A BIG Step Towards Getting My Mast Up! 

I'm watching you, whilst your Dad is driving, with the sound off.....& I'm still enjoying your vid Sparks!!!....I think that's the definition of a biased Mum!!!....Keep Going Mark - You've got this...Sooo darn proud!!!🤗 🌈 ⛵️ 🌈🤗

Hey Mark, remember we're all here for boat stuff. It's not boring!

The answer to your question is, we all would sail with you any day of the week. Great Ocean crossing Mahi.

You’re doing great! Keep at it! Sailing awaits!

After reading the comments, I think it's safe to say that no one finds these videos boring.

Mark, I’m a 75 year old man who dreamed of rehabbing an (imagined) abandoned sailboat since I was 10 years old. The closest I came was at 12 converting a 12 foot row boat to sail using a sapling I cut down, sewing bedsheets for sails, and configuring side boards as substitutes for no centerboard. The boat sailed and was one of the proudest accomplishments of my life. (Fortunately, my wife and children don’t follow your channel.)The videos could be boring to some people but not those of us who follow you. While watching we all are anticipating future sailing adventures to come. Sharing dreams of adventures is never boring. It is inspiring!

Mark you are doing a great job just wait till your dad arrives he will sort the engine out for you just watch how he does it look and learn good luck

Love your vids Mark never boring !

Just remember that a multihull can load up the rig much more than a keelboat as it has much greater righting moment and will not heel to limit the load.

Mark I haven't seen you do anything to that catamaran that would scare me off of it. And a lot of what you've done is probably above and beyond what the original designer or builder would have done. You just keep on keeping on what you're doing and you'll be fine.

Spray white vinegar to keep mould away. It kills the spaws.

Getting better all the time ☝️♥️✌️🌍🙏🇭🇲

I have no interest in boats yet i find myself waiting every week to watch your video. keep em coming, i'm really enjoying seeing this all come together!

Mark, I don't do boats but I do build airplanes. On your hard points you mite consider an extra layer on the inside. We call them Hard points and we use Aluminum plate that we imbed in the epoxy. Was also going to suggest you use a rubber squeegee when spreading your micro filler. Also if you are going to do multiple layers on different days you can use peel ply (which is a wax free polyester cloth) so it is ready for the next layer. Just pull the peel off and you are set to move forward with out any more prep.

Without a proper seal puller, for the drive shaft seal, you can drill a small hole into the seal, put a self tapper screw in the hole and use side cutters to lever it out. Some gearboxes have two seals per shaft. Make sure you fit new ones the same way. Some are back to back to keep oil in and water out. We used to put sealant on the outside on the seal casing. The prop shaft seal, with the bearing carrier removed, a blade screw driver should do the trick.

Definately not boring in fact quite inspirational …… legend

here for the long haul, even the boring as videos will be worth it when the sailing comes about!

Perseverance is the key and you have it!

It's not boring. There is a learning curve to every thing , now you know , once you know you'll have that experience in your tool belt , and you won't repeat any of the little set backs you are doing really good , keep after it you'll get it ready for wind . Most important things are finished correctly, and you are doing that . Again not boring,

Nothing boring about your videos at all... fascinating stuff for those of us who like to know how its done!!

Crack on cracking on innit Mark... never boring watching someone genuinely grafting! The kickbacks of the authentic budgeteer include intimate labour intensity and never ending frustrations... seeing as you appear to have patience and enthusiasm by the bucket load... YOUR way is clearly the right way skipper! Watch the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves! Along the way your tenacity, experience and growth are happening in real time! Turning 2k into 75k+ is never easy... but you are very clearly in the midst of doing it Mark! 👍

Deffiently not boring mate its all a learning curve

Every time i see and every time i listen, i enjoy your videos. Just be you and it will be fine 🌞🌻

It is not boring. Enjoyed watching it.

Its not been boring Mark, with years of experience I will say, where engines are concerned, most times its cheaper in the long run to buy new.

not boring at all mark you are great in editing your videos

For the ForeBeam attachment, wrap some "towing strap" around the beam, and fasten the ends with a metal shackle. You can maintain its central location with a nylon fitting either side, screwed into the aluminium beam. They use this technique on the booms of very large yachts, to distribute the load.

your enthusiasm never fells to impress me rock on 👍👍

This is not boring! It’s grafting, honest grafting.

Hang in there brother. Coming along nice. Not boring. Always look forward to having your folks on the scene. It's looking great.

Not boring and the soundtrack is always good. Keeps me entertained when doing boring stuff like dishes.

Don't worry, it's interesting watching the progress. Those of us who have boats understand your frustration of starting something & having to wait for parts so you work on something else. 🙂

We want to see it all! I watch every video. You rock. 🤟

Don’t forget there is a seal under the engine where the drive shaft enters, if that one leaks water is drawn up into the crank case. I’d check it out and replace if it’s looking old as it will stop the engine if it leaks. Top man taking on all this work, keep it up.

