Sail Life - Saildrive seals, manual bilge pump & washer/dryer area - DIY boat project

[@782Rod]

"Thanks Volvo - You greedy greedy bastards" Glad you can tell it how it is Mads. You make me smile :)

[@stevenr8606]

Volvo $600.00 for a starter. Rebuild shop$150.00 Your time + Brushes $12.00 Math is easy.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I have a 240 wagon and when Mads said that I lost a sip of coffee. Made my day.

[@KiwiSkipper]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 lol so funny .. nearly lost my own cough ee

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

Made me totally laugh out loud - not only from Madds uttering a profanity with a deadpan smile but, as a Volvo engine owner I know the truth of it 😤

[@swallow77gmail]

the simmerring has also other features than size. the vp prop shaft seal is sea water compatible (i guess you could replace oil side with a standard one, but not the other one).

[@Tampo-tiger]

For those who've watched the video and want to wind back to the "greedy, greedy bastards" bit (ie rather juvenile people like myself, or anyone who's ever purchased Volvo parts), go back to 7.30 and you will be a few seconds away. Mads, reserving profanities for special occasions really makes them very enjoyable, both for viewer and cusser - it was such a rare treat. If you used it about every boat-related purchase you'd constantly have asterisks in your captions as the manufacturers see boaters as money trees just waiting to be shaken. Thank you for so competently shaming one of the boating world's more serious pickpockets.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

We have that exact same manual bilge pump. We used to use daily it to empty the bilge of meltwater from the icebox that accumulates there since the drain hose from the fridge routes right to the bilge. Ice turns into water... But as good as the pickup is it can't really get that last half inch or so of liquid out of the bilge. So we bought a "dry bilge" system from SeaFlo that does a freaking amazing job of getting down to only a teaspoon or so of water driblets at the very bottom depending on how flat and drained the bilge is to the exact low spot. It's been a game-changer on our boat and keeps the bilge nearly dry as a bone which makes a massive difference in boat smell. Smell sucks, and contributes to sea-sickness greatly. You might want to check it out. They sell on Amazon for only $150US and is a really easy install since the pump box can mount almost anywhere on the boat, and only a tiny 1/4" vacuum hose runs to the sponge pickup in the bilge, it can run something like 30 feet from the pump box. I ran the 1/2" output hose into the cockpit so it can just drain out the scuppers to avoid another through-hull. There is a built-in timer on "auto" mode so it can run once a day whenever you want for however many minutes you wish, or on manual mode when you see there are a few cups of stagnant water in there threatening to contribute to boat stank.

[@Garryck-1]

Thanks for the tip!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

This video was like a bag of mixed jelly beans-lots of different flavors and colors but all enjoyable. Thank you Mads for another wonderful video to complete my Sunday viewing. Take care, stay well and give my best to Ava and Jurkill.

[@archstanton9206]

You are getting there, Mads, as you so astutely observed, every day ain't a WOW day, but nevertheless the ain't a WOW projects need to be done too, they are the ones that really bring the project together in the end.

[@lydiaajohnson]

Now that I am redoing the bottom paint on my boat,’I realize how easy your videos make everything look. For starters, I have been covered in something blue for the last week. First, it was the old ablative I sanded off. Now, it’s the new ablative I’m paining on. I also show signs of epoxy coating as well as zinc oxide coating used on my iron swing keel. Nothing about this project has been easy, and with as much as it’s cost me in supplies and tools, I could have hired someone to do it. I wanted to be a good DIYer. Alas, I’ll keep watching those who love it.

[@sass1ap]

If the bolt of the pump are long enough, spin the nut that fastens it on as close as you can get it, then put on 2 more at the end and tighten them against each other. Put a wrench on the ones tightened against each other to keep the bolt from turning, and use another wrench to tighten ;)

[@winstonzeb2842]

If you ever don't want a bolt to rotate while tightening a nut (when you only have access to the thread size) grind a slot in the end of the threaded part and hold a flathead on it while you tighten down the nut. It's rare that I need to use this trick but it's come in handy quite a few times for me!

[@Tampo-tiger]

Genius!

[@josidasilva5515]

Don't forget to put anti-vibration support on the washer, for the spin cycle. I would like to see how you deal with the exhaust for the dryer; how about having a kitchen exhaust sharing the same output. Never seen this on a boat.

[@sailingavocet]

YES!

