Sailboat Refit: Removing Hatches and Filling holes. [E41]

This week we're moving up to the foredeck to take out the old hatches and fill in the holes that were left in place.

[@SteelDoesMyWill]

The prolific amount of vacuum bagging on this project warms my crabby, grumpy, ADD/OCD, perfectionist heart....

[@TheDuracellProject]

Happy we can do that for you.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Happy we can do that for you.

[@DuckshotProductions]

Behind the scenes work is vital and she does great even if she's not seen as much!

[@portfoliofotoz]

I enjoyed this episode, but for sure Janneke adds a lot to the mix. What a brilliant woman.

[@lincolngrove2808]

Well, Matt, you did a perfectly good job of editing but I'm sure you're happy in the knowledge that your skills are more the boat building and vacuum bagging part of this channel. I guessed from the start that it was Janneke who put together the videos and this is the Yang to your boatbuilding Ying. In my world you've moved to No.1 in my "can't wait for next week's video" list and I thank you for that. What a great project.

[@marcryvon]

Could'nt say it better ! Refitting an old boat is duo thing. A common dream and life journey. But Matt, you did a great job on your own this week ! I'm a an old man now - at 70 - and I started following young people like you both, some years ago, like Sailing Uma, Odd life crafting in Brazil, Acorn to Arabella, Leo of Tally ho etc. for some years now. I did some sailing decades ago on a friend's Laser, a diminutive lake boat. I was totally hooked. But with family life and carreer, I forgot about it, till I found Kika and Dan refitting a barely floating 70s lump, Uma, into an awesome highest tech wonder which took them from south seas up north of the Arctic circle in Norwegian and, Russian waters ! In dead winters ! So at 65, I bought a cheap lil' but strong and fast 16' twin sail racer in dire need of love. A 2 years project. So I thought... But life strucked again with my 50 years beloved wife 22 months ago, in a dramatic death, plus my ailing health and restrictions. My boat is still in need of work. Relatives tell me to get rid of it, "you're too old for that, bla bla bla". But I promised to myself that next spring, I will splash it. You all young turks push my ol' arss to finish it, christine her Martine and finally sail despite all ! Togethe again. Thank you kids to keep me alive. Hugs ! Marco, Varennes, Québec, Canada with love. 🤗

[@TheDuracellProject]

Best of luck getting your boat ready to sail, Marc! You can do it! :)

[@sailingnendaz]

@@marcryvon nearly time to splash Marc, hope you are well!

[@SailingTipsCa]

“You might have noticed this video is ‘different’” LOL!!! You guys do such a great job of supporting each other - it’s really nice to see!!!

[@thefakerscritic1397]

LOL That cat was like... "That's the biggest rat I've ever seen!"

[@MarcelEling]

You are a good team for telling the story😀

[@markgreen7701]

That mixing hand pump really is a great tool!

[@TheDuracellProject]

The best

[@endospores]

Great episode! So interesting to see the evolution of the deck. Can't wait for the next ones!

[@robmclaughlin420]

Although she may be better at editing I enjoyed the different type of way you did it. All of your guys stuff is great to watch. I look forward to seeing you guys do the work every week.

[@TheBeer4me]

Wow this is your best video yet good explanation of what you are doing so interesting!

[@trondpetersen8949]

Totally great episode. Congratulations to Janneke and Matt. No more Netflix series for me from now on. Only the Duracell Project. But we need to see more of Paws, the super cat from La Paz, Baja California, Mexico.

[@jimedson3853]

Thanks for the video. Cutting holes, filling holes, a craftsman's work is never done. Thanks for the explanation too. It makes it easier for a non-craftsman like me to understand the methodology and reasons why you do what you do. Thanks again.

[@MrCrabbing]

That was fantastic when you pulled off the peel ply, sounded spot on when you jumped on great videos with a little help from Paws too.

[@sucapizda]

Thats a HUGE butterfly bush. Love it.

[@misterjdodd]

Love the dispenser at 11:03 😍 - must make life easier!!

[@TotalBoat]

The deck is looking great!! Awesome job Matt!

