The Bilge! Part 1 | Sailboat Restoration Ep. 19

[@astrid7880]

Zach! There´s absolutely no reason for you to feel bad about not responding to comments, you´re the one providing the show, not us. Big thank you for your clips, I love watching them, after grinding, painting, restoring etc etc etc on my own boat. Keep it up and thanks from Sweden

[@stevei996]

I've honestly never been more excited to see a bilge completed. I'm enjoying the process immensely. These Cheoy Lee's need to be brought back. They are amazing vessels

[@vladgulevskiy5722]

I was window shopping for some sailboats and decided to look up some restoration vids because most of what I can afford are project boats. Stumbled upon this channel while doing a little research on the old KZbin. Ended up watching all of your episodes in one sitting. Got to love that determination, Zach. She's going to be a beautiful vessel when you're through with it. Have you thought of a name for her yet? Keep at it and upload some more vids will ya!

[@xx1590]

It is going to be a HUGE dedication on your part for time and not to get discouraged.

[@bxcvf2038]

Enjoying your videos so much!! Also admiring your determination, making a living, rebuilding a home and, in your spare time, restoring a very sizable sailboat!!

[@boatworkstoday]

Good to see you guys again ;-). Keep at it!! Going to be beautiful when it's all done

[@billturner2360]

You are doing the right thing for that sailboat. keep up the great work. You will be sailing and you will have a love for that boat like no other........

[@queenofyeay]

Keep at it man! The fact is what is one persons folly is another's prized hobby! I can't wait to see it come together!

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

You are working on a sailboat worth the effort. It is a rock solid design. The Choey Lee is a legendary boat. The keel design is one of the safest out there. When done, you will have an awesome bluewater boat. Capable of circumnavigation. That is something you will be proud of. Keep the faith!

[@patrickcleland6065]

I love your attitude about the nay-sayers. Too many people would let that tear them down. But that drives you all the more so you can "prove them wrong". They will all still be sittin on their asses when your sails are out filling with wind because of your hard work and determination.

[@regieendsley9750]

Lot's of folks have already said thanks, me too. Also thanks for putting me onto the yacht Teleport. I really enjoyed their videos.

[@mbv_1]

I admire your work in this boat. it's good to see someone doing a kind of work that scares lots of people, toiling the dreams of many. Really inspiring! Congratulations!

[@SailBros]

Thanks!

[@LazyJacques]

Nice thorough job. If you're swapping out all the floors (nautical term for those bilge-level structural members), consider using higher-density ballast lower down, like scrap lead encapsulated in resin, or even cast iron (again, well sealed in resin). Weight lower down will make for a stiffer boat, and free up bilge space for extra tankage or storage. Looking forward to the next one!

[@GregTrickey]

Great series so far! I just stumbled upon it. I was chuckling watching the progress of buying tools, getting access to the boat, etc. It's the same process I went through. I've pretty much finished my boat. For the interior, I would recommend buying a Festool dust collector and sander. Some 40 or 60 grit paper. Soft or super soft backing pad and a half inch foam interface pad. You'll have it sanded in no time but it won't burn through anything. Almost zero dust. 30 day money back guarantee, so even though the upfront cost will seem high, it's zero risk. (Nobody ever actually returns them according to my local store). Then, grab an Earlex or similar decent-ish HVLP system from one of the big boxes and blow your paint on in about 30 minutes. I could kick myself for not getting them sooner in the process. You can use the dust collector and sander on the deck as well. The DC is so good it keeps the paper clean, so it keeps cutting and cutting. It's pretty amazing if you have never done it before. You can probably run that whole deck in less than an hour. Good luck!

[@toddboley6987]

Sweet! Ya'll are back. Was getting worried. Thanks for sharing each step. I'm learning a lot from you and the comments from others.

[@bigfoot1307]

A daunting task for sure don't get discouraged one day at a time in the end it will be well worth your efforts , great to see your back at it keep the up the video's and work thanks for sharing

[@ryszardjacekrusniak7993]

Just admire you work and attention to details. All the best.

[@stuartmcmichael5250]

Great work so far look what you’ve accomplished plus your skill levels are improving ten fold.....fantastic to watch the progress 👍⛵️

[@ma.dorisbacamante8951]

you are great dude! restoring a boat is not a joke. 😊

[@StonyRC]

I've always wanted to do a boat restoration - unfortunately I have neither the skill nor the money to achieve that dream so I'm experiencing it through you guys. I know this is an older video, but it's still bringing a LOT of pleasure to a LOT of people. Keep it up guys! Best Wishes from A "Distant Cousin" in England.

