This SUCKS! 30 gallons of DIESEL in my bilge and my parents come visit next week. S4E01

[@donzie13]

You can be like me. Going to work every day and coming home exhausted because my whole day is spent fixing other people's problems, while I can't fix my family. Or...….You can do what you are doing. You fight through your adventures but you travel and experience many places. The best part is that you take us, who feel dead in the water, with you and we feel alive. Thank you! We know that you struggle but thank you for keep going! We are rooting for you!

[@97quadcam]

I am extremely amazed at your strength and tenacity. We've gotten to watch a young, nervous, adventurous woman fight through tough times and what has emerged is a battle hardened, self sufficient sailor. Keep it up, Nike, you inspire many of us.

[@sy-ronja3613]

The boat sucks since you bought it. I can not be respectful enough about the way you deal with all the issues and still keep your head up and solve them. You can be very proud about what you have achieved so far. Keep going 👍

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

A neglected alu boat like Karl is a oneway into bankruptcy or the loony bin, depends on what happens first (usually happens both right beside each other). Nike is about the toughest singlehander when it comes to longanimity versus her alu-catastrophe I can think of. Singlehander and boatbuilder myself I got to admit I probably had feigned an insurance case already with the first attempt to weld it back high-and-dry in the boatgraveyard ...

[@harrygibus]

Definitely headed towards a Ship of Theseus situation at this point

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Hey Nike, great to see you back on the boat, to bad under the unfavorable conditions you found. I love the fact that you're always so resilient and have such a good positive attitude and you attack every problem with vigor and after all I guess it is part of the boat life. I'm still in the RV and a had a unfortunate incident the other day when a tree came along and tore my awning off so now I'm in the process of rebuilding and replacing it. This is just part of the RV life and we just have to take take it in stride enjoy the highs and deal with a lows as you always do in such a positive way in the boat life and I'm always so proud of how you do it! Cheers Terry

[@yachtrigger]

It’s not for everyone. Watching your little videos I have a lot of empathy and makes me proud to be a sailor. You’re a sailor for sure.

[@antarcticarian5061]

Hi Nike. Good to see you are back, you have been missed. Great full feature video that you produced and I look forward to buying the second one in another year. Stick with it, the sea and boats are there to challenge us but you inspire so many people to untie. Smile and remind yourself how far you and Karl have come. Happy days....

[@SC65CHN808]

Oh Nike, what an annoying surprise! I feel deeply for what you must have went through and can firmly smell the Diesel fume, which now (in my imagination) has vapored out of the screen filling my apartment and hands with that lovely odor we might all know and hate so well. I trust, as usual, you got it all sorted and enjoyed a lovely time with your family. They say we grow by experiences, but this was probably one not too regrettable if missed. I hope the rest of your start into a new sailing season went smoother since! Keep doing what you love despite the obstacles encountered.

[@pete6102]

so glad to see your back, hope all the issues get done and out of the way you deserve to have a great time back on Karl and he better be nice to you.

[@billybert3506]

Hello Nike, Glad to see you sharing with us again. Righty tighty, Lefty loosy. :-)

[@cunclerich]

So glad to see you back and hope this is only a minor setback. You are a truly patient sailor and certainly will be rewarded with beautiful sails in the future. Best of luck, take care and be safe.

[@Ditbopper]

Karl can be such a Trickster! If left by him by himself for a while he channels his coyote side, and conjures a nasty surprise for your return.

[@lyfandeth]

On the bright side, crocodile makes good boots and luggage. And you are lucky to have great access with the entire top of the fuel tank lifting off. Possibly you can have any pinholes spot welded but then consider applying an epoxy tank liner to prevent more holes in the long term. Good to see you back on board.

[@gary4983]

Nike, wonderful to see you back. Your ability to overcome obstacles is an inspiration to so many of us. Please try to remember this when conquering these annoyances. Carry on, girl!

[@idroolt6999]

Welcome back! Sorry about the diesel tank, but I got a good laugh at the lighter lying there next to your pump and bucket. Hope you weren't contemplating setting Karl on fire.... lol

[@johns2926]

Welcome back! I’m so glad the next season is finally starting. One of my favorite channels on KZbin.

[@annewinning5151]

So happy you are back! Karl is worth all the challenges he throws at you!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Anne winning I totally agree on that one 😘⛵️😎!

