SmoCo Sailingvideo
[Ep 17] Prepping the Sailboat for Mexico Cruising | Routine Maintenance Threw Us a Curveball
21 July 2025 · 19 min · 1K views · San Diego
What this video covers
Armand and Liya, owners of the sailboat *Cosmo*, prepared for a passage from San Diego to Mexico by performing extensive maintenance and upgrades. The project list included converting the television and Starlink to 12-volt power to improve energy management, sanding and sealing 25-year-old teak decks, and reinforcing the outboard motor lift.4:04 During routine engine maintenance, Armand removed the heat exchanger and exhaust elbow, discovering significant carbon buildup and corrosion.6:02 A local shop failed to repair the heat exchanger after a week of delays, forcing the couple to source a replacement part from Ship Outlet Store in the Netherlands.10:49 While servicing the marine heads, Armand accidentally jammed a seacock with calcium deposits, requiring the use of a Plugmaster kit to prevent flooding.14:32 The couple also fabricated a custom lifting bridle for their dinghy to facilitate cleaning the hull.15:10 Despite the engine-related setbacks and a looming departure deadline, the crew completed most of their maintenance tasks before their scheduled departure.
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