[@daffymar]

I love that hard and self forcing way of working, and appreciate all the efforts you take to get the boat in the water. I can feel the fatigue and the blur of "where am i going and for how more.....?" KEEP going. You are doing a great job. Be sure about that.

[@normanboyes4983]

Nice to see you back and you are doing a good job.

[@pulpopower]

I have only just found your channel! I was at your stage three years ago. Now I am on the home stretch and getting ready for life alfoat. When I cleaned the inside of my hull I used a wire wheel on my grinder and used it softly-ish ;) As for the dust, get suited! I put a large desk fan pumping fresh air from out side in from the forepeak. Then started at the bow and worked back. This kept a large but not all amount of dust blowing behind me. I found it good to also wear a head lamp. So when its really dusty in a hard to reach corners you can really see what you're attacking. Maybe I should put some of my build videos up.... good luck.

[@patricktremblay9029]

Making progress. Really enjoy your videos. Keep on posting.

[@triplesweeney]

Hi guys, Im in Brisbane Australia. My partner and I bought a choey lee 36 (Cruzaire) six months ago. The boat had the outside hull restored but the bilge was disgusting , oil crud 2mm thick. Going to have to take the motor out soon to get to the stink and rotten timber cant get to. Cheers for filming . Nick

[@ForSeTiTrimaranAvalon9]

Nice that your back. Great progress. I also just ordered the full face mask, for exactly the same reasons. For the sanding inside, perhaps use a vacuum cleaner with an tube going to the exterior of the boat? The vacuum I use ( a cheapo one) has the actual vacuum hose but @ the other end, where air blows out I can attach another hose. Because after some use (and especially with dust particles) dust gets through the back end filter and vacuming has no use anymore lol.

[@SVELFARO]

always good to see you moving the project along

[@kenmorgan9528]

The older Cheoy Lee boats seem to have a good reputation....so your efforts will not be wasted. Good job so far. Ken in Orlando

[@jackrabbit5047]

Very cool! I like your common sense approach and you are making great progress. I especially appreciate your mentioning the 3M dust mask. Think I'll get one for myself.

[@Ilsabug1]

For sanding I use a black and decker orbital sander. If you take the filter off a small shop vac hose will fit in the back. It dose a really good job of collecting dust. Its a little slow but effective. I try to stay positive and think of something that a gentleman that Alfie interviewed (Life is like Sailing) said about stripping bottom paint. "Its just like eating an elephant you do it a little bit at a time."

[@Two-aboard-tuuli]

It is well worth it - the boat has beautiful lines!

[@staxter6]

Just go for it Zach & Co, I'm sure you'll be on the water by year end.

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Thanks for the video! You are doing great. Also, don't forget to put drainage holes in the bulkheads so water drains properly to your bilge pump. Keep the faith!

[@Amphiron]

So I've been subscribed to you guys for a while, I always enjoy the cinematography and the editing you usually have in your videos. I know absolutely nothing about sailboats, but I'd love to learn. So I think the entire re-build process is fascinating. Keep it up!

[@SailingPauHana]

Holy Cow!!! That's a lot of work you have ahead of you. You will be The Boat Master when you are finished. 😉

[@thespiritforadventure2766]

Great job guys! I cant wait to see the boat when its finished, that thing is going to look sick! Today, we started to put some of the wood work in the boat, ran some of the plumbing. -Kevin.

[@RealityIsTheNow]

Thanks for the vid. Its great fun watching an old boat brought back to life. Its a daunting task, I know. (or maybe I don't know, having never completely gutted a boat before) One day at a time!

[@lallen187]

Just incredible what you did!!!!!!

[@svwhimsy2443]

The keel is a wet area of a boat, the moisture eventually and inevitably will seep into the concrete and then the steel will rust as a result, growing in size and then breaking up the concrete.

[@shipskepr1]

good to see you coming along,keep er going,,,paul

[@Banjo-lm2wl]

YOUR doing an amaz9ing job love watching the progress from Ausrtralian follower

[@mrgood56]

I just want to say that you did right buying a respirator that works. Is is equal important to have the right tools. It makes the work so much esier. yes it cost some money but it is worth it in the long run. You can use them on the next boat when you want a biger boat :D Good work

[@brandoncarlson4188]

Really fun to watch your videos!

[@JunebugsAdventurechannel]

I really like this series, it's really interesting to see someone dive into a boat that most people wouldn't go anywhere near. Keep up the great work! Also more videos would be nice haha.