[@Tampo-tiger]

You know these washing machines often have a very big chunk of concrete in them to help stabilise the innards during the spin cycle? Well that concrete part is usually easily removed to help with lowering them into awkward spaces. They can then be carried down separately and re-installed, or alternatively hurled through a Volvo spares department's front window to the tune of ABBA's Money Money Money.

[@urlkrueger]

Gee, you can now actually see some of the bulkhead behind the to-do stickies. Maybe there is room enough you could put up a photo of Ava's smiling face. There sure are going to be a lot of things to test during sea trials. Like everything!

[@TheEphemeris]

Here's your thumbs up for your rant against Volvo! Cheers Mads!

[@georgewoodward2698]

`Avoid squeeze out? Use a washer of a suitable thickness and diameter on the fixing within the butyl between the mating surfaces. The fixing can be tightened right up and butyl will only squeeze out to the thickness of the washer you have chosen.

[@Garryck-1]

I like this idea.

[@donpetrey8007]

Mads a check valve close to that bilge stainer is a must so you don’t get 20 feet of water in the hose then it loses suction and all falls back inside.

[@gregoryyount6907]

Also frequently called a foot valve. A swing check valve is typically installed. It will likely require service at some point so leave it accessible.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

@@gregoryyount6907 If made of brass...that sounds like another $140 to me.

[@antonynr]

Next time you use contact adhesive, try "thixotropic contact adhesive" - contact adhesive that you can reposition while assembling.

[@mitfreundlichengrussen1234]

Great use of the SD-Card-Failure-Timemachine!

[@Frankenstompbox]

Flappiest episode ever.

[@cambsmedic]

Mads - now is the time to check if you haven't already that you don't have any grooves in your saildrive shaft. This is quite common on saildrives after about 5-10 yrs of use and these grooves then prevent the seals working properly and you get sea water in the saildrive oil causing it to emulsify and turn grey. It also then means the gears aren't lubricated properly and the rest of the saildrive can fail prematurely!

[@soylentgreen326]

Nice work. When using a digital level it's customary to say *"make the noise"* 👍👍👍👍

[@aserta]

Heh. Project Binky. :)

[@soylentgreen326]

@@aserta yes and long overdue for a Binky or even an Escargo video 🤣👍🤣👍

[@sotobfree7163]

Soylent Green they have apologized for the delay, due to covid19 and getting parts!... not brackets though!

[@soylentgreen326]

@@sotobfree7163 you can't beat a good bracket. 😎

[@roscoejones4515]

Cardboard Aided Design is the best design.

[@fredpinczuk7352]

Volvo Part Cost, True Story: I visited a Volvo part supplier in Sweden many years ago (mostly all component Injection molded). Enjoyed every minute of the trip even after my luggage was left on a helipad in Copenhagen on my way across to Malmo Sweden. But anyway, the highlight of the trip was a complete factory tour, and they let me walk around and check out in detail every work station (I had fixed my machine within 2 hours of my initial arrival, so had 3 days to spare). And they showed me how the bumpers for the Volvo cars were all prepared by hand by a group of very special workers. These were hand trimmed, hand sanded, hand masked and hand painted by a group of dedicated (and protected) 20 something very hot Swedish blonde ladies. For the past 20 years, I've never questioned the cost of single Volvo parts.

[@sell500hp]

Looking great Mads! Don't forget to refill the sail drive gearbox oil

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Oooooooo....tat would hurt. Yikes

[@NPCSN]

G Henrickson My wallet is hiding from me after hearing this. 😂

[@floridaflyfishing3457]

I like your new PM Fredrickson she is doing some cool things in Denmark

[@twinsmm1]

"Bottom of the Bilge". Sounds like a good name for a band. ...a grunge band, of course.

[@tejolisboa]

Lol. The washer is only going to be leveled on flat sea. Your organization and knowledge of each job is amazing!

[@stevenr8606]

Mads, can you stand over there? Now, take another step to your left. OK, don't move... for 20-minutes. 🙄

[@Rspri10104]

LOL I got a kick out of your comment about Volvo. I have a 1986 Bayliner with a AQ131/275 Engine out drive combo. I have thought the very thing, when buying parts for it. Volvo is mighty proud of their parts and their pricing shows it.

[@NirreFirre]

Who doesn't get that excited about 4 extra centimeters 😏!