[@micheldawes1]

Welcome back to Karlito Nike, sorry to hear about the diesel leak. It’s always so sad and distressing seeing you when you’re facing a difficult hurdle (Although the anguished expression on your face is also still very cute - I just feel bad for you knowing how much work is in front of you to get Karl ready for your parents arrival...) I hope that there is no diesel bug (fungus) in your fuel system, but if there is, your current task is a perfect time to remedy that! I’m very excited to think that series four is underway and I look forward to sharing your triumphs and tribulations via KZbin... Take care, stay safe and most of all - ENJOY THE RIDE! Cheers from Mike xoxo

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

You are a very impressive woman. I hope your smile continues to shine and that things get easier for you. You are an inspiration.

[@GrinsInc]

thanks for posting Nike. Yay, you're back! So regards to your family and to you. Looking for to seeing you again. Glad you only had those issues. Karl was not waiting for you on bottom or with a large slick around the mooring. Peace.

[@agility62]

You are amazing!! How we deal with adversity is one of the importand measures of our character. I am glad to have found your channel and lok forward to many more adventures with you. Best wishes.

[@phf3238]

Gad! If that had been my boat my automatic bilge pump would have pumped it overboard. I would have come back to a fine as well as a mess. Good Job Dealing With This.

[@bluewaterdreamin5034]

Not the welcome home you were wanting Nike!. great to see you back. Looking forward to more adventures with you. Cheers. Wade.

[@frederickoning191]

So good to see you back! Hope everything gets squared away for the arrival of your parents.

[@schnurrbertify]

Ich hätte den Schrotthaufen längst versenkt. Respekt für deine Geduld und Leidensfähigkeit.

[@lancedaniels]

Hello Nike, thanks for posting. It's always great to see and hear about how things are going.

[@dirkzaiser9839]

Schön dich wieder zu sehen, auch wenn nicht alles glatt läuft. Wünsche dir weiterhin alles Gute und freue mich über die Berichte aus deinem Leben,danke.

[@caerleon9176]

nice to see you back Niki and Karl

[@000001willy]

Yay!!!! Niki's back! Yahoo! You were missed young lady, sailor girl extraordinaire. You have no idea how much I missed you and your life adventures on Karl. Sorry that you got a gut-wrenching surprise when you got back. It reminds me when I had to leave for work in Africa and left my boat to be covered by a friend who has no mechanical skills...big mistake. He failed to cover the mast hole and all Fall, Winter and Spring the rain and snow went down the hole flooding the interior of the boat so that the water level rose above the top of the oil intake pipe. The mess that created was unbelievable. The entire interior up to two-feet above the cabin sole was covered in a thick film of oil. It was a nightmare to clean, even with the help of a cleaning company. It took about three days to return things to normal and about two weeks to repaint the interior. So Niki, I feel for you but like all your past trials and tribulations...you shall overcome. It will all work out and Karl will be better in the end with a new and improved diesel tank. Onward and upward my dear Niki. As Oprah says, "You go girl!"

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Mfanawemkosi Fakudze oh gees that sounds dramatic. Good thing is that we can laugh at those things when they lay in the past ☺️.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Mfanawemkosi Fakudze oh gees that sounds dramatic. Good thing is that we can laugh at those things when they lay in the past ☺️.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Mfanawemkosi Fakudze oh gees that sounds dramatic. Good thing is that we can laugh at those things when they lay in the past ☺️.

[@bophoto]

don't struggle. run the main sheet through a block on the end of the boom, now you can use the electric winches for lifting and just swing the boom :-) *assuming its long enough.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

I might need to install an electric winch to do that ;)

[@seailive]

exact same happened to my boat!! So no more metal fuel tank, measured up for a plastic tank, lighter, easy to see the fuel level, and no corrosion. The diesel can be reused after filtering it several times.

[@seadog2396]

I feel your pain. You have an unbelievable amount of perseverance. Things must turn for the better.

[@atlantaus]

New camera new gear, and new life chapter - Congrats!. Hello to Pirate Girl and Berry the old sea dog.

[@ralphholiman7401]

Our diesel tank did the same thing last cruise. We yanked it out, cleaned it, and epoxied it completely with West System epoxy. Still going strong two years later. But, cleaning up the mess was a pain in rhe butt! Enjoying your videos!

