Rebuilding the steering system of our RESCUED wooden boat - Sailing Yabá 151

Bringing Yabá from wreck to dreamy! Episode 151
In this episode of our boat restoration, we work on changing our steering system. Will that work?
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🇧🇷 Legendas em Português em todos os episódios!
🇪🇸 Subtítulos en español en todos los episodios!
💙 Who are we?
We are Ben and MP!
Recently we decided to purchase a two-masted wooden schooner in Brazil. The fun detail about our story is that the boat we bought was sinking and relying on many bilge pumps to survive so we had to lift it onto the dry to start a full refit. Once the boat was lifted (for the first time in her life) we realized that the work needed was much more than expected. Between bailing or accepting the challenge, we decided to go for the second option. Watch us as we bring Yabá back to life with the help of an amazing team of traditional shipwrights, sharing every phase of the process, overcoming the highs and lows and having fun along the way.
More about us:
👉 About us + Q&A
• What does MP stand for...
👉 more info about the project
www.sailingyaba.com
💙 Massive thanks to our amazing team of carpenters that never let us down and continue to amaze us at every step of the process: Toninho, Zeca, Hélio, Claiton, William, Nezo, Nico, Adilson, Beto and Luiz. YOU ARE LEGENDS!

[@SailingYaba]

Hi guys! We want to know: are you as shocked as we are with the images of how the wiring in the engine room was done before? Is it fair to say that we have improved it?

[@MrAsiadream]

Did you watch Sampson Boat Co they have an extra piece (a trim tab) added to the rudder that uses the water flow to turn the rudder lots less force/stress needed should be well worth a look kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHype4hpdqx-oZI

[@daveamies5031]

Not shocked, not even surprised, I've seen worse, both on boats and cars. Some people just don't care about the people who come after them, just good enough for it to work today is good enough to call it job done, seems to be their attitude.

[@Retired-Life]

You’ve surpassed it by milestones!

[@manolisgledsodakis873]

Be sure to provide plenty of ventilation for any electronics. Hot air rises unless pushed/pulled by a fan. Fans wear out so best avoided. But you need to let cool air in from below so hot air can flow out at the top. Also, batteries have an optimum operating temperature range.

[@nasta67]

eu estou chocada!! inacreditável a mágica que fizeram! parabéns!!!👋👋👋

[@NAMCBEO]

Ben you are so lucky to have MP ! My wife after 4.3 seconds of trying to explain technical stuff, her eyes glaze over, she spins around for ten minutes and lays down for thee days. She is a great cook, I love her, I love to eat, so I don't talk tech around her !!!!!

[@SailingYaba]

😂😂😂 love this!

[@2oqp577]

MP is a great model for all young women out there, instilling that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

[@ddevil4980]

I truly don't understand how you guys don't have more subs?!

[@JP-re3bc]

You need to label all those old wires. Also make a wiring diagram for future maintenance

[@OlkaOve]

Love this! Remember that you can never have too many labels in your electric/plumbing etc. 2 extra weeks to make it tidy and understandable is a good thing. Saying this my point is make it clear for decades. ❤

[@yota4004]

nice to see your smiling faces again. as an avid saltwater boater, I would suggest using heat shrink connectors or using heat shrink over your crimped connectors. hopefully you are using tinned copper wire. thanks for sharing this adventure.

[@Maxdekriek]

perfect you guy's going old school..... no hydraulics required!!!!!😉👍

[@andersholt4653]

You will be the envy of the yachting world. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Excellent

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@donnawarmouth9329]

The wooden conduit and wooden base for the overhead lights is a nice touch.

[@andrewmawson6897]

Suggestion: Make a second chain of the correct length complete with spare coupler, grease it very well, put it in a sealed plastic bag inside the chain gearbox so if it breaks the spare is immediately to hand in an emergency

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

WE ARE ENJOYING THE PROGRESS

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you!! We are too!!

[@massukka]

Really satisfying checking all the lines and then organizing them!

[@jackrichards1863]

Magnetic latches are easier to install but a small bolt is probably best for marine applications? MP working on the mechanical functions of steering is heartwarming for reasons I do not get, so good show MP! I like that you're shy and modest but take those mechanical ideas by the horns. Like what you did with the keel Ben. Really streamlined the fluid access to the lower prop area.

