than I thought it would. Good choice.

[@SailLife]

Me too! It isn't overpowering like I feared it would be :) I'm very happy with the result!

[@lowfrequency400xp]

It was great fun to see the “crew” behind the scenes!

[@ismzaxxon]

Glad my scratch test worked out for you. Merry Christmas. see you next year.

[@jackiehowlett2449]

Terry Peake , Fantastic idea to pass on. Thanks☺

[@bphenry]

"It's never too early to start thinking about cable management." This, more than just about anything else, has made me a huge fan!

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Wow, Mads, that scratch test was a great idea, and that black laminate galley countertop looks terrific! And I'm looking forward to watching your cable management installation series that's coming up. Hope you have a great time with your parents, and a safe trip.

[@Pulltabporter]

Glad you went with the black top. Makes it look modern, goes along better.

[@Beanieweenieable]

Mads your videos are always so "real" thank you...

[@bwellin]

Great video! The counters look great and I even appreciate your (dorky) humor. This is my favorite YT channel.

[@jackiehowlett2449]

Would never had thought about the scratching test. Great idea☺

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Thank you for producing another video despite holiday distractions. The black countertop looks great! Merry happy!

[@theadventuresoffatcat8345]

You may wish to consider using a "round over" router bit to ease the edge around your sink. It will make washing dishes a joy! Merry Christmas, Mads!

[@TonyAnschutz]

That's a good one Madz. Love the little comedy seways. So excited to see every new step that Athena takes. YOu are the perfectionist.

[@erichbrann3643]

Merry Christmas! Nigel Caldor also has a book dedicated to your diesel engine, highly recommend buying it also. It will always make your life easier to by the best cutting tools available, drill bits, saw blades chisel's and as you learned router bits. The galley is looking great!

[@brucekratky7993]

Cutting valuable material is so nerve racking. When building my cedar canoe I knew at times one bad move could ruin weeks and weeks of work. I voted black and I'm glad you made the choice. Along with the scratch test it is much more chic from a decorating standpoint. Gray is "boaring!" ;) Trust you've had a Merry Christmas. Appreciate your channel very much.

[@KristianPletten]

Nothing says Christmas like falling flakes of compact laminate. Merry Christmas Mads!

[@jimbigner5902]

Didn't expect a video this week, thanks for the Christmas present. Like the look of galley!

[@robertvonkulig801]

Merry Christmas - have a brilliant time...

[@SailLife]

Merry Christmas :)

[@kduborg]

It is now difficult to say where you perform best! ... Movies or craft? It is top-notch work you deliver! Merry Christmas Mads!

[@41sunshadow]

Hiya Mads - I've watched all of your videos and been a fan for a very long time - I've never commented before but I am always here - lurking in the anonimity of cyberspace . You have inspired me and given me confidence to 'have a go' in many instances. I wanted to thank you for recommending the book. I have just ordered it. Belated blessings of the season to you and Jökull from Queensland, Australia.

[@volkswatson]

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS, MADS! Hope you get some sailboat resto goodies under the tree. Thanks so much for all of the inspiration in 2016. Looking forward to more in 2017.

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :) Merry Christmas :)

[@HappyCamperIV]

The counter top looks excellent! Nice work.

[@sigrid129]

Boy your crew are some good looking guys.

[@peterhoiland6715]

Great choice on the black laminate! I think it contrasts really nicely with the teak trim and white walls. Merry Christmas from the Pacific Northwest!

[@y4ukickmydog]

Merry Christmas Mads. From a hot and sunny Queensland Australia. Looking forward to many new videos in 2017

[@alexander5207]

Thanks for the video Mads. I always look forward to and enjoy them. Stay awesome!

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :)

[@mikedejung]

Progress is looking great! Marry Christmas from California!

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :) Merry Christmas :)

[@neilmarshall4927]

That countertop looks great.

[@svZia-Switch51]

Great choice on the black! I wasn't sure I would like that, but after seeing it in place with the teak trim, it really looks nice. Can't wait to see the final galley all complete! Happy Holidays.

[@w056007568]

Merry Christmas to you and all yours.

