Refitting a Sailboat and Fixing Leaks with Ran-Day

Randall, or as you may know him as Ran-Day, from Yacht Hunters is an avid sailor and cyclist, embarking on a monumental project: refitting and modernizing an old Scheel 45 sailboat. His goal? To sail it to the Caribbean and then to Europe, exploring the world while combining his love for sailing and cycling. But before the grand adventure could begin, the boat needed some serious attention. In today’s video of the week, Ran-Day dives into the nitty-gritty of boat repair, focusing particularly on the intricate task of repairing and replacing various parts.

The video starts with Ran-Day addressing his priorities for the off-season. At the top of the list is the stuffing box, followed by an engine coolant leak issue. However, it's the boat's bedding plates, chain plates, and chock blocks that steal the spotlight in this narrative. With leaks plaguing his boat after rainstorms, Ran-Day takes on the challenge of inspecting and repairing these crucial elements. The process involves meticulous examination, disassembly, and cleanup, all aimed at ensuring watertight integrity.

One of the fascinating aspects of Ran-Day's project is its setting: his boat is on the hard out back at the TotalBoat Headquarters. This unique environment adds an extra layer of significance to his journey, as he works amidst the backdrop of a renowned marine products company, drawing inspiration and resources from his surroundings.

As Ran-Day delves into the project, viewers witness the complexities involved in marine repair. Removing the bedding plates and chain plates proves challenging, requiring finesse and careful maneuvering to avoid damaging the boat's structure. Yet, armed with determination and a trusty helper, Roo, Ran-Day presses on, tackling each task methodically.

The video captures the essence of boat repair— a blend of craftsmanship, problem-solving, and patience. Ran-Day's attention to detail shines as he meticulously prepares surfaces, applies sealants, and secures fittings. From scraping off old sealant to applying penetrating epoxy, every step is crucial in maintaining the boat's seaworthiness.

Layer by layer, Ran-Day applies TotalBoat Seal around the chainplates and bedding plates, using Eco Solvent to clean up any excess sealant. As the first application goes on a little messy, Ran-Day learns through practice, making subsequent applications smoother and more efficient. He repeats this process 12 more times on the remaining chainplates, honing his technique with each repetition.

Once the sealant work is complete, Ran-Day eagerly awaits a stress test during a big rainstorm. To his relief, the bedding plates hold up, and the previous leak is now a thing of the past— the area that was once damp is now completely dry.

With newfound confidence in bedding and re-bedding, Ran-Day turns his attention to the forward two hatches on the boat, which are currently leaking and causing damage to the wood and varnish. He wastes no time, jumping into the task by removing the existing varnish off the wooden parts of the hatches.

Meanwhile, Ran-Day seizes the opportunity to tackle a bothersome nose piece made of beautiful teak. After sanding the surface, he applies Thixo Thickened Epoxy Adhesive to the seams of the separating boards, restoring the piece to its former glory.

Returning to the hatch repair, Ran-Day's helper Roo removes all the hatch screws and takes off the hatches. After cleaning up the surfaces previously bedded, Ran-Day applies Penetrating Epoxy to all the screw holes and seams before reattaching the hatches. To seal the wood and protect it until he applies varnish at a later date, Ran-Day coats it with TotalBoat Wood Sealer, locking in the color and preserving the wood's integrity. The 50-year-old teak now looks brand new, a testament to Ran-Day's dedication to restoring his sailboat to its former glory.

As you can see, Ran-Day offers a compelling glimpse into the world of boat repair, showcasing the intricacies of refitting an old sailboat. Through meticulous attention to detail and unwavering determination, he transforms a weathered vessel into a seaworthy craft ready for new horizons. It's a testament to the enduring allure of the sea and the timeless art of maritime craftsmanship.