BOAT LIFE in Fernandina Beach & Dickens on Center [E308]
September 29, 2024 · 15 min · 613 views · Fernandina Beach
What this video covers
Alex and Cory live aboard their boat Wildly Intrepid in Fernandina Beach, Florida, working through an expanding list of electrical and mechanical projects while attending the Dickens on Centre holiday festival.
The most consequential electrical fix involves tracing an intermittent engine-starting problem to a secondary wire someone had added to the ignition circuit: the crimp was loose, the wire gauge too small, and one lug was bearing against insulation rather than bare copper.7:38 Replacing it with 12-gauge wire resolves the starting issue immediately.15:00 Separately, Alex tears apart the main electrical panel to replace corroded lugs and wiring, installs a new DC run for a converted freezer, mounts LED dimmable lights, and replaces a faulty CO2 detector that had been triggering false alarms.2:42 A water-pressure problem leads to installing an inline filter, during which Alex discovers a dripping freshwater pump connection.3:34 Lithium battery placement is worked out and temporarily cabled pending proper bus bars.2:03 A 39–40-knot squall with a second line hits overnight while anchored; strong current sets the boat beam-to the wind, but the Mantus anchor holds without dragging.9:02 Fernandina Beach's dinghy dock charges $5 and provides keycard access to laundry, showers, and trash disposal.10:19 The Dickens on Centre parade features a 200-drone light show.8:05
Loose, undersized ignition wiring hidden inside a harness can cause chronic no-start symptoms that resist diagnosis until the circuit is physically traced and load-tested with a known-good gauge.
More from Wildly Intrepid Sailing
From Wildly Intrepid Sailing — 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.