Wind vane? check! VHF / AIS? check! Engine? ...SERIOUSLY? // UNTIE THE LINES S2E06

[@gavstain4928]

Hi again Nike, it's so exciting to see everyone preparing their sailboats for the season ahead. It's so good to see you smiling, even through you're finding little hiccups along the way but what impresses me (and always have) is your very positive outlook and attitude. It makes me smile heaps. Looking forward to your next video. Take care :)

[@justlooking2222]

The Cruising life = getting to fix the boat in exotic places. Glad your still smiling. Thanks for the video and taking us along !

[@deaneb5958]

Nike, You are truly lion hearted and I admire you very much. Keep up the great journey.

[@passmeby9398]

Deane B Lion hearted. Right on target.

[@kimhadley]

am so impressed with how you are able to fix things, learn, wing it etc. Lionhearted is a great word for you! totally enjoying traveling along with you via these videos... inspiring for all those who are watching.

[@oceannavagator]

Eventually, you will be able to anticipate trouble like your alternator belt simply by recognizing that the previous day went well. I wish I was kidding. Love your videos!

[@scs130773]

Ahhh the best laid plans.....my altenator belt started squeaking yesterday as well......ahhh boat projects, they keep us young...

[@1dbjack]

When it comes to sailing almost every boat could be called Murphy's Law. Your series is inspiring me to toss it all and start an around the world voyage.

[@bsmith5522]

Great videos... I anticipate each one. It's nice to ride along with you and Karl for just a few minutes. Thanks and Be Safe.

[@0HARE]

Thanks for another great video. So many great snippets of scenes. I really admire your resourcefulness and your charming attitude. Wishing you well and a safe journey.

[@SaltyDougSailing]

As they say in Deutschland, "Kopf hoch." 😉 You're an inspiration, and that should make you feel at least a little better. 😊

[@UweBehrendt]

Its really amazing to see how well your skills have developed. Look at your videos from last year, and now look at how well and professionally you handle your sailing duties. Well done CAPTAIN

[@Nabster5]

I have been watching since the beginning. You have come a long long way. Great job doing your due diligence and finding issues before they become major problems.

[@neillawrie9239]

Hi, Nike. Just finished season 1 & now here. Just wonderful, loving your spirit. Regards, Neil.

[@TorqueAholic]

HI, glad to see you're back in business and about ready for a pretty long stretch. If no one mentioned it before it's a good idea to polish the inside of the pulleys and make sure all is smooth to the touch. Rusty / rough pulleys eat belts. Fair winds :-)

[@Marshmouse100]

Your alternator belt.... It's Always Something! (better in a safe harbor than out on the open ocean.. of course...)

[@mikeskor6230]

Looks like a happy moment when Karl finally got his name. Many thanks for the enjoyable video, Nike.

[@MikeFlyItAll]

Hi Nike, if it make you feel any better... Ideally no breakdowns is the best, if you must have one, then its better to have the breakdown at the docks instead of abroad... So keep smiling...

[@rbaldino333]

Thank you for sharing your stories and your life on Karl with us. Just became a fan and watched all of season 1 last week. I am very nervous for you and your next big sail be safe and don't listen to any 'critics' take your time and make sure all is right with Karl & the weather before you go. I am concerned that the spot where you secured the bitter end of your anchor rode is not strong enough to hold, really could not tell from the video how thick that piece of the hull was.

[@blugrasssful]

Nice video. Look forward to the next. Be safe Darlin.

[@starseedmiracle]

Nnaaa... that's just s small hiccup with the belt! Thanks you gain for your fantastic vids!!!

[@ightwoman]

Aha... A good argument for keeping multiple spares for expendable parts like drive belts, fuel/oil filters, molded hoses, water pump rebuild kit, etc.

[@MisterDusk007]

Karl got some new toys...he’s blossoming into a really good boy 😁

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

☺️ step by step

[@christiancowboy100]

Everything there is beautiful and those last lines you said were hilarious.

[@ALiquidLife]

Hey ! Excited to see your adventure for Columbia. . Been watching your story from the beginning.. I am heading offshore for Australia from Canada in the spring... I hope you watch mine as I begin to upload my story.. fair winds saila! Keep it up and all the love in the world for you and Karl!

