Just over a minute of the DIY paint shelter build around our 80’ steel schooner Alaskan Gypsy in Wrangell, Alaska. With sandblasting and painting ahead, we needed to frame up a shelter strong enough for southeast storms. This short is a quick glimpse at the project — see the full 16-minute video for the real build process, late-night framing, and all the details of preparing for sandblasting and painting in the shipyard. 👉 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/JSiCR_modqk?si=E6Omu910KFFNdi5j

Working late into the night at the Wrangell, Alaska shipyard on our 80’ steel schooner 'Alaskan Gypsy'. With sandblasting and painting ahead, I need to build a paint shelter around the hull to keep the project moving through southeast Alaska’s frequent rain. This 16-minute video shows the real DIY process - rough cut local lumber, improvised framing, bracing, and problem-solving into the evening darkness. It’s gritty shipyard work and part of the bigger journey of restoring our steel sailboat for future cruising in Alaska’s wilderness. In this video: • cutting and framing with rough cut yellow cedar boards • standing 20’ wall sections against the hull • custom fitting rafters to follow the boat’s shape • bracing for Wrangell’s stormy winds • building a structure strong enough to handle sandblast prep and painting. Fingers crossed ;-) Subscribe to follow the full refit of S/V Alaskan Gypsy - welding, sandblasting, painting, and eventually sailing Alaska’s wild waters again! We can hardly wait. ⸻ 📑 Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Why Build a Paint Shelter 00:45 – Lumber and Rough Framing 02:30 – First Wall Sections Go Up 05:00 – Bracing and Storm Prep 07:20 – Working the Stern Frame 10:00 – Rafters Along the Curve of the Hull 12:30 – Bow Section Challenges 14:30 – Evening Wrap-Up in the Yard 15:30 – Next Steps: Plastic Sheeting and Sandblast Prep

Status update from the shipyard: our simple hot water heater install turned into a full-blown adventure. 🚿😅 Between high-pressure city water, 30-year-old fittings, and a boat that might sink on dry dock (don’t worry, it won’t 😉), we’re learning fast that nothing about boat life is ever simple. Will we ever get that warm dish-washing water? Stay tuned… #boatlife #liveaboard #alaskagypsylife #shipyardlife #diyboatlife #sailingcommunity

We’re in Wrangell, Alaska with the s/v Alaskan Gypsy — but this video isn’t about our steel schooner refit. Today, we jumped in to help a neighbor Tristan salvage his project boat’s shelter after it was destroyed in a storm. With another storm on the way, it was all hands on deck: Audrey, Tristan’s family, and even the man Don Sorric pitching in to finish getting a shrink wrap shelter up over the fiberglass boat. This is real shipyard life: • teamwork in tough weather • shrink wrapping giant sheets of plastic • learning on the fly (with some comedy along the way) • preparing for hurricane-force winds Subscribe for more DIY boat refit, shipyard life, and Alaska storm prep adventures as we continue restoring the Alaskan Gypsy. ⸻ 📑 Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Helping Our Neighbor Tristan 01:00 – Audrey Joins the Shrink Wrap Crew 02:30 – Community & Small-Town Shipyard Vibes 04:30 – Storm Prep Philosophy: Helping Neighbors 08:00 – Lifting & Spreading the Giant Shrink Wrap Sheets 09:30 – Wind, Rain, and First Attempts at Securing Plastic 12:00 – Second Side Goes Up | Teamwork in Action 14:00 – Shrink Wrapping with Propane Torch 16:00 – Taping, Tightening & Fighting the Weather 19:00 – Wrap-Up & Harbor Walk Plans Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

An hour and sixteen minutes in the shipyard — salvaging, cleaning out, and fighting to reinstall the hot water tank aboard our 80’ steel schooner Alaskan Gypsy. This is long-form, slow-TV style boat refit: no shortcuts, no fast edits, just the real step-by-step battle. What’s inside this tank? Mud, rust, broken zincs, plumbing problems — and eventually, some kind of victory. Along the way you’ll see: • removing & salvaging the old hot water heater • flushing years of sediment & corrosion • replacing the zinc anode • fighting with stubborn fittings and leaks • warm water washing dreams • struggling to hook everything back up again If you like real DIY boat repair, the gritty details of refit life, or just long-form shipyard “slow TV,” settle in for the full watch. Related long-form refit struggles: • Packing Gland Fail (“The Gland Won”) → https://youtu.be/1ROSrbitFqg • Rusty Rudder Post Wrangle → https://youtu.be/9yUaLQFdQ4k 00:00 – Intro: Hot Water Tank Salvage Begins 06:00 – Pulling the Tank Free from Its Spot 12:00 – First Look Inside: Mud & Sediment Everywhere 20:00 – Zinc Anode Check & Corrosion Concerns 28:00 – Flushing Out Years of Rust & Crud 38:00 – Scraping, Rinsing, and Salvage Work 50:00 – Plumbing Problems & Wrong Fittings 1:02:00 – New Zinc Installed, Tank Back Together 1:10:00 – Final Hookup Attempts (and Leaks!) 1:15:00 – Wrap-Up: Lessons Learned from the Hot Water Struggle Kool Kats by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Life aboard the Alaskan Gypsy means tackling projects big and small. Today we're back in the master stateroom, scraping off stubborn carpet glue… and trying to eradicate this back mold! Follow along for more behind-the-scenes of shipyard life, DIY fixes, and the reality of restoring our 80-ft motorsailer. #BoatLife #ShipyardChronicles #DIYBoat

