This week we tackle the dirtiest — and most critical — stage of our engine install. With the engine finally out, Timo gets to work in the engine room: first tidying the spaghetti junction of cables so everything can come off the walls for painting later, and then cutting out the old engine bed. It’s tough, dusty work — with a few surprises along the way, including water trapped inside the old bed and supports left over from the boat’s racing days. To keep the dust down, Timo even sprays soapy water as he cuts. Meanwhile, the kids and I escape to a hotel while the worst of the grinding takes place — and of course, it all happens right around the captain’s birthday. By the end, the old engine bed is out, and we get our first side-by-side look at the old and new foundations. Next week: the real challenge begins as we prepare to laminate the new one into place. Come along for this messy, noisy, but vital step in turning our ex-Vendée Globe racer into a strong, fast family cruiser. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share #sailingfamily #boatrefit #offgridliving

Our old Volvo is out, our brand-new Nanni has arrived — but an engine swap is never just about the engine itself. To cruise safely in remote places, you need the right supporting parts to keep everything running smoothly and reliably. In this episode from the boatyard in North Borneo, we’re unpacking all the “extras” that make or break a successful installation. This is the kind of behind-the-scenes detail that rarely gets shown, but it’s what really matters when you’re preparing a boat for bluewater cruising. Whether you’re planning your own refit, dreaming about going off-grid, or just curious about what it takes to keep a racing yacht turned family home alive — this episode is for you. Thanks for following along as we share the highs, lows, and lessons of turning our Open 66 into a fast family cruiser. Don’t forget to subscribe and join us every Sunday for new videos! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share #SailingFamily #EngineRefit #CruisingLife

After months of planning and preparation… our brand new engine has finally arrived! 🎉 We chose the Nanni N4.65 with ZF sail drive to replace our tired old Volvo, and this marks a huge step forward in our refit. In this episode, we unpack the delivery, take a first look at the new engine, sail drive, engine bed and share the challenges ahead — including reshaping and laminating a new carbon fibre engine bed to handle the extra power. For us, this isn’t just another part — it’s the heart of our boat and the beginning of a whole new chapter. Stick around, because this is when things get really exciting! 👉 Subscribe to follow our refit journey and life aboard as a sailing family. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contacts at Deugro (the company we shipped our engine with) sangham.navsaria@deugro.com (UK) gracie.brown@deugro.com (UK) viknesh.kasashnan@deugro.com (Malaysia) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SailingFamily #BoatRefit #EngineUpgrade

Removing the old engine from our Open 66 sailboat revealed a dangerous surprise that could have sunk us at sea. This week on NV, we’ve got some good news… and some bad news. We’re still in the boatyard in Kudat, North Borneo, taking the next step in our Open 66 refit — removing the old engine. It’s a big moment we’ve been working towards for months, but as always with boat projects, there’s a twist… While lifting the engine out, we also discovered something that could have sunk the boat if it had failed at sea. In between all that, Jo heads into Kota Kinabalu to hunt down hard-to-find parts for our unusual exhaust system, and to the airport to talk to customs about the new engine. Join us for a week of heavy lifting, last-minute city runs, and one dangerous surprise we’re glad we found in the yard. ⛵ About Us We’re a family of four (plus our dog) refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into an off-grid family cruiser while sailing around the world. Subscribe to follow the adventure, the boat work, and life aboard. 📍 Location: Kudat, North Borneo, Malaysia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Timo's favourite shop in Kota Kinabalu where we got the spare parts https://maps.app.goo.gl/114rLsCYARE2YrXy9?g_st=aw ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #sailing #boatrefit #enginereplacement

Replacing a damper plate or repairing a gearbox isn’t cheap — but what if your propeller could protect them? We’re hauled out in Borneo, deep into our engine replacement — but before the new Nanni goes in, we’re revealing the genius inside our J Prop. From shock absorbers that protect your gearbox to a design you can adjust underwater, this prop could save thousands in repairs. In this episode, we strip down our J Prop to send its modular interior back to Italy for modification to fit our new ZF sail drive. Along the way, we dive deep into three of its most genius features: - Shock‑absorbing drive pins that can save you thousands by breaking before expensive components do. - An inbuilt self-extractor that makes removing your prop quick and painless — no special tools needed. - A pitch that can be adjusted by hand, even underwater We also show you why J Prop’s modular two‑part construction means a perfect, zero‑play fit on almost any shaft. If you’re into clever marine engineering or planning a prop upgrade, this one’s for you. ⛵ Watch now and see why J Prop is pure genius! If you're interested in our earlier video we made with more detail about changing the pitch underwater you can watch it here https://youtu.be/pbrEIuJV3ZU?si=XKMaoccH2Eax0Q8S ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want to know more feel free to get in contact with us (at sailingnv@gmail.com) or directly with marine propeller https://www.marinepropeller.it/en/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share THANK YOU!!! #SailboatRefit #BoatPropeller #MarineEngineering

