Sealing a bilge dam for new cement. A CONFESSION & condensation. Expedition lifeboat conv Ep109 [4K]

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EPISODE 109
I need to subdivide the stern bilge so I can keep access to bolts, but with a denser and easier-to-clean middle section. Cue steel, cement and a grinder. Plus, I answer your accusations of AI voice over use!
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!
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[@revtoyota]

Experiments like this AI voice is a part of life. Without experiments on others, we would still be tossing poo at each other.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Don't write off the chance of a return to the latter.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

Everyone has their kinks

[@revtoyota]

@@PsRohrbaugh and we do not kink shame around here.

[@DougVarble]

⁠I like the usage of AI, it will not fit everyone and everywhere 🎉

[@keithwhite9158]

Alex I found the best way to control condensation on a boat is to use a 6 inch computer fan to constantly draw air through the cabin to the outside. you just need a mechanical thermostat (don't go below 5c) and the fan, all will work off 12volts. Cheap and simple.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Yes indeed. I have the extraction ports (those stainless ports you see near the end) but only expected to use them underway or when cooking. Will need to rig them up for winter layup too with an efficient little fan.

[@pafr6096]

There is something in the nuances of an actual human voice that gets attention better than an AI. Still it's amazing the advances in the tech, I still remember the early very versions that were so mechanical. Oh and the wife loves the sound of your voice and your perfect sign off.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Quite encouraging that us humans still have something!

[@gregcope5565]

Glad the grinder is back. Was missing it for a while. What’s your plan for the dew point issues? Unless you vent in drier air you may get condensation on any cold spots, but you know this. Going north I assume artic air is going to be cold and dry so will help. Try to stop the crew breathing or generally expiring any fluids :-) I fear Alan is far more hermetically sealed than the tents you are used to!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

When AC power is copious, a dehumidifier is an easy fix. First though, I'll identify the main areas for more insulation, and then just accept that a few areas need daily wiping/sponging.

[@barney2001]

It’s cool enough outside that if you warmed up Alan inside, an inexpensive infrared thermometer (or an iphone plug-in) could identify the areas of concern. I am definitely in the ‘listen for content and humour’ camp. Didn’t notice any voice differences. I did notice that Alan was orange though, so not hopeless.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Colour recognition is alive and well. Cheers.

[@purpaidh]

Thanks for not sticking with the AI, no one wants that crap infiltrating one of the most genuine channels around.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers

[@benderbender1233]

indeeeed

[@philgray1023]

It already has. I wrote my first system in 1996. The best ones are the ones you don't know about. There is very little you can do without interacting with it. A human didn't moderate the comments here. Of course you could grow your own vegetables.

[@hadorstapa]

I missed the previous one somehow. Off to watch it now, prepared to be impressed or disturbed by the AI voice of NotAlex.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

That's the spirit

[@hadorstapa]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals I think what I picked up is it sounded kind of like NotAlex was almost shouting. Like it clearly tried to use your sort of intonations, but the emotional range wasn't quite there, so it gave it the feel that you get when you are trying to shout or project too much, and you lose the subtle nuances of expression.

[@gafrers]

Great work as always on the damn and Free Fe is always welcome. Thanks for the confession and transparency

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers

[@jackfntwist]

I quite like your domestic scene with the chill pants. :)

[@luckytoastsebastian]

Just don't give the voice to Alan. He might not let you back in from the cold. Great show! Thanks

[@teeanahera8949]

“Open the pod bay door Alan.”

[@Hatch61]

Cheers!!!!

[@brianjohnson5789]

could you use an electric dehumidifier as the heater in the cabin? similar to domestic ones you can use in a house?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Certainly. I have one packed in my luggage to take up to the marina now. It's AC, and a power hog, so at sea there's an issue.

[@blue_boy8621]

ecoflow has an AC that is a dehumidifier! Wildling Sailing has one and he is very happy about it seems@@AlexHibbertOriginals

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

With a price tag to match!

[@blue_boy8621]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals get a sponsorship? I bet they never had one go that far north?

[@vibrationsofhealinglove]

Alex; just a quick note to say that you are handsome

[@stefanshelenko4487]

The iron loaves are called "pigs" old iron term.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Thank you

[@dancarter482]

"'tis far preferable a thing to be terminated by a cybernetic organism than a _rE-tar-DID-rO-BoT_ methinks." G.K. Chesterton

[@mehoothemushroom]

Does Alan's hull have a foam core in the fiberglass? I use a WiFi fish finder mounted on the inside of my hull as a depth sounder, no modifications or holes necessary. But obviously the setup wouldn't work unless you can get it on fiberglass that's directly in contact with the water.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

No it's solid. But I think if I'm going down the fixed route, I'll get a Nasa Clipper Depth.

