TROUBLE in the BOAT YARD | Ocean Passage Preparation | Sailing Florence Ep. 116

[@grahamcoffer1720]

You’ve done remarkably well in such a short time. I’ve mentioned before how you’ve acquired all the technical knowledge to maintain the boat. You’re both incredible young people,so talented and driven!

[@donanderson2264]

Matt, Don’t be too hard on yourself for what you don’t know. It’s a never ending process. What you do know and are doing puts you way ahead of most. Knowing how to put together your great vlog is very enviable. Yours is the one I don’t want to miss.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thanks Don. Matt

[@clark7662]

As much as I love the episodes where you’re on the move or enjoying tropical beaches or hikes, I actually find episodes that show how much work it is just as enjoyable. Thanks for sharing the fatigue, stress, grime, and for keeping it all real :-)

[@Bri-wi8kq]

Hey Matt, your Amy is no Princess! From scraping the hull, sanding and painting all covered in dust 'n antifoul, and she doesn't get seasick....we're impressed - she's a keeper Matt!!! Well done on a very successful haul-out-yard time and such a befitting description of this too often depressing and expensive time, guys you absolutely nailed the spirit. Thank you, have a safe passage to SA and wishing you both a fulfilling and healthy 2022. Brian, Top Hat 25', Sydney

[@NealyLL]

Why do I like this channel….. because you guys are the real deal… no posing nonsense just realness . 👏👏👏. 👌

[@michakj4994]

Not possible to not regret small number of subscribers of this phenomenal sailing channel. Amy and Mark, true sailors, and friends of oceans and wildlife; they surprise me and teach about life, and tourism. Thank you. Sail safe to a tiny French island.

[@ericfleming5522]

Seems like a rare treat to see someone actually sailing their boat on KZbin nowadays.

[@MrJhchrist]

I see comments like this often. Funny thing is, I follow A LOT of different channels, and the comment shows up on nearly all of them. Which begs the question, who ISN'T sailing their boat on youtube? Sure, some channels focus more on destination or lifestyle than others, but besides sailing doodles, everybody sails, most even occasionally sail fairly hard.

[@missdead1]

Sure you're not watching vanlifers?

[@robertleonhardt2548]

@@MrJhchrist but tgg gby by by business is d

[@alcw625]

Impressive….love how you two just get stuck in and don’t overly dramatize things

[@davecook8682]

You two handle the boat very well. Certainly you know everything about Florence. The best point you made was in your closing: “When sailing around the world, you need to know how to do everything yourself.” Most people don’t even know what a thru hull valve is, and here you are rebuilding them! On the topic of engine vibration, a worn cutlass bearing (stern bearing) can cause vibration. Bad engine alignment can also cause vibration with perfectly good engine mounts. When the cutlass bearing is worn, you can waste hours aligning the motor and never get the vibration to go away. Great video. I just found your channel.

[@digitalcanvas4444]

You guys are one of the top 2 sailing channels on youtube. Apart from Ruby Rose, nobody compares to you. You're able to strike a balance between what's interesting, beautiful, necessary, and fun. You are wonderful storytellers. Amy, you could do voiceover work for National Geographic documentaries. I love watching you guys each week. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into your videos. Looking forward to future episodes. Safe sailing...

[@rightsideupvt]

Your work ethic and positive attitude during challenges is commendable.

[@andreodragao]

the first 4 minutes of the video with you guys jibbing around it worth the whole video!!! so great to see a sailing channel when the people actually do sail .

[@CaptRon817]

I am an old man now but back in the day, I too sailed blue water!! Now, I can relive my time watching the two of you!! So much fun!!

[@peterclark6290]

If you use any hand cream before you start working with dirt (do your whole body if you want); it acts like a barrier and one shower reveals the old skin, good as new. Another use for this is to rub it in before a shower and it will pick up anything loose and the shower drain takes it away - perfect for feeling a really deep clean. Learned the first part from a motorcycle mechanic, adopted the second bit in my dating years. I liked to 'glow'!

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

If youve no cosmetic cream use a vegetable cooking oil on your hands and then when ready to clean up add more and grain sugar scrub it round and you can wash it off with ordinary soap ..it doesnt dry and split the skin like detergent based soaps and no allergy problems.

