Christian Williamsvideo

Why We Sail--"Rehabilitation in Winter"

February 17, 2021 · 9 min · 37K views · Southern California

What this video covers

Christian Williams hauls out his 1984 Ericsson 381, Thelonious, in Southern California for a scheduled four-year maintenance cycle.2:29 The yard work includes renewing the black bottom paint, inspecting the barrier coat for blisters, and replacing the propeller shaft and cutlass bearing after the yard identified wear not visible during initial inspection.3:06 The boat features four cockpit drains, two propane locker drains, and a bow thruster.3:38 Williams also services the dripless shaft seal, which requires disconnecting the shaft from the transmission coupling.2:18 Following the haul-out, he adjusts the lazy jacks on the mast to improve sail handling.5:14 While sailing in light winds and southerly swells, he demonstrates tacking the vessel through 140 degrees by inputting 14 increments into the wheel pilot.6:56 He maintains the hull by hiring a diver for monthly hand-scrubbing, which keeps the bottom clean despite the four-year interval between haul-outs.1:18

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Boats in this video

Ericson Yachts 381Their boat

More from Christian Williams

Why We Sail--"Spring Comes to Southern California, 2026"Apr 2026Welcome to the New Age of Sail, Skipper!Jan 2026Audiobook Released: "The long Voyage Home," an Autobiography with 20 Sailboats"Dec 2025Update: Sailing After the Palisades FireJul 2025

From Christian Williams — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

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