An hour in the Wrangell shipyard with our 80’ steel schooner s/v Alaskan Gypsy — removing the prop shaft, coupling, and propeller. Not without some significant struggle and confusion. Like any good DIY mechanic project. This is long-form, “slow TV” boat work: no quick highlights, just the real step-by-step of loosening bolts, wrestling with the coupling, dealing with seized parts, trying pullers, heat, penetrating oil, and sheer persistence. Highlights include: • Disconnecting the prop shaft coupling inside the engine room • Fighting old bolts, drive savers, and a corroded keyway • Trying wedges, pullers, and heat to free the parts • The stubborn reality of propeller removal after decades in place If you like DIY boat repair, shipyard life, or detailed restoration content, this is for you. 👉 Subscribe to follow the Alaskan Gypsy’s full restoration journey in Wrangell, Alaska - welding, grinding, shaft work, and all the reality of bringing an old steel schooner back to life. 📑 Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Prop Shaft & Prop Removal Begins 01:00 – Tools & Setup for Prop Work 05:00 – Removing Propeller Nuts & First Inspection 10:00 – Inside the Engine Room: Shaft Coupling Bolts 15:00 – Drive Saver & Alignment Problems 20:00 – Pulling the Coupling Bolts & Seized Hardware 25:00 – Roll Pin Battle in the Shaft Coupling 30:00 – Using Pullers & Wedges on the Coupling 35:00 – First Attempts at Prop Removal 40:00 – Heat, PB Blaster & More Puller Action 45:00 – Propeller Still Stuck Solid 50:00 – Slow Progress with Torque & Tapping 55:00 – Final Efforts Before Calling It a Night 59:00 – Wrap-Up: Next Steps in the Shipyard Refit

Welcome to another glamorous evening in the lazarette — just me, a rusty rudder post, and a packing gland that wants to stay right there for another 25 years. Armed with heat, tools, and misplaced optimism, I went all-in on removing the base of the gland. Blinded by late night brain fog and seized up in rust and confusion I nearly burnt the boat down, and fully roasted my dignity. The gland sat there, seized solid, not giving an inch, while I sweated and muttered in the dark like a guy trying to negotiate with a brick wall. The kicker? The next morning I managed to pry off the collar, pick out the packing, and the whole rudder post just… fell out on its own. So yeah, this video is basically a highlight reel of me fighting the wrong battle. If you want to see the eventual success, check out the full rudder post removal video right here - https://youtu.be/9yUaLQFdQ4k?si=c4uFeNq1JzGgRKDl. But if you enjoy watching a man get owned by corroded bronze, pitted steel, and 25yr old packing . . . you’re in the right place.

A quick look at removing the rudder post in the ongoing refit of our 80’ steel schooner s/v Alaskan Gypsy in the Wrangell, Alaska shipyard. From heavy rust, packing, torch, and PB Blaster to finally dropping the post free — here’s the short version. 👉 Watch the full 17-minute deep dive here: https://youtu.be/9yUaLQFdQ4k We’re documenting the highs, lows, and gritty reality of restoring an old steel schooner in Wrangell, Alaska. Subscribe to follow along!

In this 17-minute video, I take you into the lazarette of the s/v Alaskan Gypsy to wrestle with a critical piece of the steering system: the rudder post. We are working on restoring this 1992 80' OA steel triple masted schooner in the Wrangell, Alaska shipyard to make it into our 4 - seasons liveaboard life of adventure platform. What starts as a “this should just drop right out of here” job turns into a battle with rust, old packing, and decades of corrosion. With some heat, PB Blaster, and patience, we finally drop the post out of the boat - revealing exactly why a non-stainless steel shaft doesn’t belong in a packing gland. But really, maybe 33 years of faithful service is enough!? If you’re into DIY boat repair, steel schooner restoration, and shipyard problem-solving, you’ll probably be able to stay awake for most of this production. Subscribe & follow along as we rebuild our 80’ steel motor-sailer in Wrangell, Alaska — one stubborn part at a time. 00:00 – Intro: Rudder Wrangle in the Lazarette 00:20 – Why the Rudder Post Had to Come Out 01:15 – Checking the Steering Rams & Connections 02:00 – Packing Gland & Rust Concerns 03:00 – Outside Hull Inspection: Suspected Leaks 05:00 – Tying Off the Rudder Post for Safety 06:00 – Time-Lapse: Heating, PB Blaster & Patience 08:40 – Next Morning: Progress with the Packing Gland 11:00 – Digging Out Old Packing Material 13:40 – Final Shreds of Packing Pulled Free 15:40 – Rudder Post Drops Out of the Boat! 17:10 – Examining the Corroded Rudder Post 18:30 – Lessons Learned & Next Steps for the Refit #AlaskanGypsy #BoatRestoration #SteelBoat #ShipyardLife #BoatDIY #RudderRepair #BoatRefit #WrangellAlaska