[@robertbyrd756]

Whether on a boat, vehicle or house quality work and knowedgable workers is a thing of the past. Paying anyone is a crap shoot and like you I have been forced to learn how to do things and buy tools that I would have never thought I would but life goes on. You guys have a great channel. I never found that nice, pretty lady that could also work hard. Kudos on that one! Stay safe out there.

[@martinjames9250]

Excellent! I've been following various sailing vloggers for ages (mostly American) but I knew there must be the odd ENGLISH example! And here you are!! 'Liked' and 'subscribing' NOW! --- Bon voyage!

[@joeechandi5334]

Florence sails beautifully at the hands of Matt and Amy 👍👏🌍🌏🌎

[@craig3040]

Using deflated fenders and a 12 volt tyre inflator to lift the motor to change the engine mounts and add/remove shims,makes it a lot easier and prevents damaging the engine,especially when space is tight.

[@PaulBKal]

brilliant advice

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Great idea! I'll remember that one.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Youve clearly seen fire rescue using air bag jacks and come up with a classic what have i got ...that will do similar solution .. neat👍🏼😉 Have you ever seen chinese ship yards running brand new coasters ships ashore up massive river banks on giant inflatable rollers ..i couldnt quite believe it first time. 😲 The whole vessel climbs the bank and continues to roll up and forward taking the roller bags with it.

[@leticiaromano6054]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 those videos are in reverse..

[@daltonpoole4106]

@@SailingYachtFlorence Hi guys. Having been in the marine engineering industry on yachts and ships my whole life there is a super easy was for you to check your alignment of your prop shaft after you are back in the water. It will take you an hr to do. I have taught a bunch of sailers how to do it. If you are interested I will send you a email with drawings and explorations of how to do it

[@Chebab-Chebab]

Every Saturday morning, every fortnight, I look forward to these.

[@DAVIDMILLER-nc9vo]

That face mask that you came up with to protect your face and lungs is wonderful. You should show us how you tie it up. It looks like a t-shirt. I love your Dad's dinghy!

[@stetomlinson3146]

Cracking piece seamanship docking Florence! Massive respect! You really are a proper team. I fully understand your stress levels Matt. We lived in our motorhome for two years and I tried to do as much maintaining as I could. When I did have to resort to "professionals" we watched them and their work like hawks! The number of times we found gouges in flooring, scratched work tops and work not finished off properly you'd not believe! Well actually, after watching this, you probably would! The work and stress on top of meeting your filming deadlines must take away some of the pleasure of what you are doing, not to mention affecting your time as a couple! But it is appreciated, so thank you. Safe sailing and can't wait to hear/see your next episode. ( No pressure! ;0)

[@steptoeson007]

Just found your channel, so impressed with how you go about planning work etc. I will go back over your early stuff and catch up.

[@Thomas-eu6fj]

I know you guys are addicted to sailing. Guess what ? I am also addicted to watching your videos 😀 Probably the most professional sailing videos with excellent Visuals and Sound. Can't wait to see the next episode ❤️

[@ksmcgloin]

You two are awesome!

[@papajeff5486]

Thank you for sharing this most arduous and expensive part of your adventure. Your advice about knowing your boat and how to do all upkeep, maintenance, is well taken. Trusting others to care for her as you do is near impossible. You live with her, they don’t, especially when you’re a thousand miles out to sea. Whew!!! Truly enjoy your videos and growing quite fond of you. Strange, the one way nature of these videos, that you allow us into your life, the sweetness you share, how vulnerable you can be, some of the difficulties. I wish the wife and I could do what you’re doing; but, not in the cards. Again, thank you for sharing, keeping us updated. Excited, waiting for your next video. Texas

[@andrewstewart3133]

She looks beautiful. Well done Amy and Matt. Simply your videos. Stay safe.

[@errolG68]

Oh my goodness! I really take my hat off to you, well you finally got back on the ocean, I shared the joy with you when back sailing. You chaps are 👍 great!

[@davecummings6170]

Love watching the tacking. That’s real sailing.