Hey, that's how it goes. No apology necessary. With cars it's the same way - it takes a few tries to get it right sometimes. Great work (none of it is boring to me)

I’m enjoying ur struggle and see you overcome all ur problems head on keep ur chin up ur doing great just remember all projects take time and nothing is boring boats is what we like lol

The bits and bobs of the restoration is what makes your videos so interesting… I am learning through your trials and tribulations as I have my fathers boat to restore 👍

I think it's pretty smart to rub some oil on your gasket seals before putting them on, makes it seal better :)

Watching an older boat be bought back to life is never boring...

You are doing a great job, and we all appreciate the work you are doing and showing it to us, keep going I know I am one looking forward to the day you sail off on more adventures

Be patient you are in a 2 years project, so enjoy the journey. Don’t be so hard on you

Mark The most important thing is this ! DO not rush this work and the ply needs to be dry !! not almost or it will carry on rotting . If you don't get to sail it matters not as if your in mid atalantic and the boat starts coming apart !!! DO NOT RUSH THIS WORK !

Mark, the plywood core backing work turned out great! Keep up the hard work. It's always enjoyable to watch your videos no need for concern about the content. Thanks

Great job Mark, you're never boring.

That is great progress, and not boring..!! I am impressed wth the patience and care you have learned. It struck me as you were chiselling the ply off the stringer, that is requires a little finesse to take off just enouh and leave a solid base. Well done. The fairing looks great, too. I'm pleased to see your hair has grown long enough to suit the bohemian image of Wharrams..!! ha ha ha ha. Good on ya, Mark..!! Grant, Adelaide South Australia.

Love your videos, Sparks!! From here on you will be known as Sparks.

The way you edit these videos are far from boring, just keep doing what you’re doing 👍😎👍

This is your Channel. Do what you want. If you have to take that engine apart 20 times to troubleshoot it and so be it it's not boring its life. And we will watch. Drop the judgment. It's not serving you. Wrap your mind around the next thing you got to do and get to it. That's what we want to see! You got this! Show up and we'll be here.

Everyones on the journey, dont keep apologizing for it being boring, people will learn thats why they watch. Or alternatively give you some great suggestions. Keep going !

Your craftsmanship is really improving. +1000xp for this episode.

I enjoy the repetitive stuff, too. It's just what it takes to get the boat ready.

Hi Mark, definitely not boring, honest and raw, absolutely luv it. Keep it up.

Don’t worry about being boring, we are along for the tribulations of such a big project, you are moving forward every week. Cheers 🎉

Mark, your vids are the ones i look forward to the most out of 100+ RU-vid subscriptions.... Boring?.. they're quite the opposite..its an inspirational journey youre on ..and your subscribers are on it with you.. keep em coming! 💪👊

Honestly I never find it boring- and I’m a 43 year old women with no background in boat building or any type of building! It’s really inspiring to watch you create your boat of dreams by hand.

Not boring and its perfectly okay to prioritize progress over a video or two. Everyone here wants to see you succeed/ climb over the barriers that life puts in front of everyone. I would go day sailing with you anywhere, i get seasick😅.

Totally agree with your Mum and the others who've made comments about this video not being boring. I find this one, as well as all your other videos, incredibly captivating; it's a testament to your storytelling and editing skills. You've shown remarkable resilience so I hope any discouragement you may have lasts only a moment. Keep the faith. Love watching you work❣

Its not boring. I enjoy every little detail.

Watching along and cheering you on is one of my Friday afternoon rituals now, please don’t feel you have to somehow make the work “more flashy” or whatever. Learning what goes into this project is what we’re all here for!

Not boring at all bro. Do what you can when you can. It will all come together in the end. Love ur show!

Not boring Mark just boatlife, thanks for recording it

No apologies needed. A big part of your videos is the dogged determination you exhibit while refitting your dream vessel.. always entertaining to watch. 😊

Mark I like everything you do. You've taken on a mamoth job and your smashing it with good old mum and dad in the background. I look forward to Fridays and your blog.

Hey, good video. No one would guess it was boring until you told them! 😊. You have drastically improved your skills in the epoxy repair area and are developing quite an intimate relationship with your outboards. But that all comes with the cost of investing your time and doing things repetitively. It's working out perfectly. Carry on.

I absolutely love your vids Mark! Doesn't matter if its boring tasks you are doing, it's great that you show the highs and the lows of this kind of project, you're just being honnest and i appreciate that!

Your vids are never boring. So impressive to see a young man take on these mundane tasks and complete them all with conscientious craftsmanship.

You are setting an example for a lot of people. Never give up. 👍👍

Mark, Don't apologize. What you are doing is amazing and the reason we watch. You show it like it is and I'm grateful for that. The boat is coming along and I can't wait to see your sea trials. I was a bit worried when a video didn't appear last week and almost jumped a plane to come check on you LOL. Keep going we are all with you. Cheers from Downunder.

You never know what problems you might find. Sometimes its 2 steps back. Work will never be done

The knowledge of fixing your outboard yourself could prove invaluable when you out on your adventures. Knowledge is power. Love your vids. Never boring and always admire your stamina.

Boring? I am living vicariously through you! Keep up the good work.

Your tenacity is inspirational. There will come a day when you’re sailing in beautiful waters and all of your hard work will bring a smile to your face.

