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Knocking Out Boat Projects. So Close To SAILING!

There is light on the horizon!  We’re deliriously close to splashing this boat.  We’re in that strange headspace where there is still a fair amount of work ahead, but we’re motivated by the progress.

It’s a little reminiscent of the last 24hrs of a long passage.  The smell of land is in the air, the horizon is taking on shapes and we’re already plotting our first adventure on solid ground.

Funny how we cannot wait to get out to sea…then can’t wait to get back to land.  Humans are funny like that, never satisfied.  But, back to the boat projects in the here and now.

This week we tackle a steering issue that has been plaguing us since our Pacific crossing.  We reinstall the fuel tanks, restock the freezer, gain back a modern-day luxury and service the engines.  It’s boat life at its finest. We’re making progress my friends, very good progress!

 

Resources From The Video

🍍 Food Prep

I am a big fan of reusable silicone bags.  I have them in all shapes and sizes.  I prefer them over classic Tupperware style containers.  There are no lids to fiddle with, they take up less storage space, they are plastic-free (made of 100% silicone), they’re oven and freezer safe too.

I have a couple of different brands I have purchased over the years but the one I showed you in the video is hands down the best.

⛽ Fuel Tank Fix

A huge thanks to everyone for all the suggestions.  As mentioned, our fave and wish-we-had-access-to product is the fuel tank liner.  We will most likely remove the tanks and coat them with a similar product once we get to New Zealand or Australia.

Airstream Atlas & First Descents

For your chance to win the Airstream Atlas and to support First Descents, enter at: omaze.com/wynns

Learn More About First Descents and their programs here: firstdescents.org/

 

🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO

See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear

 

🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:

 

🙏 THANK YOU!

Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of FREE ways you can show your support.

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (24)

  • Jane & Ritchie

    Hey you guys. I’ve been following you for 4 years now and this is my first comment. We had the exact same boat. (maybe hull #8 ?) Her name was/is ‘Panthera’ and we first heard of you from Raf, at Just Cats… (Say ‘hey’ from Jane & Ritchie next time you call him for an electronics question). Love following you. So familiar. Everything … been there done that, on that boat. Just watched your latest on the steering shivs.. We had the same thing while crossing the Bermuda Triangle.. We sold her in 2018 after 4 years 10,000 miles Caribbean and East Coast. Miss it, but you bring it all back.. good and bad. Keep on going.
    ps Panthera has your old dinghy davits. I believe the previous owners switched them for your current.

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  • Steve G

    Your experience with the steering linkage, and the subsequent response from the manufacturer requiring monthly maintenance, reminded me of my time in the Navy on a submarine. Both have limited access to tight cramped quarters. I would recommend cutting an access port over the tackle, and install a metal access plate (maybe 6×6) with a water-proof gasket. That way you can get to the assembly, even at sea, and keep it clean and lubricated. Just my thoughts.

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  • Mike Cowart

    I may have missed it, what happened to the cats? I enjoy watching your travels, RV to boat

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  • Lynn Davis

    Nikki,
    I really like your new haircut. I have always loved you in shorter hair. You are amazing that you can cut this by yourself.
    Love you guys.
    Lynn

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  • Stephen

    Love the snap cut to oil jugs! What a great storytelling trick.

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  • Peter M

    Jason I’m realizing that when I’m working in tight quarters I tend to explain the process also. The problem is there is no camera, in fact there is no one around!
    Thanks for making me realize I have issues. LOL!
    Hey, Great video!

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  • Alan Solomon

    Great video Nikki and Jason.
    Jason you really have become the master mechanic. Congratulations on all you have achieved. I remember when you started learning when you both were in the RV. You had a video about the car hitch to the RV and something happened that you learned from.
    Nikki really is a great help when a 2nd pair of hands is needed doing whatever when working on the boat. She is your wife of course and one of two Boat Captain’s.
    Those looked like some tasty, beefy bananas you were cutting up Nikki. Those freezer bags looked thicker and better at protecting from freezer burn. Can you tell me the brand of freezer safe bags you use?
    Best, Safe and Well..

