Vagabond Voyagesvideo
After 2 months of repairs, we thought we were finally heading back out... Vlog 128
June 26, 2026 · 42 min · 7K views · Fiji
What this video covers
After nearly two months of repairs at a marina in Fiji, Tom and Anissia move their boat Vagabond to an anchorage near Malolo island to test repaired systems, but the hydraulic autopilot immediately shows oil leaking from two fittings — work a paid technician had done incorrectly for €350.Watch The hydraulic ram itself carries a complication from the previous owner, who shortened the piston to fit the boat, preventing full air purging from the system.28:23 Three separate specialists, including a technician named Russell and a Fijian worker named Manu, had already attempted the repair over several weeks.18:00 The autopilot unit was eventually removed and sent back to the yard at Wudamarina for correction.20:47 A separate toilet hose replacement addressed calcium scale buildup blocking both heads and a fully clogged anti-siphon valve — a problem they attribute partly to infrequent vinegar flushing.0:47 Tom is still on antibiotics for a persistent bacterial chest infection; Anissia has been diagnosed with kidney stones and is experiencing nausea severe enough to rule out offshore sailing.3:01 The wind-vane self-steering is noted as useless in calm conditions or when threading coral heads.25:09 Tom uses ChatGPT extensively to diagnose the autopilot hydraulics.18:26 The season's compounding failures — illness, unexpected repair bills, and contractor errors — push both owners to question continuing, though they confirm they will not sell the boat.
More from Vagabond Voyages
From Vagabond Voyages — 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.