[@TedKidd]

5:30 love the sketch-planation! You edited it pretty well and any loss in quality was made up in style variety.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Thank you.

[@trep53]

Your content is wonderful.

[@damoog5985]

You make it look so easy - a pleasure to watch, thank you.

[@mikesawyer9209]

That is going to be an amazing foredeck!!!

[@kevingardner1658]

Hey Matt, always love your feeds, behind every great man there is a greater women, together you are an awesome team, continue to learn so much from you two - god bless

[@WHIKID1]

You are both doing an amazing job. Loving your channel.

[@roccomicelotta3798]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I look forward to watching your progress. Ric

[@michaelcanto6175]

Dang, You're killing it, Nice Work!

[@bake162]

Such an awesome project!

[@Brian-os9qj]

Dig this build and the process is a joy to watch. Thx for the entertainment and potential inspiration

[@RogerThatSailing]

This project is such an inspiration

[@richardsiddon610]

Good progress.. Keep chipping away guys!🙂

[@byoung255]

FYI this video is missing from the all playlist. I think some others may be too. Awesome project and series! 👌

[@TheDuracellProject]

oh, thanks for pointing this out! We'll fix it.

[@benpowitzky4820]

I love watching all of your videos. I am truly amazed at what you are doing with Duracell. I have learned so much about boats and fiberglass from your videos. I am thinking about building a small fiberglass boat just to see if I can do it.

[@theislandpackrat]

Your doing a great job!

[@Fr3DDy73]

Hey Matt you did just a great job. Ofc Janneke's work is very important, producing an episode per week is demanding, expecially if u want to do it with some skill and dedication, as you do. I just have a pledge to submit pubblically: PLEASE ADD THOSE 10 MINUTES TO THE MEDIUM EPISODE LENGHT ! ;) We just love to see Matt working, we love those time lapses, and the cat's intervals... give us that full half an hour of pleasure! ;)

[@TheDuracellProject]

Oof. We’d love to but I don’t think we get enough work done on the boat in a week for 30 mins if content. 18-22 seems to be our sweet spot.

[@DrMott]

Great job this week!

[@chasingsunsets380]

Very good episode. Love watching the work as she evolves. We are planning a trip to the area in January to shop boats. Will have to buy you guys dinner.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Lovely!

[@tedmccullen7466]

Awesome job!

[@NA-xm7wj]

Stupid question. When you vac bag it also gets rid of the air. I really like this process and think about trying this method.

[@juanvalle219]

I always wondered how you manage to take your time, be careful, not rush and to top it off vacuum bag every glass work you do. Finally I see that you can encounter the same things that I go through. I am in South Florida, 95 degree outside and 120 inside the boat. With slow hardener and working fast I barely got time to place the peel ply. Welcome to my environment!!!

[@TheDuracellProject]

It’s rare around here that I have to work that fast, usually I can take my time. I don’t know how you do it!!

[@TheDuracellProject]

It’s rare around here that I have to work that fast, usually I can take my time. I don’t know how you do it!!

[@ericmartelle9122]

Great job. Keep it up.

[@waynecummins9713]

Great video UK 🇬🇧 👍

[@Coyotehello]

You could add two dorades instead of 2 hatches. forward you could have a large hatch (maybe re-use one of the one you just removed). Yes hatches are useful for passing gears and for ventilation (you can use a big 'sock' attached to a halyard for more ventilation. But Most importantly hatches are also called for as escape hatches in case of emergency. Like a fire further aft preventing the crew to reach the companionway. Just a thought. I realize that this post today but likely the project is already finished. Cheers,

[@TheDuracellProject]

Yes. There will be dorades too. I’m hoping to get six on the deck, along with 4 hatches. Good point about escape hatches.

[@ed_cetera]

particularly good video this week 🏁

[@TheQwintok]

LOVE the content

[@thefreedomaddiction9639]

Big thanks to Janneke! But you guys are both doing an awesome job on the project🤘

[@ArcticSeaCamel]

Great process and somewhat effortless (looking!)! I will join your Patreon supporters at some point! ;)

[@MaShcode]

You hatched a plan! Sorry. I love the vibe of this channel and project. Feels authentic and paced. Plus the camera likes everyone. Tough things to quantify. You either have it or you don’t. Be nice if Duracell sent you a check for announcing their brand every week.

