Hey Russ! I'm enjoying your videos. Couldn't find the dolphins video tho. You are very welcome at the restaurant whenever you're in town. Nice to meet you!
Hey I'm Anthony are you still sailing I own a home in Honduras I'm American Indian love to talk about sailing to Honduras could use some help when a good time to cross though Mexico and Cuba channel ???
I am still floating and alive! Where is your boat now? That is, where are you starting from, the FL east or west coast? Texas? I am currently away from the boat, in Costa Rica this weekend. I am sure that "the experts" would say to avoid hurricane season, but I think you are good to go anytime between December and July. Please drop me an email at: skipjack@gmx.com
Hey Russ. Good, informative video as usual. I tried calling the other day and I guess you were "out-of-range" - now I know you're in Panama or enroute there. Hope all is well. Give me a shout when you're back this way.
Yes. Several people I know here have gotten the dengue...and that's why (even thought I had spraying those repellents on) I go heavy with the repellents.
Hey there, John. It does feel a little like a refuel outage. No whining because I am the scheduler and the planning organization and so on. I do get nervous messing with the engine, I admit. Hope all is well with you--are you in China?
@@skipjacksailing8986 Russ - being scheduler, worker, foreman, trainer, and jack-of-all-trades is quite the accomplishment. I envy your exacting abilities. I'm in east TN; wife has spent the summer in China (1st trip since beginning of the pandemic), she will be home in 2 weeks. All is well here...!!
@@dennishopkins5459 I don't want to focus too much on the heat and humidity, although it IS nearly a work-stopper for me between 0930--1500. It's a great deal to have low monthly cost, and you can do your own work, and you can live aboard. THere are some folks who stay for many months for BIG steel boat welding upgrades. All in all, very glad I came here.
I am still trying to improve my Spanish. I can usually "transmit" verbally what I want to say (although limited often by vocabulary), but my big issue is that I have a hard time understanding any native speaker. Now and then, I will actually know and comprehend when someone speaks to me, but usually not. But this getting older thing...I am going to haul out in another week or so for the dry work...so I'll be glad to get moving again.
Great video on passage planning. I really enjoy the sailing channels that talk about sailing. Too few do anymore. Are you concerned about the pirate problems around Honduras and Nicaragua?
Yes, to the pirate issue. Most cruisers tell me that the solution along that coast is to stay outside of that shallow bank, at least 100 nm out. And, I'm also told that they are not really pirates, but just fishermen who aggressively ask for help. I suppose that's why staying out in the deep water is the solution. If you have access Google Maps or a chartplotter, you can find the islands (along that same coast, close to the border between Nica. and Costa Rica) of Providencia, San Andres and (much closer to shore) the Corn Islands. Some more experienced folks that I trust strongly recommended these islands to visit.
I was divorced in the summer of 2015, and then 3 weeks later watched my brother die when he was 57 and the sense of urgency was VERY strong. But we have to keep working, right? And another year ticks off... I am thankful that I am at least able to stop work. Not wealthy, but not completely flat-ass broke.
Fantastic decision. Have you met the guy on sailing channel finding freedom. Dacia is boat name it's on the hard in Rio where you are has no motor. Trew it away long time ago. Sails every where. Single handed.
I'll try to find him. I'm in the Nanajuana marina and we have a boatyard. There's another boatyard next door at RAM marina. I'll check his channel and try to meet up.
Hello Russ, Thanks for another interesting video. We discussed at the plant the difference between excellence and perfection. Excellence is safety, reliability, and results Excellence is the road to financial ruin - no one can afford perfection - it is reserved for deity. On your MUST GET list, one vital inclusion - a good bottle of Rum (or two). Also, facing 72 in Nov. - we have no time for waiting.
Really enjoyed the video. The discussion of the whisker pole was interesting - I learned something and I appreciate that. Take care and keep these great videos coming.
Just finding the right balance. Do I spend 15000 on a boat that cost only 21000? I just cannot get there mentally, especially when I am in my robotic state. But even "dreamer" Russ cannot get there. Life raft or a wind generator? If I have to choose one, which way to go?
Visited French Polynesia; its spectacular. I want to go back to see - Rangiroa like a lake in the middle of the ocean. Look forward to watching your transit.
@@skipjacksailing8986 Your engineering approach will get you there safe. Solid hull, reliable autopilot, good rig, reliable electronics and solar, need that engine reliable and a backup rudder and lots of water!