Mark, watching you struggle with the weather today gave me an idea 💡. Those 10’x10’ canopy shelters are very cheap ! Could you rig one up over your workspace on Mahi ? Tie it down and at least be somewhat dry as you work 😊

Reiterating other comments...your videos are great. NOT boring or tedious. For the folks like me that do weird projects as best we can on crazy boats with the tools and knowledge at hand you are doing great. Always brings a smile to my face knowing I'm not the only one. You inspire. If you want to see a master boat builder spending 15 hours putting on a hinge correctly, you can watch Sailing Magic Carpet. That's great too, but for us regular folk...you can't be beat. Keep it up!!!

I know you are probably feeling tired and struggling to stay inspired but as this is a marathon, I want to keep saying to you, Banzai, Banzai, Banzai!!! You are doing so well from our perspective! You are an inspiration to watch and the work you are doing is really amazing! Watching you is fascinating, even when you are doing "Boring" jobs, since we are learning so much!

Your videos are never boring for those of us that love boats. Thank you for all the time that you put into the videos :)

I think stayed masts are stupid, but you are doing a great job of assuring a good outcome. Your videos are not boring at all, personally i really enjoy watching people accomplish practical tasks and reaching their goals. You are becoming a better craftsman each video. I say this as someone who has built and fixed stuff for a great many years. Looking forward to seeing this, one of the best catamans around, on the water.

Not boring Mark don’t sell yourself short we are wanting a restoration video and you did great!

Stop apologising Mark. For goodness sakes. You have hundreds of boatwork freaks here watching you do this and enjoying all the details. And don't worry that you are not all that mechanically minded enough to see ahead with these things. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. The fact you are doing all this, even with the help of the parents and some others, is fantastic and we are all glued to your videos when they come out. So mate, no need to apologise, because we actually like watching the work being done on this old girl. Great job Mate. Keep going!

Never boring, always spot on. Best series on the Tube.

Buddy you're never boring because you're doing things right. You took on a huge job but it's a sure thing you will succeed. Stay focused.

Don't keep going on about it being boring mark it's really interesting watching progress of the ugly duckling slowly grow into a buetiful sailing swan doing all those jobs builds character in you and your boat and that you can look back on in the future with pride, keep it up mate. 😊

Still hyped as ever when a video from you pops online bud, don't worry you're video are never boring. They always make me lean back and relax for a minute or 20. Thanks!

Man let me tell you. Watching someone else work is very entertaining. Absolutely love your progress and effort. Don’t apologize for doing a great job.

Your channel is literally the only one I watch every single episode from. No apology required for me, this is what I'm here for. When you're sailing, I'll be loving every minute, all the more for having been along for this ride

Never bored watching you.

Not boring at all. Your videos are real man. Most of us do boat work and we know how it goes. Tuning in to free our minds from our own projects 😂

Never boring always positive getting that mast up is a massive step towards freedom

Hell yeah Id sail with you! Nothing youve done or didnt do would prevent me from taking a trip on your cat. Look at Kiana's cat she refurbished. She sailed across the Atlantic 2-3 times and her Wharram was in worse shape than Mahi. Plus, you can fill both hulls with water and it still wont sink. Knock on wood!!! 😉⛵

Given the amount of work you're doing on deck I am stunned that you've not considered making a tent to enable work in inclement weather! It doesn't have to go all the way down to the deck although that might be nice, but just to about 2/3 feet above. Then you could rig a windbreak inside for those days when the rain is driving across inside the tent. If the rain is not the problem it will also help stop you getting sunburn... Just a thought. 🤣

Remember the saying Mark, "Less haste more Speed" 👍

you need to paint with mold killing paint in those moldy areas. They call it Kilz over here on this side of the pond. Has to be something similar over there. Should paint with that kind of primer everywhere. :D When we moved into our abandoned farm house, the basement had periodically flooded. had to do several coats of that after washing with bleach water.

Watching you is never boring ❤

Heck yah! I’d definitely sail on her with you. You have a good middle ground for getting it done while prioritizing the important stuff…and doing good risk management.

Chugging along. I suggest designing some sort of passive ventilation system for the bow lockers. Maybe solar fans with a vent tube in the hatch? That will help keep the the moisture, mold and oder to a minimum. Cheers!

Not boring, you are always entertaining. Cheer up every episode is one nearer your goal. Everyone is saying simmilar thing, you are taking us along with you on your journey. You are learning..... yes maybe sometimes the hard way. My son was rebuilding an engine and cracked the engine block when he put in the wrong head bolt in the wrong hole and it bottomed out. It would have been easy for him to throw in the towel on his project. However he had the strength of character to start over. One of my proudest moments as a dad to see him pick himself up and move forward having learned the hard way. Go Mark go !

Not boring. Good yp watch you overcoming obstacles. Your open temperament is a really positive feature.

I’m here for the whole journey, nothing is boring

I've never been so happy to watch a boring video.

Always watch your videos as soon as I see them, they are never boring. Watch many RU-vid videos but rightly or wrongly it's only this one I send money too. It's your personality Mark that shine through. You are doing great.