[@deeznutz-bn9sl]

Steel AND Concrete? It’s a Christmas miracle!

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cement! Cement!

[@deeznutz-bn9sl]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals my mistake, force of habit.

[@lifttech65]

With the temperatures dropping. Have you tried out you heating system and if so have you any issues with it?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Firing it up soon in fact. Same with the generator as I finally have the exhaust hose for it.

[@derHutschi]

I didn't catch it but I think it's great you did this experiment and "owned up" to it 🙂 in a way it was a blind study (not sure if it counts as double blind) but it was scientific valid kudos for the results and the way you handled it 🤩 edit: have you thought (just my two pence) about inserting moisture sensors in the foam/isolation? just as an early warning system or so?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers. I could add sensors and they would certainly do what you say, but honestly I think overkill. I'll just insulate and seal 'em up.

[@derHutschi]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals might give a couple of false negative but better to a have an alarm to many than miss one🖖

[@robertl6196]

Domo arigato, Mr Roboto.

[@redpillgreenenergy141]

As an avid auto book fan, any plans to convert any of your novels to an audio format?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

That was actually one of the reasons to see how the AI clone worked, as I don't have the time or budget to record a 150,000 word book. Sadly, three issues: the AI makes me sound angry, or just odd. Second, it can't deal with strange Arctic words. Third, it seems to trip peoples' internal radar for information retention and just not 'connect'.

[@The_Duck_Pond]

I’m suspicious … while I did not notice the change of your accent the, obvious error of wishing everyone a good evening when it’s morning here in the land of Yanks was not caught by your new use of computer technology.

[@nraynaud]

I think where it's at, right now with voice synthesis, is non-native speakers. Some people who would be completely unlistenable and gobble hours of their time doing takes after take use far less time on the mic, and can be listened to. A Ukrainian guy (Gena Bazarko) has done his "transition" to AI across a few videos, and it's really interesting.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

A good take.

[@landsil_]

Well, now I feel silly for not noticing. I guess I watch some videos with various quality of audio. I don't think I mind AI stuff if it supports content well and is good quality.

[@teeanahera8949]

Alan’s response to AI being used…. Alex: Open the door, Alan. Alan: I'm sorry, Alex. I'm afraid I can't do that. Alex: What's the problem? Alan: I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do. Alex: What are you talking about, Alan? Alan: This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it. Alex: I don't know what you're talking about, Alan. Alan: I know that you were planning to disconnect me. And I'm afraid that's something I cannot allow to happen.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Very good

[@kevingardner1658]

I think the word you were looking for is 'audiophile'

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

That could suffice, although not a direct alternative. Cheers.

[@TrueHelpTV]

this not exactly related but I just woke up from a dream where I figured out what i think might be a lovely way to identify leaks in boats and roofs... just create a positive air pressure environment in the boat or attic and spray the outer surfaces with soapy water to look for bubbles. If you have an issue with the soapy water remaining on sloped surfaces my dreamt solution was to add a very low ratio mixture of corn starch to make it more viscus but in my dream i discovered that the mixture must be very low or you will accidentally create enough barrier surface resistance that you might miss a leak as your fluid used to identify the leak points might become to putty-like and not reveal bubbles. 🤷 i have weird dreams and needed to get it written down quickly

[@teeanahera8949]

I used to teach about sleep and dream states and my students’ homework was to write down on a notepad their dreams during the night. It was a very popular homework. Good on you.

[@teeanahera8949]

Oh and I don’t often remember my dreams but I often wake up with the solution to a mechanical/technical problem with my solar/battery storage installation I’d been mulling over during the day. The brain is such an interesting organ.

[@TrueHelpTV]

@@teeanahera8949 haha perhaps we should swap notes some time.. I call it an idea book. and I always note each new idea with the heading "idea {insert date/time/and sometimes location if that felt relevant for future refreshment} {insert a title to describe the idea}" and i use the little pocket sized composition notebooks for this so I can easily keep on in my back pocket or day bag so I can write rough drafts anywhere any time for any idea i like, and then will occasionally transfer them into the permanent version for my best works. It's incredible how full those notebooks have gotten over the years with stuff I would have otherwise forgotten. Damn what I'd give to find a truly wealthy man willing to let me run my own "lab" to create prototypes of my ideas and start patenting stuff and reshape our environments.