In this video we’re in Wrangell, Alaska, working on our 80ft steel schooner Alaskan Gypsy. The job: pulling the rudder. It’s the kind of task that can either be a nightmare or, if luck shows up, surprisingly simple. What started out as a rainy, blustery morning with me staring at badly corroded bolts turned into one of those rare wins in the boatyard—bolts coming free without a fight, a rudder that actually lets go, and me learning along the way. This video is less about perfection and more about the real side of boat work: -Rust, electrolysis, and unexpected surprises -The mix of tools, stubborn bolts, and problem-solving -Doing the work yourself because you can’t (or won’t) hire it out -The small victories that keep a big refit moving forward If you like the behind-the-scenes grind of bringing a boat back to life, grab a cup of tea and come into the shipyard with me. Chapters: 00:00 – Windy morning in Wrangell shipyard (steel schooner refit) 00:49 – Why the rudder has to come off (shaft wobble & electrolysis damage) 02:15 – Planning rudder, propeller, and shaft removal on Alaskan Gypsy 03:50 – First look at corroded rudder bolts (rusty hardware problems) 06:00 – Tools out: wire brushing & penetrating oil for stuck bolts 10:30 – First bolt breaks free (DIY rudder removal success) 12:30 – All four bottom bolts loosen easily (unexpected shipyard win) 13:30 – Moving on to the top bolts of the rudder shoe 16:00 – Impact wrench vs. stubborn bolts (boat repair tools) 18:40 – All bolts free after years underwater (electrolysis damage) 20:00 – Preparing for the lift (securing rudder with ropes & hoist) 22:00 – Rigging up for safe rudder removal (DIY boatyard fix) 27:00 – Heavy steel rudder starts to drop (big boat project) 30:00 – Wrestling with weight, leverage, and balance 33:30 – Safer lowering setup (avoiding sketchy rigging mistakes) 37:00 – Adjusting lines and lowering the rudder carefully 41:00 – Rudder finally down! (shipyard milestone reached) 44:00 – Reflections on a smoother-than-expected rudder removal

In this episode of Seafolk Sailing, our haul-out at the boatyard revealed a major setback we didn’t see coming. While inspecting the hull, we discovered significant osmosis and unexpected damage, leaving us with the big question: is our hull fixable, and how will this delay getting back in the water? We take you through the full haul-out inspection, show exactly what we found, and share the real challenges of sailboat maintenance and repair. From surprises in the boatyard to major setbacks, this episode gives an honest look at life aboard a cruising sailboat and the unexpected hurdles that come with it. If you’re interested in sailing adventures, cruising sailboats, boat refits, or hull repair, this episode is packed with insight and real-life experience. See how we tackle setbacks, make decisions about repairs, and plan our next steps to get back on the water. 🔧 Topics covered in this episode: Sailboat haul-out and inspection process Osmosis in sailboat hulls and how it’s detected Boatyard surprises and unexpected setbacks Planning and decision-making for sailboat repairs Real-life challenges of cruising life 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell to follow our sailing adventures, boat refits, and life aboard a cruising yacht. #SailboatLife #SailingAdventure #BoatMaintenance #HullRepair #Osmosis #MajorSetback #CruisingSailboat #SailboatRefit #SeafolkSailing

Action-packed highlights from our latest Black Mold Busters adventure on the sailboat 🤦‍♀️⛵️ Who knew boat life came with carpet-glue mysteries, creepy vents, and DIY drama? This short’s the funny bits — catch the full saga in our 15-minute episode!

Welcome aboard our very luxurious yacht life… where the walls come with bonus black mold (or is it just carpet glue?). Either way, Audrey’s allergic, Scott’s in denial, and the banter is nonstop. In this video we dive into our state room mold saga — raspy throats, creepy vents, “expert” fixes, and plenty of comedy along the way. From sanding debates to ozone machine horror stories, this is boat life at its finest (or moldiest). Stick around for: ⚓ The great “is it really black mold?” argument ⚓ Scott’s DIY solutions that definitely won’t sink the boat ⚓ Audrey’s allergy confessions (but not when it comes to blue cheese) ⚓ Dinner plans: liver mousse as medicine (?!?) 💬 Tell us your best mold cleanup hacks in the comments — bonus points for the most ridiculous remedies. 👍 Like, subscribe, and keep following our non-floating adventure (and misadventures).

After weeks in the Wrangell shipyard staring at the battered steel hull of our 80ft schooner Alaskan Gypsy, I finally admit what EVERYONE has been telling me: Sandblast it! In this long, comical, and insightful video, Scott takes you inside his decision-making process about whether to sandblast the hull, from budget fears to real shipyard advice. With electrolysis damage, corrosion, welding repairs, and the ever-present debate of “DIY vs pro,” this episode dives deep into: -Why sandblasting is the gold standard for steel hull repair -The costs, risks, and realities of blasting an 80ft steel sailboat -Advice from the “mystery machinist” of Wrangell shipyard -DIY vs professional blasting, shelters, primers, and coatings -Long-term vs short-term boat maintenance decisions -If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to restore a steel boat, or just want a peek into the chaos of shipyard life, this video is for you. 👉 Drop a comment if you’ve blasted a hull before, share your tips, or just laugh along at our madness. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to follow our journey restoring and sailing the Alaskan Gypsy through Alaska’s wild waters.

