Vagabond Voyages · video

What this video covers

After four months of storage, the owners of a 31-foot sailboat return to their vessel in Fiji to find several maintenance issues requiring immediate attention.0:14 A broken engine mount, or silent block, causes excessive noise and vibration during gear shifts, necessitating a full replacement of all four mounts to ensure proper engine alignment.2:29 The boat’s bow thruster and windlass remain inoperable due to a dead battery, which requires replacement before the vessel can be maneuvered to a new slip.0:45 Additionally, the marine toilet pump failed, a recurring issue attributed to improper storage, leading the owners to install a Seaflow pump as a cost-effective alternative to the expensive Jabsco brand.11:58 The crew also replaces a delaminated depth sounder display with a used unit sourced from eBay and begins fabricating a lightweight carbon fiber spinnaker pole using a repurposed windsurfing mast and fittings from SVB.15:18 These repairs highlight the common maintenance challenges and budget impacts associated with returning a boat to service after long-term storage.

More from Vagabond Voyages

What to bring when visiting the islands of Vanuatu? vlog 133Aug 2026A mission that gives the journey its true meaning. Vlog 134Aug 2026After a rough night, one click... and it all disappears.Jul 2026Withdrawing money in Vanuatu… I was genuinely terrified! | Vlog 132Jul 2026

From Vagabond Voyages — 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.