Watch As We Conquer The 863 Stages Of Crafting Our Cockpit Stairs! (MJ Sailing - Ep 326)
Video Overview: Crafting Our Cockpit Stairs – Episode 326
In this exciting episode of MJ Sailing, we delve into the intricacies of crafting and installing cockpit stairs on their sailboat. The journey is filled with valuable lessons, technical challenges, and rewarding moments that every boating enthusiast can learn from.
Episode Summary
The episode begins with MJ Sailing reflecting on their previous efforts in mockup stages of crafting cockpit steps. After visiting the Max Cruise yard in Vietnam and gaining insights from similar designs, they are ready to bring their vision to life.
Designing and Preparing Templates
To create the perfect match for their cockpit stairs, MJ Sailing meticulously works on designing templates and prepares foam core sheets for lamination. The emphasis is on ensuring the steps not only blend seamlessly with the boat’s aesthetics but also provide durability and impact resistance.
Bonding and Glassing Process
The heart of the episode revolves around bonding the prepared pieces together, creating a sturdy structure. As each piece is meticulously placed, adjustments are made to ensure perfect alignment and levelness.
Final Installation
A pivotal moment in the episode showcases the final installation of the stairs into their designated place. Attention is given to ensuring a smooth and secure fit, addressing gaps, and aligning the steps with precision.
Technical Challenges
<!– wp:list ->- The process of finding the right angle for each step.
- Synchronizing the steps to perfectly match the boat’s existing design elements.
- Facing accessibility challenges during the installation phase due to limited reach in tight spaces.
Skills Developed
<!– wp:list ->- Meticulous measuring and cutting techniques.
- Troubleshooting skills for aligning pieces and resolving gaps.
- Creative problem-solving when faced with design limitations.
The craftsmanship in crafting these cockpit stairs is not just about creating a functional space but also about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their sailboat. MJ Sailing’s dedication to detail and precision makes this episode both educational and inspiring for anyone looking to undertake a similar project.
Conclusion
With the cockpit stairs now in place, MJ Sailing’s boat has gained both utility and beauty. This episode is a testament to the hard work, patience, and meticulous planning required for such an intricate project. It encourages viewers not only to explore their own boats’ possibilities but also to appreciate the depth of knowledge and skills needed in the boating and sailing industry.
Next Steps
MJ Sailing looks forward to further refinements, focusing on finishing off their Galley and giving the staircase a fresh coat of paint. With each project, they continue to add value not only to their boat but also to the viewers’ understanding of sailing adventures.
Explore Further
If you’re captivated by this episode and inspired to tackle your own boating or sailing project, consider exploring resources on boat maintenance, sailing techniques, and woodworking for boats. Engage with the community of sailors and boat enthusiasts online and join forums where such topics are discussed passionately. With the right guidance, determination, and patience, your dream boat improvements can become a reality.
Working with foam and fiberglass has so many more steps than plywood and screws. Because of resins and cure times, our new cockpit steps have received 2-3 hours of attention each day for the past week.
When we first ordered our 3D module kit from Max Cruise, it came with ALL the foam we would need to build out the interior, including a few very large sheets of foam cored fiberglass to cut into whatever sizes we needed. Those we use to store next to the tent and cut down here and there as we make smaller bulkheads and pieces for furniture.
The reason I mention this is we should have had enough foam for all of our projects, yet somewhere along the way, that pile of spare foam kept growing smaller, and not all of it was being used by us. We had no idea where some of that extra foam walked off to, but we weren't left with enough for ourselves, and for projects like building our cockpit steps and doors.
Now that we have ourselves set up with a large (flat and level) 4x8 table in the tent though, we've been able to start making our own pieces for these projects. Which means we can finally move forward with the cockpit steps!!
Follow along with Matt as he goes through the arduous task of turning our plywood mockup steps into the real thing. First is making the new foam sheets to act as side bulkheads, and then measuring and cutting the steps themselves. Applying them one level at a time to keep everything level, he is then able to attach the side bulkhead (which will be one side of a cockpit locker).
Before they can go into place, the backside is glassed together, and after sitting overnight, the front can be done. Then as one solid structure, the entire piece gets bonded into the cockpit and then glassed in.
We knew this would be a long task...something that has gotten a few hours of attention each day, and will continue to do so through blending it in to the surrounding areas. But it gets us one steps further in the remaining glass work for this build!
In this episode, Matt also gives updates on our new freezer installed under the settee, and we see what Jessica has been working on and why it hasn't deserved much camera time.
We hope you enjoy!
P.S. If you have spring projects on your own boat and would like 5% off your purchase of Total Boat products, make sure to use our link here!
https://www.totalboat.com/MJSailing
Much love,
Jessica, Matt & Georgie
Link to our boat: https://maxcruisemarine.com/
Thank you SO MUCH to our Patrons. These amazing supporters help keep us on the boat, our camera equipment up to date, and the videos coming. Without our patrons, these videos would not be possible.