[@machinesandthings7121]

She dose a Great job with the vids! You do OK too. 😉 keep the vids comming.

[@carlamerritt490]

Yes, with your meticulous and excellent work. It's omni important its captured on video with the same devotion to detail. And your photographer is excellent when she's available. 😉❤

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

1,200th LIKE posted at 12:00 in this 6,146th view - again: the coolness of the adaptability of the vacuum bag process.

[@tommyt4062]

Yanica ? Sorry for my spelling but that's what happens when you have an unusual name lol Thank you and we miss you. You shouldn't be so shy, genuine people are always appreciated, especially on a platform which produces so many fakes

[@arthurfairfull6766]

Every episode fascinating - thank you! Just wondering (I haven't checked all the comments on your videos) but are you aware of the Camara Sailing folks? They also converted an 80' Whitbread boat (the former Creightons' Naturally) for personal use - their first episode is a great summary of what they did, and if you haven't seen it, might have some interesting ideas... Meanwhile, I eagerly await each step in your own journey!

[@TheDuracellProject]

Hi Arthur, yes we are aware of the Camara Sailing folks. LOVE what they did.

[@larkangel6593]

Do you guys ever watch matts off road? They do a lot of build videos - he also has the same genius for real time design and fabrication.

[@crusadeagainsttomatoes2518]

I do! This is exactly what Matt and Matt have in common. These are two of my favourite KZbinrs and I totally agree about their fabrication geniuses

[@mckenziekeith7434]

The hatches were a pretty good idea for a racing boat. But your plan is going to be much nicer. Also, I think having a lot of hatches in the tropics will be very nice. So I wouldn't worry too much about "seems excessive." It won't seem excessive once you are close to the equator.

[@TheDuracellProject]

I think the middle hatch will be removed as well. Need to make room for running rigging going from mast to cockpit.

[@gerbentvandeveen]

JANNEKE. Fijne vakantie. Volgende keer. Samen "SAIL AMSTERDAM " #NETHERLANDS

[@rollinrock6696]

Yes! Let’s go..

[@gunghoadventures871]

awesome

[@raymondhafsten5731]

Enjoy your composite work particularly vacuum bag...my days are long past 25 or so years and much smaller projects 13'Boston Whaler convert to flats skiff...17' Hydrasport replace transom ...know nothing of the wind other than which way I'll lie at anchor or stake out when casting... To date what's the total resin/hardener used?

[@TheMikesylv]

Yep I get the obsession with vacuum bagging, I can see the difference even though a video

[@hansutstl1676]

👍

[@saruhanorencik4995]

👏👍

[@terrysmall1421]

whats life without a couple of excesses.....go for the 3 hatches!!

[@tezcolby673]

Noted the episode was a little different this time Matt. No disrespect to Janneke at all - her videos are great, but this one you seemed to go into more detail about HOW you were doing things - the vacuum bagging etc. That struck a chord with me - I really liked this Ep. Keep up the good work! Catch you next week.

[@TheDuracellProject]

We’ll try to be better about this in the future

[@TheDuracellProject]

We’ll try to be better about this in the future

[@wmillios]

I really appreciate the level of detail that you're providing as you modify Duracell for your needs. I have two questions: 1) Where can I learn more about the fittings that you're using for vacuum bagging? I am considering building my own boat, I love the idea of vacuum bagging to save weight and get a better result, but I can't find the fittings, the sealant for the edges, etc. for vacuum bagging "in place"? 2) When you close up a hatch with a piece of foam, is the resulting portion of the deck as strong as the rest of the deck? If you jumped up and down on that particular place on the deck, the insert is not going to pop out and suddenly you have a hole again? I wish I lived closer. (I'm in Vermont.) I'd come by and help for a while, just for the ability to work alongside and learn.