After weeks of delays and bad weather, we’re finally hauling out our Open 66 in remote North Borneo — to replace the engine we’ve been struggling with for months. But this isn’t just any haul out... With a 4.5m draft and a boatyard that’s not equipped for deep-keel boats, we had to get creative. Timo came up with a modified strap system to make the lift possible — and we had to work closely with the crew to adapt the yard’s setup to safely support our boat on the hard. It’s our third haul out since owning this boat, and our second in this yard — but it’s definitely the riskiest. With our two kids, our dog, and the whole family living aboard, we’re starting to ask: are we taking on too much? 📸 Plus, it’s Nemo’s birthday… and he just got a special gift that might change the way we make these videos. Join us behind the scenes of our engine swap journey — and life on the hard in a remote corner of Southeast Asia. 🎞 Watch the full series of - our big refit in Fiji https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi4re2-dK2w&list=PL2qAIN9cA-VMKEg0QG-nYPkh5ZIUnd7xj - our last haul out in Borneo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwUe36OFZlQ&list=PL2qAIN9cA-VOtLsa1oswAYK1EE4oXnuq4 - our sailing family life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D8oPbTcKUQ&list=PL2qAIN9cA-VPO2cPz6MapAUOJYCX289gJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SailingFamily #BoatRefit #StormDelay

We were all set to haul out the boat and start the big job of replacing our old engine. The crew was ready, the boat was packed — but then the weather turned. With storms rolling in and shipping delays still dragging on, we made the call to hold off. And instead of rushing straight into boatyard life, we took a rare chance to slow down. This episode follows our unexpected detour to the northern tip of Borneo — a wild, remote corner where the Sulu Sea meets the South China Sea. Long beaches, warm surf, and a brief pause before the real work begins. We also share some of the behind-the-scenes realities of importing a marine engine into Malaysia — a useful glimpse into the world of yacht logistics that might help you if you’re navigating similar waters. ⛵️ Thanks for watching — don't forget to subscribe if you're new here! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SailingFamily #BoatRefit #StormDelay

Tired of tying yourself in knots? Let’s fix that. In this episode, Timo walks through four essential sailing knots every sailor should know — simple, useful, and actually used on board. ⛵ We cover: The Overhand Knot The Figure of 8 The Clove Hitch The Bowline — including one-handed and under-tension techniques These knots are quick to learn, easy to remember, and perfect whether you’re tying up to a dock, securing gear, or just trying not to lose your fenders. 🧵 Got a favourite knot or a tip we missed? Let us know in the comments. 🎥 Filmed aboard our ex-racing Open 66, now refitted into a fast family cruiser. If you enjoy practical sailing content like this, subscribe for more hands-on lessons, refit projects, and life aboard with our salty crew. 00:00 Intro 00:59 Definitions 02:16 Overhand knot 02:54 Figure of 8 03:47 Clove hitch 05:00 Bowline 05:13 Method 1) Rabbit out of a hole 07:13 Method 2) Using fingers 08:17 Method 3) Pre loaded bowline 08:49 Method 4) One handed bowling 10:11 Method 5) Bowline under tension 11:13 Quick update from us ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #sailingknots #LearnToSail #Bowline

We’re still anchored just off the boatyard, waiting for our new engine to arrive — but this week, the crew feels complete again. Timo’s daughters, Nami and Tea, are spending the summer with us, and it’s the first time they’ve met their baby brother. To keep our hands (and heads) busy, we tackled a small but satisfying family project: refitting our little sailing dinghy to carry more weight and stop water spilling in through the open stern. We towed it ashore, made templates, cut salvaged fibreglass we found at sea, and taught the kids how to lay it up properly. Between resin layers, we patched bean bags, walked into town to chase customs paperwork, and checked on the final parts needed to install our long-awaited engine. This is what boat life looks like when you’re not going anywhere — real projects, tight quarters, and a whole lot of family. — 🛠 Subscribe to follow along as we get closer to installing our new engine and setting sail again! 📸 Find us on Instagram: @sailing.nv + @sailing.mum 💬 Say hi in the comments — we love hearing from you 🎥 Watch more of our refit journey here: [link to playlist if applicable] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SailingFamily #SailboatRefit #DIYBoatProject

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We made a bold move this week aboard NV — cutting into our companionway stairs, the front wall of our engine room and a major feature of our saloon. It’s the first step in a big refit to make room for our new, much bigger engine… but it also means transforming the heart of our living space. Was it worth it? Or did we just make a big mistake? 🎥 Watch to see how we handled the demolition, what changes we’re making, and how we’re reimagining this space as a functional engine room and a comfortable home. 👇 Let us know in the comments — does this mod improve the boat? Subscribe for weekly episodes of our life refitting and sailing our ex-racing yacht with our young family around the world. 00:00 Intro 00:40 Update & recap 02:50 Dis-intall and stair build 11:38 Outtro ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SailingFamily #BoatRefit #LiveaboardLife #SailingNV #TinyHomeOnWater #OffGridAdventure #SailingWithKids #DIYBoatBuild #SailboatLife #OceanAdventure #FamilySailing #BoatLifeWithKids #EngineRoomRebuild

