CROSSING TO THE BAHAMAS - IN MY AQUILA 54 - THIRD TIME'S A CHARM!

[@elrobo3568]

I owned a boat repair shop and I want you to understand two things to protect yourself from more maintenance heartache. The zincs on your boat are there for a specific purpose. When you have two different types of metals in salt water this creates an electrolyte this will cause the metals to exchange electrons and cause the metals to dissolve. This is called galvanic corrosion and the zincs cause this process to slow, not prevent it. The zincs do not rust they sacrifice their metals to help the boat metals to last longer, they are called sacrificial electrodes for this purpose. You should keep an eye on them and carry some spares along with new bolts with you. (this won't be a problem in fresh water) There is another process called electrolysis, this is where there is electrical current introduced into metal parts of your boat due to bad wiring that causes a reaction between metals. This can be a very low level of current and can be detected during a service at a shop very easily. I have seen metal parts damaged so badly sometimes in weeks that they had to be replaced. The prop and prop shaft / rudder are the most vulnerable. Hope this helps, keep up the good videos and fair sailing!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much!!! And thanks for watching

[@elrobo3568]

@@thewanderinghillbilly No problem, I hope you have no more problems with your beautiful boat and enjoy it with your great family. There are a lot of us that are wishing good things for you! As a boat repair owner I have prided myself in helping others enjoy their boats and I am happy for you that Volvo and your boat broker are standing behind their products. I am sort of surprised that Volvo transmissions failed so soon. (I have a Volvo power plant on my boat also) I look forward to seeing your future videos!

[@BC-lvzmyvids]

Wow, I can honestly say this is the happiest I've ever been for someone I don't know! As a person hoping to purchase my own boat in the next 2-3 years, and being originally in love with the 54' like yours - the shine was dimming very quickly with the amount of issues that you were having on a brand new boat. But seeing MarineMax, Aquila and Volvo step up and address all items - as they should - and watch the boat perform great on this crossing, and look great doing so... makes me vicariously join you in your happiness in finally making the crossing with resounding success! I wish you continued amazing cruising through the Bahamas and eventually down to the BVI! Cheers to you Captain!! 🥂🍾

[@joehogan1623]

Damn.. you said it..

[@dancox5572]

Great comment ✌

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!! And thanks for watching!

[@8654ZuluFoxtrot]

This is also one of my favorite boats, and on the list of prospects, but the issues he had are "the norm" from everything I've been reading and hearing from owners. New boats have a break-in period, just like RV's, that the new owner has to deal with until it's dialed in. This is just one of the reasons I'm planning on buying a used boat, one that is very obviously well taken care of, which means the previous owners did all of this already and it "should" be running and working well for a good decent amount of time.

[@ChiIeboy]

Excellent travelogue. As a landlubber in Oklahoma, I'm very jealous, BUT at the same time I at least get some sense of pleasure watching your long-awaited and well-deserved adventure on the open water. _Fair weather..._

[@bobbuilder5362]

@1:17 and here you see how small the skeg is, how a lack of engineering here, especially around the shaft bracket can easily catastrophically fail with a bottoming out of the hull/ collision etc. They should not fail and pierce the hull as easily as it did.

[@dgrimm98]

CONGRATULATIONS!! You totally deserve that! Really happy for you! (and jealous ha!). Wishing for Fair winds and following seas for the Wandering Hillbilly.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!!

[@TM-tw1py]

What an awesome boat. The catamarans allow for amazing windows and visibility!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Totally!

[@TM-tw1py]

Thanks for taking us on your journey!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

More to come! Thanks

[@markrefosco9236]

Congratulations Alan! I am also very happy for someone I don’t know! Thanks for sharing and keep us all posted on your adventures!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! Will do!

[@lineararquitectura7601]

Goodness, I really love the 54 so much, everything about it just makes sense to me, you get just enough comfort and functionality without entering the realm of opulence one bit, I fancy it even more than the 70 which everyone is so crazy about. If I ever own a boat its going to be a Power Catamaran and most definetely anything that resembles an Aquila 54. Also congratulations your video production level is really great and thank you for taking us with you, its not always we get actual boat owners to share what it really feels like to own one, which the epitome of what we look for in boat videos.

[@BoatingJourney]

Love it! Last Summer, Ally cruised from Fort Lauderdale (Roscioli, right next to you) to Bimini, Chubb, Staniel Cay, Atlantis to Bimini and back. Your trips are so similar! Glad you made it!!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@alexastudio1124]

Amazing! Enjoy every minut on your boat! Well deserved. Really enjoyed all your adventures and patience with all your troubles.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Many thanks!

[@joseluiselizondo1550]

Wooww , your boat is beautiful !!!!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@DDDD-pv7fw]

Absolutely amazing video, and beautifully narrated. Thx !!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnsakach6814]

So happy for you! Wonderful! It's on my bucket list. Probably this Winter!

