Sailing Miss Lone Star · video

What this video covers

A 1977 Formosa Yachts 51 named Houdini moves from dock to anchorage for the first time after a major refit, with owner Aubrey rediscovering the boat's weight and slow hydraulic steering response.5:50 The central mechanical problem is a bowsprit rigging error: welders placed the kronziron tabs in the wrong positions, putting a lighter tab where the heavy bobstay load belongs and vice versa.2:25 The fix involves having a machine shop fabricate sleeves so the pins and holes align correctly, all completed under a 32-hour deadline.4:03 Once underway, the engine dies when Aubrey accidentally silences the fuel alarm; the crew bleeds the engine and polishes fuel using the Keenan Filters KTM fuel filter and polishing system while the boat drifts for about an hour in a large anchorage.7:36 A green nav light is found to be out.7:57 The crew then sails 25 miles to Yalapa for a shakedown, bends sails, installs Highfield inflatable fenders, and successfully docks at Paradise Village marina — timed to high tide because the marina's dredge is broken.10:21 Crew member Savannah joins for the upcoming Panama Canal transit.13:19 Organizing project hardware into labeled bags proves critical for managing the complex refit.3:13

Boats in this video

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