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It’s been nearly five years since we first set eyes on this boat — a former Vendée Globe racing yacht built for speed and survival, not comfort. Since then, we’ve been slowly transforming her into a home for our growing family. In this episode, we take you inside the refit that turned a stripped-out offshore racer into a warm, liveable home. From cutting open ballast tanks and moving the head to building double beds, smart storage, and even a family-sized bathtub — we’re sharing what it really took to make this boat work for full-time cruising with two young kids and a rescue dog. Whether you’ve followed our journey from the beginning or are just discovering us now, this video is a look back at the decisions — big and small — that shaped our floating life. After five years living aboard our ex-racing sailboat, we wanted to share how we turned it into a floating home for our sailing family. 🛠️ Topics in this video: Turning a race boat into a family home Liveaboard boat layout for families Ballast tank modification Custom marine storage solutions Tiny boat living with kids Offshore cruiser interior refit Sailing family lifestyle ⛵ Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please consider liking, subscribing, and sharing with a fellow sailing dreamer. Want to support our journey and get behind-the-scenes content? Join us on https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV A huge thank you to @SailingMerewether weather for some of the beautiful shots from the early days, especially the drone footage ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share #BoatRefit #SailingWithKids #RaceBoatToHome

This week we’re finally revealing the exact engine model we chose — the Nanni N4.65 — and all the boat modifications that decision required. We walk you through how we matched horsepower to our hull design, the challenges of modifying our engine room, and the extra components we’ve added to make this upgrade work for our full-time off-grid sailing life. We also tackle the big questions: sail drive vs shaft, and of course… the money. This was a huge step for us, and we’re so excited to finally share all the details. Let us know what you think — and if you’re planning a re-power yourself, feel free to ask us anything! 00:00 Intro 00:49 Hull design & horse power 01:58 Engine size & engine room mods 12:41 Getting the engine into the boat 13:46 Additional components 17:45 Money 18:07 Shaft or sail drive 19:32 Announcing our choice of engine model 20:37 Next steps... 21:58 Special announcements — ⛵ Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 👍 Like this video if you enjoy behind-the-scenes refits. 📲 Subscribe to follow the next steps of our install. 📷 Follow us on Instagram: [@SailingNV] #SailingLife #BoatRefit #MarineEngine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SailingNV #BoatLife #EngineUpgrade

After years of coaxing our old engine through breakdowns, maintenance struggles, and endless repairs… it’s finally time. 🎉 In this episode, we reveal the engine we’ve chosen to power our off-grid sailing life — and explain exactly why it’s the right fit for our family, our boat, and the remote places we sail to. We’re a family of four (plus our rescue dog Solo), living full-time aboard our ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 — a retired race boat we’ve been transforming into a fast, off-grid home. Every system matters — and this engine upgrade is one we’ve been dreaming about since day one. 🔧 If you’re thinking of re-powering your own boat, or just curious what goes into choosing the right marine engine for long-term cruising, we’re sharing everything we’ve learned along the way. — ⛵ Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 👍 Like this video if you enjoy behind-the-scenes refits. 📲 Subscribe to follow the next steps of our install. 📷 Follow us on Instagram: [@SailingNV] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SailingNV #BoatLife #EngineUpgrade

Sailing wild northern Borneo with our family, dog, and three new crew aboard an old Open 66 race boat we’ve turned into a fast, off-grid home. ⛵ No marinas. No fuel docks. Not even reliable charts. 🎒 Just provisioning, exploring, fast sailing, and remote anchorages — one bay at a time. 💥 Full episode now on our channel — watch “Sailing survivor: 7 people. 1 dog. 1 race boat. Wild Borneo” on Sailing NV. #sailinglife #offgridliving #familyadventure #youTubesailing #sailingborneo #cruisingfamily #youtubeshorts #sailboat #sailingfamily e b

7 people, 1 dog, and a former Vendée Globe race boat — sailing through the remote northern coast of Borneo. No marinas. No charts you can trust. Just a wild stretch of Southeast Asia… and a big transformation coming for NV. In this episode, we set off with three new crew members and prep the boat for true off-grid living — cooking from scratch, anchoring in uncharted bays, and a fast sail on the last leg. We even fire up the beach pizza oven. And behind the scenes? We’re getting ready to announce which engine we’ve chosen to carry NV into her next chapter. 💬 Think you know what we picked? Comment below! 🎥 Want to see the engine reveal early? It’s going to our Patreon crew first 👉 https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share #boatrepair #boatlife #sailboat