Salt & Tarvideo
Salt & Tar: Ep.328- Parallel Projects
February 12, 2026 · 32 min · 43K views
What this video covers
Garrett and Ruth are hauling out their George Buehler gaff-rigged wooden boat for a major refit aimed at sailing beyond Mexico, with the stated goal of reducing maintenance and improving efficiency before relaunch.0:46 The primary work is stripping and regrinding the deck planking: Garrett chips, sands, and angle-grinds thick epoxy residue across the side decks, pairing an angle grinder with a shop vac and HEPA filter to control fiberglass dust.2:12 A full additional layer of fiberglass will reinforce the deck and cabin once the surface prep is complete.0:22 The couple rents a boatyard apartment for under $600 a month as a clean workspace and living space, a deliberate choice after learning that living aboard during heavy construction kills productivity.3:52 A parallel project takes shape during the episode: Garrett and Ruth measure the foredeck to plan a new foc's'le cabin, debating footprint dimensions between two beams and settling on a narrower, more practical layout that requires cutting only one beam and running two carlins.15:45 They also plan to retain wood decking forward of the windlass for durability with anchor chain, add a raised lip to drain dirty chain water off the main deck, and build a fife rail around the mast with belaying pins and at least two self-tailing winches to handle gaff-rig halyards efficiently.20:15 Their refit mantra is "efficient simplicity."24:00
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