Crossing the ALBEMARLE SOUND with a sparking alternator and a hole on deck [E302]
16 August 2024 · 20 min · 957 views · Albemarle Sound
What this video covers
Alex and Cory prepare their boat, Dauntless, for a crossing of the Albemarle Sound while managing a leaking deck hatch and a failing alternator. The forward hatch, currently covered by the dinghy, leaks significantly during rain and transit.4:47 Before departing, the crew plans to seal the hatch with butyl tape and repair a flickering anchor light.8:59 While motor-sailing across the sound, the alternator begins sparking and grounding out, drawing 30 amps intermittently.12:40 Cory discovers that the alternator’s grounding bolt had unthreaded itself from the chassis, causing a poor connection.17:35 Despite the loose ground, the alternator continues to output current, and the diodes remain functional.18:29 Cory prepares a spare 55-amp alternator as a replacement, ensuring proper pulley alignment and using doubled-up ground wires to handle the required amperage.19:33
More from Wildly Intrepid Sailing
From Wildly Intrepid 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.