[@joris1354]

Keep up the great work! Please upload a video every week!

[@shurppa64]

thanks for sharing the project with us.

[@chrislubas7445]

Keep on keeping on! Really enjoy the vids. I just wish they were more frequent but it's perfectly understandable why they aren't. Best of luck!

[@SailingMonea]

Once again I'm so impressed by your determination. You're doing a super job!! Keep it up bro'!!! Lots of love!!! /The Monea Crew

[@W4ABN]

I got the same respirator. They really are worth it. I wear glasses and still no problem with getting a seal on it. vapor filters are great when it comes to working with smelly resins. Nice work. Not easy getting old fiberglass bulkheads out of the keel. I had to do that to remove my old fuel tank.

[@W4ABN]

+Bad Sailboat Definitely get one. I was under my boat scraping old bottom paint and chips fly everywhere, but that full face mask really helped keep things from flying into my eyes. Certainly not the kind of dust you want getting into you.

[@swashfrogsailor]

There's a lot to love about old Cheoy Lees, but they've rightly earned their nickname of Cheoy Leaks. Every time you have a chance to remove a fitting or fastener, do so without regret, but proceed mindful of the necessity to maintain the strength and integrity of the monocoque, coupled with attention to minimizing unnecessary weight. It can be terribly tempting to overbuild with abandon, particularly as a green newbie (with all due respect, I assure you). Any given component need only be strong enough to satisfy the practical requirement, with reasonable respect given to longevity. Building something "bulletproof" usually means it's needlessly overweight despite how it may boost ego. Think: "exquisite compromise", which strives to tick all boxes. Consider vacuum bagging, which will reduce future grinding tremendously, while it imparts superior quality and minimized weight and waste of material. Painstakingly level the boat, and then use a rotating laser for layout. 36 grit. 👍

[@daangs3161]

Just watched all your vids. Fascinating, thanks for sharing. Lesson I've learnt is don't buy a boat with a teak deck! Now you've stripped out the interior I'd be tempted to keep it open inside like a Beneteau First 27.7. That's if you don't need the privacy - and there's precious little on a boat anyway.

[@SailBros]

They do have a cool layout. I think I'll be keeping it pretty close to it original layout. Thanks for watching!

[@northshorebrown]

Lookin good and yes, that mask is my personal favorite. I just use it with the round filters mostly, and my go to filter is the P100 for just dust & debris (amazon has them), then the 2097 filter for dust with some mild chemical vapors, but if I'm painting or using a lot of solvents or something then I go with the full charcoal setup with prefilters (which it looks like you're using). The full charcoal filter setup is the best but they get real expensive real fast and the round filters are so light and low profile that they are a pleasure to wear. Keep it up bro, the vids are the best and your project is going to blow some minds!

[@devilgas1]

your doing a fantastic job so far...I completed a 20 foot ground up restore of a sports cruiser...took me 6 weeks working every day for 8hrs with 2 other people helping here and there plus a few professionals when it came to the respray.. great thing is once you do it you know every inch which is something very few people know about Thier boats if they didn't built / rebuilt. don't know that I can offer too much advice but ... take your time... get it perfect.. exactly how you want it... it will work in your favour later.. oh and when you come to put some navigation systems in later... go big or go home... I'd go with the contrast of beautiful old boat and looking amazing topped off with state of the art navigation and communications equipment... it also makes life far easier when actually sailing ... ⛵ I hope you get time to make some more videos coz I'm certainly enjoying the process. all the best ;)

[@itsjojo4]

love the videos! that's a beautiful boat and a lot of work. keep it up you're doing a great job.

[@klasdykhoff8422]

I did the same bilge work on my boat. The aim was to get rid of water standing in pockets in the bilge causing the wooden bulkheads to rot. I also used concrete and a couple of layers of polyester on top. It worked just fine, but I’ve noticed that the polyester isn’t really bonding to the concrete. Maybe there was too much moisture still in the concrete. The bilge water however runs perfectly to the ”well” that I left just forward of the engine, and where I installed the new bilge pump.

[@SailBros]

Very cool. As long as there is no standing water in the bilge I don't really see it hurting anything if the glass delaminates from the concrete.

[@sxeshoe]

for the dust you could try a shop vac setup or look into renting a negative pressure filtration system like what they use when cleaning up asbestos. something like that could help keep the dust out of the rest of the shop too. Good luck!