To join the Patreon ranks, please visit:
https://www.patreon.com/mjsailing
or
Buy us a beer through PayPal! https://www.paypal.me/MJSailing
or
Help contribute to the build by shopping our Amazon Wish List! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
Delivery address:
Kentmorr Marina
910 Kentmorr Road
Stevensville, MD 21666
Thank you!, Matt & Jessica
Videos made by Jessica, featuring Matt and Georgie.
00:00 - Transferring our plywood form, to foam core
03:08 - Shaping it one step at a time. Literally.
07:08 - Glassing the structure's back side
08:00 - We added expanding foam to our freezer
12:35 - Extra strength! Glassing the front of the steps
15:30 - What has Jessica been working on?
17:42 - Our cockpit steps get bonded in place!!
19:52 - Closing
Music:
Broken Clouds - Tellsonic
Lets Give a Damn - OTE
Middle of Time - Sebastian Winskog
Ruins - Origo
The River's Gonna Cry When You're Gone - Loving Caliber
Pandemonium (Tribute Version) - The Mondays
Camera equipment used:
- Google Pixel 7
- GoPro Hero 8
- DJI Osmo Action 4
Previous Boats: 1983 Trisalu 37 - custom aluminum, built in Quebec (Elements of Life) Where we've been: 2.5 year refit in Indiantown,
Florida; Abacos, Bahamas; St. Barth's; St. Maarten; Antigua; Saba; Azores; Ireland; Scotland; Norway; England 1989
Sabre 34 Targa (Serendipity)
Where We Sailed Her: U.S. - Bahamas - Jamaica - Cuba - Cayman Islands - Honduras - Guatemala - Belize - Mexico - Bermuda - Azores - Madeira - Canary Islands - Sint Maarten - BVI's - USVI's
Editing software: Adobe Premier Pro
Website: http://www.mjsailing.com
Facebook: / mattandjessicasailing
Instagram: / mattandjessicasailing
& / mj_wayfaring
Watch As We Conquer The 863 Stages Of Crafting Our Cockpit Stairs! (MJ Sailing - Ep 326) Locations
- The Max Cruise yard in Vietnam where MJ Sailing gained insights for their cockpit stairs project. (21.3077,105.8611)
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]
Channel Information:
Social Media Links:
Note of Recognition for MJ Sailing
At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that MJ Sailing and other creators invests in crafting each and every video. Their passion for delivering exceptional content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.
We invite you to watch their captivating videos and actively engage with their content, including their social media links above. Liking, commenting, and sharing their work goes a long way in fueling their creative fire.
We're also inviting you to explore any sponsorships and partnerships highlighted in the video description of "Watch As We Conquer The 863 Stages Of Crafting Our Cockpit Stairs! (MJ Sailing - Ep 326)", or directly on YouTube. By considering their offerings or purchasing services and items, you not only support MJ Sailing but also the brands and collaborators they're associated with.
If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional information about MJ Sailing or their videos, please use the comment form below to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the creators we cherish. Your time and support truly matter!
MJ Sailing Lastest Videos
Showing 1-6 of 415 results
Getting Ready to Install Our FIRST EVER AC!! (MJ Sailing – Ep 365)
Can you believe we're finally getting to the install part of our build?? Although, since most things won't get permanently mounted until the end, I guess we could call this a fitting, haha. This week we prepare for the install of our 9k BTU AC unit from M...
Building Our Custom Helm Seat – Foam, Glass & Vacuum Bagging (MJ Sailing – Ep 364)
This week, we’re diving into a project that’s been quietly taking shape in the background: building our helm seat from scratch. While it might seem like a small piece of the boat, it plays a major role in both comfort and functionality—so we wanted ...
Diesel Demands Space, Electric Plays Nice (MJ Sailing – Ep 363)
We’re back in the engine bays this week, continuing to prep both sides of the catamaran for our twin propulsion systems—an electric motor in the starboard hull and a diesel-electric hybrid in the port hull. After receiving our full system from Hybrid ...
Making Room for 300 Pounds of Power (MJ Sailing – Ep 362)
We're prepping our catamaran engine beds for a brand-new hybrid propulsion system—an electric motor in one hull, and a 300+ pound diesel-electric hybrid in the other. In this episode, we tackle fiberglass reinforcements, fairing work, and reveal how we p...
Glassing on our Catamaran Bows – After I Clean Up a TOUGH MISTAKE (MJ Sailing – Ep 361)
Get a FREE pair of crew socks with your 100% waterproof Vessi shoes! https://crrnt.app/VESSI/y6920bP9 We’ve got both bows bonded onto our catamaran now, but before we can start glassing them in place, we run into a tough—and time-consuming—setback. ...
WE SCREWED UP Last Time. Here’s How We Fixed Our Custom Catamaran Build (MJ Sailing – Ep 360)
Go to https://nordvpn.com/mjsailing to get 4 extra months on a 2-year plan!! Just use code MJSAILING A huge thanks to this video's sponsor NordVPN. ALL PROCEEDS go directly to materials for custom build catamaran. This week we once again try bonding a b...
Something AWESOME is coming!
Be the FIRST to know⛵
Sign up for exclusive updates and be the first to hear when we go live!
Get sneak peeks, exciting announcement, and special content straight to your inbox!
We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.