Have you ever plugged your boat into shore power and simply assumed everything was safe? After an electrical fault aboard SV Impavidus, I decided to investigate exactly how marina shore power works, what reverse polarity actually means, and whether our boats are really as well protected as we think they are. In this video I explain, in plain English: ✔ What reverse polarity is ✔ Why Neutral and Earth are not the same thing ✔ The difference between European and North American shore power systems ✔ How RCDs (GFCIs) actually protect you ✔ Why a simple indicator can warn you before a dangerous fault develops This isn’t intended as a modification guide or professional electrical advice. It’s an educational look at the principles behind marine AC electrical systems so you can better understand your own boat and ask the right questions. Whether you sail in Europe, North America or anywhere else in the world, understanding your boat’s electrical system could one day prevent equipment damage—or something much more serious. ⸻ ⚠ Safety Notice Mains AC electricity can kill. If you are not qualified or experienced working with marine electrical systems, always consult a competent marine electrician before carrying out any work on your boat. ⸻ If you enjoyed the video, please consider subscribing to SV Impavidus and joining us for more sailing adventures, engineering projects and practical cruising knowledge from around the Mediterranean. Fair winds, Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ boat electrics, shore power, reverse polarity, marine electrical, RCD, GFCI, galvanic isolator, Victron, Bavaria yacht, sailing, yacht maintenance, cruising, electrical safety, marina power, liveaboard, SV Impavidus =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

Join me for Part 2 of my solo Mediterranean crossing as I leave Lampedusa before sunrise and make the final passage to Malta. After a slight navigational detour leaving the harbour to avoid a restricted area, the day quickly turned into one of those passages we all dream about. A spectacular sunrise, calm seas and a fast motor-sail across the Mediterranean averaging just over 7.1 knots. There were even a few opportunities to switch the engine off and enjoy some proper sailing before the wind faded again. As the miles disappeared beneath the keel, the reality of arriving in Malta alone began to sink in. The final few hours were surprisingly stressful. The wind disappeared, the current worked against me, the heat was relentless, and after two long days at sea there was only one thing on my mind… Getting the anchor down and pouring a very cold gin and tonic. Thankfully, I arrived safely in beautiful St. George’s Bay, Marsaxlokk, before dark—and the perfect ending was discovering that several cruising friends were already there waiting. If you enjoy real cruising, honest passage making and life aboard SV Impavidus, I’d love to have you aboard. Please consider subscribing, give the video a thumbs up if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment—I read every one. Fair winds, Anthony SV Impavidus Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

Leaving Tunisia wasn’t as simple as slipping the lines. In this episode I set off solo from Monastir on a 98-nautical-mile crossing to the Italian island of Lampedusa. The plan sounds straightforward, but there was one problem… I had just over 13 hours to get there before darkness fell. The route meant threading carefully past the fish farms, avoiding the shallow banks and wrecks off Monastir, before settling into a long motor-sail across the Mediterranean. With little wind for much of the passage, it became a race against time rather than a leisurely sail. Long solo passages can be mentally challenging too, so I share how I keep myself occupied during the quieter hours at sea while keeping a constant eye on the weather, shipping and arrival time. Will I reach Lampedusa in daylight and find a safe anchorage before nightfall? Join me aboard SV Impavidus as another Mediterranean adventure begins. If you enjoy real cruising, practical seamanship and honest liveaboard life, please consider subscribing and leave a comment below. I read every one. Fair winds, Anthony Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

After the frustration of our saloon upholstery project, it was refreshing to finally find a local Tunisian company that delivered exactly what they promised. In this episode we visit a local print shop to have new SV Impavidus graphics produced, including replacement boom decals, YouTube branding and a fresh batch of business cards and stickers for the boat and a new boat stamp! We take a look behind the scenes at how the graphics are designed and manufactured before fitting the new decals aboard Impavidus. We also tackle another small but important maintenance job. The paddle wheel in our speed log had stopped working, so we remove the old unit, clean everything up, replace the O-rings, lubricate the seals correctly and fit a new impeller so we can once again measure our speed through the water. Sometimes it’s the small jobs that make a big difference before setting off on a Mediterranean passage. Join us aboard SV Impavidus as we continue preparing for the next stage of our voyage. #Sailing #Tunisia #BoatMaintenance #Liveaboard #SVImpavidus #MediterraneanSailing #Yachting #BoatLifeSail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

