keeldraggervideo
Sailing Solo to Catalina Harbor and Mild Engine Drama (April 2023)
27 April 2023 · 35 min · 710 views · Cat Harbor, Santa Catalina Island
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigating a 40-foot sailboat from Catalina Island toward Los Angeles Harbor experiences repeated engine stalls caused by a suspected fuel line obstruction. After the engine fails near the west end of the island, the sailor attempts to bleed the fuel system and replaces the primary fuel filter, finding it relatively clean.30:43 The priming bulb fails to reinflate, indicating a vacuum issue or blockage in the fuel pickup line.31:14 The sailor clears the line by blowing air back into the fuel tank, successfully restarting the engine.32:38 To mitigate the risk of a total power loss in the busy shipping lanes and the entrance to Angel's Gate, the sailor keeps the mainsail and staysail hoisted while motor-sailing to maintain maneuverability.34:13 The engine remains operational for the remainder of the transit to the marina.34:53 The experience highlights the importance of maintaining sail power as a backup during engine-related fuel delivery failures.
Boats in this video
More from keeldragger
From keeldragger — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.