[@powertrip1050]

just found your channel now, cos I want to know more abou this boat. Great video. Looking forward to seeing more....especially the issues you had - and why. Anyway, good job, hope your team won. 😀

[@jonathanclatworthy2210]

Really pleased for you, achieving your dream of the Hillbilly in the Bahamas after all the issues you have had to deal with, hope all your planned family vacations are brilliant! (Captain Dave referring to the Bridge operator as a W**k*r was very funny and very Anglo - Saxon!)

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Love that man! Thanks

[@mikejernigan3215]

Love that pic!!! I will never be able to afford this life, but enjoying yours through pic is pretty dang nice!!!

[@kimb6962]

Congratulations! So happy for you! Say hello to Super Dave for us. Can’t wait until the next video😎

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! Will do!

[@tinyshedcrafts3974]

So pleased for you Alan. Your (Saint like) patience is finally paying off. 😇

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@MinTerGyi007]

Good job Capt: enjoy ur life ♥️👍💪🌹❤️

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks!

[@chrisolson723]

Happy for you Alan! must say I was concerned with the problems you encountered awaiting my Aquila 54 delivery next month, wondering if I will deal with the same problems. Contacted Raul with concerns, but as you stated so many times Raul is great! he put my mind at ease and assured me he, Marine Max & Aquila will be there for me as they were for you to make it right if indeed, I encounter any problems. Comforting to know that in these times professionalism still exists! I too am impressed with how you handled your ordeal; I will remember and follow your lead going forward! Life is too short to be a Ker Mungin, LOL! Blue skies, calm seas and safe travels from the soon to be Seaside Breeze II.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

You will LOVE it. And you will have issues. Welcome to yachting! Stick with Raul….he’s a gem. Thanks

[@ArtbySean.E]

Man it’s so great to watch your journey. The boat looks amazing now. Props to you for keeping on keeping on when the going was tough. Glad to see you’re back in paradise

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I appreciate it!

[@josephkordinak1591]

Glad you got her all lined out and made it to the Bahamas.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks

[@MultiCuir]

wow I'm happy for you, one day I will live such an experience. I've been dreaming about it for 100 years! ! ! !

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

You can do it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@tricyricky]

Nice!!! Great to see you back in the captains chair and all working perfectly below you. Including water.. beautiful. What a trip and many places to add to my list. I will need to practice my GoPro Hero skills and drone flying. Keep having a blast. Keep those happy emotions flowing.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks 👍

[@keithhughes2104]

Firstly, so glad that you have finally made it after all the s..t you have endured and secondly I am so jealous, the Bahamas look fabulous and you can enjoy it all from your own boat. 👍👍

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you

[@rebelgurl7948]

I can feel your happiness Alan. I am so happy you finally made it there.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks

[@dianemilligan7370]

Beautiful boat! Gorgeous scenery!

[@empresswillis1971]

What drama. Looks like you have everything my friend enjoy being blessed to do what you're doing.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you friend!

[@TradeWindgng]

Great great video and yes you made it and you really deserve it. it worth waiting for and the hassle you went through but that was a good experience that adds on! wishing you all the best keep them coming please.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!

[@dancox5572]

Super happy for you. May the journey resume. Safe travels and thank you for bringing us along. ✌🇨🇦

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much!

[@perfectyacht]

Boy did you pick a window! One time I had a glass crossing. The other hundred, not so much. Glad to see what the family has done to Chubb!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks 👍

[@duncanjames914]

Way to go Alan. You are an inspiration to all of us who have been waylaid by problems. You deserve your happiness brother.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks my friend

[@davidratte9402]

Cheers to you Alan from your A-Dockmates at Fort Pierce City Marina, See Level. Glad you made it.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Many thanks! I miss my A dock family!!!!!!! Great memories and thanks for watching

[@dmddavismechanicaldevices3830]

You're living my dream! Good luck and I enjoyed watching you have fun!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! You too!

[@fabpoltronieri]

Finally at the Bahamas. Enjoy brother. Well deserved. Tks for sharing you're experience. Greetings from Zurich Switzerland.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks! Will do! Love me some Switzerland!

[@jdc3702]

What a great trip! And it’s only the beginning. Very happy for you, after a slow start. Thanks for taking us all along. Counting the days till my launch date . Cheers from the gloomy Great Lakes !

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much

[@keithnaylor9268]

Thankyou for the entertainment. Glad to have found your channel. Very soothing.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@robinbunch8918]

Your videos are fabulous, Alan! I enjoy them so very much!! Thanks!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Glad you like them!

[@carlosaguirregil320]

Wow !!! You are living my dream !! I enjoy so much your videos.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I'm so glad! Thanks!

[@jmcnulty44]

Fantastic voyage. Looking forward to your next video.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Many thanks!

