Salt & Tarvideo

Salt & Tar: Ep.329- Casa del Sol

February 19, 2026 · 25 min · 38K views

What this video covers

Garrett and Ruth are refitting their boat, *Red Aviva*, by installing a new hatch in the foredeck to improve ventilation and safety.3:55 After removing cushions and sails, Garrett identifies water damage in the plywood deck and rusted fasteners, which he repairs with epoxy and a new layer of fiberglass.0:52 He uses the existing deck beams as a guide to center the new hatch, cutting through the fiberglass and plywood with a circular saw and an oscillating tool.4:51 To maintain structural integrity, he plans to install new carlins using clear, straight-grain Douglas fir.19:03 The project also includes upgrading the electrical system by replacing older six-volt batteries with two high-capacity lithium batteries, totaling 628 amp hours.2:51 The couple intends to repeat the hatch installation process on the aft deck once the forward project is complete.4:37 Proper planning and structural reinforcement with epoxy fillets are essential when cutting large openings into a boat's deck.

Watch on YouTube

More from Salt & Tar

Salt & Tar: Ep.357- Finishing What We StartedSep 2026Salt & Tar: Ep.356- Dock LifeAug 2026Salt & Tar: Ep.355- Serenely Afloat in a Hustling HarborAug 2026Salt & Tar: Ep.354- Enjoying the Sensation of FloatingAug 2026

From Salt & Tar — 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.

Report an issue