Vagabond Voyagesvideo

Back to the boat, the first surprises 😅 | Vlog 123

May 15, 2026 · 36 min · 7K views · Tonga

Man inspects engine part inside boat cabin

What this video covers

After four months of storage, the owners of a 31-foot sailboat return to their vessel in Fiji to find several maintenance issues requiring immediate attention.0:14 A broken engine mount, or silent block, causes excessive noise and vibration during gear shifts, necessitating a full replacement of all four mounts to ensure proper engine alignment.2:29 The boat’s bow thruster and windlass remain inoperable due to a dead battery, which requires replacement before the vessel can be maneuvered to a new slip.0:45 Additionally, the marine toilet pump failed, a recurring issue attributed to improper storage, leading the owners to install a Seaflow pump as a cost-effective alternative to the expensive Jabsco brand.11:58 The crew also replaces a delaminated depth sounder display with a used unit sourced from eBay and begins fabricating a lightweight carbon fiber spinnaker pole using a repurposed windsurfing mast and fittings from SVB.15:18 These repairs highlight the common maintenance challenges and budget impacts associated with returning a boat to service after long-term storage.

Watch on YouTube

More from Vagabond Voyages

What to bring when visiting the islands of Vanuatu? vlog 133Aug 2026A mission that gives the journey its true meaning. Vlog 134Aug 2026After a rough night, one click... and it all disappears.Jul 2026Withdrawing money in Vanuatu… I was genuinely terrified! | Vlog 132Jul 2026

From Vagabond Voyages — 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