[@Bakanokotosuruna666]

Wow good for you! Everything looks fantastic Thanks for sharing

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@johnboyf-15vet51]

Congrats! There’s nothing like the color of the water when coming off the Atlantic into the Bahamas. Always remember my first time at 19 on my families Cheoy Lee ketch. Coming into West End and seeing the bottom and thought we were going to hit bottom and it was 96 feet deep on the depth finder.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much!

[@pgr3290]

Congratulations, you're a very lucky man and that is a great video I appreciated it

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for watching

[@DHHSF]

way to go ...i went scuba diving at big game last year.... great place...the water visibility is amazing !! so happy for you ...glad you got the boat all painted up...great decision !!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MauiSolarPVPacificEnergy]

I'm very happy to see the Wandering Hillbilly, in the Bahamas and I'm glad you are enjoying it. I'd really like to see how your fuel efficiency and noise reduction would improve with a Sharrow prop. I plan on getting the Aquila 36 hydrofoil version and testing it out with these props, here in Hawaii. Hawaii isn't the greatest place for boating, because the seas are rough as hell, most days. But we still manage to have a good time.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much for watching

[@duffeyboy]

YAY!! Congratulations! Looking forward to a great 2023 for you, your family, and friends! 🤘🏼💪🏼☀

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Same to you!

[@johnschieffelin3226]

Terrific! So glad the boat is finally running the way it should. You had to put up with some really bad teething problems. Enjoyed the video, glad the mood was so much better onboard.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for watching

[@privatesecurityafrica4129]

Very cool... Congratulations!!! Wishes of safe seas and no wind :)

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! You too!

[@Wiljuchi]

So pleased you made it after all the issues! Looking forward to the next video. 🙂

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! 😊

[@bradwells8892]

Amazing…so glad you made it! Even when, going through all those challenges, when you see the turquoise water, incredible cocktails, the “sea bass!!”, sitting back on your couch, and watching an MLB game, surrounded by beauty, it makes up for all of it!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yes it does…thanks so much for watching

[@MattyMattnj1]

Love it man ... that last scene in the living room with the big screen TV watching the game! That was the money shot! Glad it all worked out

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yes it was!!!!

[@FerociousPancake888]

Really glad to see this video series! Would like to grab an Aquila 54 in a couple years and it’s super great to see an owner documenting the experience with this exact boat! Can’t wait to do the Bahamas thing just like you’re doing now. Have fun!!

[@kl0r0xx]

Congratulations on your dream. You made it. Soak it in!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yes! Thank you!

[@richardniz]

Glad to see your luck has finally turned the corner and life on the Hillbilly is all good at last!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks

[@richardbernardjr9215]

Just found you today!!! Amazing content and I truly enjoy your way of life. Can’t wait to watch some more of your videos . Thank you for sharing.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@helimx]

Great! After all the trials of the last few weeks I'm stoked to see you finally make the passage over. Much earned and deserved. Enjoy it

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Much appreciated!

[@mgb7577]

Thanks for sharing. Love your videos. Good luck :)

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! You too!

[@micheandmikey]

Makes the wait that much better eh???? Yes, alignment is key! We have a standard here at the refinery of our two shafts being aligned within 0.004" of an inch, basically 1.5 human hairs, this basically keeps the coupling in it's natural state not putting any stress on it and should last a lifetime with zero vibration. The other yacht might have been going faster, but they had a fender hanging over the side = epic fail (charter) 😆 Glad you're back up and running, I bet you don't have anymore issues for quite some time. Cheers! 🥂

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Hah. Capt Dave pointed out that fender!! Thanks for watching

[@user-hc9dw4kk2b]

Glad you are on your way! Could you comment on how the electronic anti fouling devices are working? I sure would like to find a product that would eliminate scrubbing the bottom every 2 weeks. Safe travels!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Been working well…however, gonna get rewired somewhat cause of damage when my transmission overheated. Thanks for watching

[@jeffalexander544]

We are so happy for you! Looooong over due‼️ Just EPIC‼️👏🐟⚓️🍻

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks!!!

[@johngaynor9383]

Well! After all the trials and tribulations.. Everything seems to have come together 🎉 Time to enjoy the boat, the trips, and the new adventures! Enjoy! And bon voyage!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yes! Thank you!

[@jonsiglar2505]

Congratulations! So happy the crossing went well and thank you for taking us along.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you too!

[@MOTORVESSELFREEDOM]

I’m putting the Dockmate on my boat this week…..I cruise solo a lot so I’m looking forward to finally having a full time mate…..