Replacing the saloon cushions on a cruising yacht should have been straightforward. We spent weeks choosing fabrics, selecting the correct foam, creating detailed layouts and even producing design renderings to ensure the finished result was exactly what we wanted. The contractor inspected the boat, took templates, agreed a price and accepted the job. But things didn't go according to plan. Delays started to mount, deadlines slipped, and as the new cushions began arriving onboard, it became clear that some of the workmanship wasn't meeting the standard we'd agreed. With our planned departure from Tunisia fast approaching and a weather window to Malta opening up, the pressure was on. But in the end...... In this video we take a detailed look at the design process, the materials chosen, the workmanship issues we encountered and the difficult conversations that followed. Was I expecting too much? Or was the standard simply not good enough? You decide. Anthony & Cindy Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ SV Impavidus #Liveaboard #Sailing #BoatLife #YachtRefit #Upholstery #Mediterranean #Tunisia #SVImpavidus =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

After months in the marina, it's finally time to start getting SV Impavidus ready for sea again. In this video I sit down with the charts, weather forecasts and route options to answer one simple question: When should we leave Tunisia? Using our previous crossing tracks, weather data and passage planning experience, I look at the different routes available from Monastir, including crossings to Malta, Licata and Sicily, and discuss the factors that will ultimately determine when we cast off. We'll look at: ⚓ Previous crossing routes and lessons learned 🌤 Weather windows and forecast planning 📏 Passage distances and timings 🧭 Route options via Malta, Lampedusa and Sicily ⛵ The realities of planning a Mediterranean crossing Every year the weather decides when you go. The trick is being ready when the right window finally appears. Thanks for watching. Anthony & Cindy Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ SV Impavidus #Sailing #Mediterranean #Tunisia #Malta #Sicily #PassagePlanning #CruisingLife #Liveaboard #SailingChannel #SVImpavidus =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

After months in the marina, it’s finally time to start getting SV Impavidus ready for sea again. In this episode we refit the sails, re-thread the running rigging, sort out the German mainsheet system and begin preparing the boat for life back under sail here in the Mediterranean. We also take a look at the new hatch sunshades we’ve had made locally in Tunisia — although getting them finished turned into a bit of a saga! Then later, we head into the bustling Saturday souk in Monastir where the fresh local produce, incredible colours and unbelievably low prices remind us why we enjoy life here so much. Fresh food, real cruising life, sunshine and boat jobs aboard SV Impavidus. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel. Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

This week Impavidus comes out of the water for the usual haul-out jobs — cleaning back the Coppercoat, polishing the topsides and checking everything underneath the boat. But while inspecting the underwater gear, we discovered something that genuinely surprised me. One set of anodes was disappearing far faster than expected… and the reason turned out to be something I suspect many saildrive and shaft-drive owners may never even have considered. In this video we look at: ⚓ Saildrive and propeller anodes ⚓ Zinc vs aluminium anodes ⚓ Rope cutters and electrical continuity ⚓ Galvanic corrosion explained simply ⚓ Why some anodes disappear much faster than others ⚓ The importance of electrically isolated propellers We also explain how certain rope cutter and shaft arrangements can unintentionally create an electrical path between underwater components, dramatically changing how the protection system behaves. As always, this is a real-world investigation aboard SV Impavidus — practical engineering, diagnostics and problem-solving aboard a liveaboard cruising yacht. ⛵ Support the channel & get early ad-free access: Patreon: www.patreon.com/svimpavidus ☕ If you'd like to support the channel: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus #sailing #boatmaintenance #anodes #galvaniccorrosion #liveaboard #saildrive #boatwork #coppercoat #sailinglife Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

Installing a wireless remote control on our Bavaria 37 anchor windlass sounded simple… until we started digging into the wiring! In this video we install and test a WINCHMAX wireless windlass remote system so we can control the anchor from anywhere on board. We explain how the contactor system works, how the wiring is arranged, and how the remote interfaces with the existing deck switches and helm controls. We also cover: ⚓ How anchor windlass control systems actually work ⚓ Contactor wiring explained simply ⚓ Safety considerations when installing a wireless remote ⚓ Real-world testing aboard SV Impavidus ⚓ Why this might be one of the best upgrades for short-handed sailing The ability to raise or lower the anchor while standing at the bow — or even elsewhere on the boat — completely changes anchoring and docking flexibility. As always, this is a real-world installation aboard our liveaboard Bavaria 37 cruiser, with all the practical problems, head scratching and testing included! #sailing #boatwork #windlass #bavaria37 #liveaboard #boatprojects #anchoring #diyboat #electrical #sailinglife ⛵ Support the channel & get early ad-free access: Patreon: www.patreon.com/svimpavidus ☕ If you’d like to support the channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/svimpavidus Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