Today we’re pulling off the emergency hull patch from our steel motorsailer Alaskan Gypsy. Months ago, while on the tidal grid, we sealed a diesel tank leak with a mix of Z-Spar Splash Zone, 5200, rubber gasket material, and an aluminum backing bar. It was a true in-the-field repair — done fast, under pressure, on diesel-soaked steel with 350 gallons of fuel behind it. Now in the Wrangell shipyard, it’s time to remove that patch and see just how well it actually held. Hammer, chisel, pry bar — the works. Along the way, we get a real-world look at how incredibly strong these products can be, even under less-than-ideal conditions. For anyone living the boat repair, DIY, and liveaboard lifestyle, this is a gritty look at what works when you need to keep a boat afloat until the proper fix can be made. If you’re curious about how Splash Zone epoxy, 3M 5200 marine adhesive, and creative fixes really perform — this one’s for you.

Today on the Alaskan Gypsy, Scott takes you inside a long day in the Wrangell shipyard. After hours of welding and grinding on the boat’s chine, he shares how a small Milwaukee light kept the work going even after dark. This vlog is part boat restoration, part everyday Alaskan living: -Life aboard a steel motorsailer in Southeast Alaska -Progress updates on the welding project -Behind-the-scenes look at shipyard gear & tools -A well-earned moose brisket dinner cooked in the Ninja slow cooker -From blackened paint and welding fans to dreams of anchoring in Punchbowl Cove, Misty Fjords, Scott keeps things honest, funny, and real. Stick around for a glimpse of the adventures to come — hunting, fishing, hot springs, and learning the ropes of sailing life. 👉 If you’re into Alaska, boats, DIY projects, and the raw shipyard grind mixed with homestead cooking, subscribe and join the journey. Chapters: 00:00 – Kicking off the evening aboard Alaskan Gypsy 00:08 – Milwaukee Rover light review & setup 01:08 – Good day of welding, progress on the chine 01:29 – Shipyard checks: fans, hoses, fire safety 01:53 – Blackened paint & temperature checks 02:14 – Wrapping up welding, looking ahead to adventures 02:56 – Dreaming of Misty Fjords & Punchbowl Cove 03:20 – Books aboard & sailor humor 03:36 – Moose brisket in the slow cooker 04:22 – Trying the Ninja air fryer combo 05:00 – Signing off, thanks & future plans

You might think that big catamarans are only suited for inboard diesel engines. Think again! In this video, we're breaking down a common misconception and revealing the surprising advantages of using modern outboard motors on a large cruising catamaran. We'll take you through a head-to-head comparison of outboards versus inboards, and you'll learn why many experienced sailors and boat builders are making the switch. From the ease of maintenance to the improved performance and even safety benefits, outboards offer a compelling case that goes far beyond their lower initial cost. In this video, we'll cover: Easy Maintenance & Repair: See why having your engines on the outside makes servicing a breeze, saving you time and money. Performance Gains: Find out how less weight and less drag can translate to better sailing performance and a shallower draft for exploring new anchorages. More Space & Less Noise: Learn how outboards free up valuable living space inside your hulls and can be surprisingly quiet. Cost-Effectiveness: We'll compare the up-front and long-term costs of both systems, so you can make an informed decision for your next boat. Whether you're a long-time sailor or just starting your journey into the world of multihulls, this video will challenge your assumptions and show you why outboards are a powerful and smart choice for a big cat. #Catamaran #Sailing #OutboardMotors #MarineElectronics #BoatingTips #DIYBoat #CruisingCatamaran #SailingLife #OutboardVsInboard #BoatReview -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------//--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join the Reversing Entropy Project, You will help the channel share the knowledge with all the sailing community. Full month just 99 cent 👌 You get: Early access to videos. access to members only videos. Costume Badges. Priority replies to comments. And much more, Thank you 🙏 Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJqPvrHZJMJtO-AOiYhORjQ/join Our contact: reversing.ntropy@gmail.com #SailboatCruising #SailingLife #LiveAboard #SailingTips #BoatLife #CruisingSailboat #BeginnerSailing #SailingAdventures #Yachting #OceanLife