[@duanemiller5606]

Thanks!

[@richb313]

You guys are making real progress between the electrical and the rudder it won't be long.

[@westie4ageturbo.749]

Got to say Label every wire run. Put labels on the runs so you can easily trace faults or make upgrades. Good luck

[@para1324]

MP it is so good to see your Father and you working together on the electrical installation. Your below deck lights are boss. I like your custom made steering gear. Ben well done shaping the keel to accommodate the prop and reduce cavitation. I know you will get the cabinets completed. Yaba crew is always working and with many improvements all the time. 👏👍⛵️🏝️

[@Retired-Life]

Not only has MP assumed the mechanical and electrical role, she has become quite the pro! Her knowledge will be so valuable when challenges arise out there on the big blue. Ben and his knowledge of carpentry and how to use the tools complements MP so well. You two have achieved what so many on land have no knowledge of. Keep up the great work!

[@Lifesgood427]

Great progress, loving the build journey and seeing the updates, thanks from the UK

[@Maxdekriek]

you guy's are moving along great......sending all my love to the YABA family😊💛💛

[@johanvanheerden8458]

Launcing and a big Brazilan wedding coming up!❤🎉

[@antoniegill7994]

I suggest the obvious, while you are sorting out the wires, draw up a wiring diagram with colour coding and add labels so you can identify each wire in future once the boat is launched.

[@josephsichting8162]

In my opinion,, those chainsaws gave Yaba a new life. Second only to Ben and MP. Thanks for saving Yaba. Wishing I could see you guys in person at the boat show, praying and hoping.

[@austinl.2703]

Get magnets for the cabinets. Big magnets ! Absolutely no alignment problems. The wood expands , The wood contracts , Rough seas. NO PROBLEMS.

[@gregsecore9625]

I am very satisfied with this weekend video, let me explain why recently most of the things you show one or two things that you're working on, and it seems like it's taking forever but when you show a multiple different jobs you are working on that allows everyone just to see how much other things are going on, and I enjoyed seeing a little of everything then just watching one thing all the way through the video. Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed this video awesome job guys and lady keep up the good work it is looking beautiful

[@nhm2896]

Hi! About the steering. The motorcycle chain may, or it may not, cause a problem with your magnetic compass. If the chain itself or any of the moving bolts are magnetic and close enough to the compass they may interfere with the compass. I've seen this happen on ships as I'm a compass adjuster. Anyway, it's pretty easy to find out if there is a problem or not. While ship is still on land (i.e. not moving around) and the compass installed and the steering in place make a full turn of the steering wheel, from hard to port and then hard to starboard while watching the compass closely. If the compass changes heading you have magnetic interference from the steering. One degree or less is probably manageable but 2 degrees or more will prompt for actions taken. Also, the instruments on your engine panel may hold magnets which may cause concern. Anyway, you can find app's to your smartphone so that you can use it as a magnetometer which will help you to find items that disturb the compass. Let's hope there are no issues :)

[@woodydowler1594]

Looking awesome guys😊

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you 😁

[@stevenwarner7348]

Three cheers for all those "Helpers" ~ Especially MJ's Dad. ~. Hip hip horray! ~ Hip hip horray! ~ Hip hip horray! Oh yea. You will be there soon! ~~~. (from New Hampshire) ~~~. ✨🌸🤩🌸✨ ~~~. 🇺🇸

[@creageous]

For me the hardest part of electrical work is routing the wires.

[@coronapack]

Dont forget that electric parts get hot. Where your victron parts are behind that seat cushion there needs to be air flow. So make sure to cut vent slits or holes above, and below for air flow. Adding a small computer fan would also be a good idea.

[@boooshes]

At this stage it might also be wise to install some temperature monitoring sensors in key places (electronics bay, engine room, etc) and wire them into your panel so that those tucked away places can easily be checked on with one glance.

[@donnakawana]

Pro tip label every wire ever 3 to 5 feet...I did an swear its been a lifesaver.... you both are amazing an an inspiration to me!!😘🫂7

[@ddevil4980]

Looks like a spaghetti factory in the engine compartment before. Now it looks clean and professional. Great job MP!

