Day 5 Update: Rethinking the Push North

Day 5 of getting ready to head north aboard Alaska Gypsy — and this one lives squarely in the in-between. Not a lot of projects are “finished,” but a lot is happening. Small fixes, troubleshooting, electronics decisions, hydraulics gremlins, and the slow realization that the timeline may be tighter than expected. In this update, we talk honestly about: • Why the push north is feeling rushed • Autopilot and hydraulic troubleshooting • Electronics upgrades coming together • Weather windows, winter timing, and Christmas with the kids • Letting go of pressure and forming a stronger Plan B This is boat life as it really happens — progress that isn’t always measurable, but still matters. Thanks for following along, for the comments, and for being part of the process. If you’re new here, we’re living aboard and refitting a steel schooner in Alaska. Some days are big. Some days are messy. All of them are real. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Day 5 introduction 01:00 – Why the timeline north feels tight 02:10 – What’s been worked on (even if it doesn’t feel big) 03:40 – Engine & fuel solenoid issue explained 06:30 – Autopilot hydraulics & coupling problem 09:40 – Troubleshooting electronics & control head 12:00 – AI, hammers, and stuck hydraulic components 15:00 – Why walking away sometimes fixes things 17:45 – Hydraulics back online (for now) 20:00 – New navigation, radar & autopilot upgrades 23:30 – Starlink, wiring, and testing systems 24:10 – Mini sea trial & generator surprise 25:45 – Diesel leak discovery & fix 27:00 – Where things actually stand 28:30 – Letting go of pressure & forming Plan B