Six Layers of Fiberglass and Zero Regrets (MJ Sailing - Episode 372)

• January 10, 2026 by MJ Sailing |
• Language: EN
• Play Time: 00:24:47
• SAILING YOUTUBERS

Overbuilding the engine bed might seem excessive… until you factor in weight, torque, vibration, and a moving ocean.


In this episode, we lift and align our diesel engine, temporarily set it in place, then pull it back out so Matt can glass the engine mounts permanently into the engine bed. With six layers of double-bias fiberglass, this is one of those areas where strength, alignment, and patience matter more than speed. Engine weight, torque, vibration, and constant motion all get factored in here, and taking the time to do it right now will pay off later when we’re actually underway.

While Matt focuses on the engine bed, I’m back in the owner’s hull working on the media cabinet area — sanding, fairing (because of course), priming, and painting. It’s not a showpiece cabinet, but it’s one of those practical spaces that still needs to be clean, durable, and easy to live with. I may have also accidentally used a much higher-end primer than most people would ever put inside a cabinet… no regrets.

This episode is a good snapshot of winter boatbuilding for us: heaters running, cold temps outside, slow progress inside, and a mix of heavy mechanical work and interior finishing that slowly turns this project into a livable boat.

Thanks for watching and for following along as we keep pushing this build forward, one step at a time.

⛵️

Six Layers of Fiberglass and Zero Regrets (MJ Sailing - Episode 372) Locations

• Kent Island (38.9373391,-76.3289941)

MJ Sailing

Sailing the world to see the world! We're a couple of high school sweethearts in our late 30's that have been on the move for 9 years; creating videos of the ups, the downs, our triumphs and our trials. After circumnavigating the North Atlantic in our last boat Serendipity, (1989 Sabre Targa 34), we took on a 2 year complete refit of our new boat Elements of Life - a custom aluminum 37' monohull. After sailing her to the Arctic, we sold her in 2020 to begin our newest project of building a 42 ft catamaran. Check out our website for more information, and support us by subscribing to our channel and liking our videos. Want to support the production of our videos? - Become part of our Patreon family and get videos before anyone else! - https://patreon.com/mjsailing - Make a donation through the PayPal link on our website - http://mjsailing.com - General inquires, please contact us at: [email protected]

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• Latest Video: January 17, 2026
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