[@jasonm7804]

Glad to see you back, you have been missed 😀

[@TheSailingFrenchman]

Gahhhh, boat issues.... I have left my boat in the mangrove for the summer, so afraid to find something like this when I return!!!!!!

[@chrysM34]

NIke , you are simply astonishing. You have a strength most of us are only dreaming having a part of if. Emptying diesel from bilge is also smelling enough to be sick about it. Hope you have all required to clean all of this. And what about replacing the metal tank by a plastic one ? Because if it’s already corroded it might get another hole anywhere anytime now...

[@charlesbabb9154]

Welcome back, you have been missed. Sorry that you've had to come home to so much difficulty.

[@fishaholiclures]

Welcome back Nike'. Always jobs to do hey... The beard trim was well overdue. Well at least the bilge will have a nice clean out. Try a mixture of hot water, ammonia, washing powder and vinegar to clean the bilge surfaces. That will reduce the smell quite a lot and also remove 'most' of the residue. Pump to a bucket if concerned about the environment, but the detergents will have broken down the diesel molecules, so it will be ok to pump overboard in small amounts.If you can get some epoxy putty to suit the tank material (I couldn't tell if it is a steel or alloy tank), clean out the cracked area with solvent, use a file or similar to roughen surface. Knead the putty as directions and smear into crack with a spatula or similar. It will probably only be a temp repair, as cracks in tanks have a habit of growing.

[@Nerd3927]

Welcome back! To bad you had to go into perseverance mode straight away. My previous boat had a 400 ltr tank on the hull under the wheelhouse between two bulkheads. The forward bulkhead failed so diesel flooded the forward saloon. Total disaster. Never really got the smell out.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

S/V Adma 🤣 sorry to hear that...but also always nice to hear that one is not alone with such problems ☺️. I got the smell out by now pretty much...but took a bit...

[@jackcreley5438]

Happy to see you return. How long has it been??? What have you been doing? Working? traveling?

[@donalexander2480]

Welcome back stranger. Sorry for your troubles. I have watched you from the beginning post, ( not found you and binge watched ) but literally was there almost at the beginning. And.... I thought what you accomplished in your first year with Karl was awesome, but. I repeat an earlier comment that I would love to see you sell Karl, go home and get more money and buy a newer boat. It is beginning to be a little painful to watch you struggle with Karl ( although big red was a huge success). I see people buying 30 to 34 ft sloops for 15 to 30k in pretty darn good condition. ( Fiberglass of course ) There is a 30 ft Catalina near me listed for 8k. If Karl is too much a part of your dream I can understand that, but I would love to see you enjoying Sailing and travelling rather than so much effort to keep Karl moving. Just my opinion, worth every cent you paid for it. I wish you happiness and joy and safe voyaging my friend. You have a natural way about you and are very authentic, I just would love to see you moving through the worlds oceans rather than cramped in odd yoga positions in the bowels of your boat.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Don Alexander 🤣 yeah, I can see how it might be painful to watch all of this. I find t painful myself at times...I doubt that a different boat will make such a big difference, though...maybe a bit, but still, I see people having issues all the time... I did have a moment where I was getting a bit angry with Karl and I had through about maybe changing it all up a bit...but I am over it now and back to being happy about what I have and willing to go all in for him. I still do get to travel...and yes, maybe the repairs have held me back a bit, but it’s also been myself that was not ready for the next step so far, I cannot blame it all on poor Karl ☺️. But i appreciate that you wish me happiness, thank you for your concern. In Germany we say “life is not a pony camp” and I think it’s true. It’s okay to go through some struggles, it’s part of the experience. Karl pushes the limits at times for sure, but all in all he has provided me with a ton of happy moments and I do know hat apart from his little hick ups, he is actually a very solid boat. Ask some people that have seen / sailed him, they will tell you the same ☺️. It’s not just my crazy bond to him that makes me say that 😜 Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@Knoklsnedkr]

Or as we say in Denmark: Nothing is as bad, as it isn't good for something - and wheee, do we learn lessons from you - and that anything can be fixed, if you persist. #teamKarl

[@donzie13]

help her live her dream. Karl is not done yet....

[@micbrenoel5459]

WELCOME BACK NIKE......really missed you. All of your frustrations will soon fade and you will be super fine! I promise! Get your rest and stay healthy.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Mic Brenoel I’ll take your word for that 🤣😎🤞

[@lorenwilson8128]

Can you install a fuel bladder inside the fuel tank? It would be cheaper than a new tank, never rust out, and easy to change. The only question is boat building codes that might not support this.

