Upgrades to Aquarius. Who did it, What did it cost, and what we would have changed!

[@mboyer68]

I'm definitely not criticizing anything you did. You're the ones out there living the dream, I'm the one watching you do it, so I can't be critical of you. Ever. About anything. I wish other KZbin watchers would feel the same way but whatever. Next time have them use clear silicone on the windows. No need for white and it's harder to clean up. If the dodger was white then you could've used white, but I still would've used clear. $400 for all those mirrors...I can't believe that! I own and operate a glass and mirror shop and you got a great deal! All those mirrors have polished edges and some are custom shapes. Killer deal! Did you have them add safety backing on the backs of the mirrors? It makes them like a laminated windshield...the mirror sticks together if it breaks. It's just a sheet of sticky woven plastic on the back, should've cost maybe another $20 for smaller, $30 for larger mirrors. If you didn't, please consider it for the other mirror replacements, it's really good stuff! Damn your boat is HUGE!! Love your boat! Thank you for taking the time to create edit and post your videos:)

[@SailingAquarius]

Yes those mirrors do have a safety backing 😁

[@aleroxit]

Thanks for the rundown!

[@SailingAquarius]

You bet!

[@leojoseph6385]

Thanks for a truly helpful video because I think many people just do not understand the maintenance and upgrades a sailboat typically needs. You mentioned a little bit about the insurance company forcing you to replace something before they would approve insuring your boat, can you discuss total insurance requirements and its costs as part of a future video? Thanks again!

[@renaldasoveras226]

Thanks for you video. I like you upgrade, especially for batteries, solar and wind generator...

[@evariste1686]

maybe off theme but seems relevant. With the rest of us in lockdown you maybe have a lot to help us. You have spent several years(?) just the 2 of you(mostly), day after day in a small isolated if luxurious(?) space, often with broken sleep,equipment failures, and all the other irritations of confinement and isolation but you seem to maintain a happy relationship? Which many of us find hard for a few days even with a world of friends! Perhaps there's the possibility of a video that shows us something of your 'miracle'? Thanks for all the envy i have suffered and enjoyed !

[@SailingAquarius]

Look, there is no miracle here! We have our ups and downs, and with this Covid BS we have had many days of downs. It's no different that being locked up in a Land-box with a door to a world which the mandatory TV's keeps telling you "If you go out that door there is a SEA of DANGER which might just kill you, and your family. Mostly your family! It's a crazy world out there, but not dangerous here. I think, we are in the best place in the world right now. Phuket Thailand. Cheers!

[@Eztliz]

EPIRBS utilize a different satellite network than the iridium go. Also they don’t depend on you paying a monthly bill. They are invaluable.

[@SailingAquarius]

I have both, but I believe that having a Iridium Go would be much safer than having a EPIRB. But, the safest is to have both.... Fair Winds

[@SuperRwiggins]

Great Info and Thanks for Suggestions. Looks like monies well spent for future. Nice!

[@SailingAquarius]

If you have questions, just ask! Fair Winds

[@leslieholmes2899]

Very nice work on the polishing. Nice to have a good friend for a project like that.

[@SailingAquarius]

I agree! Eddy did a great job.

[@cyclomaniac9086]

Fantastic info. Aquarius looks spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks for the nice comment! Fair Winds

[@robertfindlay2325]

@@SailingAquarius Those opening shots: you beauty! She sails well.

[@robertfindlay2325]

@@SailingAquarius Those opening shots: you beauty! She sails well.

[@jon4625]

Lots of comments on the content - but I am also very appreciative and impressed with the layout and editing of this video too! Keep up the good work, it is appreciated!

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks Jon!

[@akdf85]

Again just wonderful and helpful video. Thanks a lot. Alain

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks Alain!

[@BobEstler]

Thanks for making it easier for those that will follow.

[@SailingAquarius]

That's the plan! Get all my best friends out here sailing!