My inspiration is "Desperate Voyage" by John Caldwell. When we were waiting out weather that we thought was too rough to sail in Tavenier Key in our robust well maintained sailboat, a dilapidated sailboat crossed the Straits of Florida and landed in the mangroves on shore with 20 Cubans or Hatians, soon to be new Americans. It does help put your idea of safety in a different perspective.
It sure does, Richard. I am so glad that we met up in Marathon, and I appreciate your hospitality. I can imagine being in that position where your "hierarchy of needs" tells you that it's better to shove in a barely-floating wreck...
Go man, go! Do the minimum priority stuff. Get the mechanicals up solid, safety gear squared away and weigh anchor! Yer gonna be coastal for how long? Fix/finish it on the way. Don't wait, tied to the dock, trying to get it finished...it's **never** finished..it's a boat ;)
Last chance at "civilization" will be in Panama City, waiting for the timing around cyclone season. I can shoot you a copy of my "wish list" if you send me an email at: skipjack@gmx.com I'd love to get your "two cents worth". On an earlier comment, you can see the choices: life raft or wind generator? Storm sail or EPIRB? Those types of choices. Whatever I'm going to order, I need to do it soon because it'll be a 6-week lead time. Send me an email?
Main engine? You are right and that's been on my list for a long time. I just am scaredy-cat about diving into something for which I have ZERO knowledge.
@skipjacksailing8986 they are stupid simple to replace. All you need is a feeler guage to realign for the most part. Getting the drive shaft flange apart will be the biggest challenge I would guess.
Good to see you you're doing well and it soundl like you'll have plenty to do in the next few months. Please don't go swimming again if there are crocodiles nearby 😱
Another great video Russ. Life boat, I think you said something like "I should have one, I know that", so enough on that subject :). Also, seems like not moving the seawater valve further from the hull is safer and still more out of the way. Sucks to climb up there and do the work, but for a guy on his couch it looks like a good move. Good luck with it all.
The money you can spend on safety equipment is limited, and sometimes you have to make choices. It is frustrating when people say "oh you can't go cruising without..." and then list $10,000 worth of safety equipment that you need, not including modifying your boat! We bought a six-man life raft with a hard shell case, hydrostatic release valve, and a stainless steel cradle directly from China through Alibaba. I know, I know, The criticism is how do you know it's any good? How do you know it's going to work? The alternative was no life raft! We paid about $1,200 total including shipping to our door. Since it can cost over $1,000 just to get it recertified here in the US , I guess in another 2 years what it needs to be, we'll just launch it and see what happens! If it inflates and looks good, I'll buy another one from Alibaba! You know that all those life rafts that West Marine sells comes from a factory in Ningbo, China. When we thought we might be going up the St. Lawrence, We also bought two used immersion suits from India. They undoubtedly came off ships in the Indian ship breaking yards. This is also a decent source for good Japanse sextants. We were able to adequately test the immersion suits in our swimming pool in December.
Exactly true. If I bought everything that "I need to have" then I'd never be able to leave the dock. Does it make sense to spend 10,000 on safety gear for a boat that cost 20,000? Wouldn't it be "safer" to buy a new engine instead? I do like to remember those heroes like Bernard Moitissier (sp) or Robin Knox Johnson....and wish I knew exactly what "kit" they kept aboard.
@@skipjacksailing8986 I think there is a generational difference as well. The younger you are the more you expect perfect safety, and criticize risk-taking. I mean, like I would never storm the beaches at Normandy, but I would go hiking without a personal locator beacon.
Hi Russ. I have finally got caught back up with your videos. I don't know what happened with my You Tube algorithms but all my sailing channels disappeared. Finally got everything restored. Glad to see you are doing well and in a great location. All is well here in South Georgia.
Hey there, Roy. Today is a work day, of course. Meeting with boatyard manager in 20 minutes. (they do business a little differently) Glad to hear from you, sir!
I cant wait for the passage planning videos. If leaving Guatemala and also staying in the carribean isn't everywhere othe than the san Blas and panama pretty much dead upwind?
The ONE huge knock against this coast between here and Cancun is that you're kinda' pinned down against the trade winds. The basic idea is to use the cold fronts in the winter months, because they'll sometimes bring northerlies that last for 2-4 days. I can make about 100-120 nautical miles per day. ....and I have about 400-500 nm to work to the east. It's a math and weather problem. I look forward to making that video because it puts my mind to work on this problem. (other choice is to run _north_ all the way past Florida, over to the east coast, through the northern Bahamas, and then east (again, using the northerlies) until you get far enough east. Then come south through the Eastern Caribbean.