[@jonssailing]

Mads, I think I can safely say this was your best episode. I've been following you from the beginning and your high standards are necessary and welcome in our culture of mediocrity. Thanks!

[@Reddsmorris1]

loved the crew ending

[@SailLife]

Thanks! :) Didn't know if it was a tad too silly, but I put it in anyways :) Fingers crossed most people enjoy it!

[@johnbolongo9978]

Great work as usual.......nice to see you make the cut on the fridge edge laminate.........you are human!

[@quicksilver382]

Rolled my eyes at the cheesy ending but I also smiled. Merry Christmas!

[@Ingeanous]

Great job again! Only one suggestion, for precision finishing cuts, a mini Japanese Dozuki razor pull saw is awesome vice using a jig saw! They also work great for cutting off the top of teak bungs before sanding when hiding screws.

[@theislandpackrat]

That counter top turned out really nice!

[@buynsell365]

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!! Great video. I loved the snow part ........and the crew members. You are a master at editing now. :)

[@charlescurtius2261]

merry christmas and happy new year to you and your family Mads thanks for taking the time on cristmas ever to keep us happy. :) all 3 of calder's books are wonderful tools. no sailors book shelf is complete without them. i know 'marine diesel' saved me many many thousands of dollars over the years

[@ocxb]

Another outstanding video. Thanks you for this years videos and I know next years will also be superb. I like the black counter tops as it gives contrast to the white painted surfaces.

[@Jo.And-so-on]

Was another great episode! Surprised to see the whole crew. I thought you were doing it all alone ;-D Have happy holidays!

[@TweakerTV]

Laminate snow! Brilliant.

[@nicolasnotaras4829]

Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year Mads. 25 years ago I build a racing 30 ft sailboat so I love your videos.

[@ironhenry2708]

Mads i have just bought the same book and its invaluable i would almost call it a bible for anyone renovating a boat

[@hitmanhite]

Merry Christmas, thanks for the entertainment.

[@RC-bl2pm]

do some woodworking myself...first time that shoddy bit failed you i was shaking my head no....cmt or freud or no way! Now you've got your tool working to its potential!

[@OrlandoPaco]

I really like when "the Crew" shows up! :)

[@pierrewoodhurst]

I can't wait for the actual sailing videos to hit the scene lol

[@mrjsmoss]

Merry Christmas Mads and Jokull. Athena is looking so good, nice job. Thanks for another great video.

[@tonysutton6559]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year of making videos for us to enjoy.

[@tedboender]

Merry Christmas Mads. The countertop looks fantastic. Cheers, Ted

[@coppers615]

Great job! And congrats on picking the correct color of laminate! :) Merry Christmas!

[@SailLife]

Hehe, thanks :) Merry Christmas!

[@d.c.stewart5336]

Merry Christmas to you and yours Mads.

[@SailLife]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you and yours too :)

[@hansg4933]

Merry Christmas Mads from The Netherlands.

[@SailLife]

Merry Christmas :)

[@evanofelipe]

I've thought twice about offering advice to 'Mad's the meticulous' but watching you, perhaps just temporarily use you new countertop to display contents from the parcel, it occurs to me that I'd make, temporary plywood covers for them whilst work's still in progress. It would be such a pity to drop a heavy object on them in the course of doing the next job. I've run through all previous comments, not wishing to duplicate and only found one suggesting you consider cardboard covers. They're such 'dang spiffy' jobs, cardboard wouldn't do them justice. Great job and fun to watch - thanks

[@briandeering9737]

Merry Christmas and great job on the counter!

[@SailLife]

Thanks! Merry Christmas :)

[@raykiii]

Mads! I have used both of those wire management systems. I like them both for different reasons. The back tube is beautiful for a one and done installation. By that I mean if you never have to modify or add to the wire run. But it's very clean and very easy to document ( label ) for future troubleshooting and fault resolution. The gray raceway is so easy to use. It cuts like a board (wood) so it can be mitered into corners. If you need to add a home run it's as easy as removing the cover and placing the new wire in the chase, then put the cover back on. If you need a larger slot just cut a tab out and the slot is 3 time larger. Mind you that we only use these for low voltage ( like 12 volts) systems, house current needs something more substantial. Merry Christmas. May success follow you in the New Year.