[@Fuhugawagah]

Really enjoying your videos and very impressed by your can-do attitude. A couple of questions and a comment: Why add the concrete? It wasnt part of the original design so the extra ballast shouldnt be necessary. I believe (possibly mistakenly) some people will throw concrete in the bilge as a patchwork way to try and seal up leaks. Perhaps thats why its there in the first place? You might want to consider adding limber holes to your floors to allow bilge water to drain rather than collect and pool between the floors.

[@solodare06]

looking good. I'm in the middle of the same kinda project. haha. mine is much smaller so enjoy the elbow room!

[@jamespotter936]

Have you seen the sander that is made to fit on your shop vac. We had one when we put new drywall in the house. The shop vac. was toast when finished but sure helped keep the dust down.

[@MBailote]

Coming along bros, beautiful boat she deserves it:)

[@WakeforMe]

Keep `em coming!

[@michaeltammaro4286]

For removing paint, an alternative to sanding is using a heat-gun and scraper. You might think it takes a lot longer, but in some cases the paint lifts quite easily with a little heat. One advantage to sanding is that there is very little dust. Those narrow bulkheads you removed under the engine--did they smell like engine fuel? Mine did when I removed them.

[@SailBros]

I'll have to give that a try. Yes they were quite foul.

[@ihcubed]

Keep up the good work. There are a lot of us out there who will be in the same boat, so to speak, with fixing up an old boat. If you feel comfortable providing it, would you mind showing a cost list of supplies etc. are you using epoxy or polyester resins, and where do you purchase supplies from? We are looking forward to seeing the completed project back in the water, and the step by step process you are showing is very helpful!!! Thank you for taking the time do document and sharing with the rest of us.

[@SailBros]

Thanks Ed. We do plan on breaking down costs of supplies and other expenses, not sure when though. We love documenting! Good luck if you do decide to take on a project!

[@ihcubed]

SailBros, check the videos of Boatworks on KZbin. He has lots of good tips on restoration and fiberglass lay ups and repairs.

[@capiberra4118]

Thanks and god speed!

[@dmzflightmedic]

keep up the good work!

[@jimmiller5476]

Have you thought about wet blasting? I've seen it used to remove bottom paint from fiberglass boats. Would probably work well on the inside of your boat to remove the paint and keep the dust down.

[@CJBLONDBEAR]

why not , there is no other show like it !

[@Every_Day_Adventure]

F the haters. good work, keep going

[@granskare]

maybe have a fan to remove the dust....I did a cheapo resto of a 78 toyota land cruiser that called for replacing the floors and side walls and bits of the back doors...friends suggested painting it flat like a military vehicle and that was great advice. a neighbor bought it, painted it shiny black and the flaws show big time...looks like a fun project...I saw at the marina a boat with a TX registration...are you in texas? I have a friend there who is big with corvettes :)

[@fissh29]

great videos...this is perfect, can't wait for part 2...totally gutting my boat, having a hard time getting interior panels off so I can get to bare hull...any advise short of grinding...thanks

[@SailBros]

Thanks! The best way I have found is to cut through the tabbing as close to the hull as possible using a oscillating saw. Hope that helps!

[@idroolt6999]

cool! always like seeing new vids from you guys. keep it up! :)

[@jackneff179]

Those old bilge bulkheads had "limber holes" in them are you going to drill them so any water can drain to the main collection going to be pumped overboard?

[@thatdutchguy2882]

You've got a nice blank canvas to start from now,..If you really pay attention to ergonomics of your interior design combined with smart cabinetry solutions you just might end up with something very awesome.

[@SailBros]

Yeah. I hope that's how it works out!

[@thatdutchguy2882]

SailBros Maybe give the interior of some modern Beneteau's a look to get some idea's for design, try and stay away from dark cabinetry to get some light into the boat and some fresh color's like on an modern Italian kitchen. Make a mood board so you can add ideas on materials and design and reject some with more confidence of making the right decision,...just an idea btw.

[@Delhaven01]

Festo have great sanders connected to proprietary vacuum. No dust.

[@vgaulin]

To manage dust while sanding use a vaccum adapter with hepa filter.

[@GoofieNewfie69]

Other than living with the dust, all you can do is try to evacuate it. You can use shop vacs (one hooked up to grinder/sander) . Fans and hoses 4 inch + to blow the dust outside or into a collection bag or through a fine mist of water . Most people go the easy rout and use shop vacs BTW, if you wear contacts, don't wear them while working around chemicals of any type. Also in high dusty areas, avoid wearing them too KORITFW

[@sailingspokojny7014]

There are always going to be negative people. Hey I'm jealous, at least you are making headway with your project. Just keep at it and you'll get it done. It all takes time especially when you are doing projects that could use two people and your the only one. Maybe someday I will actually get some content posted on my channel. Fair Winds and Full Sails s/v Spokojny

[@tjonessc]

Never saw anyone put concrete in the bilge before, in your research any red flags about the long term effect of concrete against the hull? might there be a concern over time if you have hull flex/expansion/contractions the concrete might lose adhesion to the hull? Just wanted to see what your research showed?