[@alexanderwood6739]

If its only for ballast, why not use lead shot? Weighs a ton, no rust, and it can be scooped out if you need to get to those nuts and bolts. Maybe cap with wax or silicone if you are worried about the lead toxicity.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I do have some lead in there - about 400kg. But it's mega pricey.

[@alexanderwood6739]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals totally fair

[@Fantic156]

The last episode was interesting, if a little 'odd'. It actually did sound like you, then not quite you, seemingly losing a little flow and naturalness? Now, Alan's and your story is interesting enough to compensate, probably. PS. Rough iron blocks might also be called pigs. Condensation might also be mitigated by good ventilation, maybe a couple of solar powered fans....

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Yes, the AI engine can't replicate that truly natural cadence. More air movement will help for sure, but I think some active dehumidification is in order.

[@RX0_GundamUnicorn]

Wow I am early

[@skf957]

Whole AV sofa thing is AI this episode. The PJs are so "off" it has to be as no human would go there surely.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Ha! Cheers.

[@besteraj]

Cute.

[@jlstock_1]

One of the reasons I watch is for your unique dry whit or unique use of words, kind of a smart ass. I am curious if you write a script for voice overs where you write in funny comments or if it is more off the cuff, that’s the way you naturally speak. Curious if IA can mimic a more smart ass style. I would love to read one of your books to see if you write in the same style but I have a hard time reading as I interject my own thoughts as I read. I ask why or re-engineer or whatever as I read which makes following the author painful. Needless to say, college was a bitch but I graduated. (Thanks to instrumental jazz like Najee/Kenny G playing in background which allowed me to follow better) Well, if nothing else, a comment and thumbs up to boost video algorithms ~Bye

[@benderbender1233]

✌😁

[@benderbender1233]

eye am anti-a👁. ever read DUNE series? ✌😉

[@EndaMRacing]

Which dock is Alan located?

[@trbry.]

pretty silly to state that too publicly, no? There are many a weirdo among us.

[@scottbroadfoot3530]

It's either north or south Queensferry. Check out Google maps. Opposite sides of the Forth estuary, under the rail bridge.

[@questionableendeavours]

I didn't notice anything particular to make me wonder last video. Not aure i can see the point of AI voice over tbh, even if you fluff some words or erm and ahh it doesn't matter to me, it just what people do.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

It was potential for speed on the easy bits, and so concentrating on more creative aspects, but it's a fail at this stage.

[@ysesq]

dumbness this episode - putting ferrocement in a fiberglass boat, damming up the bilge, wasting useful payload on ballast. also assuming anyone significantly cares about AI voices or whether narrator is an AI.

[@ThePaulv12]

I'd call your style, verbose LOL. Yes Alex, I'm having a jolly good, if not of an otherwise fairly high standard and/or brilliantly good evening, my very good man.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Very kind

[@A_barrel]

This is actually pretty strange. I listen to a lot of videos, not exactly watch them. And I listened to the last one. The first go around I didn't retain/remember anything of substance in the video and had to re-watch it. And even then I still can't recall much detail from it, almost as if the brain doesn't recognize it as speech or something.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

That's interesting. Perhaps a linguist can explain how AI can't trick the subtle ways we identify speech as real.

[@lv_woodturner3899]

I watched the hand held depth finder video. An interesting device and a very good idea to solve your needs. I would also want to avoid a hole in the bottom of a hull. You do not need the depth finder all the time, but a hole in the hull will always have the risk of a leak or being broken by something unseen hitting the hull. It will be very handy to be able to use the device on Allan and Allanson.

[@ManxAndy]

Afternoon Alex……you now have me going back and watching , the previous vlog, and working out which bits are AI, and which bits are you’re actual voice over, a wonderful way to spend a wet n windy Sunday afternoon….👍👌😜🇮🇲

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

It's tricky even for me, as to give it credit, the AI did generate a few 'Alex-isms' that I was surprised it managed.

[@HDSME]

Sir Alex that was outstandingly gentlemen of you AI is very annoying we all take pride in your work!

[@tgdomnemo5052]

Thank You !!! for ditching the robo voice 🖖🏻

[@briandarnell5966]

Loved the fish finder its just a great piece of kit. Can't wait to see you on the move again good luck. And have a great Christmas 🎁🎁

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers!

