Facing our BIGGEST PROBLEM | Sailing Florence Refit Ep.174
The most difficult repair job yet, fitting 9m lengths of straight aluminum toe rail to Florence's curves. This job had us worried... As if that wasn't enough we also replace our windows and our steering!
We have been sailing around the world for 7 years after setting off from England in 2016 on board our 37ft sail boat Florence. Join us as we share the highs, lows, and challenges of travelling around the world by boat, Sailing offshore across the Oceans and exploring remote locations with our own little tiny house. Boat life out at sea on the ocean and off the grid.
You can also follow us via our blog at http://www.sailwiththeflo.wordpress.com
Equipment:
Affiliate link: Get a free invisible selfie stick for the Insta 360 X3 here, the camera that we use to capture the drone-like shots when sailing offshore without a drone: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?insrc=INRQ83I
00:00 – Intro
01:21 - Replacing Toe rail on a 37ft yacht
08:14 – Fitting stanchions and guard rails
10:58 – Replacing our boat windows
16:29 – New wheel steering for our sailboat
22:22 – Next Time
#sailing #circumnavigation #sailingyachtflorence #boatlife #boatlifestyle #yachtlifestyle #boatyard #boatrepair #yachtrepair #syflorence #boatrestoration
Music in order as played:
Bare Minimum - www.hooksounds.com – Licenced
Urban Funk Vintage - www.hooksounds.com – Licenced
Funky Town - www.hooksounds.com – Licenced
Just Imagine - www.hooksounds.com – Licenced
Americana Folk - www.hooksounds.com – Licenced
Americana Drive - www.hooksounds.com – Licenced
Sailing Yacht Florence
Join Matt and Amy of Sailing Yacht Florence as they document their 2026 Arctic mission and 'Budget Boat Makeover' aboard their world-proven Oyster Heritage 37.
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Matt and Amy, the couple behind Sailing Yacht Florence, embark on a challenging refit journey in their latest episode. The focus of this episode is primarily on the intricate process of refitting their sailboat, which has seen extensive wear and tear from over 50,000 miles of voyaging.
Challenges with the Tow Rail
The couple faces a significant challenge with the replacement of their corroded and leaking tow rail. The straight 9-meter-long metal rails need to be bent to fit the curve of Florence’s hull. Matt shares the technique they plan to use, involving bolting on the tow rail and gradually bending it into shape with a block and tackle system.
According to Matt, “It’s quite difficult to do, but the technique is to start at one end of the boat, bolt on the tow rail, and gradually bend it round to the shape of the hull.\” The process involves meticulous planning and teamwork.
Technical Maneuvers
The meticulous process of drilling holes, applying sealant, and securing bolts is described in detail. Matt and Amy carefully measure and drill each hole, ensuring precise placement to avoid hitting bulkheads or inaccessible areas. The couple also innovates solutions on the go, such as using two anchors to counteract the twist in the tow rail.
Matt highlights the importance of utilizing the right products for boat maintenance, even when faced with limited availability. Despite challenges, they successfully fit the tow rail, marking a significant milestone in the refit process.
Window Replacement and Other Upgrades
Alongside the tow rail replacement, Matt and Amy tackle other upgrades, including fitting new windows and addressing issues with the steering pedestal. They share insights into their DIY approach, including the challenges of matching gel coat colors and adapting to different climates.
The episode concludes with a glimpse into future upgrades, emphasizing the continuous learning and adaptation required in boat maintenance.
Conclusion
The episode offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of sailboat refitting, from technical challenges to innovative solutions. Matt and Amy’s hands-on approach and attention to detail serve as valuable lessons for fellow sailors embarking on similar projects.
Facing our BIGGEST PROBLEM | Sailing Florence Refit Ep.174 Location
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