[@evangatehouse5650]

Nice straightforward and free guide to vac bagging www.westsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/VacuumBag-7th-Ed.pdf

[@TheDuracellProject]

1. Check out fiberglasssupply.com. They have all the materials you’ll need for vac bagging. And at pretty decent prices. And they’re very helpful on the phone. 2. Yes once I’ve laminated the inside skin, the deck repairs should be as strong if not stronger than the deck itself.

[@wmillios]

@@TheDuracellProject - Thank you!!! You rock.

[@RTJsims]

I’m still in awe that you found this big girl. I am curious. I know racing boat hulls tend to be a little flat bottomed that is fast but rough in heavy weather. Is Duracell gonna get some mods below the waterline? Or does she have the shape you want already?

[@John-Nada]

It must have had a crazy deep keel?

[@TheDuracellProject]

Good question. I would not describe Duracell as having a flat bottom. The bilge is shallow but there is a bit of rocker and aft of the keel is almost v-shaped. We’ll hopefully get more into this in a future ep.

[@chasingsunsets380]

That is a point, I know that there is a comfort ratio for sailboats. It seems the faster the boat is the less it scores on the ratio and the more full the keel is the higher it scores. So if you want less rocking then you need to do work on the bottom and if you want speed you need to work the opposite way. Ok I think we open a big can of worms

[@williambremner9022]

Great questions!

[@boatingallaround5933]

Hi Matt 🙂 I don't doubt the strength of the hatch rebuild, but in an ideal world...shouldn't the edges of the old hatches/deck have been tapered for more deck strength ? (a bit like on the small forward hatch). Keep up the good work....

[@TheDuracellProject]

They were I just didn’t explain it well in the vid

[@brianscally3439]

The sliding hatches look like Goit units. I am looking for one to replace a unit that was damaged by an attempted breaking. I would consider buying both if necessary. I'm based in Seattle .. so can make it to PT if necessary to collect. Thanks for the consideration. Brian

[@TheDuracellProject]

Send me an email. [e-mail]

[@james94582]

Coming along nicely!! With the new hatches, like the one over the main birth.. Will you be putting in two up there as well, like the further back (new ones)?? Just wondering as far as symmetry??

[@TheDuracellProject]

Haven’t decided, I also like symmetry, but hatches are expensive.

[@WillH0724]

Thought: Aft single hatch ... perhaps convert to a "bubble like" hatch ... gives fwd sight of the deck [?]

[@TheDuracellProject]

I think it will end up being removed, needs to make room for running rigging coming from mast to cockpit.

[@eduardomontes1276]

Nice and fascinating job!!!👍💪 btw, who won the stand-off, the cat or the squirrel??😅

[@TheDuracellProject]

no one was harmed. they both eventually went their separate ways.

[@eduardomontes1276]

@@TheDuracellProject txs for the update😀

[@billkaroly]

What you are accomplishing is maybe the pinnacle of upscaling.

[@GeorgeGraves]

(4:05) CAT!!!!!!!!!

[@dcallan812]

The hatch above the bunk are you thinking of an escapre exit too? Great update 2x👍

[@TheDuracellProject]

Definitely

[@glassman51]

Hey Matt, things are coming along great! If you wouldn’t mind I would love to know where you got those sleeves for working with the Fiberglass?, Thank you so much

[@TheDuracellProject]

Scott, I just get them at my local chandlery. If you don’t have a good one around, you could order them on Amazon, or from fisheries supply.com or Jamestown distributor

[@glennrainey1227]

Fantastic deck work there. What is your sticky tape for the bagging? looks like mastic, but comes off easy?

[@evangatehouse5650]

Vacuum bagging tape - butyl rubber mastic. Used for window caulking too. Comes off quite easily without residue.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Yes it’s a vac bag specific tape, similar to butyl tape. Can withstand a lot of heat if you need to bake the part you’re building.

[@h.rutten2187]

Nice boat, a bit big maybe.

[@herrakekkonen]

I think more hatches is better, you'll have more light. But it's just my opinion.

[@TheDuracellProject]

I do too. The boat is already so much darker inside now that I’ve removed the 2 big hatches.