[@stcfabworx1687]

Also next time you need a tank. Or anything made let us know. We may be able to save you a ton. We have a fab shop and would love to build anything we can for Karl.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

thanks for your kind offer. For some reason, I only saw your comment now...sorry. The diesel tank is part of the hull, so it would be a bit tricky to have that remade...For now, I fixed the holes with splash zone and it seems to be holding up allright. Fingers crossed, hey ;)

[@OrvilleHarmison]

Welcome back home Nike, even if it was to a mess. I had diesel in my bilges and I did a through cleaning but it had soaked up into the engine soundproofing and till this day it still smells like diesel everytime I open the boat after it has been closed for awhile. Guess I would have to replace the soundproofing to get rid of it. Seems like any old sailboat has that diesel smell to it.

[@jerrys634]

Welcome back, so glad to see you. I guess Karl got so lonely without you that he behaved badly. Trust him and yourself that things will be better now that you two are back together.

[@dougmanatt4317]

Very happy to see you and Karl back. I guess he prefers being under sail!

[@kassritchey1457]

Hey Nike! Glad your back! Just showed my friends the first video where you cleaned Karl of the mold and got to know Karl. Your so inspirational and follow you with my whole heart. Keep it up Nike, and I can’t wait to see your story coming up.

[@melee401]

Welcome back lady snipe. A 70 gallon diesel tank :) great until the damn thing leaks. Well, I have no doubt you will get it all straightened out. Maybe coat that tank in something (epoxy?) once you get it welded back up. Better these things happen in port than underway though. Getting that diesel smell out of the bilge be like,,,,,,,,what snipes just do I suppose. :)

[@northstarsouth]

Welcome Back!!! Sure that's not the welcome back you wanted, but it is a boat in it's truest form, breaks while just sitting there... I'm always amazed how much stuff breaks in the winter here while I'm just tied to a dock. Maybe this winter I'll brave the cold and waves, take her out, and see if it makes a difference.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

North Star South you totally should! Would make for good sailing footage, too ☺️

[@RobFomenko]

Nike, to get rid of the diesel smell, I used washing soda, mixed with hot water then ammonia and vinegar in approx equal parts then cleaned with that.. Then moth balls. It took out the smell pretty well. I sprayed odorGone odor neutralizer after that. Diesel smell is gone now.

[@tahoo2121]

All that comes to mind is: "Bless your heart" and it's nice to see your friendly self back on Karl. s/v ...Waves

[@perhennung]

I would have cried! You are an incredible fighter!

[@twmpuketa]

Hahaha wow you are definately charging life girl. How funny you found boca chica and carlos' funky little marina there. The Parida archipelago is a true paradise.

[@corys70155]

Glad to see you back and safe even if a little annoyed , missed seeing you.

[@np939427a]

Glad to see Nicky and kharl back finally. ;)

[@harleyxl2001]

What a pleasant surprise, I am sure glad you are back.

[@steedharold]

I'm happy you're back! Sorry about the diesel tank issue.

[@trackstrails5678]

The look on your face when you first crawled into the tiny space was.. "damn it I forgot the ratchet" ...? 😆 welcome back ⚓️

[@leek7412]

You and adventures of an old seadog Barry Perrins channel are awesome!

[@01dumbfrog]

I used to work in the oil field and in Arkansas they use diesel to make the drilling mud slick and I was completely soaked in diesel the hotel had to con-dim my room because they couldn’t get the diesel smell out of the room. I would have installed a temporary fuel tank and went offshore and turned my builge pump on to speed up the process of removing it from the boat, yes I know it’s not good for the environment but diesel will dissipate you don’t want to know the US Navy’s policy.

[@teejay7157]

This reminded me of when you first got Karl... good times.

[@Priestonwheel]

Ahh, that's the things nobody check before buying a sailboat.. do I have enough access to diesel tank?? Happened to me a couple times... the beauty of remove everything and disassemble a lot of paneling in order to reach that screw!!

[@stcfabworx1687]

How goes the battle? Looking forward to your next video. Hope your not super tired and we hope you sail on! Strong!