We finally got the Yeti cooler back—stuffed with Yukon River moose (thanks, Len!) shipped down to Wrangell by Alaska Air Cargo. One problem: I’d torn out the chest freezer wiring during demo… so tonight’s mission is rewire the vintage GE freezer aboard the 80’ steel motor-sailer Alaskan Gypsy and get that meat rock-hard again. Along the way: southeast Alaska rain gives way to a stunning sunset, I share a few soldering + heat-shrink tips, and we talk honest off-grid food storage—big freezer vs. canning/drying and “keeping it on the hoof.” Question for you: does insulating a freezer’s sides actually help—or trap compressor heat? Have you tried blankets/foam on the lid only? If you’re new here, we’re restoring and living aboard Alaskan Gypsy in Wrangell’s shipyard—steel work, wiring, and wild Alaska life. Chapters 00:00 Yeti returns (Yukon moose backstory) 01:03 80-lb cooler—Alaska Air Cargo 01:48 Onboard: freezer teardown created a wiring problem 02:17 Weather break in SE Alaska 02:55 Why this freezer can’t fit through the doors (!?) 03:54 Picking a new cord that can snake through bulkheads 04:23 Old Weller, solder, and heat-shrink setup 05:07 Rethinking the routing before soldering 06:22 Fishing the wire run 07:00 Two classic heat-shrink mistakes to avoid 08:01 Tinning, paste, and matching leads 10:50 The solder joints go in 13:29 Heat-shrink + first power-on (compressor click) 14:50 Vintage GE freezer reliability chat 15:49 Opening the Yeti: moose & deer cuts inventory 18:13 Yeti pros/cons, bear-cert stamp 19:49 Insulating a freezer—good or bad idea? 20:34 Off-grid food strategy: freezer vs canning/drying 21:33 Wrangell turns gorgeous (time-lapse temptation) 22:18 Boat workshop organization thoughts 24:48 Later: diver neighbor visit, freezer check 25:22 Loading the meat (should’ve thawed dinner…) 27:53 Empty cooler, full freezer—hunting soon Thanks to: Len, “King of the Yukon moose antler.” Location: Wrangell Marine Service Center, Alaska Subscribe for more steel repairs, boat electrics, and wild Alaska living aboard: @TheAlaskanGypsy #Alaska #Wrangell #AlaskanGypsy #BoatLife #YetiCooler #MooseMeat #OffGrid #FreezerFix #Soldering #Shipyard #DIYBoat #WildGame #Subsistence Keyword tags: alaska air cargo, yeti cooler, moose meat, wild game, wrangell alaska, boat freezer, ge chest freezer, soldering heat shrink, off grid food storage, boat refit, shipyard life, alaskan gypsy, yukon river moose, diy wiring, freezer repair

The Hidden Danger of Stainless Steel in Electrical Wiring (Boat & RV Mistake!) Thinking about upgrading your boat or RV's electrical system? You might be tempted to use stainless steel hardware for your connections—it's strong, corrosion-resistant, and looks great. But in this video, we're going to reveal why this common mistake could be a hidden danger to your entire electrical system and even your safety! In this video, you'll learn: Why stainless steel is an electrical resistor (and why that's a problem). Don't let a seemingly simple decision jeopardize your adventures on the water or the road. Watch now to learn how to make your electrical system safe, reliable, and durable for years to come! #BoatLife #RVLife #ElectricalWiring #DIYBoat #MarineElectronics #RVUpgrades #Sailing #Motorhome #ElectricalSafety #DIYRV #MarineCorrosion #StainlessSteel #ElectricalMistakes Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified marine or RV electrician for professional advice and installation. Our contact: reversing.ntropy@gmail.com #SailboatCruising #SailingLife #LiveAboard #SailingTips #BoatLife #CruisingSailboat #BeginnerSailing #SailingAdventures #Yachting #OceanLife

State room refit on the Alaskan Gypsy in Wrangell, Alaska. Straight cuts with the old circular saw, clean-up with the new oscillating tool… but no jigsaw in sight. So Allen head screwed a jigsaw style blade into an old @milwaukeetool sawzall and cut smooth radiuses in the plywood—old tool, new trick, perfect refit. We’re documenting real-world, cold-wet Alaska boat work—wood, steel, foam removal, and all the problem-solving in between. Subscribe for more boat refit ingenuity, tool tests, and life aboard a steel motorsailer. ⚙️🧰 #MilwaukeeTool #Sawzall #OscillatingTool #CircularSaw #ToolHack #BoatRefit #Alaska #Woodworking #DIYBoat #AlaskanGypsy

We’re in Wrangell, Alaska, walking you through the shipyard, why we’re here, and the plan to make our steel schooner seaworthy again—from electrolysis damage to safety around spray foam and welding. Tour the yard, peek inside our liveaboard setup, and hear what’s next for The Alaskan Gypsy. What’s inside: • Quick fire-check routine after welding (and why it matters) • Our ventilation + ozone setup to keep cabin air clean while living aboard • Hull overview (steel plate thickness, anchors) and what electrolysis did • Why we picked Wrangell Shipyard (clean yard, easy access to supplies) • Living aboard during refit: gym/showers, laundry, groceries steps away • Our long-term plan: four-season liveaboard, remote Alaska anchorages If you’re into Alaska boat life, shipyard refits, steel boats, DIY marine repairs, or liveaboard life, hit subscribe to follow along. New episodes weekly as we chip away at the to-do list—safely. Gear & tools mentioned: grinders, ventilation fans, respirators, ozone unit, PPE Location: Wrangell, Alaska (city yard + Superior Marine area) Our boat: The Alaskan Gypsy (three masts, pilothouse, steel hull) Connect & follow: Subscribe for the next refit update and first sea trials. Thanks for being here—your comments help guide what we film next. Chapters: 00:00 Why we’re in Wrangell & today’s plan 00:50 Quick fire check after welding 01:11 Inside the cabin: welding setup 02:07 Ventilation, ozone & PPE 02:59 On deck + three-mast overview 03:27 Pilothouse & liveaboard comfort 03:56 Access stairs + launch history 04:23 Hull build, anchors & dimensions 05:12 Electrolysis damage explained 06:35 Why Wrangell Shipyard rocks 07:27 Travel lift & yard tour 08:24 Haul-out slot & pickup 09:18 Harbors, town & a sea otter 10:44 Stores within walking distance 12:44 Museum, gym/sauna, laundry 13:33 Weather window & timing 14:40 Meet the channel + our goal 15:14 Making her seaworthy again 16:22 Life afloat plans & hot springs 17:11 From cabin life to liveaboard 17:43 Workshop dreams onboard 18:27 Safety lessons & foam hazards 19:41 Eye-injury story & PPE upgrade 21:15 Boats nearby (Spicy Lady rebuild) 22:31 Yard projects we’re skipping 23:05 Classic wooden boat sighting 24:01 Gratitude + journey ahead 24:48 Why Wrangell is the place 25:18 Subscribe + what’s next