[@cawfeedawg]

would a big humidifier help manage the dust?

[@granskare]

"sailing emerald steel " might be a nice vid set to review chuck

[@Ladythik]

I'm going to be honest, I'm mostly watching because you are daring to completely gut the boat which is what I am planning. Most others who I have found so far are only ripping out the bare minimum and I just don't think that is going to work for me.

[@poche660]

A small sand blaster might be worth thinking about.

[@SailorAllan]

+poche12651 --I was thinking a soda blaster, maybe...........

[@poche660]

+SailorAllan definitely worth a try.

[@scottowd]

Great video with good details. I watched a video where a guy turned his bilge into a water tank. What do you think about that? I'm thinking about a water filtering system, but they are a expensive.

[@cawfeedawg]

+Scotto Wd Was it Atom's channel?

[@jimruther9874]

try connecting a shop vac to your sander to keep the dust down

[@jeffkatzer]

I think it was a wise move to just rip out everything in the cabin and start over from scratch.

[@fireantsarestrange]

Well i can tell you that I subscribed. Boat restoration is an under appreciated task. You guys don't seem to know what your doing really so I thought i would help you by perhaps getting you some youtube cash. One thing I would like to say though. It has been a long time since you posted anything. so... GET TO WORK :)

[@finno123456]

@SailBros Hello I know nothing about bilge pumps does a certain amount of water stay in the bilge part of a boat say the back of the boat when the boat is in the water thanks

[@SailBros]

Yes, there is pretty much always some water.

[@kristofferekrem3150]

Your grate

[@CharlieBates47]

Love the project but hate the concrete. Suggest cast lead or pig iron encapsulated in epoxy. Too much void volume with bird shot. With all due respect, please break the concrete out and use metal. You are doing too good a job for that. I know you are new to sailing and ballast is very important. The benefit is in the density difference between the ballast material and the seawater it displaces and the lever arm distance from the rotational axis to the center of mass. I'd leave the ballasting to the end, when she is put in the water. You can always epoxy in lead bricks at that time. Check out Doug at SV Seeker for inspiration and casting examples. I'm not a hater, just a huge fan! Please reconsider! I'm living on and refitting a Hylas 47 in New Orleans (just a refresh refitting). I'll be seeing you on the water.

[@passmeby9398]

I can't remember the quote or even who it was by but try "Man in the arena" Teddy Roosevelt? Anyway something about those on the sidelines and their comments. I have about 30 followers so you are doing much better. Huge project that is going well. Keep it up!

[@eddieerks3269]

what do you guys do for work?

[@SailBros]

Hey Eddie. We have a video production company. I also do a lot of photography on the side.

[@karenmurray3098]

a flappy wheel on the angle grinder will clean up the old paint in no time

[@Zerostar369]

Great update. She's coming along nicely. If you havent already figured it out, iboats has a fantastic forum dedicated to restoration and hull repair. forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-repair-and-restoration/boat-restoration-building-and-hull-repair

[@irateyourvideo2]

more videos!

[@xx1590]

I thought that keel weight for SV's was up in the 10 to 20 thousand pound range.

[@SailBros]

It depends on the size of the boat. Our boat only weighs about 7000 lbs

[@xx1590]

20% ballast would be 1400 pounds of ballast. You got a nice looking shop which will make a big difference once your inside, you need to round up some volunteer gobs for some of that heavy duty sanding. Looking at the boat on the hoist it does have some nice lines to it.

[@thelimit6593]

When you've got an elephant to eat! "Eat it in slices"

[@dnmtorp]

FYI,Concrete takes 28 days to completely cure.

[@cawfeedawg]

+dnmtorp So does my wife

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

I hope you didn't forget to scratch your name and date in it!

[@goinglooping6600]

Love watching the progress. Have you considered mixing lead shot (like used in shotgun shells) in with the concrete to add weight? Or possibly even used wheel weights. Just a thought, keep up the good work. ]

[@kroghsmachineshop4708]

I use the exact same mask when I make fiber glass work on my boat, if you got the time take a look at my channel, I have boat about the same age and size I have been working on in a long time, great video enjoy them