I went back and forth on the life raft topic for awhile before I bought one. Nobody is going to say that buying one is a poor decision. If nothing else, it's a good sleep aid.
You're probably right, and I better get it ordered soon...because we need to add about 6-7 weeks for deliveries. I'll just get a little 2-man raft. What kind did you get and, do you like it?
@@skipjacksailing8986 when we ordered ours the price difference between four and six man was very small. But we had two people and a dog to accommodate. I think they allow two square feet per person.
Well, if you've done that kind of work, then you know it was literally only 5 minutes or less to grind....and almost 2 hours to clean up. Plus, I knew that I was going to be able to jump in the river as soon as I was done...
I have only a liability policy with Progressive. I don't think I'd pay for a comprehensive plan (because my boat is not that expensive), but due to the age of the boat (1979) I was unable to get a policy anyway. I don't think they asked when I checked in. And, judging from some of the boats I see here, I am sure that few have insurance. Consider the Facebook group "Rio Dulce Cruisers". A LOT of good information there.
Thanks, John and great to hear from you! Obviously, updating the "bathroom" sink is not a mission-critical accomplishment, but I had gotten into a "do nothing at all" routine.... ...so even though Joshua Slocum or Bernard Mortissier would not have focused on the head, this job will go into the log as the job that "got my ass moving!" I am just this minute laying out all of the jobs I can do prior to the haulout. Getting into the details to make sure I have or can-get the materials....and how to work as much as possible before haulout (without sinking the boat).
Yeah I was down for a while....this persistent heat and humidity was not for me when in Florida, and it's not for me here! (at least in Florida we had winter to look forward to). But no complaints. Doing well, brother. Give Jenny a hug for me!
Great video! Impress you did it without an autopilot help! I am planing to do Clearwater to Cartagena next year and wondering the best time after the hurricane season is over. Thanks
If you have access to "World Cruising Routes" by Jimmy Cornell, it is worth a quick look. I think many would recommend progressing EAST out of Florida (not south to Mexico). If you send me an email to: skipjack@gmx.com (not gmail), then I can take pictures of the relevant cruising route. I am headed that way in the winter, after hurricane season and when the "cold fronts" start coming.
Haha. i'm sure that will be the eventual result....we usually meet the right person if we stay on our path... Hope you're doing well. I will get a project summary video out soon. I've got the plan with my "scheduling and planning team", but they want more beer!
Salamat po! i have since learned that other people were also sick, and that there is a contagious stomach illness passing through. So, it wasn't food poisoning. But I feel much better now! I hope you are doing well.
I've heard some bad things about dengue fever...apparently it's much MUCH worse if you catch that fever a second time, and likely to be fatal if you get it a 3rd time. I go heavy with the repellents.
One epoxy trick I learned was to pour the resin into the hardener. I also agree with a tad more hardener than resin, Way better than a tad more resin than hardener! We would have died this month without AC in North Carolina!
@skipjacksailing8986 Resin is more viscous than hardener, so helps to ensure thorough mixing. Pouring it into a second vessel after mixing it and mixing it again also helps ensure there is no unmixed material as well. I can't claim these as my original ideas. I got them from a Stonecoat Epoxy video.
Praying for your gut health, dude. Take care and remember that you're having MORE fun than taking a reactor critical or synching a generator on-line, OR teaching chuckleheads to do the same...
Hey there, John. Oh yes, I remind myself daily. Any of us could've worked another 10 years, right? I am glad that I didn't "wait until ready". I'm very grateful for the time in Abu Dhabi, working with you and other great folks.
Hello, Russ. Good to see you. Sorry to hear of your ills. Better to hear of your recovery. Good job on the sink top, BTW. Good luck on the haul out. FW&FS
Thanks, Paul. I'll get another episode out next week. Tonight I am planning my "visa run"--I can only stay in Guatemala for 90-days, so I need to leave the country for a day...then I can return with a fresh 90-day charge. I'm not killing myself, but am getting busy with "prep" work that can be done now to make the haulout period shorter and easier.
Thanks! I have read about the Mediterranean and the "confused" winds and swell. But the only times I've been in the Med were when I was in the Navy, and that was on a 110,000-ton ship.