[@vincent7520]

Way too much electronics ! During my last trips I finally got back to the bare essentials : depth sounder, weather fax, and a pocket GPS + pocket VHF (the last two items in an pocket with the emergency bag, so never used). Period. If they work , fine. Otherwise not a problem. I still had my sextant, chronometer and Navigation Tables.Radio receiver (only used for weather forecast anyway), speedometer, windspeed indicator, speedometer, close haul indicator, electronic loch, radar, VHF, CDreader and the rest stayed in the garage.Only eectrinic trouble I allowed myself was a pilot because it really allowed me to make good speed kver ground in no wind situations. Sailing alone on somewhat long legs (150 - 200 nm non stop on a 30 ft) proved exhausting after reaching 65 +.But no electrcity on board was a relief : no cables getting in the way, no more tedious hours looking for faults in the circuits, no soldering in tight places, no heat shrink tubes, lower maintenace of the batteries, a nicer light that leaave some of the night vision with parafin lamps ... A better understanding and higher accuteness of the environment and what it means for navigation, safer approaches to the coast, more accute dezad reckoning and celestial navigation ... The whole experience was a real blessing. Of course I wouldn't do with electronics as emergency equipment as stated above, but I would never, ever, go back to the all electricity, electronics that is so prevalent to day at that litteraly eats up our pleasure of being at sea and our potential in adapting at sea and make the best of what old navigation methods perfected so well with those who took time to work with them... Try it ! You'll never want to sail otherwise ...

[@bradkuether3561]

Because that is what boats do. No matter how much love you give them. Cruel mistresses, and of course in your case, cruel masters. S/V Independence has 3 or 4 outstanding items on the list. At some point I have to get them addressed as well. Hope your journey to Columbia went well. Looking forward to more updates.

[@doctorparadigmshift]

I'm glad you got so much accomplished though. God may be sparing you from some disaster that you will miss by not going that same day. :-) God bless you with safe voyage!

[@RicardoAmaro123]

The conch you don't need to take the skin out... you just boil it in hot water and then, cut it into small peaces, some onion, coreander, olive oil, pickles and it is wonderfull!!

[@markbernier8434]

Hi Nike; I have to concur. I think you have an alignment problem with the alternator. Here is an easy check. Put a straight edge across both pulley wheels and see if all 4 edges touch at the e time.Then turn 1/2 turn on the pulley and check again. If not, something is bent. Also double check the size of the belt. It may be the right length but not the correct cross section which will cause binding and destroy the belt. When tensioning the belt be aware that the V belt does NOT sit on the bottom of the groove when properly tensioned. If it does the belt is too small. The power is transmitted by the sides of the groove. Hopes this helps.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Thanks :) Acutally, that trick does not work soooo great for me as I have the pulley of the water pump in front...But I did figure it out in the end...it was just too tricky to put it right by myself. When I got some second set of hands to help me, it worked much better :) But thanks for the help, I always apprechiate it! Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@OneCupOfCoffee204]

Just a little tip, when you find an alternator (or any) belt in that condition, one of your pulleys may be bad or misaligned.

[@theislandpackrat]

Karl just wanted a little more rest before your trip so he's making sure your ready in the morning! or maybe he wants you to see something you did'nt notice!

[@airstreamhvac]

God bless you on your journey!

[@reloopaudio5355]

love these videos. makes me want to get on the water again

[@thall0790]

i have seen these orange color v belts fits a lot of pulleys just pop out the link to fit will work in a pinch, thanks for the vid.

[@idroolt6999]

finally caught up on your vids. can't wait to see colombia. :)

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

comin up soon :)

[@rlabrune]

It's Karl's way of saying "Hey, take care of this on me before we go so I can take you where ever we go". :)

[@rlabrune]

Calvin Silverbow What is Karl saying when something breaks after departure? No "easy button" to push here for that answer. I've come to the conclusion that anything man-made will eventually break and need maintenance. Cursing about it won't fix the boat, but you will sure feel better by blowing off some of the tension. Sailors have to become self reliant as you know and they get there by experience. We don't have AAA service to call on our cell phone to tow us to a garage for repairs when we are far from land. Sounds like you have had more than your fair share of fixes or maybe you have been sailing a long time. Thanks for sharing your misadventures with us so other readers may understand that sailing of into the sunset has its challenges as well as the rewards. If your still sailing then I think that the love of the love-hate relationship is winning. Nike was lucky enough to find her problem by doing a pre-departure checklist on KARL. Maybe if she had done her checklist in a different order and had looked over the engine the day before, she may of caught it then. Who knows? That's for Nike to decide. There is not enough information in the video to really know all of the particulars. I think she is doing a great job and you can see how she is gaining experience and knowledge. I'm happy that she is living her dream. Fair winds...

[@stevekay609]

Great videos!! Thank you!!! Maybe untie the lines 3 in the carribean with Karl :-)

[@donjvalley]

The radar is important enough to get that working, as well, before any bigger trip as the AIS system will only alert you to other AIS-installed boats, BUT the radar will alert you to ALL other boats whether they have AIS onboard or not!!! Safety is always #1...