I thought this would be a straightforward job… swap out the old freshwater pump and fit a new one. It wasn’t. The new pump looked identical, but the quick-fit connectors were just slightly different — enough that nothing would fit. So instead of a simple replacement, this turned into something else entirely… A proper “Franken pump” build using parts from both the old and new units. Along the way, I also explain: • How a boat’s pressurised water system works • How multi-diaphragm pumps actually move water • Why small differences in fittings can cause big problems If you’re working on your own boat systems, this one might save you a bit of head scratching. 👍 If you found it useful, give it a like — it really helps the channel 🔔 And subscribe if you want to follow along with more real-world boat fixes Support the channel / early ad-free access: 👉 https://www.patreon.com/svimpavidus #boatmaintenance #boatrepair #liveaboard #sailinglife #diyboat Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

If your outboard won’t start, won’t idle, or just refuses to run properly… there’s a good chance the carburettor is the problem. In this video, I take you step-by-step through replacing the carburettor on a Tohatsu 3.5HP 4-stroke outboard, including removing the old unit, fitting a new one, and explaining why modern carbs are often easier to replace than repair. Modern carburettors are effectively tamper-proof—tiny jets, sealed components, and emissions restrictions mean even a small amount of dirt can stop your engine running, and cleaning them isn’t always practical. In many cases, replacement is simply quicker, cheaper, and more reliable. ⸻ 🔧 What’s covered: * Removing the fuel tank and accessing the carb * Disconnecting fuel lines and linkages * Fitting a new carburettor * Replacing the fuel hose and adding an inline filter * Why modern carbs are difficult (or impossible) to clean * How a carburettor works (simple explanation) Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

In this video, I replace my existing dual battery-to-battery (B2B) charger setup with a single Victron Orion XS 12/12 50A — simplifying the system, reducing wiring, and improving efficiency. We start by looking at the existing installation (with a full circuit diagram), then strip it all back before installing and testing the new setup. Along the way, I cover some key principles that are often misunderstood, including: * Why cable lengths matter in parallel systems * Correct fuse placement and protection * Why you should never rely on a BMS as a safety cutoff * Safe isolation before working on lithium systems * Real-world install considerations on a liveaboard boat This isn’t just a swap — it’s a proper rethink of the system. As always, everything is tested at the end and integrated back into our onboard Victron setup. ⸻ ⚡ Equipment featured * Victron Orion XS 12/12 50A * Existing dual B2B chargers (removed) * Lithium battery bank * Victron monitoring system (Raspberry Pi setup) ⸻ If you’re thinking about upgrading your own system — or just want to understand how it all fits together — this one’s for you. ⸻ 👍 If you found this useful, give it a like and drop any questions in the comments — I read every one. Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon link https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wgSail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

In this video, I replace my existing dual battery-to-battery (B2B) charger setup with a single Victron Orion XS 12/12 50A — simplifying the system, reducing wiring, and improving efficiency. We start by looking at the existing installation (with a full circuit diagram), then strip it all back before installing and testing the new setup. Along the way, I cover some key principles that are often misunderstood, including: * Why cable lengths matter in parallel systems * Correct fuse placement and protection * Why you should never rely on a BMS as a safety cutoff * Safe isolation before working on lithium systems * Real-world install considerations on a liveaboard boat This isn’t just a swap — it’s a proper rethink of the system. As always, everything is tested at the end and integrated back into our onboard Victron setup. ⸻ ⚡ Equipment featured * Victron Orion XS 12/12 50A * Existing dual B2B chargers (removed) * Lithium battery bank * Victron monitoring system (Raspberry Pi setup) ⸻ If you’re thinking about upgrading your own system — or just want to understand how it all fits together — this one’s for you. ⸻ 👍 If you found this useful, give it a like and drop any questions in the comments — I read every one. Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon link https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

Hi folks, This video is a bit of a practical one — I’ve just unpacked a 26kg suitcase full of boat parts that I’ve brought back into Tunisia, and I go through it all item by item. It’s not just a list of what I bought, but what each piece is for, why I chose it, and how much I paid. I’ve also included screenshots of where everything came from, along with a few tips on how to save money by sourcing things from the right places before you travel. There are quite a few little tricks in there that can make a big difference when you’re trying to keep costs down while keeping the boat properly maintained. As always, I’ve declared everything properly and show you the paperwork side of it as well, so you can see how that works in practice here in Tunisia Enjoy the video. AntSail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