[@Johnnysunami]

Your video and storytelling are superb. Stoked to see that Florence got the work done that she needed. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Happy sailing and thanks for sharing.

[@grahamfullagar5197]

Hi again Matt Naomi sailing Florence once again thank you so much for the videos you guys put together whenever I'm having a stressful day at work during my lunch break I can always pick up my tablet and watch you guys sailing around the world it is so therapeutic and makes my day a little easier to get through between the water the blue skies the waves the boat especially yourselves make for a wonderful and great experience today I have become a patron which you guys make that decision so easy to make stay safe keep up the good work cheers Graham

[@rodhodgson2512]

Hi Matt & Amy, when we chatted with Oyster (yes, we have a little Oyster too) they spoke of you as friends. I would think they would be a great backup with the technical support required. We are so thankful for the great workmanship done at Royal Geelong in Australia. Long time followers and great admirers of the two of you. Rod & Lillian

[@Sailing_Antrice]

You are both awesome. The professionalism with which you both sail and produce these videos is awesome!

[@earthangel8730]

Very enjoyable watching 2 pros sailing upwind! Florence at some of her best.

[@dandrakenholt5455]

Wow, what a great meeting with the beautiful Florence and her superduper owners. This I really enjoyed.

[@alexandersunter4899]

I do believe yours is the most explanatory video and because of that is the most riveting. Keep em coming Matt & Amy.

[@sailingsheriff3349]

I came to your Channel late but find it most entertaining and full of useful hints. Keep up the good work.

[@nikolaucznaum4312]

Reliance and tenacity in abundance, fantastic job!!...👌

[@bdphourde]

Hurried or hectic, it still turned out looking really nice! At least after having to observe this evolution of engine/shaft alignment, you are better prepared to do it yourself the next time it happens. You are really a great couple to watch and learn teamwork from!

[@far-flung8356]

For some reason I always love watching boat haul out and repair videos. This was a good one. Great show. Good luck guys.

[@sailingbrittany6795]

I appreciate you folks sharing the stress and frustration of yard work. I've had quite a challenging year personally having replaced my engine, engine bed rails, prop and prop shaft with plenty of stress and challenges along the way. Tomorrow I go back into the water again- again. I do hope it goes well!

[@ian-c.01]

That was a lot of work that needed doing in a very short time, it made sense to find someone to help with the engine mounts and engine alignment. Shame they made a mess of things and had to be called back to finish the job but it was decent of them not to charge you in the end ! I'm very surprised to hear your plan to sail around South Africa and into the Atlantic, that's a bit scary but at least you are going in the right direction. I don't doubt your abilities but that is very 'anxiety inducing' and I would have thought Matt would want to avoid that kind of thing.

[@liongod1000]

*_ And the closer you come to Africa the workmanship deteriorates even further.... I know too well as I live here! _*

[@xabeque8]

More critical on this route down to Cape Town is finding the best weather windows and being very aware of Agulhas Current which has a massive influence on the waves and yacht progress. You two are definitely up for it given your experience. Also there really is no other route alternative if you're heading to the Caribbean!

[@xabeque8]

@@liongod1000 Hmmmmm, I think the workmanship in South Africa is very good!

[@brianh8573]

Well done U 2 Keep it up. Remain strong

[@subconsciouslyaware]

Ive been having a rough day. Your video came at the right time. 🖤

[@johnperry7534]

Very impressive teamwork guys really nice to see a couple working well together although we know the stresses of boatyards and we’re glad you didn’t pay those knuckleheads , so called mechanics engineers and boat surveyors need to be all out in a small boat and left to the vagaries of the sea, they’re all useless and you’ll always do a better job yourself in most cases . We really like your tacking video it goes well that boat , we’re cost conscious too , well broke really so we appreciate the hard graft and understand the difficulties but it’s really worthwhile when you’re back in the water and the boat is looking good . Nice work !!!

[@larryjepeal4409]

I love to watch you guys sail and now dock, you can really tell you are having fun. As far as maintenance, that is about what I spend for my house and you have a much better view.

[@SerbanOprescu]

Very nice tacking during the harbor approach. You two are a skilled, well synched team.