[@bobbyjohnnascar]

+donjvalley VERY IMPORTANT POINT ,ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA WHITE SPOT IS SAILING MOST OF THE VESSELS PROBABLY ARE NOT AIS EQUIPPED! RADAR NEEDED!

[@donjvalley]

+Bobby John Thanks, the radar will also show impending storm squalls in case your boat doesn't have SSB for long distance weather updates. As I understand AIS, it also has to be turned on for you to notice them, if it accidently is turned off or fails, the radar system will still alert you to another boat that might be dangerously close --- night or day...

[@kimosabi860]

great sailing and great tunes. s/v Tikiti-boo

[@generoll4027]

Did you get Icom to unlock the transmitter? I have a IC718, but the transmitter is locked out of everything but amateur radio frequencies.

[@troyreynolds4520]

Always carry spare parts & duck tape. A little fear is good and good luck with your journey

[@billvargo]

your radio (Icom 718) is Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) and will not transmit outside of the Ham bands without modification. The is not difficult but is inside the radio and involves removing a diode or cutting a wire. The mod info is available on many on line sources

[@marcelonair]

...Respekt!!! was Du so alles kannst :)

[@billspear6396]

You connected the GPS to the VHF so the CPA can connect to the AIS? I'm a landlubber but really enjoying your videos - Thanks!

[@w4447]

tough one, do you have any surgical rubber tubing you might be able to get the ends together and use that to get you by. Other wise sail to your next destination and use the batteries for running lights only. Out on the open water your solar panel (I think I saw one) should help to charge your battery just to get you by during the day but keep all electronics off. Tough pulling into an Anchorage at night though. I don't recommend it.

[@richardrose7382]

Good luck out there. Full of envy. How do you find the little folding boat as a dinghy? Does it perform well?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Richard Rose it's actually not too bad, rows really well and also has a sailing rig and you can put a little 2-3hp engine on it. It's nice for passages cause you can fold it and it does not take much room. Capsizing is not so great, though...if you don't carry little floaties in it, then it will just sink 😬. That's a bit dangerous...but it does have little floaties that are supposed to stop it from sinking... It's called Bananaboot cause it looks like a banana when folded up, I guess. Ahoy, Nike

[@TheboatlistNetts]

My SSB is still not working either. Love the VHF hack. Is there anything you *can't* do :). Love it. Btw, I just noticed your footage looks color-graded. Are you using new camera or have you just figured out how to shoot GoPro flat and grade that ?

[@horstkotte6114]

Hi, yep, only specific ranges for tx (sending) as bill pointed out: www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/718/specifications.aspx Just try it's sending on any of the given frequencies to ensure that no previous owner already made the mod and something else is broken (like the ptt button on the mic). Then just get a soldering iron and tweezers and remove said diode (mark the orientation in case you take out the wrong one and have to put it back in). Either heat up both sides by being really quick while changing sides or get desolder wick (thin braided copper wire) and solder flux to actually remove the solder). Nah, just heat up both sides and switch sides when one gets liquid. The diode should pull out after two switches... Cheers, Andi

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

wow, hm...I will try those frequencies first before playing with those diodes...no sure I am handy enough for that...;) But thanks for the awesome info. Cheers, Nike

[@californiakayaker]

Hi just a couple of comments (duplicated in your summer break video) about stuff here. AIS sounds like a thing in Ham Radio but not for Marine use called APRS. The screen may be better and more defined (with AIS). . But, essentially, APRS is a fairly slow packet of info sent out over Ham VHF mostly, and one possible difference is it is land based and picked up by certain stations who are connected to the internet. So someone 12,000 miles away could tell where that station is. I will be studying and comparing AIS to APRS and seeing if there are any systems which are networked by hams for Marine use. So far I only know of the SSB Ham channels, 14.300 for instance which I have helped with. Especially in the evening California time, I pick up stations far down south and out in the pacific, and there are a couple of very strong stations in Hawaii on the Pacific Seafarers network in the evening, also New Zealand and Australia. I see you use SSB. Some.

[@Chainsaw_18.]

Rating this video (and music) 10 pairs of :) Thanks for posting it :)

[@GILLEBRATH]

Good to see you getting under way . Who is singing on this video ? It suits well. Thank you.

[@mikeskor6230]

How cool you'll have an AIS alarm.

[@chikken_soup]

It's like that place doesn't want you to leave

[@RocketRadioShow1]

Cheers.