In this nitty-gritty shipyard work session on the S/V Alaskan Gypsy, we carefully demo marine-plywood panels to get at spray-foam insulation that must be removed to avoid toxic smoke and fire hazards before welding. We walk through tool choices (a new Milwaukee brushless oscillating tool), safe foam removal to avoid fire during exterior welding, a low-heat 3/32" 6011 stick test (Miller Maxstar 160 S), mapping measurements from outside to inside, and a realistic grind/finish (Milwaukee 9' Grinder) strategy after building up the chine seam to repair electrolysis damage. Filmed on location in the shipyards in Wrangell, Alaska. What you’ll see: • Why we had to pull plywood to expose foam before welding (fire-safety) • Locating the exact weld zone from outside (browning the paint as a marker) • Dealing with hidden screws/putty, broken fasteners, and a bilge hose obstacle • 6011 rod choices (3/32" then 1/8") for controlled heat + build-up • Honest talk on “good enough” vs. perfection when there’s broader hull pitting • A quick grind to knock down high spots before epoxy paint later Gear & materials mentioned: marine plywood (3/8"), oscillating multi-tool (Milwaukee Fuel), 6011 electrodes, 9' grinder. Location: Wrangell, Alaska. If you’re into steel boat life, weld repairs, and liveaboard refits, hit subscribe and follow our Alaskan Gypsy Life playlist for the full rebuild story. Chapters (paste into description) 00:00 Why demo the plywood & foam (fire-safe weld prep) 00:43 Oscillating tool + shop setup 01:12 More demo to remove blocking & expose foam 02:07 Hidden screws under paint/putty 02:58 Foam out & electrolysis at the chine 03:57 Exposing the chine for weld access 04:36 Outside view: locating weld under the portlight 05:23 Test weld with 3/32" 6011 rod 06:14 Measuring the weld path (9" x ~3" area) 07:33 Inside check: browned paint marker + hose obstacle 08:35 Reality check + “build back better” quip 09:27 Multi-pass weld summary (then 1/8" 6011) 11:24 Quick grind: knock down the highs 12:26 On to the next section

We are figuring out how to get our @MillerWelders stick welder connected to our onboard 240v system with a little help from the right plug from @leviton aboard the s/v Alaskan Gypsy in the shipyard in Wrangell, Alaska.

Sometimes the power tools you want feel like they cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes they turn out to be worth it! My shipyard work couldn't proceed without an oscillating tool, and this @MilwaukeeTool from the local @AceHardware seemed like a good buy. Spoiler alert -- It was worth the cost! Thing cuts like an angry beaver!

The gory details of repairing severe electrolysis (Galvanic Corrosion) on a steel hulled sailboat in the Wrangell, Alaska shipyards. I burned a hole right through the hull with my little @MillerWelders maxstar 160 S on a plate seem. Subscribe for more shipyard shenanigans with the crew of the S/V Alaskan Gypsy.

Learn as you go shipboard wiring adventures to get our @MillerWelders stick welder up and running so we can continue our hull renovations aboard the s/v Alaskan Gypsy in the Wrangell, Alaska shipyards.

In Wrangell Shipyard, we’re tackling the electrolysis scars on our steel sailboat Alaskan Gypsy. Instead of full-on sandblasting, we test a Monti German-made bristle blaster (scored on eBay at a bargain) that usually sells for a high price new. It promises to deliver a sandblast-like profile in a handheld grinder. Can it really dig into deep, sharp-edged pits and leave a coating-ready surface? We compare results against traditional methods, talk about consumable costs, and share next steps—whether to fill with Belzona epoxy putty or go for clad welding with 6010 rods. Shipyard life is never simple: safety concerns, budget calls, and “good enough to coat” decisions all come into play. Follow along as we work to get Gypsy back in the water. Chapters 00:00 Monti bristle blaster explained 00:42 Why not sandblast the whole hull 01:30 Testing it on electrolysis pits 02:00 Can it reach deep, sharp edges? 02:45 Results: profile + nooks and crannies 03:10 Downside: wheel wear + consumables 03:35 Plan A: epoxy putty fills 04:10 Plan B: clad welding with 6010 rods 04:45 When welding beats epoxy (hazards & cost) 05:15 Wrangell shipyard update + timeline

Hempel Silic One: https://www.hempelyacht.com/da-dk/products/biocide-free/silic-one/case-1 Safe Nordic Medical Solutions: https://safenordicsolutions.com/ For a discount on the marino wool base layers we're wearing throughout this video you can use TA15 at https://www.loow.com/ _______ We're finally getting ready to set sail from Copenhagen to Sydney — but with just weeks to go, it's getting pretty stressful! In this episode, we’re tackling some major last-minute boat projects, including re-doing the anti-fouling on our hull and scrambling to finalise our safety gear before departure. Whether you're into long-distance sailing, liveaboard life, or boat maintenance tips, this video gives a behind-the-scenes look at the intense (and often chaotic) final push before a round-the-world trip! Thanks for watching guys :) Currently 7,163 subscribers on board Follow us on instagram for more day-to-day updates @augustlacour @ta.ndia #sailing #boatlifeready #antifouling #sailboatmaintenance #sailinglifestyle #bluewatercruising #liveaboardlife #sailingaustralia #oceanpassageprep