[@Cabsorx]

That happiness is contagious - love this channel! Can't wait for the splash! Except I'm afraid what will happen once you are out of "Athena Todo's"...

[@danielbuckner2167]

Are you kidding? Mads will spend years doing the electrical on this boat until it is as advanced as a Tesla!

[@JoAndMikeNow]

Awesome jobs. Just a reminder (as you didn’t mention it) to refill the oil in the sail drive. I am sure you’re on it... :)

[@alejandrovanags4948]

I wonder if now after so much fiber glass work you consider yourself an “expert”. Must be very close to 10,000 hrs mark. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for making them so interesting.

[@bartonrobinson4266]

Variety is the spice of life so better stay with what works. When all is said and done, who's going to remember what was done before this and that because were all going to be over joyed it got done right, yes even all that glorious sanding. Looking ship-shape Mads !

[@scottdrobertson]

Thoroughly enjoy watching your refitting of Athena. I enjoy the campyness of your presentation style but on that note you’re definitely come across as the type of person I’d love to sit down and have a beer and talk shop with. I’m certainly hoping after Athena is ready to go that you and your lady continue the series of your adventures I think that would be even more fun. I also think you should take an episode to introduce us to this special lady that you’re doing all this work for

[@idgafnation8620]

He has a few times in the live broadcasts, Halloween in LA, any visit to LA and laying up the hull episode

[@pscruising5486]

Mads is truly the "Mr Rogers" of Sailboat DIY. Always a pleasure! Hopefully will see you and Ava out there!

[@petewilliams4289]

Wow, I've come back to the channel after 4 years and sad to see Athena still not sailing. I'm getting the impression this rebuilt is more about NOT wanting to go sailing. I love some of the content and the ideas are great. I used a few ideas on my own yacht rebuild, but I've now rebuilt my Columbia 27, sailed my yacht and sold her a year ago...? hence, makes me wonder if Athena is more about rebuilding than getting ready to go sailing.

[@GordonNicol]

Mads, you are a superhero, I love your videos especially your attitude to getting things done. I’m sure when you started Athena, you did not plan for 4/5 year project. As someone who failed to complete a classic car, your stamina is legendary. Your doing great keep it up. Any idea where your first trip will be to? There’s one obvious suggestion Gordon

[@Asteroid828]

Great video as usual Mad's but...... Whilst you can replace that anode and fit a rope cutter. fouled prop is very stressful.

[@andymarshall2201]

Mads, I actually crave Sunday evenings just to watch your video. You are the most self motivated person I have ever encountered. I know you are chasing your tail to get Athena ready for Ava, your energy seems endless. Great job as always.

[@jamesadams1064]

Your perseverance is inspiring.

[@ApexWoodworks]

Congrats on moving the yardsticks along on this extensive refurbishment, Mads!

[@jordanbritten8031]

I was looking back on the last four years of your videos to see the changes and progress with Athena. It is amazing how much you have accomplished! Good work Mads 👍

[@warikyacent6655]

Just love the mix bag projects

[@sailingavocet]

Great work Mads! Love seeing Athena take shape!

[@mr.e7022]

Contact cement helpful hit, put wax paper between the two parts to be bonderd line the parts up then remove the wax paper. Dowels work pretty well when bonding plastic laminates.

[@philgray1023]

I hope you have more luck with contact cement on the boot than us. After every haul out we had to put a new one on because either the whole thing or half of it would be gone. The last time we used Sikaflex 291 and were astonished to find it perfectly intact in place after 1200 miles. Maybe crocodiles only like the contact cement flavour.

[@jimdawson2549]

During this time of unrest here in the US your videos are a very welcome diversion. Thank you very much.

[@dougtiffany7439]

Mads, you need to install a STRUM BOX, [filter] on the end of the manual bilge pump hose, to keep debris from jamming up the diaphragm, traditionally they were made out of bronze, usually a rectangular configuration, the heavy bronze helped to keep the end of the hose on the bottom of the bilge, to day probably plastic, i am a fan of the EDSON i gallon per stroke diaphragm, that baby will really move some water. PS, don' forget a high water alarm, keep up the great work.

[@TammyNorie]

I believe the black object at 15:29 is a strum box and includes a strainer.

[@Garryck-1]

He DID install a strum box. What do you thing that black thing on the end of the hose was?