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Dude it’s a game changer. Thanks for watching

[@GEORGIANBAYNEWS]

Great support from your team! #respect

[@godsangryhands4499]

EXCELLENT! I enjoyed this! Thanks!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MarkhFriscoTX]

Great video. I'm happy that the boat is running well. To top it off as of mid-day on April 3rd the Texas Rangers have started the season 3-0. WooHoo!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

YAS!!!!!’n

[@craiggibson2062]

Thanks for taking us along 😊

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

My pleasure 😊

[@ctbjr1309]

Great news and excellent video. Enjoy the Bahamas and what follows!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks

[@portersteel32]

Awesome !!😊

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cdyow]

I just relocated from Miami to DFW. Couldn't be farther away from the water, but at least I can cheer for "our" baseball team now. 3-0 start! Safe travels!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Rangers!!!’

[@PriGoldenberg]

So happy for you!!! Enjoy! You deserve this and much more. 🏝️ ☀️

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!!

[@dieterhell815]

It was a long, unexpected way, but you made it 😊, great to see and more important to feel your joy. I know, boating = never ending headache - but at the end is the most important thing- enjoy life 🎉

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Well said! Thanks

[@geoffthefarmer]

Congratulations. What a long trip it has been. Let's hope that all the major issues are behind you. I totally enjoy your videos and going along for the ride.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much!

[@Glenn.F]

Awesome video and epic adventure. This is the way life should be. Nothing but good vibes and smooth seas. Well deserved after all the previous bumps in the road. Tailwinds and following seas to ya.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Well said! Thanks

[@judiowen7920]

So happy for you, looks like a great time!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

It is! Thank you

[@pjcrow8973]

Great to see the trip went well. Enjoy

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks 👍

[@randyreid2916]

What are Zincs? Zinc anodes are the protection you need for your boat's metallic parts (shafts, props, rudders, etc.). Referred to as sacrificial anodes, these anodes are placed over and connected to the metallic parts of your boat that need protection from electrolysis-caused corrosion.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for the explanation!!! And thanks for watching

[@tuomasholo]

This was a great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewtestin9080]

I love ❤ your channel I only watch to reassure me never to get a big boat

[@Stef.Rich78]

All I can say is motivation brother be safe out there…👍🏽💯

[@Seabee2nd]

WOW! 1.1k views in less than three hours. Someone's very popular! Congrats Allen and congrats on finally making your dream come true. And thank for allowing us to sail along on your journey. I truly am happy for you. Also happy to see the Rangers are perfect so far this young season. Allen Carter must be on happy camper.....ah, sailor! Stay safe and looking forward to that beer my friend. Paul & Linda S/V The Friendly Confines

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much!!

[@mikelee5275]

Yes, I to want to add my thanks to Allen for taking us along on this adventure with him. Thanks Allen!

[@dvandentop]

so glad it all finally worked out can't wait for more adventures

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@deandobbs2727]

Stumbled on your channel tonite, enjoyed the ride!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Welcome aboard!

[@txpatriotgirl]

I love cruise ships, but after watching this video, I need a cat. Thanks so much for this happy, beautiful video. I have subscribed because I am looking forward to following you on more of your trips. Go Rangers!!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for the sub!

[@daniellizotte5285]

Pretty cool I stumbled upon your chanel and totally enjoyed watching keep on keeping on. .

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Welcome aboard!

[@davidramiljr.4222]

I’m inspired Sir! Thanks for posting.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

My pleasure!

[@MrTxhandgunner]

So much enjoy your videos! We did a bareboat in BVI last summer mainly because of your videos....and are 100% hooked! As a fellow Texan - and long suffering Rangers fan - I wish you nothing but fair winds and following seas. Hope to see you out there somewhere soon!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much!!!

[@papa.mike01]

So so happy for you man. Enjoy the rest of the season.😊

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@ULFLYER5]

Just found this channel. Really enjoying it.

[@lookingforbluewater6162]

So glad you finally made it with everything fixed!!🥰🥰 Enjoy!!🥂

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yes! Thank you!

[@GrahamSwan-yi5gw]

Fantastic you made it !! Really happy for you! We just cruised from Phuket to Langkawi - enjoy mate.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks a lot! My friend!!!

[@sebrofseven]

Just Epic! Yay

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks!

[@stephtraveler7378]

careful w/ that thing. That brand has the reputation as the "bayliner" of the big boat industry... Great vids. Enjoy the trip.

[@kennethpatrick626]

Hope you’re able to make it to Abaco…. We’re back in business! Dorian knocked us around but not out. Still my favorite piece of paradise to live.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for watching

[@maximac222]

Congrats Sir!!! So so happy for you and WH! Loving the adventure!❤

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks so much!!

[@paulsaletnik9864]

Simply Awesome !

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks a lot!

[@hamburguesagerman]

You clarified my doubts that if you could make long trips to the open sea with this wonderful catamaran and it is always better to write traditionally on paper than electronically, the ideas remain engraved in your mind forever

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I agree! Thanks for watching

[@akLeanne]

So happy To see finally made it

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you!

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

10:17 Holy cow that water is amazing 13:06 breath taking

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yup