After our haul out in Kudat, we had a long list of maintenance jobs to tackle before setting sail again along the northern coast of Borneo. From repairing our Raymarine autopilot and replacing a leaking fuel deck fill, to turning our bimini into a DIY rainwater catcher — it was a busy but satisfying week aboard! And just when you think Timo’s done with boat work… he turns into a luthier for the day and fixes my violin 🎻 Join us as we get our ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 back in shape and ready for more cruising adventures around Borneo. If you enjoy practical sailing life, refit projects, and off-grid living aboard, you’ll love this one. ⛵ Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:24 Autopilot Repair 09:05 Anchor chain deck access hatch 15:20 Foot pump 22:41 Fuel Deck Fill Replacement 24:10 Rain Catcher 29:13 Timo the Luthier 🔔 Subscribe to follow our journey sailing around the world as a family aboard our ex-race boat turned liveaboard 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 THANK YOU!!! #SailingNV #BoatMaintenance #SailingFamily

After six weeks on the hard stand replacing our old 39 hp Volvo, Sailing NV is finally back in the water! In this episode, we take our freshly refitted ex-Vendée Globe racer out for her first engine sea trial — testing our brand-new Nanni N4.65 and fine-tuning the propeller pitch on our J-Prop. We share what we’ve learned about finding the perfect balance between revs, speed, and fuel efficiency, and explain what happens when your prop pitch is too high or too low. After years of coaxing an ageing diesel, hearing this new engine hum is a dream come true — and the freedom to finally move again feels incredible. Stay with us as we continue exploring the wild coasts of Borneo, testing and learning in real-world conditions, and getting back to what we love most: sailing, family, and life on the water. ⚓ Watch till the end for our speed results — and a glimpse of some well-earned family time on the beach. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When tuning (matching) the propeller to the engine, there are several factors that come into play. Let’s start with the engine sizing — the engine can be: - Undersized - Properly sized - Oversized Undersized Engine: The propeller pitch must allow the engine to reach its full RPM. Otherwise, in difficult conditions, the engine might not be able to reach its torque curve — meaning it won’t provide enough thrust, which could result in low speed or even no thrust at all in strong wind or rough seas. Properly Sized Engine: In this case, you can choose a propeller pitch that causes the engine, at full throttle, to lose about 5–10% of its maximum RPM. This allows for a higher cruising speed compared to letting it reach full RPM. The key point is that the engine must still be able to reach its torque curve in challenging conditions to avoid dangerous situations. Oversized Engine: With an oversized engine, there’s more flexibility in propeller pitch without the risks mentioned above. However, if the pitch is too large, even if the engine’s performance isn’t affected, the boat may reach a high speed even at idle. General Notes: There are, of course, many cases in between. Using common sense — such as keeping the throttle 100–200 RPM below the point where the engine starts to smoke — is always a good idea. A slightly larger propeller pitch can also improve maneuverability during docking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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!!! #SailingRefit #EngineSeaTrial #SailingFamily

After six weeks on land, it’s finally relaunch day! In this episode, we get our Open 66 back in the water after completing the biggest upgrade of our refit — installing a brand-new Nanni engine. This moment marks a huge milestone in transforming our ex-Vendée Globe race boat into a fast family cruiser. From painting the last layer of antifoul and adding our Patrons’ names to the hull, to that first quiet start-up of the new engine — this day means everything. With our new Nanni purring softly below deck, we finally motor off into the sunset — back where we belong. ⚓ Watch the full Engine Refit Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdG7hVnYt74&list=PL2qAIN9cA-VOlLR1B_79ELAUbG2q3BlSr 🎨 Support the project: Join our amazing community on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Or buy us a coffee on Ko-fi → https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv 🛠 About our boat: We’re refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into a fast, functional family cruiser — sharing the highs, lows, and lessons of life aboard. 📺 Subscribe to follow the full refit & sailing adventure 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sailingnv 🐾 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joanna.s.hutchinson #SailingNV #BoatRefit #BoatRelaunch

In this video, we walk through the installation of our unique J Propeller using the new parts J Prop sent back to fit our new ZF saildrive. Our J Prop is built for adaptability and longevity: - The outer body is made in three parts, so it can always be re-machined in the future to remove wear and ensure no play. - The interior part can be modified to fit other saildrives or gearboxes. From the cylindrical spacer to fully greasing and securing the prop, we cover all the small but essential details that make a big difference for this prop install. 💡 Learn more about the special features of our J Prop in our previous video: https://youtu.be/uZ2-jJDYUFI?si=GNjEJzkwzEw9TSKc At the end, we also show a special moment: painting all our Patreon supporters’ names on the hull with antifoul — your support literally sails with us! We also have two new behind-the-scenes videos on our Patreon: - Propeller pitch experiment: See how changing the pitch can save fuel, improve performance, and even affect cargo ship efficiency. - DIY saildrive seal: Timo builds a custom saildrive seal out of a rubber shoe 😄, a clever little DIY fix. You can find them here 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ THANK YOU!!! #SailboatRefit #BoatPropeller #MarineEngineering

