Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

Sam Holmes refits a catamaran in Malaysia, focusing on electrical, mechanical, and cosmetic upgrades before a planned passage to Thailand. He installs a mini-split air conditioner by mounting the indoor unit on a custom PVC foam board bracket behind the mast support post and placing the outdoor unit in a forward hatch. After struggling with a faulty flare tool, he successfully connects the gas lines. He also services the windlass, replacing a faulty relay to restore both up and down functions, and installs new control buttons by drilling and epoxy-sealing holes in the deck. Additional tasks include splicing a Starlink cable with a 12-volt to 24-volt step-up converter, greasing the Yamaha outboard steering shaft, and replacing the boat's name on the transom. He tests a Garmin messenger device for satellite communication and clears out excess spare parts and outdated paper charts. The air conditioner draws significant power, indicating a need for additional solar capacity. Proper sealing of deck penetrations with epoxy ensures watertight integrity when mounting new hardware.

More from Sam Holmes Sailing

Orca sighting! we repair one daggerboard only to break another oneSept 2026Sailing to Maratua, a rarely visited Indonesian island Sept 2026We hit a log sailing by strange Indonesian sea platformsAug 2026Replacing a window while sailing through pirate waters and wildlife of BorneoAug 2026

From Sam Holmes Sailing — 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.