Here is another old guy who has watched all 414 steps and totally enjoyed it. There is one aspect that I seem to see immediately. How long does it take for a boatbuilder who has the forms to lay the glass for a hull? A couple of days, maybe a week? So after ripping everything out of Uma you were one week away of building a new boat. And while they have all the plans for every part you do it for the first time, bespoke, and probably for the last time. So who has the hard job, the marine industry or you? You have a lot of work ahead but you are close to the top of the hill. And we are by your side and we want to be there when you say: „We are done, this is Uma 2.0, let‘s weigh anchor and go where we have not been before!“. Take us along!
The difference between what Kika and Dan are doing, and what professional factories are doing, is the kind of work I do: Engineering. Taking huge amounts of time to transfer and idea, a design, into a stack of single part drawings. In any project I do for work, the concept phase is about 10% of the time. Then there is some 25% actual design, 50% to get all nitty gritty details right, and some 25% for actually building and testing. So yes, this is a lot of work, and probably money as well.
@@joopdesmit The big issue here is that this is a unique project. If you build 100 boats that are pretty much exactly the same, you will gather loads of experience building the first few of them and tweak the designs. So of your example, only the 25% of actual building and testing have to be repeated for numbers 5-100 and that will probably profit hugely from optimization just as well. Number 1 is likely 10 times as much effort as number 100 is.
@@joopdesmiti dont think money is an issue here……and now that its seems cool too restore,and rebuild old boats on you tube channels,why should one off the most commercial channels not be in the game…..advertising some cool drinks along…..😂😂 If they want they can buy an garcia right away…………
My takeaway from this episode is that the two of you must have an exceptionally close relationship! to put up with all the frustrations of rebuilding Uma and maintaining a sane relationship is awe inspiring. My hat is off to the both of you!!
Rebuilt 4 of my own boats (15 - 40ft) in the last 40 years without living "ashore" for 25 of those. You are doing it right, in the right company, with the right attitude and intent. I hope you've enjoyed every step of your journey as much we've all appreciated you sharing them with us. Please never stop. Thank you
Guys if you need help let us know. We live in Switzerland but we are in Sardinia very often. We are next there in December, speak fluent Italian and can put you in touch with reliable people who can order for you at no extra cost. I do this all the time. Our boat is in La Caletta. Happy to meet up if you could use the help and connections.
You are role models for perseverance, dedication and motivation. It's hard to find another sailing couple who work as hard as you have over as long a period as you have. At the same time, you seem to have avoided the trap of over-focusing on minutia and have kept your focus on what's most important. You clearly will have a boat that is both fully seaworthy and truly yours when you finish. One thing that is clear after watching several sailing channels over the last three years: sailing involves a LOT of time in port fixing things. This is true if you have a new boat built, have one that's a few years old, or have a 50-year old boat. I'll bet that the ratio of hours fixing to hours of actual sailing is at least 5:1 if not 10:1. So, by the time you finish this refit with all the hours you've put in, you will be owed many hours of sailing, un-interrupted by repairs.
OK guys, I’ll give you some advice. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING! I’ve been watching since the beginning and you guys are my heroes. Your decision to not buy a couch is one you will never regret. (I hope there are some added benefits to being in one place for so long, ie Kika’s passport). I’m an old guy, so I am living vicariously through your videos. My regret is not to have done what you are doing. Watching you apply your acquired knowledge in this build is fascinating. Keep up the good work.
Yup we are seeing lots of sailing utubers hang it up. Comes with the territory. Very few folks go sailing and never stop. There will be a new gang coming along.
Don't sweat the negative comments. The bigger picture here is that you both are setting yourself a possible new career/consultancy for new age boat building/boat energy and a whole new video series. For the next few years though, get this job done and get sailing while you still can. We all enjoy living vicariously through you.
One of the things I have found over the years, when you are hit with a plethora of different ideas on how something should be done, the more there isn’t a specific way it should be done. You guys are my heroes! Keep up the good work!!!
Dan, this is Jean. I have been following you since day one. Back when you knew all of us individually and I’ve always told you that you have an amazing knack to figure things out and get things done relatively easily. Building this boat is like pushing a huge marble over a hill. when you get to the end, it will roll by itself, and it will end just as quickly as it started. However, you will never forget this, and you will probably never do it again. Your project is almost to the top of the hill, and it will soon stop provided money, doesn’t become an issue. I’ve been there and done that. Hopefully you saw my blog back in the day “building a pocket cruiser”. And my latest video about non marine systems for boats. Don’t forget that Lynn and Larry Pardy and people from my generation took years to do those jobs with no social media. And we succeeded (with a few regrets). You will triumph and you’re not far off. You will see. If you need a break, I have a boat on the East Coast and a boat on the West Coast and a boat heading to Canada, that you guys are welcome to use to get away for a little bit. Cheers.
I feel like the comments section is forgetting that the point of this video is to focus on the negatives. You said at the beginning it's stuff you don't normally talk about and wanted to go over, but you've also gone over the positives many times in many other videos. Keep going and don't lose sight of your dream. Having taken the boat down to its foundation and then strengthened that foundation to then build back on, it won't just be another mass produced fiberglass boat when you're done, it will be unique and it will be yours!