👉 First Start & Running Test — Will She Fire? After months of refit, today’s the moment — the final fittings, last bolts, and our first push of the start button. Will she fire? In this episode, we install the last components needed to bring our new Nanni N4.65 to life aboard our ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 — our family home and ocean racer turned cruiser. From connecting the control panel and gear lever, to bleeding the fuel system and prepping the exhaust, it’s the final stretch before that satisfying first rumble. We’ll show how we: ⚙️ Completed the fuel, cooling, and electrical systems 🧰 Installed the Racor filter with quick-change valves 🌊 Set up the raw-water cooling and siphon break 🔋 Connected batteries, control panel & gear lever 🔥 Filled and bled the diesel circuit before the first start It’s the most nerve-wracking (and exciting) moment of any repower — and a huge milestone in getting NV back in the water. 📍 Filmed in northern Borneo, where we’re refitting our Open 66 into a fast, off-grid family cruiser. If you enjoy deep-dive refit videos and honest DIY boat life, subscribe and join us every Sunday for new episodes. 🎬 Watch the full repower from the beginning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdG7hVnYt74&list=PL2qAIN9cA-VOlLR1B_79ELAUbG2q3BlSr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 #EngineStart #SailingNV

Practical secrets from our repower: pipe sizing, waterlocks, siphon loops and a custom thru-hull so your engine breathes and stays safe at sea. Want your engine to breathe — not choke? In this episode, we tackle one of the trickiest parts of our repower: upgrading the exhaust system on our Open 66. From enlarging bulkhead holes to fitting a larger waterlock, creating a proper siphon loop, and building and installing a custom carbon fibre thru-hull, we show all the secrets we learned to reduce back pressure, keep seawater out, and make the new Nanni engine perform safely and efficiently. We cover: - Planning the exhaust route and enlarging bulkheads - Increasing pipe diameter and installing adapters - Proper waterlock positioning and siphon loop setup - Fabricating a structural carbon fibre thru-hull If you’re planning a marine exhaust upgrade or just love boat refit projects, this is for you! 👍 Like this video? Subscribe to Sailing NV for more repower, refit, and sailing adventures around the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 #ExhaustUpgrade #Repower

No Room for Error: Getting the New Engine On Board Today’s mission: get ~300 kg of Nanni N4.65 from the dock → cockpit → perfectly aligned in the engine bay—without breaking anything… including us. We use a crane to lift it into the cockpit onto a trolley and wheel it across the cockpit to the companionway. Next we rig a beam and chain block, lash Spectra, add a forward-pull pulley off the mast-base padeyes, and inch the engine through the companionway with millimetres to spare. Liveaboard refit life adds its own flavour—quiet(ish) mornings while Nemo’s at school, joyful chaos when he’s home ;) Archimedes moments, spline alignment, and the most satisfying words of the day: “Daddy did it!” You can watch the whole engine repower serires here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdG7hVnYt74&list=PL2qAIN9cA-VOlLR1B_79ELAUbG2q3BlSr Got questions about the N4.65 or the ZF SD-12? Drop them here 👇 Next week: the real install—Timo wires in the Nanni upgrades and we go for first start. Tune in to hear her roar!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 #BoatRefit #Nannidisel

We’re hauled out in northern Borneo to kick off our repower. The old engine is out, the new bed is in—today we start the install with the ZF SD-12 saildrive before bringing our Nanni N4.65 aboard. In this episode: Why we had to separate the saildrive (tiny engine room!) and lower the upper unit using a roof pad-eye.Catching the splined coupling sleeve and protecting the diaphragm and a star-pattern, stepped torque on the clamp-ring bolts for even compression. What we like about the SD-12: solid build, double-seal diaphragm, service tube for in-boat oil changes Plus a little insight into our family life here in the sleepy fishing town of Kudat. Next up: the 300+ kg engine comes aboard and we line it up, then the prop install—stick with us! 📩 Questions about our setup? Drop them in the comments we always love to hear from you :) Safety note: always follow your engine/saildrive manual for torque specs and procedures. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 #BoatRefit #SaildriveInstall

Last week we cut out the old engine bed and compared it with the new one — this week, it’s time for one of the most critical steps of our refit: installing the new carbon fibre engine bed for our bigger Nanni. Getting this right is essential. The bed has to be cut precisely to fit around the bulkheads without losing strength, then laminated in carbon fibre to carry the weight of the engine for years to come. With such a tight engine room, even the smallest error could make fitting the engine a serious challenge. Follow along as Timo works through the measuring, cutting, and laminating — and see the finished result of this crucial foundation for our refit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 #sailingfamily #nannidiesel

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