[@dutchflats]

As a racer gotta say I love a good sail hard-on the wind, trimming the sails just right to be able to point and get the best VMG to windward!

[@theath1064]

Love to watch your teamwork as you beat upwind in the beginning of the video. Superb teamwork. Love your video's. I wish you could produce more.

[@frankmills5022]

Great show of your seamanship. You two have become a well oiled machine. Go for it always!

[@robertgould8099]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed your experience in the boatyard. I owned for 31 years and sailed a Mariner 47 sailboat named Free Spirit which I sailed 170,000 miles in a circumnavigation of the North Atlantic, 6 Bermuda passages, and cruising of the entire west coast of Europe from the Arctic Circle to Villamoura, Portugal. Spent a winter cruising the Caribbean and sailed 3 times to Nova Scotia. Wrote about some of it in my book, North Atlantic Odyssey, Sailing to the Arctic Circle (St. Martin's Press, 1989 and the Boater's Medical Companion (Cornell Maritime Press, 1990). I remember spending two weeks, 12 hours a day sanding and painting the bottom of Free Spirit, using a scraper to remove 2 years of barnacles in Antigua in a wet suit and getting hundreds of little shrimp-like creatures under the wet suit that itched like hell. They did shower off. This was in the years before Antigua had a marina that could haul Free Spirit out. Dr. Bob Gould

[@parrishfloyd5684]

You two are such a lovely couple. Thanks for sharing your pain with us. We don’t live aboard (YET) but we recently had to haul out and do so much within 4 days, with two kids under 4. It was the single most stressful thing. We weren’t able to get everything completed before splashing her but we were able to do most of the projects. So we understand the pain and the stress. Cheers!

[@sailingkudos]

I was kind of surprised Florence actually look better than I anticipated she would after that long. I think Matt could have aligned the engine himself and now that he's seen probably how it's done, he can probably do it himself in the future. My boat was misaligned when I bought it bad enough it was actually breaking the retaining screws on the coupler. It's not really a hard job, it just takes a lot of time. Something else you might think about is taking a peek at Emily and Clark another KZbin channel, he has figured out a way to combine lithium with lead. I am doing that now and I'm very happy with the results. Good luck you two and keep up the good work. Jealous of you every time I see a video because I want to be out there doing what you're doing right now too.

[@suzannechance5876]

Well done managing the boat yard. This episode was quality, through and through. Really enjoyed!

[@suzannechance5876]

@@chaimsalamon I disagree but you are entitled to pontificate. Have at my lord.

[@namechamps]

@@chaimsalamon You get paid for doing work properly. The work was gross incompetence. Had they not double checked and done it themselves it would have caused catastrophic damage to their engine and/or propshaft. The worst case scenario given how awful the work was is the shaft damaging the stern tube and the boat sinking. Even an incompetent DIYer can get the propshaft roughly centered in the stern tube. What the "engineers" did wasn't even in the ballpark of proper work. Having the engine mounts so loose they could move by hand defeats the whole purpose of engine mounts. Might as well leave the engine lying on the bottom of the boat until vibration destroys either the engine or the hull. Then lets not forget the damage done to the boat. Feel free to pay people who incompetently endanger your vessel, damage it, and then require you to go after them and do the work yourself. Most people won't. That isn't entitlement that is just reality.

[@ingriddoorn1201]

You worked so hard! Florence is looking beautiful ⛵️

[@cliffterpher]

She looks beautiful! Florence looks great too...............

[@hxspace5455]

Thank you for capturing your experiences despite the hard work rushing through the days at the boat yard. Kudos for keeping good spirits the whole time. Fair winds!

[@Polartrucker]

Thanks for sharing, my wife and I are saving up to get a boat. We're rookies and there's so much information from you guys. Thank you!

[@TheBahamabob]

“If we did not love sailing so much we would not bear all this (maintenance)”-Indeed. This was painful to watch yet fulfilling to see ship shape and bright on Florence afterward. When your engineer showed up at first I got tense. Would I trust my life to this guy I was thinking. So must you have been! And the little roller! Wow Amy!

[@JosephMullin]

I love watching you two for your boat handling skills your explanations about things and the hard work you put in.

