Sailing Catalpavideo
Abandoning ship sailing in Costa Rica Episode 476
January 21, 2026 · 26 min · 12K views · Nicoya Peninsula
Sailboat with teal sails glides across Costa Rican waters
What this video covers
The crew of the 40-foot catamaran Catalpa navigates the coast of Costa Rica, transiting from Samara toward Santa Teresa.▶ 0:04 After dropping a crew member ashore via dinghy for a surf trip, the vessel continues to a protected anchorage to avoid heavy swell.▶ 5:16 During the passage, the crew manages several onboard equipment failures. A front-loading LG smart washing machine malfunctions due to residue from Castile soap, which the crew clears by flushing the system with vinegar.▶ 13:02 Simultaneously, the generator develops a significant diesel leak on the high-pressure side of the fuel pump.▶ 13:38 Lee identifies that 12-year-old fuel lines have chafed through against the engine housing, a common failure point caused by vibration and contact with moving parts.▶ 15:33 He performs a temporary repair using spare quarter-inch fuel line and hose clamps to restore generator function until permanent replacements can be sourced in town.▶ 18:52 The crew emphasizes the importance of regularly inspecting all engine hoses for signs of wear and maintaining a supply of spare parts for emergency repairs.
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