[@stinkintoad]

I just love the Amel Super Maramu! You did outstanding on your standing rigging when compared to Delos- they replaced it themselves in Phuket and had Rolly Tasker do the cables and swaging and it cost them 9k- yours was only 3k more and frankly I would have someone else remove and install - what a job!

[@SailingAquarius]

The company replaced Aquarius' rigging probably does at least 1 Amel per month. They know what they are doing, and there are no surprises. They do it fast, efficient, and they don't make mistakes. This makes it just a bit cheaper!

[@GypzyJack]

That rear deck cover makes for a great little 'work bench' in the balmy night airs! *chuckles*

[@scoobydo6454]

Very informative and I think 25:12 makes all your hard efforts worthwhile ! :) Jebus even I now think I need a yoga mat ! Keep living the dream and thanks for sharing it.

[@SailingAquarius]

Yes! And no problem sharing, no one is up there now. Love your handle... Scooby Do.. You must have been one of the first people on KZbin to get it! Fair Winds

[@southernairman5628]

You guys got it looking great! And well equipped! Very wonderful awe inspiring sailing vessel

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks, Aquarius is one nice boat..... JP took real good care of her.. And we are trying to follow the good example. Cheers!

[@deibertmichael]

They say you can stop the floor creaking with thin strips of leather in the lower frames. Also Plastic Floor covers over bilge pump areas for a sick glance during passages. Great taste in OKC Jersey!

[@SailingAquarius]

Can't afford the new KD Jersey now! BUT, KD might be out for the season anyway. If I were KD, I don't think I would hurry back either! The OLD school GS is in the HOUSE, and looks like KD's gunna get another ring even if he doesn't play another minute this year. Getting back to your comments.... Amel does have strips of leather on the lower frames. I am going to install some water sensors in some areas on the boat. Like the Rudder quad area!!!!

[@rogermace4516]

Very informative, Many thanks for sharing .....Keep Safe

[@SailingAquarius]

You're Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@jwrappuhn71]

Excellent vid ya'll, Aquarius is looking very sharp.

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks!

[@thylacinenv]

Well presented, instructive and some useful tips.

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks Nick!

[@sausage5849]

You guys are doing a great job, with everything!

[@SailingAquarius]

TKS!

[@jackvanderhyde8828]

Sailing Aquarius and Ran Sailing are my fave sailing channels now. No click bait needed here. Just informative, educational and fun stuff. But, OKC Thunder????

[@SV-DEDICATED]

Interesting and useful episode. & THE CREW WAS OUT THERE GETTIN DIRTY !!!!!!!!!!!

[@SailingAquarius]

Best Guest we had! Ed-DY from SD! We got him a bit dirty!

[@shauntoomey3299]

Glad to see you giving your home the love she deserves.

[@alanlovesmusic6442]

thank you for posting.

[@SailingAquarius]

Thank you for watching!

[@howardheckers8186]

really helpful video for a sailor, thanks for all the info

[@SailingVesselIntention]

Hey, Ken! Nice video! Very juicy info. I've done many of the same upgrades you have. Next is AIS. I'm curious about your comment about using a separate antenna. Can you explain a little more about that here?

[@SailingAquarius]

Having a separate antenna tuned to the AIS frequency will boost your transition, and reception. I like the Vesper XB8000, and believe it is the best option. Using a switch off the VHF Antenna will reduce your reception by at least 3db, (50%), and then since the antenna is not tuned to the exact AIS frequency more power will be lost. Cheers and Fair Winds

[@tetalonstarfyre2419]

Why not a washer dryer machine?

[@SailingAquarius]

We do have a washer, and hang out to dry!

[@tetalonstarfyre2419]

@@SailingAquarius Would like the option of a dryer when it rains. But you could hang stuff in the head.

[@jamesouterbridge6016]

You packed a little too much into this one but I understand why; it was fun to watch and I enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@SailingAquarius]

Yes, and I was going to put all the changes we made to the running rigging in this video. I think the viewers would have lost it! I have another 30-40 minutes for the Running Rigging work for Next Week. I hope you enjoy it!