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    • Curious Minion

      Hey Alan. There’s a link to the silicone bags in the blog post, and don’t forget that shopping through that link won’t cost you anything extra but it will throw a few pennies into the sailing kitty!
      Curious Minion

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  • Marcel D

    Was watching another video that popped up in my suggestions on Youtube today and the guy had the cahones to use a picture of the two of you guys in HIS video! You appear briefly at the 1:01 mark I think…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7p-o0dblK0

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    • Curious Minion

      Yes they’ve seen it. That whole video looks like clips used without permission. Sad that some people don’t respect property rights.
      Curious Minion

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  • Keith Vauquelin

    I took a lot of notes. Amazon list is filling daily with appropriate provisioning. Nikki, if I am fortunate to find a good woman who works as hard as you do, I will indeed be a lucky man. Jason, don’t kid yourself – you have clearly become a master mechanic on Curiosity. Updates on my research: Leopards, Pajots, Seawind are “in”. Considered a Neel 45, but reports of severe leakage and structural issues going unresolved by the factory ruled them “out”. Still planning to start the search in earnest in February 21. Pandemic and quarantine not with standing, I am going to Europe in April, back to Texas in mid-May, and finish prep to leave for Florida in September. One vehicle and trailer already disposed of, and all furniture in my house is spoken for. Simply have to get rid of my old Firebird, and AMG in Spring. Keeping the Sierra for the trip to Florida with my remaining clothes and stuff. Planning to depart Florida the last week of January, 2022, for Panama. You guys are knocking it out. We are cheering you on from the States. Be safe.

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  • Paul

    I know it is never an idea to do without a lot of research to ensure it doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the hull, but could you cut a hole right above the sheaves and then make a little removable hatch cover or something? It would make monthly servicing so much easier… you got practice fiberglassing on the tanks, wouldn’t this just be a little more? [Grin] Being a landlubber, I don’t know how much a little hatch right there would be in the way or not.

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  • Michael

    I didn’t know about the hazardous shipping problem. Bet you can get the stuff in the next continent when you get there. That will save a lot of tank replacement costs. and the outsides already look great. You did a wonderful job and it should last for at least a decade or more, as long as the area stays dry.

    Also, when you get to civilization, you will want to replace those pulleys with new ones that have sealed ball bearings so that you don’t have to keep lubing them. Another things is a grease applicator for the cable. If it must be kept greasy, then you might try something like the picture here http://www.lubretec.com/en/group/grease-safe-wire-rope-lubricator.arcx. All you have to do is put a little in once a year or so, and then the cable stays lubed.

    I’d love to work with you guys; you have so much fun. You have been truly blessed with wonderful characters and personalities. Stay positive; you’re doing great.

    PS, there’s no such thing as a hot water heater. We usually heat cold water. 😉

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  • Louis Miller

    Girl you ware me out just watching you , you are one hard worker . 😇

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  • JOHN SCHRETLEN

    Splash 2 before Christmas looks very likely. That’ll be a good present to yourselves.

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  • Jeanette Brennan

    Doing great!! You’re almost there. You both work so hard… Love the magical oil arrival! 🤣🤣 Keep the faith, you’re almost sailing again! Stay safe! ⛵️💖

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  • Icarus

    Long time reader. First time commentator. My little mind missed it. How did you get the oil from the closed shop?

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    • Curious Minion

      They had to come back the next day. That snap was the magic of video editing!
      Curious Minion

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  • Michael Larkin

    Loving you two and you’re antics, funnier all the time. Nicky what were the fruits that you were cutting up for freezing? Michael, Dublin, Ireland.

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  • Annette Marriott

    It’s unbelievable the progress you’ve made in getting Curiosity ready to go back in the water. If I had a £100,000 pounds, I’d gladly give to you to aid you in whatever way you needed, but alas it’d more likely be £10 🙄. I do worry about you being in Tonga for hurricane season though and I’m keeping everything crossed, that you don’t get one, stay safe x

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