[@kycanoecamper]

Press on!

[@sloop57]

It's like an unruley child and will break it's stuff to get some attention. Awful glad you did that pre-trip inspection!

[@lifeislikesailing]

I really enjoyed the music in this video! :)

[@markokeeffe3429]

Great music on this video btw !

[@alicecoppers8980]

But it happened before u left! Good omen.....

[@obkcaptain]

HF, Radar....let's go!, darling.....(with an alternator belt as spare)

[@passmeby9398]

Someone here called you Lion Hearted. I agree. Need power to transmit. Got enough?

[@samlowrey63]

Love the videos! I'm curious, why the name Karl?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hi +Mark Donaldson, you can find sth about the meaning of the name KARL on my website whitespotpirates.com/untie-the-lines/my-boat-karl/. Ahoy, Nike

[@horstkotte6114]

Hi again, good thing you saw the belt early, on some engines it also drives the coolant pump so in some cases the whole engine can get ruined by such a ripped belt (especially because the engine heats up in places where the temperature senor isn't and the sensor has no chance of telling because there is no circulation of coolant). When you check belts twist them with your fingers, if they look cracked schedule a planned change. thehappycar.com/wp-content/uploads/CRACKED-SERPENTINE-BELT1.jpg I hope that sucker is easily accessible and that the tensioner is no pain in the behind, as it was the last time I wanted to change one (and actually didn't. Hmm I should do that sometime...). Anyways, keep up the good work and just smile at minor setbacks like that. I enjoy small stuff breaking because it gives the satisfaction of repairing things en route :-) Cheers, Andi

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hey Andi, actually, I have seperate belts for the cooling pump and alternator, which is great :). I though I had a spare belt...but found out that the spare belt was just an old sample that I had kept to buy a new one...You will see next week how that got solved ;). Ahoy, Nike

[@bobbysmith1645]

In that steel tank, you don't need to worry about hitting someone, they need to worry about hitting you.

[@Pfsif]

Grab an extra belt and extra parts (pumps etc) when you can!

[@CS-iu3pz]

A HF radio, a radar, AIS and a motor(s)...with issues......before you leave shore.....BRB...going for popcorn.

[@wilhelm3458]

check for a cause of the malfuction of the belt

[@bethells86]

Alternator belt keeps getting ripped because pulley on the engine side is rusted badly and probably has sharp bits on it. Sand that pulley clean.

[@jkdmak]

What did you call that foodstuff you prepared?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hi Micheal, are you talking about the Cambombia? It's called conch in English, I think, also referred to as Lambi. Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@jkdmak]

Aha, that's what it was. Thanks for clearing that up. Love the series! Ahoy

[@ronaldjohnson2056]

is every thing ok not seen a post since per departure hopeing every is going good.

[@stephenharriau1406]

Yes, I recognize it.

[@Richard2003]

Hi. I see you have an Icom 718. Do you have an amateur radio license?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

The Icom 718 was on board when I bought Karl. I have a Long Range Certificate, but no amateur radio license, nope. Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@susiecrawford9694]

Have you cleaned up your belt wheels on your altenator and water pump pllies yet, thats what might be shredding your belts, all that rust!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hi +Susie Crawford, actually, I think it is because the pulley on the alternator has a tiny damage on the ribs...I am seeing someone today to see if he has a spare one so I can swap it...Let's see, fingers crossed. Ahoy, Nike & Karl

i know this is and older video , but if your boat keeps having this issue , then you might look at the alignment of the two shivs . something is EATING your belts.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Harold Jaussi yes, you are totally right, something was eating my belts. There was a tiny little dent on the pulley that caused it. I filed it off when I detected it and after that the eating stopped. ☺️

[@w4447]

I thought you replaced that belt? If so you have an alignment problem.

[@marianachamonbh]

great music! Who sings?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

It's Uniform Motion :). They have composed some of the songs of the last season, but this is a new one. Happy that you like it! Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@robertbartelmes7623]

Nike: not to sound like I'm mimicking Joan Baez in "Diamonds & Rust" ... BUT ... "well I'll be damned ... there's my Icom HF transceiver!" ... Bart

[@robertbartelmes7623]

... and Steiner Binocs ... n'est-ce pas?

[@robertblanchard6441]

How are you, Nike ? It is Saturday morning, 08/08/15 and I don't see episode 7 uploaded yet. I hope you are okay and this is just a delay for your next video. You have become like family to me and your welfare means just as much as sharing your adventure on KARL. Any feedback from you or your fans ? Thx, Cousin Bob

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Heya, yes, sorry, it is just a delay...I will post a short message about it...Don't want to worry anyone...Thanks for your patience! Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@robertblanchard6441]

Thanks for reply ! I am relieved and everyone else who saw your message I'm sure. We are all rooting for you, Nike !