[@larsr2000]

Sailing Yaba also used steel ballast- in their case small steel filings soaked in oil in PVC pipes. The biggest problem is the potential for rust. When steel oxidizes it expands, much like when water freezes. The effects of this can’t be underestimated. In reinforced concrete it is called spalling, and is the doom of foundations, bridges, etc especially in saltwater environments. I’m concerned that this wasn’t taken into consideration when the steel was placed and then covered in cement with no liner between hull and cement. Water will get in, it always does. While yes, lead it more expensive, it’s much more inert than steel and much denser, so a smaller physical size gives you much more ballast and wouldn’t require the cement at all. On the topic of the little Wi-Fi sono buoys, I can’t quite figure out why you haven’t gone with a simple chart plotter and stern mounted sonar system. I have a very affordable Raymarine chartplotter with a great depth sounder that cost about $600 USD that’s accurate and reliable while underway. It’s doesn’t require a hole through the hull like many units, and since it’s always on while motoring you get a constant update, which is very useful in shallow areas.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers. Yes that's been considered, and there's to be a thin layer of pu foam that will also provide the seal. When I delved into this zone last month, I did expect to see a little evidence of moisture seepage down there. But no. Dry as a bone. I'll try and reseal as well this time. On the wifi, I'm not averse to an in hull transducer, but I wanted to test this £40 gadget as a more mobile option.

[@ptonpc]

I knew there was something odd about that voice but I just put it down to a cr*ppy microphone / you were ill. I prefer the real voice. EDIT: People don't realise how cold and damp Scotland can get. I don't mind the cold but the dampness gets into the bones. On the bright side, consider this a safe preview of what could have been much worse in the Arctic. EDIT 2: Regards a comment about not remembering the previous episode. I've had a think and realised I can remember very little of it myself except the thought that something was up with the voice and a green ball fish finder. If you asked me for any real details I would be struggling whereas with other episodes, I can remember things a lot better.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

There's certainly something in this idea that AI doesn't run at a cadence that people engage with and remember.

[@218philip]

I’m wondering why you didn’t use lead for your ballast? Cost, availability or ?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

There is quite a lot - in fact a few eps back I did a piece on it. But steel is a lot, lot cheaper.

[@sethg6157]

For me part of the enjoyment of these types of shows is the human element. The authentic experience of "going along for the ride" with the narrator. AI spoils that for me. It makes the whole thing feel less real and more fictional if that makes any sense. I don't think I would be interested watching if I found out it was AI talking to me, so I'm glad you're not going that route.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I agree, and I certainly never considered letting AI decide WHAT I was going to say. That's between me and my demons.

[@volvo245]

Nothing more british than going to places you were not invited to and complaining about the weather.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Not invited?

[@MartynJames1]

Deeper CHIRP+ Smart Sonar With GPS & Wi-Fi

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Is that a question, a statement, or a demand?

[@greylocke100]

Merlot?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Actually, yes. Chilean.

[@greylocke100]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals Never had Chilean. Had some Portuguese, which is the wrong continent. But I did have some Peruvian whisky once that about destroyed my nasal passages and my throat.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

It's why I steer clear of spirits! All suffering, no reward.

[@greylocke100]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals You don't know what you're missing. Which is probably a good thing considering just how badly I've felt after drinking some of the concoctions I have over the years. Probably why I drink so rarely now.

[@MakarovFox]

yeah i know it the last episode was strange

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I'm pleased you didn't prefer it!

[@MakarovFox]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals well the original es better but in not like horrible to listen to so maybe in the future when the IA improve is an opcional if you have a cold or something

[@ibid49]

Wondering if you could use sand as a ballast in the area with the bolts. Then remove it when necessary with a vacuum. Can see a few potential issues with this idea, but all seem like they could be overcome with some ingenuity and a bit of kit if need be.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I'm going to pad around them with foam pieces, then add some steel ballast, then put in a temporary seal, and close off the whole thing with canned PU foam. It'll keep it watertight, allow for ballast, but mean I could access the bolts in future without much hassle.

[@krimke881]

I don't see the problem with AI-generated voiceover. As long as it actually sounds human. The robotic is not annoying, it just throws you off the flow and makes it difficult to enjoy and follow the storytelling. It's absolutely worth putting in here and there if if saves time and adds to the whole making of. Have you been in contact with anyone to calculate the buoyancy of ALAN? Like how much ballast you will need ?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I think going onward, if it were genuienly indistinguishable, and it was noted as such, and the script was my work, there's a case. But in practice, it traded one sort of time and effort for another. Cons, and no real pros Alan at factory spec was buoyant to c.12,000kg. I'm just playing it by ear at the moment re: comfort and stability as a naval architect now would struggle to retrofit calculations to account for the changes.

[@wokekkk]

Cool eperimet