[@andypennybrown6848]

Welcome back, missed you, poor you, with the diesel problem, a sailors worst nightmare apart from a hold in the Hull

[@californiakayaker]

Glad your back and sorry Carl was being to annoying ! You need to get a work hat, that hat is much to nice to wreck ! So, something else I'm adding to my equipment list, a little emergency fuel pump for stuff like this. I suppose It could be for water or fuel. . Crock ! I've seen those bottom cleaners in other places and they could care less about those particular crocks for some reason. I swear I'm going to build or buy a robot bottom cleaner before I sail ! I think I've seen one, and if they are active when the stuff is really small it just takes a little brush to interrupt them. But when they get solid like yours it takes a jack hammer ! For long term anchorage, I also believe 1 having a baby sitter visiting the boat every so often would be good. 2 having an alarm system to tell the baby sitter something is up could be very helpful. Radio type, on a special marine channel. I know, nerdy tech guy, that's me. And Larry Janus, facebook, even more so with his marine company.

[@californiakayaker]

Yes, stuff happens, especially corrosive related stuff. My friend "larry janus" has a company in florida and deals in electronic monitoring systems, which costs money. But , my idea, since I'm into radio and electronics, is to have a system that talks every so often into a radio, telling the listeners (on shore) what is happening on the boat. At least a "alls well" every so often. Bilge alarms, very basic types, could be hooked to the digital talker, and it would say Bilge Bilge every so often. Probably the most important alarm of all I would say. Yes, starting the engine so it remains primed is really good. And a simple look around. A cleaning hull gadget example, trying to find out more, but it looks like someone has to run this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apKQlnxjrKqmadU

[@MrTatts64]

Great to see you back Nike! A shame it's not under happier and less anooying circumstances but considering how bad things could have been.... Looking forward to seeing the next episode :)

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

MrTatts64 very true! I am glad all this diesel did not get pumped overboard, that would have been a Desaster. Ah, boats...aren’t they fun 🤣 Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@pauleohl]

How did your bilge pump not pump bilge water overboard while you were away?

[@bobswezey7452]

Having fun, we had that problem on are boat needed new tanks had to takeout the rear deck to replace two tanks … was not fun … :-))

[@davechavis4275]

Hang in there , keep building memories.

[@cigarmann]

Friday nights are again complete with you and the seadog!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Cigarmann he’s actually anchored three boats down from Karl right now ☺️

[@andrewburnett2215]

So Sorry Niki. Glad you are back!!

[@rj7411]

Good luck on the next chapter of your adventure. Hope you find what you need. Aloha.

[@StardadO]

Schön das du wieder on Tour bist. Auf das nicht nochmehr böse Überraschungen auf dich zukommen.

[@2nomind]

Consider a liner/bladder for the fuel tank may help

[@tedrenard472]

Hi Nike. Firstly, welcome back, as unpleasant as it is in this instance. I've read a couple of the suggestions about repairing your tank, and my advice it to be very wary. If the bottom of the tank is formed by the hull plating, which is also aluminium, that seam will already have been welded once onto the plating. With aluminium, you can't weld over the same place repeatedly without incurring a drastic loss of strength in the plate. If the tank is separate, ie not part of the boat, the very best thing is to take it out, however much of a pain that is, and have a new ally or plastic one made. Chances are, given the age of the tank and the vibration it's been exposed to over it's lifetime, when you repair one place it might well start leaking in another spot fairly soon afterwards. If that's really not an option, is there a more easily accessible place you can install another tank, and clean the old one out for use as other storage? Or cut the baffles out of the old one and have a slightly smaller new tank fitted inside the remains of the old? There are also fuel resistant aluminium adhesives and sealants available that might save the day, but you'll probably have to get advice on those and order in from the US or EU. My experience of some of these is 1) your preparation has to be meticulous, not easy to achieve with your head in the tank and your rear end getting sunburn 2) some of the products you have to use can be very detrimental to your health, and you need nearly as costly safety gear to use them, 3) if you can't achieve lab standards of work, the stuff most likely will fail when you most need it not to, and 4) it's still almost as expensive as a new tank. Others have mentioned bladders, but they are not a long term solution, and also not cheap. You have probably found by now that washing up liquid is very effective at cleaning up diesel, especially with hot water too. I really hope you get lucky with a solution to this. The disappointment, weariness and frustration written across your face is sad to see.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

ted renard thanks so much for all the great advise! The hole was actually not at the seam but some 3 cm above it. We did dry to weld it but it did not work, the gun did not quite reach and the metal was too soaked with diesel. I think I will try to put some splash zone, then a plate from inside and outside with a fuel resistant gasket and then bolt it together. And then splash zone around the edges. Will test with water and if it holds then I will give it a try 🤞. The tank is part of the hull so I cannot remove it...