[@10summoners]

Thanks for sharing all the ups and downs with us. Super informative. Florence looks as fit as ever! I'm impressed with how much work you were able to accomplish and your commitment to work together. Best of luck on the next leg of your adventure!

[@svlamancha9877]

Great teamwork guys. Florence is now looking gorgeous. Looking forward to the next leg of your adventure. 👍

[@Sp3ktral22]

Oh boy, I looked stress just looking at your face as you tell this story. I feel for you as you cruise the world. Best of luck with the rest of the voyage. Great content!

[@atakd]

Well done, Team Florence. That was an impressive work rate. If / when you settle somewhere you should open a yard and put the rest of them to shame.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Hah, we don't think we could keep that work rate up for more than about a month and then we would completely burn out. We hate time in the yard!

[@gregoryfietz3831]

You two have great attitude , my attitude , keep going going going ......

[@jeffshapiro1151]

We had a similar experience in the dry while in Hout Bay just south of Cape Town. Watching this episode brought back so many memories of 17 days maintenance, waiting, and dealing with problem after problem before our crossing to Brazil. You guys handled the tasks with grace and your boat looks great! Safe crossings and keep sharing!!

[@Early8Q]

I just love how much you enjoy upwind sailing; I do too. I guess it’s different when passage making, but darn it’s fun to put a good boat on the wind now and again. I also appreciate your passage making mode too; step it down to 80% while not pushing it too hard. The passion for the sail is clear though and I really appreciate it. I guess that you learned a lot from your prop shaft alignment. Hopefully you can own that one if needed. It’s a bit of alchemy from my limited experience, but how bad can it be really? A cool mind, and a few good tricks and tools should get you there I would think? But I am not experienced in such endeavors, not yet. Fair winds and following seas as you tackle the east coast of Africa!

[@colrodrick8784]

Just watching the tacking - just like I'm back in my racing dinghy 45 years ago.Ah, the energy of youth.

[@TheSailingBrothers]

Having your boat lifted is always scary. Glad you managed to get all that work done in time 👍

[@suzysmith5200]

You both continue to amaze me. Good luck with your onward journey.

[@jackrichards1863]

just met you on YT, nice story, lovely couple of sailors, a delightful vessel. And a good sail into your destination. You two grind those winches like pro's . I will look forward to future videos. I feel in my bones that you have the X factor for the video business with an easy to watch and engaging presentation. I don't think that we saw an engineer come aboard really? Maybe an apprentice and a labourer?

[@geoffpalmer6424]

That was a wonderful episode to watch. Pleased to see you are on the next leg of your journey, I hope things go well from here on in. Good to see real sailors in action.

[@MikeHarrison3266]

I have been to a few boatyards and one thing always strikes me, the absence of chickens, well that is clearly the result of effective antifowle.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

groan ;-)

[@papajeff5486]

Good grief, heh, heh…. Texas

[@60sfolk]

That sounds like one of my 'jokes' 🤣

[@MrJhchrist]

You know how it never rains if you take an umbrella? Boat yards have a high concentration of fowl weather gear keeping the squallks at bay.

[@johnplump3760]

Sailing is an experience. Yes you can a lot from books but for your specific situation experience is the answer. I have been sailing for many years. Up graded an engine. Had to realign the shaft to the engine and build new stringers. Boy dowe learn much!!

[@bjrnlvjomas8083]

Great work by both of you. Amy is one hell of a painting lady. And I think, next time you align your motor all by your self. You had a great learning session 👍 even managed to correct your hired professional engineers 💪 well done.

[@olavthyvold2288]

absolutely one of the best KZbin channels out there

[@tgchism]

An amazing amount of work in a short timeframe! Great job and video!

[@conradmex]

When I had to align the prop shaft on my Spencer 42 - I got the prop shaft where it should be and moved the engine by adjusting the mounts . I was fortunate in that it was easy to get to the mounts and they had adjustment screws in all planes. There is really no other way to go about it,

[@troymeister]

Great work and teamwork on all of the tasks. That motor mount and alignment situation must have been stressful. I remember similar situations when I had my boat. BOAT= Break Out Another Thousand.

