Em & Nickvideo
We Sailed 30 hours to Beat a Storm from the Florida Keys to the ICW (ep. 6)
26 April 2026 · 25 min · 10K views · Key Lois
What this video covers
A 40-ft sailboat crewed by novice owners and a professional captain attempts a 30-hour offshore passage from the Florida Keys to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to outrun an incoming nor'easter.1:17 During the transit, the vessel experiences a series of mechanical failures, including a malfunctioning windlass and a total engine shutdown caused by a clogged Racor fuel filter.19:51 The engine failure occurs near the Parker Bridge, forcing the crew to deploy the anchor manually while navigating 30-mph winds and nearby rock jetties.16:33 After replacing the 30-micron fuel filter and troubleshooting the windlass wiring, the crew regains propulsion and successfully enters the ICW.19:57 The passage highlights the necessity of maintaining fuel systems and the risks of relying on aging filters during offshore legs. The crew concludes the voyage in Stuart, Florida, where they discover a significant, high-cost mechanical issue that threatens to pause their sailing plans.24:12
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