[@dimitri1660]

Hello and thank you so much for your videos, please add subtitles as you usually do. I've been following you for a few years now. Mondays are gold to look forward to !!!

[@tomharrell1954]

Tips & ideas While you are on the emergency manual bilge pump order at least one back up rubber diaphragm and plastic keeper. Brand new diaphragms and keepers break when furiously used in a panicked situation!!! I hope you never have. While you are repairing the sail drive order several extra seals for the sail drive! They will require periodic replacement probably will be every 4-6 months so stock up!! 5 of the ten dollar brand is better than one of 50 dollar brand. I would bet your gonna need to carry an extra boot too. It will be a PIA to order that boot and wait two weeks while on the hard in BFE. That zinc looked ok sand it a touch and b keep it for a back up or use it again.

[@SuperJaXXas]

Athena is coming along just great! Your planning and attention to detail pays off big time.

[@robertcairns4207]

Put the new oil in the saildrive while you remember!

[@volkswatson]

Yay! More flappy thingys!

[@sailingnymeria]

Really admire the work you’ve put into your floating home!

[@grantflavel9822]

Your flappy doo dad is there too help stop the growth off any barnacles that may grow up inside and could cause a wear mark or cut the first seal.

[@groermaik]

Your attention to detail is amazing.

[@Jtretta]

Always a treat to see your videos Mads. I am super excited to see you both on the water here soon.

[@joanneshellings5457]

We are all ready for the next episode ; )

[@ekavoian]

Madds I am glad there is glorious sanding in this episode. Your Love affair with Athena is coming along. I am impressed on how you complete your projects. Detail.

[@maart787878]

Mads, suggestion to renee the diafragm and valves on an old bilge pump if you dont know the age. The rubber can be less strong than desired if there were oils and so on. Nice work, you will get some sunny days, next week is better!

[@Jeppe.P.Bjerget]

I wish you a great week, and hope you get some of the things you wait for. The weather is not easy, with some rain. Wish you all the best, from Jan in Norway

[@mogFX]

When you've got a 2 man fastener job and your working alone, one of the tricks you can use is to put 2 extra nuts on the bolt and use them as jam nuts to hold the bolt in place while your tighten down the third (I keep a box full of thin nuts to make it easier to fit them on short bolts) If you don't have enough room for 2 extra nuts you can just put one extra on and use vice grips to hold the bolt, once tight take the extra nut off to recut your threads. If you have still even less room just use vice grips to hold the bolt, and you can either cut the bolt shorter if it's again a one man job to take it off, or get a second pair of hands to hold the bolt from the outside while you recut the threads loosening the nut. I also still think you should recess the dryer above the washer, so you have room to fold cloths in front of it, right now all the space behind it just going to go to waste. Also have you considered putting a tattle tale in your bilge? Usually it's just a short metal rod, with a float on the bottom that normally rests flat on your floor, but if your pump fails the rising water will rise the rod out of the floor letting you visually see it has failed.

[@NPCSN]

Holy crap. I’m a mechanic and I’ve never heard of that! That’s brilliant!! Well played. I’ll be keeping that in my mental toolbox for years to come.

[@Garryck-1]

The space behind the dryer isn't going to go to waste. It's going to be storage, accessible from the galley.

[@mogFX]

NPC S/N 1579325 Glad I could help... learned it from my dad while rebuilding a mustang as a kid. Brings back the good memories :)

[@zbradbell]

yay flappy bits!

[@michaelrichter119]

I've binged Sail Life over the 'rona and this is my first "live" episode. Thanks for keeping me sane, Mads!

[@dinsdalepiranah8759]

Keep "Plug, plug, plugging" We'll keep watch, watch, watching

[@southjerseysound7340]

Whenever I replace seals, impellers etc I'll put the parts back in the bag if they're half decent still. It's saved me numerous times when I had a problem at sea or in a remote location.

[@hanssolo4ever]

What I will remember from this channel, Oh glorious sanding,hehe.

[@lovestationery71]

One step at atime and you will get there. As the end nears you will have more and more "smaller" jobs but they all need doing and you are always on the go , not wasting time, thanks for another informative entertaining video.

[@germanhugger41]

Great vid as always .... Just for future reference, most oe engine seals for made for European engines and transmissions are manufactured by Elring...

