Sailing Good, Bad, and Uglyvideo

$5k Craigslist Boat MILK it for all it's Worth Sailing GBU

February 27, 2021 · 25 min · 176K views · Patillas, Puerto Rico

What this video covers

A $5,000 Craigslist sailboat, *Good, Bad, and Ugly*, currently anchored in Puerto Rico, requires significant engine repairs due to a failing transmission that slips out of forward gear at operating temperatures.13:02 The owners, Matt and Kristen, previously attempted a temporary fix by extending the shifter cable with stainless steel rigging, but the repair remains unreliable.13:14 They prioritize sailing over motoring, having logged only 50 engine hours in three years, and maintain a small 14-gallon fuel tank that limits their range.10:57 The crew emphasizes that low-budget cruising requires a willingness to perform frequent, difficult maintenance and accept the risks of an unreliable engine.14:20 While waiting for weather windows to move eastward toward Vieques, the crew harvests coconuts from a nearby beach to prepare homemade coconut milk and vegan-style ice cream.1:27 The experience highlights the trade-offs of purchasing an inexpensive vessel, where the lack of a reliable motor necessitates a commitment to sailing even in challenging conditions.

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