[@SailingYaba]

Thanks ☺️☺️☺️

[@jamesvanian5524]

What a fantastic job you are doing. Love the lathework and electronics. MP you are developing great skills in these departments. Ben the stearing system to the Rudder is looking great and you continually amaze me with your work and skills. You are doing everything in such a careful and accurate manner, even things you are not going to see. I am so exited for you. Yaba is looking superb both in and out. Keep well and safe. James.

[@davidburrows9992]

Great job guys like your work, but trust me the rudder quadrant needs to guide the steering cable through two curved grooved guides to maintain the tension on the cables as the rudder traverses port to starboard and return , additionally a pintle and gudgeon to be fitted to the rudder base to a sacrificial keel fitted under the existing keel. Happy boating !

[@jopac6614]

Well done with all these wires, it's super clean!!

[@vernebrown4441]

On tracing the wiring have you looked at a tone generator and a signal tracer to fallow the wire? Be sure to label the wire so you can see what they are for. Have fun.

[@jerrycooke6511]

I can't remember if you two have sailed or not. Those door catches are not good enough. In even a bit of a roll, stuff will be everywhere. Like your vids and great job. What a huge change in the two of you since the beginning. For the good.

[@BillChild2njoy]

Looking good all round (loterally).. Vera is getting so big and always so helpful. 😊

[@billwlod]

love the lights

[@denisebrooks4513]

Don't feel bad. I've had an awful time installing those latches, even on smaller doors with actual hinges to keep them aligned. What you need is something called an "elbow catch". You stick your finger through the hole in the locker lid to press the arm of the elbow catch to open the locker

[@johnbowden3696]

Hi , great to watch your progress towards the launch bet you are excited. One thing that I noticed that when you were working on the roof there was no safety harness. I know that you are careful. Maybe consider using a harness to prevent injury from a fall.

[@patrickcollins941]

Coming together 🎉

[@jamesschramm4739]

It's really looking good............................

[@brian.7966]

I can give you the best tip you will ever ever need in electrical wiring, with this tip you need nothing more. "make sure that both ends of the wire is conected" it will work every time. :)

[@edwardtimberlake4646]

Ben & MP. May I suggest that you need to add a Gudgeon + Pintle to the bottom of the rudder, so that it connects to the extension of the keel that is passing aft under the prop. This should ensure that the prop wash does not effect the working of the unsupported part of the rudder blade. Worth check that out . Just a thought.

[@davidburrows9992]

Fit a G+P to the sacrificial keel to be fitted later under the existing keel

[@TheMikesylv]

You have done an amazing amount of work in such a short amount of time, like 2 or 3 years you have completely rebuilt a yacht with no experience, impressive

[@timidiasorria1129]

Yabá los mejores!!

[@neilengland6034]

Also as said by Dcallan, put a spring loaded tensioner in the system. Easy to find on all car engines,,,,, go scrap hunting 🙂

[@laptopuser3323]

Gday guys

[@DWilliams-ce8nb]

Ben and MP are EARNING their Masters degrees in yacht rebuilding!

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much!!

[@melaniehefner948]

And they are making a Masterpiece.

[@donnakawana]

In Wooden boat building. An learning from the best craftsman ever!!!

[@bobuncle8704]

Love the wooden conduit for the wiring. Beautifully done. And the wood bases for the lights are a nice touch.

[@verdigo5892]

Would have been better to maybe put in the wiring for lights before the ceiling panel.

[@LeonPetersen-qi6ue]

It's looking good 🎉🎉😊😊

[@ScotChef]

Nerves are good they keep the mind sharp. 👌🏻✊🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@adamtedder1012]

Been laying here recovering from surgery and contemplating my likely early expiration from this world while at the same time wanting to finish my own project boat. You guys are giving me motivation and as soon as im feeling better im on it. Got place to go, memories to make. Mine is only about 30ft but a complete custom one of a kind. Hull is just about done now im about to do decks, cabin, and pilothouse. And repower. Its not a sailboat but it will be 50/50 electric powdered boat semi displacement cruiser. Ive built 2 other 100% electric boats but for long distance i want the ability to power up and go as fast as my hull will allow if need be to outrun, weather, time, or health reasons. When time and weather arent a issue ill let the electric motor do the work. Electric is really enoyable going in and out of Marinas or small waterways. The very fine adjustments and speed control is just awesome. Anyways keep it coming. Looks great. I hope all your dreams come true. Btw sawzall will cut thru nails.

