Sailing Catalpavideo

No more kids on board Ep 426

November 3, 2024 · 22 min · 21K views · boatyard

What this video covers

The crew of the 45-ft vessel Catalpa prepares to re-step the main and mizzen masts after a complete strip-down and refurbishment. Maintenance tasks include installing 1200-lumen Lumitech spreader lights, which require heat-shrink terminals with internal glue to prevent water ingress and corrosion.4:25 Lee uses Durilac to prevent galvanic corrosion between stainless steel rivets and the aluminum mast.18:14 During the process, the crew discovers twisted internal halyards inside the main mast.8:49 Lee resolves the tangle by using a homemade hook and a flashlight after dark, noting that low-light conditions make the internal mast structure easier to inspect.19:45 The crew also replaces pins on the water tanks and addresses damaged threads on the mizzen winch.12:13 To save costs, the owners plan to step the masts themselves with remote guidance from their rigger, Memo, via video call, rather than hiring him for on-site assistance.15:01 They aim to complete the rigging process in one hour to minimize crane rental fees.16:15

Watch on YouTube

More from Sailing Catalpa

one of the most remote islands on the planetSep 202629 days sailing Panama to French Polynesia the whole passageAug 2026what did we learn from a month at seaAug 2026at sea no land sailing across the pacific oceanAug 2026

From Sailing Catalpa — 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