[@tedrenard472]

Hi again Nike. If that's the course you're going, I think you could have a good solution. My advice is two-fold : 1) See if you can get a couple of scraps together and make a test run first, off the boat even if you can, just to see what the pitfalls can be and see what you end up with. 2) Given that non-aluminium bolts may react with the ally in the tank, see if there is anywhere you can get a few monel rivets and use them instead (monel bolts would be even better if available). Mast repair and rigging companies use monel rivets. They are expensive compared to normal rivets, but half a dozen could see you through (try the test with normal rivets). Monel is inert, or close to it, and doesn't react with most aluminium types. You may have to get a close fitting drill bit to make the exact hole size for them, and "goo" them up with sealant as well, but it could work and could save headaches later. Be as anal as you can about accuracy and tolerances. Diesel is a devil for leaking through apparently watertight fittings, it's a real swine, (it will follow the threads in the bolts even) so for the best chance of success you've got to be right on top of it. I'm sure a load of people would like to see how it's done, so it could be some interesting videos, and we're all rooting for you out here in the unvirtual world :-)

[@RobFomenko]

What about just cleaning it real well, then fiberglass it on the inside? That should do the trick, and will last a long time. Just make sure all your intake and return lines are on top. Fiberglass to just below the top of the tank with epoxy and cloth. That should work. Lots of diesel tanks are made from fiberglass. Or just patch the hole with epoxy putty. But your would need to have access to the other side for that I would think. Or build a new tand and put it somewhere else, if you could, but capacity would be a lot lower I would think....

[@w4447]

Glad to see you back. For a while I wondered if you were lost at sea or something. Good to see Karl has survived the storms and faired better then mine has. Is that German welder you used before still around Panama city to fix the tank?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Wayne Penney he is still around, yes. Maria tried to weld it, but the metal won’t allow it plus the gun did not quite fit into the spot...unfortunately.

[@shanekonarson]

Great to see you out there again! I just got down to my boat after 6 mths also. Went out for a sail ! Had a great time but had engine problems ( to do with fuel also ) the boat owners life eh ?? Chin up Lass , all’s well that ends well.

[@Phils_Photos]

You amaze me. You just don't stop. Awesome job.

[@BastienKoert]

Hi Nike, good to see you back. So what are your plans for this season?

[@RobFomenko]

Welcome back Nike ! Yeah it sucks to come back to that but like others say, leaving Karl alone all that time what do you expect ? At least the boat isn't covered in mold again, although diesel fuel is the next thing imo. Just got finished changing all my fuel lines in a 40 foot diesel motorhome, and it wasn't fun. The smell of diesel permeating the coach was to much. Found that one of the previous owners contracted to have the hoses replaced and the dumb*ss that did the job put in the wrong hose. Karl is a good strong boat and will take you where you want to go. And you're that person to do it !

[@francis8955]

oh my, your expression at 03m28sec, is priceless. that moment alone was well worth a thousand words. All i can dream about is living this kind of things as soon as i can make it away, yet looking at you make me wonder, how much of a mazochist am i !!!

[@CBDav]

Krazy Karl Kausing Khaos! ;) Glad to see you back Nike!... It'll be OK... I mean Much better to find the leak now than 12 days out. Your tanks opening looks plenty big enough.. have a welder take a look, he'll know if he can fix it or not. Just a thought...

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

CBDav we tried to weld it but unfortunately the welder gun did not reach the point very well, plus the metal was too soaked with diesel...working on a different solution right now...

[@CBDav]

Nike: This should work... hope so! www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/ep/fuel_tanksealants/ac236half.php

[@michaeljanssen1509]

Welcome back. So many problems I have the greatest respect for what you do.

[@pigsty-productions]

I am glad you are back! Sorry to hear about the fuel tank.

[@johnrice4769]

Good to see you again.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

You struck oil! Ha. I am happy your parents are coming. The best memories are of adventures shared.

[@SlowBoatSailing]

Welcome back!⛵️

[@cjprimata]

Slow Boat Sailing nice to finally see the Hull shape a bit like too look at a

[@gervaserybak6999]

Merry Christmas, hope you have a wonderful day..