[@sailingspokojny9809]

Just make sure to refill the saildrive with fresh oil before operating, I am sure you knew that but I just had to add my two cents. She is looking better and better.

[@lesstraveledpath]

"Cramped and uncomfortable" Good name for a band......that sings songs about boat work.

[@stevecobb6001]

Great job. You can only do so much while waiting for parts! Love your channel

[@nowhereman7398]

You forgot to mention sanding, that's always a big thrill. Ha ha. Boats looking great.

[@henkenmark]

Mats something’s to add to you’re sparepart list, speedysleeves for de propaxel and a spare set of seals.

[@talon1o1]

nooo this video is too short and have to wait another week for the next video :( going through withdrawals lol but in all seriousness, keep up the great work and love the videos!

[@PendulumArtworks]

Always love your videos. Bloopers are always an added bonus! Thank You for sharing this adventure.

[@janisidorsson3276]

Our washing machine has the bad habit to be unbalanced while washing and centrifugin, hence it may shake violently in your small place as well. Rubber or foam might be of assistance to reduce the whole boar vibrating, Jan

[@christianrogers2361]

Exhaust Idea: Many wakeboard boats now come with something like the exhaust system sold by FreshAirExhaust.com. This directs the engine exhaust into the water in the wake of the boat, making the exhaust quieter, and more importantly minimizing the fumes for those surfing behind the wakeboat. You might consider one of these for your exhaust in order to minimize fumes when motoring.

[@garyl4538]

Mads, after so many episodes of "oh gloreous sanding" it was refreshing to see less than a minute today. I'm sure you are just as pleased as I am. I'm beginning to smell salt water in the not so distant future.

[@deans2790]

Every time you said ‘bearing housing’, I heard ‘Bearing Munch-Housing’ 🤪

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Wire-brush the white coating off the zinc anode you put back on the saildrive . This you probably were planning to do ? CHEERS from westcoast Canada!!!

[@PaulHarold]

Don’t forget to add oil back to the sail drive!

[@matthewharding6245]

Keep on plugging away Mads, you're doing a great job!

[@scottdunlop7442]

I need more Mads. Daily vlogs too? Please!!!!

[@graemelliott3942]

Awesome job wit the washer and dryer!. Love the bilge pump install

[@billkaroly]

I never get enough of your glorious glorious sanding.

[@aserta]

When you put the boat in the water, if you're not going to replace the anode going in, be sure to give it a quick brush to remove the face corrosion. A simple brass brush should be ok.

[@mk1photography62]

Was frantically waiting for my Sunday fix - phew that’s better!

[@SuperJaXXas]

As a Patreon I got to see it yesterday!

[@martinpugh9700]

Haha love the Kanban board

[@RandomDoive]

All progress is good progress :)

[@michaelch5060]

LOL! "Thank you Volvo, you greedy, greedy bastards".

[@petemuller2671]

I hope you put the proper fluid in the sail drive!

[@Bluenoser613]

It really feels like you're in the home stretch

[@smileyone4654]

Sunday sail life! The fiberglass hull life. Keep up good work bro

[@dirkjan7351]

Dear MADS, before you juge te price on the seal i think you should know that these seals are configured for withstanding all sorts of chemicals, therefor also used in petrochemical processes in the heavy industries, to withstand the oils, multi grade, synthetic and all its added supplements. They use a different compound (hence the brownish color) in contrast to the cheaper seals (witch are black) therefor they also use the stainless steel spring in stead of the regular steel spring. by the way, I am not associated with Volvo. I am just a engineer working in the petrochemical industry, so this info might lighten your burden of the expensive costs a bit ;-)

[@Cptnbond]

Your attention to details are amazing, well done.

[@gregworkshop5713]

hi boat is looking very good

[@Reuben-ny3]

Thank you for your videos. It gives me great pleasure to see you plugging away at your dream and goals.

[@cpF01]

Great video. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@michaellarson5614]

Can't wait for splash down!!!

[@thepigwillfly5869]

Mads......what a nice surprise!! Just finished watching Sailing Soulianis and now I can move on to Sail Life!!

[@jonpratt1343]

Perhaps a folding or feathering prop?

[@TwistedMinds69]

Hull looks awesome, watched some of the first Athena videos :) kind of chuckled when you said 6 months of work to do on it before it got put in the water :) Better done right first time then have to go back again

[@TimXXX1960]

Locking pliers help when bolting through single-handed.