Vagabond Voyages · video

What this video covers

To prepare a sailboat for a four-month layup in a marina at Taravao, Tahiti, the crew performs a comprehensive decommissioning process to protect the vessel from tropical weather and pests. They choose to store the boat in the water rather than on the hard, following advice that a 1.90-meter draft vessel remains more secure in the water during potential tropical depressions.16:35 The maintenance routine includes flushing the duplex stainless steel anchor chain with fresh water and applying a protective gel to prevent rust.0:19 The crew removes all sails, the bimini, and the lazy bag, while cleaning and greasing the windlass and self-steering gear.5:03 To preserve the engine, they flush the cooling system with a 10-liter solution of antifreeze and fill the diesel tank with a fuel stabilizer.15:49 They also winterize the outboard motor by flushing it in a container of fresh water.19:14 To prevent rodent infestations, they remove all food supplies, set traps, and arrange for a friend to check the bilge and deck covers every ten days.7:15 The crew also lubricates the marine toilet seals with sunflower oil and applies silicone to deck hatch gaskets.20:07

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