[@paulstephens5229]

Thanks

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much Paul!!

[@jamesazahn6842]

It's all about the details. If you do the small things right, the big things fall into place.

[@kevinmartin3859]

Well done the pair of you your learning a lot about yaba see you next week 😊😊

[@JakubPapuga]

Great job! However, please consider a rudder gearbox with two chains so you have a backup chain in case the first one fails. Also, consider a chain tensioner to adjust the chain tension because it will stretch in time. Maybe a good idea is to place protective covers on both sides of the sprockets to prevent the chain from falling off the sprocket.

[@wolfgangweiser6340]

The rudder looks like very small, are you sure that is great enough. I hope it for you. Good luck from Germany.

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

Instead of spring latches for your covers, consider using powerful but small neodymium magnets, and a small steel plate. The magnets can be purchased with a hole in the middle, and are available world wide. They will never wear out, and once the grab hold of the metal plate, they don't let go without pulling quite hard. Cheers from Winnipeg.

[@donnakawana]

Yes I just installed those thru out my new old vessel I'm working on... on every door an cabinet.. an a few other ideas...

[@bobd9775]

May I suggest short pieces of adhesive lined shrink tubing over the terminal end crimps to prevent corrosion

[@marialinakeil8257]

Que belo trabalho de todos.E MD esta ficando uma excelente eletricista.Este barco esta ficando uma beleza❤❤⚓⛵💙

[@craigberesford726]

I think you need locking nuts on all them rudder attachments. If they come unscrewed, you’re screwed 😂

[@chadmutchler5062]

This has been an amazing journey to watch.

[@leglessKiwi-co9eh]

something to keep in mind is having red lighting in the wheelhouse and stern deck for night travel as it doesn't detract from your night vision.

[@ChrisBrocksmith]

I guess I'm glad someone figured out what she was trying to say!

[@wallywombat164]

I'll have to try and watch later as i think my connection is broken. I hope to see you latet MP. ❤❤❤❤

[@tomsifton4971]

Hey MP, you are doing great with the electrics on board. Am I missing something or are you planning on installing the red cabin lights that are needed for night time sailing? You know when you go topside at night for your turn at the watch (helm), if you just left a white light cabin it will take a while for your eyes to adjust. When you leave a red lit cabin, you will see perfectly to avoid problems. It only takes a minimal amount of reds in the cabin to accomplish this goal and I believe you will be thankful that you did it. Cheers!!!!!

[@lawrencekirwin9665]

I’d like to suggest finding a way to add red lights so at night you don’t lose your night vision. I’m sure there is a way to switch from white lights to red.

[@donnakawana]

Most boat lights have a red setting for that reason!!

[@virago41]

Yaba yaba yaba😅😅😅😅 Jai Maa Bharti 😊👍🙏🇮🇳

[@stvooplayhouse]

Love it❤

[@douglasburch2320]

Continued progress is always an inspiration!! As always, thanks for taking us along on your journey.

[@rhkavli]

I have those brass lid catches on my boat. As you say, they are sooo sensitive to misalignment. If you get them perfectly aligned, they work fine, but if not, they will just pop out, as you're showing us. You probably already know that you can adjust the catch strength by adjusting the spring pressure against the bearing balls by turning the screws at both ends of the catch? I wish you good luck. And as a former electrician, I'm happy to see the conduits in the engine room. I would also have used cable ladders above the engine to lay out the harness.

[@boooshes]

Those catches usually turn out to be a poor choice since things tend to move around over time. They get out of adjustment eventually.

[@englishmaninfrance661]

Some smart little design features coming in here

[@chriscatherine5151]

If you use a Sawzall with a bipedal cutting blade it will go through the nails along the cut line that you want!

[@williamkhatchell620]

Coming along very nicely, great job!

[@user-du8io4jo6f]

Frirstly you are doing a very good jod on this rebuild, good to see you have not taken any short cuts. I have noted that when the engine came out it was fitted with an intercooler between the turbo and intake manifold, but this is not installed on the rebuilt engine, this could cause serious exhaust temperature problems if you have not reset the fuel pump calibrations from the original setting. Keep up the good work

[@nickmail7604]

Motorcycle final drive chains stretch, quite a bit in fact. Because of this there is an adjustment system on the rear wheel which allows the rear wheel to be moved further rearwards to take up the slack. Have you included for this chain stretch in your system?