In this episode, we tackle one of the toughest jobs in our boat refit — cleaning out the engine bay. Watch as we scrub away years of grime, grease, and build-up hidden deep in our sailboat’s engine bay. If you’re interested in boat maintenance, DIY refits, or just love seeing behind-the-scenes sailing life, this video gives you an honest look at the hard work involved. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow our journey restoring our sailboat,

Our hydraulic steering broke down. When we fixed it, we made it better. In this video you can see how we have made a by pass valve for the hydraulic oil, so we can use the emergency tiller. We also changed the hydraulic pump on one of the two steering wheels that the Nauticat motorsailers have. In this case the boat is a Nauticat 38, and the system it made quite similar on other Nauticats and other boats with two position hydraulic steering. Another important step in our boat restoration! This video covers boat maintenance and how to use improve the boat safety. Learn how we tackled this part of the restoration process. A great shout out to Grenaa Hydraulic in Denmark, who fixed this on short notice. Thanks a lot. Chapters: 0:00 Intro. Problems with hydraulic steering. 0:29 Emergency tiller Nauticat 38 0:52 Explaining the by pass valve 3:02 Outside steering position Nauticat 3: 37 Inside steering position Nauticat 4:10 Hydraulic autopilot 4:44 Thanks to Grenaa Hydraulics

We're spending every waking hour on either fixing the boat or recovering from fixing the boat, so this episode is a lovely concoction of thoughts, a little sailing trip with friends, Copenhagen life and the odd boat jobs. We're also super excited to show you what we've been spending the past week and 50 hours+ on. Let's just say the boat will be much faster, cheaper and lower maintenance from now on :) As always thank you to our partners Watski and Orca for making sure we're well equiped for our imminent circumnavigation (in less than 6 weeks!)

We were frustrated with the lack of Thetford Cassette toilet reviews where people actually used their toilet! Most folks "don't use it for #2" but we are here to review the Thetford C223 after one year of use as our primary toilet for allllll the things! A blog post version of this video can be found here: https://abroadreachtravel.com/thetford-c223-cassette-toilet/ Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/ For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/ Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Don't make our mistakes in your DIY build! Seven regrets we have about our DIY campervan build after 6 months on the road! Check out the blog post we wrote on this subject too!: https://abroadreachtravel.com/six-things-we-regret-about-our-second-van-build/ Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/ For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/ While we're normally sailing up and down the East Coast in our sailboat Acadia, we have recently switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry, our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you! Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Final episode of our winter boat restoration series on Sailing Maja, our Nauticat 38! After months of hard work with the boat maintenance, the boat has a beautiful new teak deck along with a bunch of other fantastic upgrades and equipment installations. In this video, I take you on a detailed tour to show you exactly how everything turned out. How expensive was it, and is it worth it? Another boat undergoes a complete boat restoration! This sailing journey highlights the realities of boat life and the commitment it takes to maintain a yacht. From minor fixes to major overhauls, owning boats is a labor of love, much like restoring a classic sea ray. This project has definitely turned out to be quite an investment — way more expensive than I initially expected — but I’m not going to reveal the exact cost. What matters is that the results are worth it, and the boat feels amazing! If you’ve been following along, thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm! If you’re new here, consider checking out the previous episodes to see the full transformation journey. Links to suppliers and equipment (Not affiliate links): Who did the new teak deck on the Nauticat 38? https://www.vakuumteak.se/ What AIS tranceiver did we buy? https://seatronic.no/weatherdock-easytrx3-s-ais-sotdma-sender-mottaker-m-me-sense-batovervaking-og-wi-fi-wea20018  @EasyaisDe  What anchor control unit did we buy? https://seatronic.no/quick-handkontroll-for-vinsj-chc-1103-med-kjettingteller From who did we buy all this stuff? https://seatronic.no/  @seatronicbatutstyr133  What about the self steering? https://hydrovane.com/  @Hydrovane  Who did the rigging? https://spinsail.com/  @SpinSailSweden  Feel free to leave any questions or comments below — I’d love to hear what you think about the makeover! Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for more sailing adventures and boat projects from Sailing Maja. Happy sailing! Fair winds! Chapters: 0:00 Intro and shoutout to Vakuumteak i Väst 0:20 New teak deck finished 0:30 New roller furler 0:40 New standing rigging, hatches and doors 1:00 Higher railing for more security 1:30 Cradle for life raft 2:05 New Hydrovane 3:10 New anchor winch and control unit 3:25 New AIS transmitter 3:40 Wish for the viewers...

We finally get stuck into our sailboat refit, starting with the removal of our old, leaky hatches and windows. What begins as a straightforward job quickly turns into a bigger project when we uncover even more hidden wood rot beneath the frames — just what every sailor loves to find… With no working engine (our prop shaft snapped), we have to figure out how to move our 45-foot sailboat once again. The plan? Tow her up the Cairns inlet using a couple of small tinnys — a DIY towing mission that’s becoming all too familiar. Between the window removal, surprise repairs, and yet another sailboat towing operation, this week is all about making slow but steady progress on our floating home. If you’re into liveaboard life, boat restoration, or want a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of fixing up a classic cruising yacht, this episode is for you.

