The Questions I’ve Been Avoiding… Health, Olivia & What Happens Next
22 June 2026 · 32 min · 97K views
What this video covers
The owner of an Island SPIRIT 525 reports a recent medical diagnosis of abdominal vein thrombosis involving the portal, SMV, and splenic veins.1:17 Currently undergoing treatment with blood thinners, the owner plans to return to the United States in August for further medical evaluation and to facilitate the transport of two dogs, Cougar and Merlin.5:45 Regarding the vessel, a 1,000-mile shakedown cruise identified minor mechanical issues, including a cracked fuel filter housing, a lost zinc on the port propeller shaft, and non-functional battery chargers, all of which are undergoing repairs.15:45 The owner advises against using gasoline-powered vessels like a Sea Ray Sundancer 420 for long-distance cruising from Florida to South America, recommending diesel engines instead.28:35 Future plans include returning to the boat in November, with the owner shifting support platforms from Podia to Patreon and a dedicated iOS app.14:35 The owner notes that while walkable solar panels could theoretically add 3,000 watts of power, the cost and installation complexity do not justify the minimal gain in battery capacity.21:49
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