[@jimgeshay6141]

Love the channel! Lots of hard work! What type of keel does she have? Just wondering how hard it is to transition from a race boat keel to a cruising Friendly keel

[@TheDuracellProject]

An L shaped fin keel with a bulb

[@jimgeshay6141]

@@TheDuracellProject 👍

[@dnattov8092]

❤‍🔥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Arnaud58]

The healing of the holes worked out nice! @15:16 Is this covering for your own filming and editing?😉🤣

[@TheDuracellProject]

Yes

[@petrospapapanagiotou]

Changed the intro! No more " *no affiliation with Duracell the company"!!! Did they actually decided to jump on board and join your journey???

[@TheDuracellProject]

Whoops! We continue to have no affiliation with Duracell. We must have accidentally left that out this week.

[@petrospapapanagiotou]

Hahaha... Thought so, but it would have been nice... 😉

[@flypip]

Hey nice work, I have a question, why you choose to use Epoxy resin over Polyester resin ?

[@TheDuracellProject]

I have a lot more experience working with epoxy than poly or vinylester resin. Initially we also found a pretty reasonably priced epoxy in RAKA.

[@flypip]

@@TheDuracellProject Oh ok, make sense, thank you for the feedback!

[@buza1300]

😎💙👍🇸🇯

[@solskengroupllp2758]

Squirrel is warning his females and family of a dangerous cat. He's "barking".

[@Liofa73]

What's stopping them dropping through when loaded after you remove the base plate? Or are you working on the assumption that the wall you're going to install will support the plug? Just be careful until the wall is installed I guess.

[@TheDuracellProject]

The outsides skins overlap onto the old deck, and once I do the same on the underside, it will be just as strong if not stronger than the original deck.

[@TheDuracellProject]

The outside skin overlaps into the old deck, and once I do the same on the underside it will be as strong if not stronger than the old deck.

[@andrewutter2924]

Is that Butyl tape you use for the vacuum bag??

[@TheDuracellProject]

yep, pretty much!

[@NoBullshitJustGaming]

Noice

[@buza1300]

Any connections to Norway?

[@TheDuracellProject]

I'm half Norwegian and speak the language :) Matt has Norwegian heritage.

[@buza1300]

@@TheDuracellProject 🥰 takker for svaret!. Hei fra Nord Norge🇧🇻

[@mngbennett]

For that forward hatch for the wet locker, I thought you said you were going to install a bigger hatch. Why fill in the old hole when you plan to cut a bigger one? Or did they just not line up?

[@TheDuracellProject]

It was way off center on the port side. The new hatch won’t intersect with the old hole.

[@shawnchurch316]

You really don't gain much by vacuum bagging a wet hand layup. Those vacuum ports you are using are normally used for prepreg in a autoclave. I use disposable self puncturing vacuum ports that I invented 20 years ago that seal much better and work much better, you peel the protective from the adhesive and snap the 2 parts together and it punctures the bag, they are available from numerous composite suppliers. The stuff I work on is highly classified projects with code names and carry lengthy prison sentences for disclosing information.

[@buza1300]

What is it about the 🇸🇯 flag you have?

[@TheDuracellProject]

We both have roots in Norway. Janneke is half Norwegian, and we spend time there.

[@IsmailNuzaifKokky]

.

[@TheDuracellProject]

Can’t help but notice you’re “.” Is here every week, we appreciate it.

[@davemoulding8799]

Looks like it’s time to do yard work and cut the grass

[@TheDuracellProject]

Meh.

[@sailingcybertwin27]

Do you get sponsorship from Duracell for using their name in your videos?

[@TheDuracellProject]

nope! We've been in touch with the VP a little, but he's pretty uncommunicative

[@mckenziekeith7434]

They are lucky Duracell has not tried to read them the Lanham Act yet. Let alone pay them.

[@lordjoni187]

There is no forgiveness for half a Norwegian flag, a greeting from a Viking who never forgives 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@FlyNineVictor]

Hi Matt, I want to let you know that I am quitting KZbin due to their excessive ads. I'm unsubscribing from all my channels to hopefully send KZbin a message. Best of luck to you

[@TheDuracellProject]

yep, adds suck, but it's also how KZbinrs mmake their income, in addition to Patrons' support

[@caracamano71]

👍