[@guidokupfer5505]

U should never stop with building your boat, i love your channel. What kind of Boat u build next ? ;)

[@robertlemoine3500]

The adventures you guys are having , wonderful !

[@PRINCESSDREAMYLYN]

it's looking so nice and with lights you can see much better i really like the style you choose. thanks for sharing ♥

[@Twelvestonestacking]

Goodonyas!

[@davidmedley5970]

Looking great. Excited for splash day!

[@jerrydutra3225]

Word has it you guys practice with Legos before a project!😁 woohoo!

[@upinyou8]

I absolutely love you guys. That being said, those latches need to lock. So shifting objects don't open the covers while underway.

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

Most impressed by your father's well thought out planning and skills. My poor father was an electrician/foreman working on all sorts of buildings including factories, power plants, hospitals, etc. so I learned a bit about that. Careful-detailed analysis and planning of any project, especially boat related, makes the job go smoother and faster. Kudos to your dad!

[@Maxdekriek]

thank's you guy's, you are the best!!!!!!😉💛 greetsz from friesland......max.

[@SailingYaba]

You are, Max!!

[@Maxdekriek]

@@SailingYaba 🤗🤗🤗

[@richardchiriboga4424]

It's all coming together!!!! Once Yaba is in the water, there will be nothing that you cannot handle!!! Thank you for Sunday morning coffee with Yaba!!!❤❤❤

[@Tomm9y]

At the aft end of the keel, where it meeets the rudder, are you planning on installing a rudder hinge? (a) to support some of the weight and forces on rudder whilst sailing (b) prevent weed, ropes etc from getting caught forward of the rudder. Perhaps a hinge and a protective strip of metal is required. Well done to MP for taking on and learning about electrics. How about some night vision friendly lights in the head, galley and particularly in the wheel house. Also in the wheel house lighting should be located and the suitable fittings so as not to reflect from the windows or surfaces. It's tricky enough to make out lights outside the boat without introducing phanton ones.

[@tonyperdicou7389]

That keel looks beautiful ❤🎉

[@richardmanly9330]

I think you might regret those catches on the locker doors... if the boat is heeled and stuff in the lockers moves against the locker doors, they're going to pop open and potentially spill the contents out. Better to find a latching type.

[@maxellison55]

Great job. Tying up lose ends is a long process, but it will come together eventually. The devil is in the details.

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you so much Max!

[@jeffosborn7821]

Hi Ben and MP. My wife and i found your channel 1 month ago. We live in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. We are up to episode 101. If i ever want a boat built, i want these guys. We are fascinated by these boatwrights. We should be caught up in a few weeks. Just wanted to say hi and introduce ourselves. Your videos are awesome! Keep up the good work! My wife wants to know how she can get a piece of the purple heart wood. It is so beautiful! We don't have that here. If we can even get it. Ok, by for now. We will keep on watching!

[@chandrasutton4669]

Y'all have improved everything about Yaba!!!😊🎉❤

[@jean-marievennin8405]

Hello, Connexion electric : a nice and clear work......and with...... a draw(of course) of all the wires with their own COLOR, Congrats.!! RUDDER : You have to shape a little the front part of the rudder in front of the propeller in order for a more efficiency of this part of the front rudder regarding the turbulence of a square profil in front of the the water flux, that is so bad to drive rightely the vessel..(For example: add a half-round on the front-square rudder part or some profil similar???)(hope that my english words are right?????) Good works. Bon courage and stay safe

[@theconfessionsof_a]

Smashing that like button xx

[@SailingYaba]

Thank you! ❤️

[@twlyons1]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Ben , as soon as you held the new improved gold latches up for everyone to see, I knew already how problematic they would be for you, we have 1 in our camper that iam glade we only have 1. I was thinking you may have about 70 to 80 mm of wood on back side that hinges between finger hole and top edge of hatch panel,,, it would pivot back and forth behind and when you put your fingers in the hole and push piece of hinged wood to side - it would swing top edge away from top of frame to be able to pull hatch cover out wards . The hinged piece would hang down from pivot point (screw )so it would not swing open on its own.

[@KenFeltman]

I hope you will consider a bow thruster, docking that vessel without one will be a real challenge