Removing the Bow Thruster | Steel Sailboat Hull Restoration

Big progress in the Alaskan Gypsy shipyard restoration — the bow thruster, after much debate, is finally gone! and welding shut, gone for good. Or, until next haul out at least! This old jet-style hydraulic setup never really worked for much we are told, but it left four holes in the bow and a big repair project behind. In this episode, I cut out the last of the system and through repeated acts of contortionist weld plate over the openings. In this video: • Cutting out the old thruster through hulls for patches • Welding new steel plates over the openings • Reflections on simplicity, maintenance, and reliability Slow-TV meets shipyard life — just a man, a few tools, a lot of awkward welding positions, and a dream of getting back to sea. ⸻ 📑 Chapters 00:00 Intro – What’s Wrong with the Bow Thruster 01:15 Cutting Out the Old System 03:40 Hull Cleanup and Prep 06:30 Fitting the New Plates 08:45 Welding and Grinding 11:00 Zinc Primer and Wrap-Up 13:30 Reflections from the Shipyard #AlaskanGypsy #SteelBoat #BoatRestoration #SailboatRefit #ShipyardLife #BowThruster #HullRepair #Welding #BoatDIY