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Sailing Squib - We'll take care of the rest on the way - Aljamos - Novi Sad /9
December 18, 2025 · 21 min · 1K views · Danube River, near Aljmas, Serbia
Squib sailboat at sunrise on misty Danube, Novi Sad
What this video covers
Water in the starboard engine oil forces the pocket catamaran Squib to shut down one of its two diesel engines while transiting the Danube toward Novi Sad and Belgrade, Serbia.▶ 2:16 Peter discovers the contamination at 7 a.m. during a routine oil-level check — the milky-grey color confirms water intrusion, most likely from a failed water pump, though a blown head gasket is also suspected.▶ 1:51 With the starboard engine offline, the crew switches to diesel-electric propulsion using an electric outboard, drawing roughly 40–50 amps per hour at 24 volts from a 10-kilowatt battery bank recharged by a 10-amp solar panel and a second charger also delivering 10 amps — a clear deficit that limits motoring to roughly one full day of sun.▶ 7:04 The Donau current of 2–4 km/h provides meaningful assist.▶ 14:16 Peter plans to stop at Bačka Palanka for shore power and a Serbian SIM card, then contact the Janma dealer in Belgrade — two days ahead — to pre-order a water pump seal kit and head gasket so parts are waiting on arrival.▶ 7:51 Sabina takes helm watches while Peter works on unfinished boat tasks, including connecting the gas stove and wiring interior lights.▶ 16:36 The lesson: engine faults only reveal themselves under way, not at the dock.
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