Untidevideo
Are my Crewmates Falling in Love? (With Eachother)💕 NZ Boat Refit
July 22, 2025 · 21 min · 38K views · New Zealand
What this video covers
A major refit of the 55-year-old sailboat Elixir in New Zealand involves extensive structural repairs, interior cosmetic upgrades, and mechanical overhauls. The crew addresses hull-to-deck chain plate cracking by grinding out damaged areas and reinforcing them with new fiberglass and epoxy.▶ 1:17 Interior bulkheads, previously stained and rotted, are sanded and repainted white to brighten the cabin, while teak trim and floorboards are stripped and refinished with polyurethane varnish.▶ 6:29 Mechanical work centers on a Volvo Penta engine, where failing mounts caused alignment issues that damaged the gearbox bearings and input shaft, necessitating a full service and replacement of worn components.▶ 13:26 The team also replaces rotted sole bearers with local hardwood.▶ 17:11 Despite the progress, the project has exceeded initial timelines and budgets, forcing the crew to abandon plans for a May departure to Fiji.▶ 0:43 The refit relies on a rotating team of volunteers and access to a local workshop to manage the complex, time-consuming tasks of painting, varnishing, and engine restoration.▶ 14:31
Boats in this video
More from Untide
From Untide — 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.