This week we follow Ryan on one of his final marine projects — a custom-built fishing module for a Rodman 31. The brief was simple: create a practical, durable solution for serious fishing. The result is a bespoke unit incorporating a live well, sink with running water, and dedicated tackle storage — all designed to fit neatly within the boat’s existing layout, replacing a clever C-shaped settee that lifts clear of the outboards. We join the build from start to finish, from workshop fabrication through to final installation at Birdham Pool, with a look around the boatyard and some of the other projects Ryan has been involved in. It’s a great example of practical marine engineering, thoughtful design, and skilled fabrication — and a fitting send-off as Ryan steps away from the marine industry.Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

Roxanne’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/after-25-surgeries-im-still-fighting-to-be-here-for-my-son As many of you know, we don’t normally use the SV Impavidas page for personal family matters. We keep this page for our YouTube channel, our sailing life, and all the usual chaos that comes with it. (Other than the amazing artwork our daughter Roxie does when she is well enough to) But today, we’re making an exception....... We are back in the UK and to support our daughter, Roxanne, after devastating news yesterday. She has been through years of serious health problems, repeated surgeries, pain, infection, and being passed from pillar to post. She has now finally seen a private specialist who has confirmed that she needs urgent surgery. Although she has now been added to an NHS waiting list, the timescale she has been given is far too long for her situation. She needs help much sooner than that. We know how frightening and frustrating that feels. We went through our own version of it when I needed a heart valve replacement and had to seek private treatment abroad because waiting was simply too dangerous. Roxanne is now trying to raise £8,000 for the surgery she urgently needs. This won’t solve everything overnight, but it will be the first proper step towards recovery and towards getting her life back. Most importantly, it will give her a chance to be more present for her young son, who needs his mum. We know that many people are under pressure financially, and we completely understand that not everyone can donate. But even sharing her post could make a real difference. So today, as parents, we’re asking our followers to please read Roxanne’s story and, if you can, share it.Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

Boat checks before launch can prevent expensive failures — and even sinking. In this video we show you 20 essential spring commissioning checks: 10 to do while the boat is still on the hard, and 10 once she’s back in the water. Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

The Mediterranean remains one of the most remarkable cruising grounds in the world — but in 2026, the reality of staying there has changed. In this episode, we take a clear and measured look at what it actually takes to live, cruise, or overwinter in the Med today. We cover: • The 90 / 180 Schengen rule explained clearly • What residency really costs — and what income you’ll need • Marina availability and pricing pressures • The growth of charter fleets • Anchoring restrictions and managed mooring fields • Practical strategies that genuinely work This is not a doom-and-gloom video. Nor is it a romanticised version of cruising life. It’s simply an informed assessment of the current landscape — so you can plan properly, budget realistically, and make decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. If you’re considering sailing to the Mediterranean — or already there — this is essential viewing. Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg

In this video we break down the real annual cost of cruising on our sailboat, based on our own experience living aboard in the Mediterranean for 9 years. There’s a lot of talk online about “cheap” or “expensive” boat life, but very little real-world detail. So we’ve put together our actual yearly cruising budget, including fuel, marinas, communications, consumables, and the many hidden costs people don’t always mention. Our typical annual cruising cost comes to around €5,300 per year, but that number can vary depending on where you cruise, how often you use marinas, and how much work you do yourself. In this video we also look at: • Marina costs around the Mediterranean • Fuel prices in different countries • Food cost comparisons • Insurance requirements • Cruising taxes and hidden fees • Residency and visa considerations This is not a dream-world estimate—this is a real cruiser’s budget. Our typical annual costs include: • Winter marina • Fuel and water • Consumables and maintenance • Communications and apps • Safety gear • Check-in fees and cruising taxes Total annual cost: about €5,300 ⸻ If you’re thinking about buying a boat, retiring aboard, or cruising the Med, this should give you a realistic starting point. Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ =================================================== 👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊 🎥 New episodes every Sunday – honest & safe for all ages. 📌 Links 🛒 Shop https://www.svimpavidus.com/general-5 💻 Website https://www.svimpavidus.com/ 👌 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SVImpavidus 🍻 Buy us a beer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/svimpavidus 😎 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impavidus.ontheboat.5 ▶️ Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@SVImpavidus/playlists 🌱 Our Philosophy We live by a “Pay It Forward” ethos – where those taught become teachers, and goodwill multiplies. 🙏 📣 Sponsors & Contact We’re currently looking for sponsors to support our video production 🎥 📩 Email impavidussailing@gmail.com 📺 Our Second Channel 🎶 Stunning drone footage + eclectic music YOUR DRONE TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYQUohmJ3yLq1zeRd9s3wg