[@CemTuten]

ha ha ha ;))) The end of this episode is funny . You should open a new page on youtube , called " karl's 1001 nightmares" ;) it can be very useful.

[@mosbysmen]

better to have found it in port then 1/3 of the way to your next port

[@gabearioso9020]

But more about that next time

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

;)

[@yatessnyder1490]

looks like a giant slug haha

[@kunstmol]

Note to self: get spare alternator belt.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

or three ;)

[@starseedmiracle]

WhiteSpotPirates Or Four! Heheh!

[@kunstmol]

your diesel engine, of course will run without any alternator or electricity of any kind. it just won't charge your batteries.you should have a hand crank or other manual way of starting the engine available.

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

A pair of nylons work in a pinch on torn alternator belts.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Yeah, heard of that before..did you try that out urself? I find it so hard to believe...And the bad news is: I don't have any nylons on my boat either ;)

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

WhiteSpotPirates "pantyhose for ac belt" and you can see for yourself. Just one example of dual-use technology. :-)

[@fleastiff3458]

WhiteSpotPirates I've always thought that so many nylons are sold in the tropics because they are used in nautical stills.

[@kunstmol]

TheKaffeeKlatsch I imagine a length of shock cord would work better. And might actually be available on a boat.

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

Jake Knotting it small enough to run through the drives might be a problem. Not sure rubber would handle the friction as well as nylon? Who knows, I've fixed blown radiator hoses with pvc glue and duct tape.

[@incredulous2]

Don't let your AIS give you a false sense of security! AIS will only provide information about larger ships that are required to have the transponders installed and functioning. I am sure your equipment is not transmitting your information (only receiving) , so larger ships will still be oblivious to your position and velocity vector. Remember you are sailing Latin American waters, none of the local (Panamanian or Colombian) fisherman have such transponders, and a collision with them will be only slightly less dangerous/expensive. My guess is that you won't get a single return between El Porvenir and Cartagena until less than 20NM from the entrance to Cartagena harbor. Even then, you will be able to see the vessel. Don't get me wrong, I am not anti-technology or anti-AIS, just recognize that AIS has its limits. Don't spend too much time on that project. As an additional note, AIS will not detect large logs coming out of river mouths into the ocean. While these won't sink your boat they are not a positive encounter. See and avoid: that should be your mantra. I know, it is difficult to see unlit fishermen boats on moonless nights, but that is the reality and only you can avoid a collision, and maybe even you can't (because you can't/didn't see them). Sleep no more than 20 minutes at a time, scan the horizon (primarily in front of your intended course) for obstacles, repeat. It can be done (been there, done that). See Dame Ellen MacArthur and her around the world voyage. Always, always, always carry at least 1 spare alternator belt. Changing an alternator belt should take less than 5 minutes, even out at sea!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Thanks for your advise, Chip Cannan. I am aware that the AIS does not mean I can sleep all night. Actually, 20 minutes is exactly what I do, sometimes even less... Unfortunately, I have to take off the water pump belt before changing the alternator belt...so for me it's defenitely more than 5 minutes. But maybe half an hour ;). And for the Cargo, I usually call them as soon I have them on my AIS...and tell them where I am and if they see me so they know where I am and where I am going. Also, once you are recorded on their communication system...they will want to avoid you cause they would be held responsible from the insurance. But you are right, it is best to check a lot and be aware of all those dangers. I am trying my best :) Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@charlesdorey4343]

cold feet

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

for sure, I always do before departure :). I was actually not too unhappy the belt broke and I had to wait two days to get a replacement. But then I was really ready to go. Well, maybe with a bit more experience, it will get better. I am still hopin' :). I guess other people progress faster than me...I just seem to be taking my time to deal with it all...but hey, everyone at their pace!! Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@georgelewisray]

: )

[@aztekjp]

*

[@MrDarrell123]

something is out of alingment

[@captainandthelady]

I hate to be too corrective but it's pronounced "conk" I know it's spelled conch ...but... well, it's conk.

[@tube4lsshaw]

Get two belts. Keep a spare

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Leonard Shaw Or three....... ;-)

[@belialzed2244]

Its so sad that she travels alone,and needs reparation etc...

[@3c2abcde57]

video is very short, can you please make it maybe 15 mins..

[@Jaantoenen]

Well, I have no experience with marine engines, but by the observed failure frequency in yours and others, I have concluded that they are built like crap. And probably intentionally.