[@jamesouterbridge6016]

Thanks for the heads up , Ill of course be watching, never miss your vids, they rank up there with the best.

[@dgnytes]

Really liking everything you two are covering with all of your videos. Enjoy Them Greatly!

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks for the encouragement! Aquarius

[@eds.4815]

Thanks for the super informative video. A question-was the insurance company’s requirement to replace the standing rigging based on faults found, or simply on its age?

[@SailingAquarius]

No, it is just their policy. Not all insurance companies have the same requirements, but most insurance companies want at least a complete rig inspection before they will insure a boat. There were a few issues with the 17 year old rigging on Aquarius when we bought her. So it was time for new standing rigging. When we changed insurance companies 14 months ago, the insurance company required a rig inspection. Far Winds

[@nobody46820]

White salon cushions? Hope you had them stain sealed....still, look great.

[@SailingAquarius]

Yes, they still look good.

[@mattlewandowski73]

funny... your marine SSB looks a whole lot like my Ham Radio :) I love the 706... saddens me that they are long discontinued now

[@Deerwood1985]

I love your videos. Thank you.

[@SailingAquarius]

Thanks for the nice comment Mario!

[@johnhamer7157]

Great channel. Hook ‘em Horns!

[@SailingAquarius]

Hook 'Em!

[@NeonsStyleHD]

When Delos got to India, they had their Iridium GO sealed, and weren't allowed to use it while they were there. Typical Delos though, they broke the seal and used it anyway. lol

[@SailingAquarius]

Yup, I did see that video. We just saw that Delos are learning to KiteSurf... We are planing to take lessons in a few weeks here in Fiji..

[@NeonsStyleHD]

@@SailingAquarius Sounds great fun.

[@thesailingtourists]

Can you do a video on how you put up the Ballooner There is a video on taking one down but not putting one up. Our 2001 SM the previous owner blew it out. thanks it would help alot.

[@SailingAquarius]

Yes, in the next 8 weeks we are trying to prepare a video just about Sailing Aquarius. What we do if the wind does? Basically all points of sail, wind speeds, and waves heights.

[@ceeceety2320]

Considering everything you have to do for upkeep on your beautiful boat, would you say it's easier to live on your sailboat or live in a house? Of course, you can't take your house sailing and I understand all of the upsides of living on your boat. I'm just wondering because as we are aging, we are finding the upkeep of a house to be so very tedious and don't want to spend our retirement keeping up with a home and we don't intend to. We actually have plans to buy some sort of RV and see the world on wheels. Unless we decide to buy a boat instead! Haha! One never knows! We honestly have zero sailing experience, so a boat really isn't an option. Is it?

[@SailingAquarius]

A boat is probably the most difficult, I would say a bit more difficult than the RV. That's because you have to fix just about everything on s boat yourself, and usually in places that have no services or parts. But, my bathroom window is almost always beach front, and I can change the view, and my neighbors, anytime I want. So, I think it's worth it! But, the RV is also a good way to go as well... Lots of beach front places to park, and you can also change your neighbors when you want.

[@ammoalamo6485]

The 4 pillowcases, each 2'x2', and one 7' x 2' surfboard cover, all made out of Sunbrella cloth, and a canvas rectangle about 7' x 5' came to the expensive total of $1,000. This was one of the least expensive purchases they made. I'm beginning to understand why a boat is called a hole in the ocean you pour money into, forever. But if someone has the money to spend, more power to them.

[@SailingAquarius]

But, this is our home. How much do people spend on a swimming pool? And stuff to play with in the pool, and things to sit on at the pool. If it's just a boat that you use 10 times a year, you are absolutely correct!

[@06yangji]

The solar and wind was 120000?????

[@SailingAquarius]

The entire cost for the 600 watts of solar, davits, and the wind gen installed was $12,000USD 3.5 years ago. Not 120,000....

