Sailing Nandji - Frothlyfevideo

HYDRO-LOCKED ENGINE DISASTER! Our Sailboat Nightmare... Ep 429

December 17, 2025 · 23 min · 49K views · Hout Bay, South Africa

Skipper stares at seized engine in cramped engine room

What this video covers

The engine on a Tayana 47 CC, currently docked in Hout Bay, South Africa, suffered a total failure due to water ingress.0:45 The motor is hydro-locked and the pistons are seized, likely caused by a blocked anti-siphon valve that allowed seawater to backflow into the cylinders while the boat sat idle for three months.1:27 Because the engine is an older model and the internal damage is extensive, the owner determined it is unrepairable and requires a full replacement.1:38 Plans are underway to relocate the vessel to Royal Cape for a haul-out and engine swap, which will involve removing the generator to create enough clearance to extract the motor through the interior rather than cutting the cockpit floor.8:08 While managing this setback, the crew continues to work on other systems, including the installation of a second Victron MultiPlus inverter-charger to increase total capacity to 6,000 watts.17:34

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Tayana 47 CCTheir boat

More from Sailing Nandji - Frothlyfe

OCEAN CROSSING With A PREGNANT CHICK... | Sailing St Helena to Brazil... Ep 452Aug 2026The MOST INTRIGUING ISLAND we have EVER Visited! Saint Helena Island... Ep 451Jul 2026WE SAILED to one of the MOST REMOTE ISLANDS in the WORLD! St Helena Island... Ep 450Jul 2026After 13 Days & 1800 Miles... LAND HO! | Sailing South Africa to St Helena Island... Ep 449Jul 2026

From Sailing Nandji - Frothlyfe — 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.

Report an issue