Sailing Balachandravideo
How to DIY SERIOUS Dinghy Repairs Cruising Full Time | Sailing Balachandra E097
February 7, 2021 · 10 min · 3K views · Caribbean
What this video covers
Full-time cruisers aboard the Balachandra maintain a PVC Bombard inflatable dinghy by repairing a failing transom joint with Final Fix adhesive.3:04 The transom, which previously required bungee cords and ropes for structural support, was cleaned with acetone before the application of the adhesive.2:21 The repair process involved applying the glue to a thickness of 2 millimeters, inflating the pontoon to ensure proper fit, and securing the joint with ropes while the glue cured for 48 hours.4:10 Additional reinforcement included gluing Hypalon patches over the connection points and installing custom PVC pipe struts to brace the transom against the force of a 5-horsepower Tohatsu outboard motor.6:08 The crew also addresses outboard maintenance, noting that a spun propeller bushing requires a replacement prop, while water in the gearbox oil indicates failed seals.8:02 Carrying spare impellers, seals, and prop bushings is essential for long-term cruising in the Caribbean, where specific parts for Tohatsu motors are not always available at local chandleries like Budget Marine.8:42
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