Acorn To Arabella · video

What this video covers

To address persistent leaks in the wooden deck of the vessel *Arabella*, the owner attempts to reseal the seams by compressing the existing pitch.6:08 The leaks likely originated from air bubbles trapped within the pitch during initial application, which expanded in the sun and created voids that allowed water to penetrate to the cotton caulking.5:37 Using a wide caulking iron and hammer, the owner smashes the pitch down to create a reservoir, intending to top off the seams with fresh, melted pitch.6:18 Additionally, the owner repairs a loose windlass component by replacing an undersized key with a larger piece of stainless steel key stock, filing the edges to ensure a secure fit.13:38 After completing these repairs while anchored in Beaufort, North Carolina, the crew departs for Ocracoke, reaching speeds of eight knots under sail.19:29

The owner’s method of compressing existing pitch to create a reservoir for new material serves as a temporary fix for deck leaks caused by air-bridging in narrow seams.

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