[@z_actual]

LTNS I dont know any indecent German swear words so I will offer some pointless advice because youve probably fixed all this now. Zaya lost 12 gallons into her bilge when the tank let go at the edge of a seam while crossing the harbour near Hope Is a year ago It smells terrible mixed with sea water as all the marine micro-organisms die as a result, (never try saying that drunk) Once you get it all out try chucking hot water down there with liquid dish soap to emulsify the rest, a few doses of that and some coaxing with a mop and the smell is gone Now you have the problem of repairing or replacing the tank. For me repair wasnt worthwhile, so as I didnt want to take the engine out I had to cut it into 3 complete pieces to fit through a sail locker while it was 43C. Not fun To this day Im still on a 27 ltr auxiliary tank that is meant to house alcohol fuel for the stove. But thats ok I can get about 12 hrs cruising out of it. If you scrap the tank look at bladders, if you dont like those you might locate an aluminium truck fuel tank. Truckers swap them out often as they like more range and the ability to buy fuel cheaper when they can anywho have a good one

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

SV Zaya oh man that’s quite the incident you had there as well ☺️. I have been running Karl from a 5 gallon jug now ever since (some three months) and I still have not repaired the tank. It’s part of the hull basically, so I cannot toss it 🤣. I am currently thinking of putting two plates and a gasket on the hole since it’s not on the seam as I thought but a touch higher. If that does not work, then a bladder would be my next try. Thanks for the advise and happy sailing! Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@z_actual]

I think its typical for them to be just off the seam Bolting a plate on the side,... not sure Ok so the tanks probably empty now, its hot to warm so residual fumes are gone, and it looks like there is some reasonable access Im assuming its an aluminium tank You could weld it, kinda depends how good the aluminium is around the hole, and if there are any other signs of similar wear or corrosion. If the material is sound, Id probably go for welding it. Its the cost of welding vs a bladder, its bound to be cheaper and quicker

[@californiakayaker]

So, beginning to sound like this is related to some sort of corrosive action.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

yeah we did try welding but did not work out...hence the idea with the two plates and gasket and bolt it togehter. one plate and gasket outside, one inside and then bolt it together and put splash zone around it...will give it a try and test with water ;)

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

yes, this was a corrosion problem. galvanic corrosion...I removed a stainless water tank that sat next to the diesel tank because I thought he was the culprit...and then found out that I had 400 kg of lead below that ss tank...who seems to have been the REAL culprit ;)

[@karlgray2351]

Was just thinking that its been a while since i have seen a video from you last night, and like magic this morning a new video. Nice to have you back.

[@123FlyHigh321]

Endlich geht es weiter. Welches Antifouling hattest du drauf? Finally it goes on. Which antifouling did you have on Karl?

[@johnmccormick175]

Sorry about your problems!..your an amazing lady!

[@gordongriesmann2720]

I love the smell of diesel (napalm) in the morning. Great to see you again Nike!

[@johnbergquist8510]

Your luck is going to change ,you are to nice for this to continue,best of luck to you nicky .

[@waynedoeblin6801]

I was so very excited to see your notification thismorning,welcome back😀 Not a very nice way to be greeted by Karl though,more than a bit discouraging.I know you will get it sorted,when you get time,and you've been very clever and resourceful already working towards that goal.Enjoy the time with your parents,see you next time😊

[@lkm5462]

Glad your back. Missed you. You know chuffed is up north you two should hang as she is solo also

[@normanboyes4983]

Nice to see you back onboard but what a filthy welcome - Karl’s bottom was obscene. How did you diagnose the fuel leak as coming from the fuel tank as opposed to pipework?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Norman Boyes because my hoses are all in the engine room and that was totally clean, so it was very easy to figure out ☺️🤣

[@normanboyes4983]

WhiteSpotPirates Ah - it is so easy when you have the full picture.😉👍😀

[@twowheelrodeo]

Just few long days and then... few anchor beer, 'Karl seems good.' All is well.

[@johne656]

Once again you have shown amazing determination and real inner strength despite Karls efforts to test you. Hope you get settled back into the swing of it and Karl starts behaving like the gentleman you deserve. Safe travels xx

[@dennisboyd1712]

WOW Love your can do attitude. If as a parent you can instill this can do attitude with a little bit of humor in our children this world will be their oyster. I'm sure your parents are very proud of you.