We started our van build with a $30,000 budget to make a comfortable full time home on wheels. Did we keep to the budget? Of course! We even came in under! *Note all prices from this video and associated blog posts are based on 2024 prices. Final Breakdown of Cost Blog Post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/how-much-did-it-cost-promaster-van-build/ In Depth Galley Gear Blog Post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/our-gourmet-van-kitchen-set-up/ Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links! Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/ For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/ While we're normally sailing up and down the East Coast on our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you! Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

For years, the debate has raged among sailors: which is better, deck stepped or keel stepped? In this video, I'm cutting through the noise and sharing my strong conviction: the deck stepped mast reigns supreme. I'll break down the practical reasons why I believe it offers more advantages in terms of maintenance, safety, and overall convenience for the average cruiser. Prepare for some potentially controversial takes, but hear me out before you dismiss it! DISMASTED: John Kretschmer Tells All: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdMQOfbQBDk Our contact: reversing.ntropy@gmail.com #SailboatCruising #SailingLife #LiveAboard #SailingTips #BoatLife #CruisingSailboat #BeginnerSailing #SailingAdventures #Yachting #OceanLife

The boat refit begins… and we’re already uncovering more than we bargained for! In this episode, we start prepping for haul-out by disconnecting the engine and stripping things back. But as we dig in, we find some pretty sketchy home repairs from previous owners, leaking compartments, and areas of rotting wood that definitely weren’t in the brochure 😅 This is just the beginning of a long road to getting the boat back in top shape — and we’re taking you along for the ride. ⛵ Subscribe for weekly episodes of boat life, big fixes, and sailing adventures. 📸 Follow our day-to-day on Instagram: @seafolksailing #sailboatrefit #boatlife #sailingcouple #sailinglife #liveaboardlife

Ready to ditch the traditional house and embrace a life of adventure, but stuck between the open road and the open water? 🚐⚓️ In this video, we dive deep into the ultimate nomadic debate: van life vs. boat life! We'll explore the unique freedoms, challenges, and daily realities of living on wheels versus living on the waves. From costs and maintenance to community and creature comforts, we break down everything you need to consider to help you decide which unconventional home is your perfect fit. Our contact: reversing.ntropy@gmail.com

How have we set up the plumbing system in our DIY promaster Campervan? We dig into all the details of our fresh, gray, and black water systems! For links to all the items we talked about in this video and a cost breakdown of this part of our van build check out this blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-plumbing-this-time-with-a-toilet/ 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Fresh Water System 02:00 Hot Water 03:10 Shower Set-up 04:37 Sink and Faucet 06:27 Gray Water System 06:40 Black Water System Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links! Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/ For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/ While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you! Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Marine Lithium Batteries: Overpriced SCAM? Shocked by "marine grade" lithium battery prices? You're right to be! This video exposes why they're so expensive (often a rip-off) and shows you how to build your own safe, high-capacity LiFePO4 battery for a fraction of the cost. We'll cover: The truth about "marine grade" marketing. Step-by-step DIY battery build guide: sourcing cells, BMS. Real cost savings compared to buying off-the-shelf. Stop wasting money! Learn to build your own reliable power system for your boat, RV, or off-grid setup. 🔗 LINKS: Sailing Haldis YT video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqyPLWkgXKI&t=1222s We bought our batteries here: (No affiliation). https://deligreencs.com/ 👍 LIKE, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE for more DIY marine power solutions! Our contact: reversing.ntropy@gmail.com #MarineLithiumBattery #LiFePO4 #DIYBattery #BoatLife #OffGridPower #Sailing

We didn't like what was on the market for roof racks, or roof mounts so we made our own! Is this the least expensive option for a roof rack? Plus 750 Watts of solar, an A/C unit, a fan, and roof mounted starlink?! How did we fit it all? For links to all the items we talked about in this video and a cost breakdown of this part of our van build check out this blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/diy-roof-rack-for-promaster-campervan/ 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Deciding on a Solar Layout 01:37 Designing a "Roof Rack" 03:39 How to Mount Solar Panels 05:56 Installing an A/C Unit Late in Our Build 08:31 Roof Mounted Starlink 10:09 Collapsible Ladder Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links! Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/ For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/ While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you! Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Part introduction to off-grid electrical and part breakdown of our electrical systems, past and present. In this video, we talk about all the components of an off-grid electrical system for a DIY campervan setup. For links to the products we talked about in this video, and for a breakdown of the costs of this part of the project, check out this blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/off-grid-electrical/ 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Intro to Storage 01:25 Figuring Out Your Power Needs 03:06 Battery Types: 12v vs 24v 04:28 Battery Type: Chemistries 07:59 Our Battery Set-Ups (Past and Present) 10:31 Intro to Output 10:57 Output Side: 12v (DC) 12:15 Output Side: 120v (AC) 16:16 Running Wire in Vans 16:54 Intro to Input 17:18 Input Options: Solar 18:12 Input Options: Alternator 19:41 Input Options: Shore Power 20:25 Input Options: Generators 22:25 Our Promaster Electrical System Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links! Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/ For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/ While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you! Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/