[@alfy1269]

Pat on the back to you both for achieving so much in a short time. Good to see Florence looking so good and ready for the next leg.

[@Grahamcracker6366]

I appreciate how honest y’all are. Thank you.

[@shawndyer8140]

I am always amazed at the mechanic al abilities of sailors.

[@Kyleinasailing]

Very good job. Working on boats and living aboard at the same time, is very hard especially when under time pressure. I always take West epoxy and Seajet Shogun anti foul with me, wherever I go....OK I haven't been as far as you. Well done.

[@Mark-nu5vg]

It's good to see you doing your own maintenance repairs yourselves

[@davidncw4613]

Love the bits watching you two work your boat. Inspiring!! The more instructional seamanship the better imho.

[@southerncross86]

Great sanding and painting, mechanicas,, customs, you guys work hard for your dream

[@brontarlabta.k.a.briantayl3484]

Thank you for the effort you put into sharing your voyage. It’s heart warming seeing you two working as one.

[@susanokane5209]

Very smart result at the end of all that work.

[@Adogsmate4267]

Nice, just found you. I've been watching Delos and many others, but are now weekly. I turned on my TV for the first time in six months, wasn't happy. But not now, I'm going to the beginning of your recordings and starting there. I like you both, you do a great job of covering the things we like to know. Rock on, fair winds, another good one to watch. Cheers.

[@jimsargent7288]

YOU GUYS ARE REAL Troupers love your videos

[@charlieleahey1516]

Here in Puget Sound, we have the dreaded goose barnacle to contend with. In addition to nonablative high copper bottom paint, we use the spray on antifoul primer for the prop since they love anything unpainted. The ultimate for removing barnacles on the hard is skimming with a dulled wood chisel. The barnacle bases go flying off and the bottom paint and hull are unharmed by this seemingly damaging implement. We used to use various putty knives but they were terrible. We still use a bronze putty knife on the prop if needed. I'm glad you could get the bill rescinded for the incompetent shaft alignment. What a nightmare!

[@shuttlefish59]

blimey that looked stressfull..... now you can relax. she looked beautiful too with the new paint job. well done.

[@Adam-kn2cj]

Well done guys that’s a lot of work in a short time ! Look forward to more of your adventures stay safe xxx

[@graemewilce3057]

You Guys are Great, and it looks like you've done a great job and ready to sail again ................

[@philipchandler330]

Your hard work and thoroughness is impressive

[@fafnorcal]

Exceptional productivity in the yard. Florence sparkles. Well done.

[@dennisrobinson4588]

Good to see you guys again! A lot of work to a boat that is used a lot to see the world. I am surprised that there wasn’t more to do!! Best of luck on your next leg of your trip. God bless and favorable winds.

[@vraymond108]

Looks like those crispy news sails are doing well. That is a good percentage of the battle.

[@marcoadelporto]

Very good guys lot of work, I liked the pictures and angles your are great on it, well done! On thing related with safety called my attention, when she is in charge of winches during tacks would be nice tie shorter her hair, look at 3:28 minutes how close the hair was. Thanks for sharing your experience for the world...

[@ambersmith6517]

i like how you guys are picky with your boat God bless

[@bill8by5]

My first tune-in to your blog. I really like you folks. You are both hard workers with tenacity flowing through your veins. Really like your identifying the music played in your blog - THANK YOU!!! Changing out motor mounts and aligning the prop shaft is not all that difficult a task - it seems like it is because it scares the B-Jesus out of others, and they, in turn pass that "Oh My God" fear along to others. You discovered the most ardent parts of doing it - OBSERVATION, measurements and checking clearances. The prop shaft seal was replaced with an identical unit, therefore, the only change there was reliability - new for old. I will agree that doing anything for the first time is a bit scary, but it's not impossible. Simply tell yourself, well, if I get it wrong, I'll have to get more talent to bear and get it right. Might want to investigate Battleborn Batteries. There are several bloggers on here that swear by them, and I believe a few even got them for a cheap cost to test them for the Company and report back. You can do anything you must do, and help is readily available.

[@rwhunt99]

I feel your pain, I hope things go better now! Stay safe on your journey south!