[@DonHarden]

Merry Christmas. Great Idea about testing scratches on your countertop. I am really surprised that the black did so well on the test. I am glad because it really looks great. I thought the gray would pass that test much better than the black. Waiting for your next episode.

[@SailLife]

Like I mentioned in the video I'm so glad I did that test! I did have to apply a fair bit of force to scratch the samples but still :) Merry Christmas :)

[@rogerbannister1224]

Happy Holidays!Your videos are always informative and entertaining! Thanks!

[@theoldwizard998]

Very nice ! I think you will really like the undermount sink.

[@theoldwizard998]

I think cable management is a mater of experience. You will eventually find what works best. The U-channel with fingers works good in an area where a lot of wire need to drop out, like near your DC distribution panel. Make sure the U-channel (also called "raceway") is large enough to accommodate additional wiring. This is probably the most flexible wiring option (easy to add/remove cabling), but it could be difficult to install for long runs. The convolute tubing is nice for long runs, but like most cable management, this sags between mounting points and branches are difficult to make neatly. Another solution for long runs that does work well for branches is "old fashioned" harness (wire loom) tape. They used tons of this in cars before going to convolute tubing. This looks like black PVC electrical tape but it has no adhesive, so to start or finish a run, you will need electrical tape. It can be reused. It can be cut open for a repair and then put back together. When wound tightly and overlapping it is water resistant. You could also wind it tightly but widely spaced if you don't need the water resistance and/or you want to see what is in your wire bundle. If you have the space to hide it, I have seen wire just run through loose plastic hoops attached to the wall/ceiling behind interior walls. It looks sloppy (not your style), but it is cheap and easy to add/remove wire. For electrical tape, I recommend 3M Scotch Super 33+. It sticks well, but does not leave a gummy film when removed. Not cheap, so buy a box of 10 (Amazon) and you will save $$$. You may not need "marine" terminals (rings, butt splices, etc) because most (all?) come solder coated. Your big decision is insulated terminals, WITH marine grade, color coded, heat shrink or non insulated with your own marine grade insulation. (Yes, I am almost as nuts as you are about nice neat wiring !)

[@tombell8999]

Happy Christmas. Another great vid thanks. Enjoyed your channel all year so thank you. Have a good break and looking forward to seeing how Athena turns out.

[@gacastro]

Discovered your channel this week and love it! Not feeling well today so didn't work but instead watched the Athena refit from the start. Great attitude and optimism. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@TwoHandsInPants]

Merry Christmas and have a good start into the new year!

[@raulrosado6300]

Haha, it was funny to see the video crew!!! The top looks awesome! Nice work!! Merry Christmas to you as well 😀

[@jimciotti3352]

Merry Christmas Mads...Love watching the progress

[@thisisatest6527]

the terrifying part? watching you use that router without safety glasses!!! lol Happy New Year!

[@whitetail7516]

Great video, you do a great job explaining what you're doing.

[@ericst-louis8201]

Merry Christmas Mads. Hahahaha that ending trow me off. You have to do an how to video of that!!!

[@Frankster9111]

Merry Christmas! Your counter top looks great!

[@SailLife]

Thanks :) Merry Christmas :)

[@georgebetar923]

Merry Christmas!

[@SailLife]

Merry Christmas! :)

[@lazier96]

Merry Christmas Mads. Thank you posting this wonderful videos and I plan to check out the book. Cheers from Indianapolis.

[@toms4123]

happy christmas mads and thank you very much for your channel. I am making slow progress with my 30 footer and get a lot out of your do's and dont's.

[@michaelwaegemans6802]

i was actually nervous watching this. great job :) happy hollydays

[@LeifNygaard]

Hehe. Just commented on your previous video and asked about the lights. Thanks for the link and info!

[@rockystyer2136]

Another very informative video. I like all the helpful ideas and hints.

[@wilsnich02]

Seasons Greeting.. Very enjoyable as always..... Have a nice Christmas, I have just been to seen the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.... little warmer here.