[@xfoxtrotwiskeykilo995]

1200.00 or 12,000 ??? Rig refit

[@SailingAquarius]

We spent about USD$600 on maintenance from January 1, 2018 when we entered the Pacific look till November 2018 when we arrived New Zealand. But while in New Zealand we probably spent USD$15,000 on all the maintenance getting her ready to take on the Pacific again. And since our budget is USD$1,500 per month on maintenance, I figured we were within our budget.

[@gptravel531]

How do you like Seal-X? Thanks for another great video!

[@SailingAquarius]

So far, so good! But we have only been in the water for about 1.5 months. Aquarius still looks great!

[@EricEversonArtAndDesign]

Interesting how much of this reinforces the notion that BOAT really means Break Out Another Thousand.

[@SailingAquarius]

Hi Eric! Yes, you're kind of right, but when it's your home, your transportation, and your entertainment, I don't think it's over priced. And, on top of that, I always have an ocean view from every window. Location, location, location! All that was done over a two year period, and most of it is a one time investment. Fair Winds Eric!!

[@EricEversonArtAndDesign]

@@SailingAquarius I agree that you get a lot of value for the money. It's about quality of life, after all. Even the expense of the rigging work would improve quality of life as it helps with peace of mind. That lets you enjoy the rest of it all that much more.

[@chriszanf]

Informative video but the voiceover is too muffled and makes it hard to understand

[@razzorbladz]

learn how to sew and save big $$$ all you need is a vintage singer sewing machine and patience

[@SailingAquarius]

I'll tell Z to get busy!

[@razzorbladz]

@@SailingAquarius look for a Singer model 201 they can be had for under $50 and back in the day they were good enough for Rolls Royce to chose for sewing their leather interiors

[@SailingAquarius]

@@razzorbladz When we were back in US I looked up for Sunbrella fabric, which is made in US NC. It was more expensive to buy fabric in US (+would be shipping) than getting things done in NZ for the last job! Go figure!

[@razzorbladz]

@@SailingAquarius that's why I don't use sunbrella its a rip off they think they are Gucci of marine fabric I'm in Australia so I chose Australian made fabric if i can,I run a small sail loft at my club volunteer so I do a bit of sewing.

[@tetalonstarfyre2419]

Should have went to lithium batteries.

[@SailingAquarius]

We just switched to LiFePO4. 24V 600AH.

[@tetalonstarfyre2419]

@@SailingAquarius Nice

[@MonkeySpecs301]

i feel like even having almost a mil saved sailing is too expensive.

[@SailingAquarius]

There are people that do it on small budgets. We do it on a medium budget, and we have friends on Big budgets. But All of us, no matter the budget, get together and have a laugh together during sundowners! We all help each other through rough times, we all party together into the night, and we enjoy each others company, and together we enjoy the world! If you have a dream, make it reality. There are people that have less than you that have sailed the 7 seas. But, I agree, there are a lot of people with a lot more than I have sailing on bigger better boats than Aquarius.

[@CPTCleoTorris]

Luxury items are a 10? Waxing a 10? not so sure on your priorities.

[@SailingAquarius]

Priorities - mmm, first of all Seal-X is not a wax. Seal-X a sealer that helps the gelcoat look better and last longer. Some people may not think that bottom paint is required either, but I give that a 10 too. So, you have slightly different priorities than I do, and I probably would not want to buy a boat that you previously owned. For me, I would like Aquarius to both Look good, and last longer than most boats of her age. You should get your sextant and cross the Pacific in your 6 foot wooden raft, because that's really all that's required. Check out Kelly's Comment - "Check out a short vid on Y/T called 'smallest boats to sail the 7 seas' there have been boats that crossed the Atlantic that are under 6ft long.... now that takes some doing..." Fair winds Cleo Torris

[@CPTCleoTorris]

@@SailingAquarius I was thinking along the lines of safety and serviceability as higher priority than vanity. You may not want to buy my boat but remember you have to be alive to do that :) This is all opinion but it you had limited money and had to choose, would you really choose the Wax over a EPIRD or a Life raft? Do you see my point? Perhaps if you subdivided that categories it would make more sense. Not trying to bust your balls just commenting to participate.