Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

Lee repairs the bow roller on Catalpa by welding new reinforcement plates to address structural stress cracks and corrosion accumulated over 30 years.10:11 Working with an experienced mentor, he practices on scrap metal to refine torch positioning, electrode sharpening, and heat control before welding the stainless steel assembly.0:28 The modified bow roller includes added bars to prevent the anchor chain from slipping off the gypsy.9:27 Despite some inconsistent welds and remaining minor cracks, the repair provides a functional solution to secure the anchor gear for future use.10:11 The crew also installs a new fuel-water separator and various Groco fittings sourced from community-provided packages.16:49 While Lee continues boat maintenance, Sarah travels to San Francisco, leaving the remaining family members to manage ongoing projects and provisioning in the Phoenix and Puerto Peñasco area.12:47 Learning to manage torch angle and hand stability while welding in awkward positions significantly improves weld quality and consistency.5:26

More from Sailing Catalpa

they weren't expecting thisSep 2026one of the most remote islands on the planetSep 202629 days sailing Panama to French Polynesia the whole passageAug 2026what did we learn from a month at seaAug 2026

From Sailing Catalpa — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed 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.