[@dgourdine50]

absolutely fantastic job on the counters !!😊😊 Merry Christmas🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@WillieMobile]

Merry Christmas. Counters look great! Can't wait for your next videos. I think you should quit your pesky day job and do the boat full time with daily videos!! Yay!!!

[@Jimfoxyboy]

Lol, the ending was great! Oh the joys of doing all the work yourself... selves.. eh.. ya. Happy holidays out there! ;)

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Merry Christmas, Mads! I just added the book to my cart over on Amazon. Amazon is our friend.

[@Reddsmorris1]

Merry Christmas

[@SailLife]

Merry Christmas :)

[@n7gn]

Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Best KZbin channel without a doubt.

[@Talhern]

merry Christmas to you as well sir. loving your work and your humor. Just give your crew a day off and they should get over the surprise airtime. ;)

[@timlamarre8680]

The counter top looks great. Thank you for the tip re. the book. I found a used copy on babes for under $8. Will need it for my own upcoming re-wiring activities. Great video! Merry Christmas!

[@timlamarre8680]

that's abebooks, not "babes"

[@Bacoprah]

Great episode Mads. Hope Santa was good to you and eukel(?) Cheers from PEI Canada, Bryan

[@karlossjackel2344]

merry christmas mads hope you have a good 1

[@SailLife]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too :)

[@ddm220]

Like the ending made me chuckle !

[@cantsolvesudokus]

Merry Christmas and best wishes. can`t wait for the coming year and all the projects :)

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much :) I'm excited too! :D Merry Christmas :)

[@ronharbin6678]

Madds - thanks for all your great 2016 videos. Your boat is really looking good. The scene just before shot of your 3 film crew members did a good job of showing a good amount of your work - it's really coming together. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and that 2017 sees you and Yukil down to a one boat family. Ron

[@bakesail7541]

Hi Mads! I'm very tardy on keeping up with your work but have been diligent in catching up. Merry late Christmas & Happy New Year! Btw, I always knew you had a great crew working with you.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Merry Christmas Mads, I hope Santa brings you lots of boats bits and pieces. Worktop looks awesome. Interested to hear some of your though on the fiddles as they look pretty low and the angle on the inside looks like it would allow a plate or dish to scoot off the top when the boat heels. Some blue water boats and I think Swans have quite deep fiddles and a different profile on the inside to stop things escaping. Cheers for now. Andy

[@gregmirr]

We did a similar test on the cockpit cushion material .. burn test , puncture & tear test and of course the wine stain test .

[@paulwarren-hoare5081]

Great vids//keep them coming...As a carpenter I use router bits all the time and came across the same problem I use a touch of lock nut silicon when tightening the retaining screw to the bit...try your local car parts retailer...

[@paul-kayak]

Merry Christmas and thanks for the work you put into your videos. So glad you experimented with scratching the counter top. The black looks awesome. Proved me wrong. I thought the black would scratch worse.

[@W4ABN]

The world could use more Mads... even if they are in the background ;-) Happy Holidays. Good job on the counter tops. That really is spiffy and that teak trim will look great when it's in place.

[@khyvich]

If you find yourself having another bearing screw back out again on the router, put a single or double layer of plumbers' thread tape on it. It will secure it from backing out and won't lock it in place like JB Weld would do. Have a very Merry Christmas.

[@SaltyDougSailing]

Merry Christmas! Really enjoying your videos on the Athena refit. They are inspiring me to get to work on my own boat. Of course, I'm still working on the courage to install a Refleks 66... ;-)

[@SailLife]

Merry Christmas :) Thanks! Hehe, you'll get there ;)

[@kgstudio5352]

Merry Christmas Mads! Love your videos; very educational. Best to your family and happy new year

[@cjstein2000]

Merry Christmas from downunder, keep the videos coming

[@syATLA]

Great Crew! Merry Christmas to you all!

[@queenofyeay]

Another great video Mads! Merry Christmas... It's funny but I had watched all your vids before and as I was writing this I left the end of the video running, I was astonished to hear you start talking to "Yookul" (I never can remember how you spell his name) I had to go back and watch it again. I had never known your vids ended that way! A nice little Christmas present for me. ; )