First... you both should be incredibly proud of the work you've done, and the path you've taken. You've managed to execute your boating life with extraordinary skill and grace, and you've taken us along for the ride with a degree of charm, openness, and communication skill which is unequaled in the UA-cam sailing world. Yes - it's hard, in at least ten ways - but you'll be proud of your accomplishments 'til your dying day. I know, because my wife and I are nearing 80, and we took off on this kind of adventure 45 years ago - beginning with resurrecting a derelict 1967 steel race-cruiser (yea...steel). We had the same kinds of challenges and doubts - every one of them - but not a single regret. We cruised for years to Europe, Africa and S. America, then re-started a land life. We've rebuilt the boat a few times - and recently (after retirement) cruised her for a year in Mexico. Same boat. We're still working on her (as recently as this afternoon) fighting the inevitable ebb and flow of nautical decline and rehabilitation. I'm certain, however, that on our deathbeds we may regret some things, but that won't include a minute of the thousands of hours of boat work or the years of cruising and the friendships those years brought us. Thank you for bringing us your lives, your relationship, your trepidations, and your successes.
I very much feel your "pain", being 20 months into a major refit on my Pearson 35CB I can relate to every point that you've made. Carryon guy's you've got this . UMA 2.0 is going to be amazing !!
I really appreciate your honesty and openness. Looking back on life from 75+ years of experience, most of life is living day by day, doing the same sort of things everyday. It is important to take periodic breaks. Go explore (do something, anything different) for a weekend or week. You will come back completely re-energized and ready to resume your tasks with vigor and vitality. Keep up the GREAT work!
Having sailed and lived aboard for 25 years I know how hard it is to get along with someone else on a small boat. You guys are awesome and amazing for defying the odds. Ya'll are unique and much appreciated 😊
It is a very long road but you are going to make it and it is going to be great. It is refreshing seeing an old boat getting a new life. Anybody can buy a new boat. Luv you guys. Thanks for the years of entertainment.
I have never been on a sail boat in my life but have been watching your videos for several years now. Regularly I watch 5 different videos on UA-cam: yours without a doubt is the one I like best. There is no doubt in my mind that your expertise gained through trial and error or simply through actual use you may be helping the manufacturers realize what changes they should make to their manufacturing standards. Watching you rebuild Uma is extremely interesting and I am looking forward to the finished product. I am very impressed how your attention to detail is first and foremost in the reconstruction. Your architectural backgrounds are showing through and your ideas will become the way boats ought to be built!
Thank you for sharing the realities of your rebuild journey! I sailed at the Naval Academy and later served for 30 years. While sailing, we tackled minor projects-nothing like what you’re undertaking. Our longest sail was 42 days, which pales in comparison to your incredible adventures. I’m praying for your successful finish and wishing you blessings on the waters ahead. May your future include a growing family to share in your amazing wisdom and travels. I missed the chance to meet you both in Norfolk, but I’ll be cheering you on and can’t wait to see what’s next!
i have seen all 414 episodes and I fully agree with the difficulties you are dealing with , but you are young , very good at your jobs and entertaining , so I follow your experiences . I agree that for almost all others this lifestyle would not work .
I think y’all are doing it exactly right. Faith in yourself requires doubt. Without doubt you have fact. And nobody has fact in themselves. I’ve been following you for 7-8 years now. I love that you kept Uma. Watching her grow and evolve has been part of why I think of all the sailing peeps I follow, you two are my favorite. It’s a way more interesting narrative than just buying a new boat. Uma is like the third character in this story. Also, since I’ve never commented on any of the 100’s of videos of yours I’ve watched. Can I say, what I love the MOST (besides your passion for life) is you guys are the best at taking a viewer through a project. Partly inspired by you, I bought an O’day 272 for $200. You gave me confidence that I could glass a hull, change a bilge pump, seal a port light. I always feel like I’m learning when I watch. You may feel doubt, but you inspire confidence. ❤
You're authenticity is what I appreciate the most. You all could glass things right over and make it appear like everyone else out there, that it's no big deal and anyone can do it with simply a thought in 2 hours of time. You're willingness to show the good and the bad, and really the entire process is incredibly valuable. Keep up the great work because it will be worth it in the end.
All I can say is that you guys keep some of us motivated to keep doing what we enjoy doing. Or at least strive towards that goal, so thank you and know that we appreciate you sharing all the good and bad. Hope your spirits can stay strong to the end of the project and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. As far as comments on youtube go, ignore the trolls and draw strength from the ones that support you.
I'm in it for the long haul, your UA-cam channel is an honest view of real life, watching your up's and downs is what draws me to your channel. I'm so looking forward to the day when UMA is back in the water, what your doing is so going to be worth it.
The content is more interesting than just plunking down a credit card and buying the latest plastic offering. When she goes back in the water she will be strong, and with your backgrounds designed beautifully. Enjoy the process, take some breaks, and most importantly be thankful! You guys are fun to watch.
Back in the day (1970;s to 1980's) when I used to go to Miami, Florida, I was around folks who were building their own boats. What you are doing makes sense to me based on what I saw those people doing. It made sense to me that you had a hull, deck and rigging and worked with that to build your boat the way you wanted to build it. I used to charter from someone who built about half a dozen boats (they were not designed, just built) from 52-65' and the captain I used for a year or so with that fleet built a 30+ footer and then his next boat was about 70' long. He also made improvements on the boat that I normally chartered, since I knew the boat's owner well enough to know that he would allow it. I knew another person who was living on a boat he built where he had purchased a hull & deck. A common statement was that most boats are built to not go do what you need a boat to do so you did make the best decision to do what you are doing. Keep up the good work on your boat and thanks for doing the great and informative videos as well. (On a side note, the guy who had captained that bareboat for my charters, who then re-did the front the cabin giving me room for 3 more paying passengers did that work for free, so to pay him back, I allowed him to bring a guest with him that summer, when he captained 3 trips for me. He and his guest started off as friends but have now been married for about 40 years and that never would have happened if he hadn't made the suggestions of what he would do if that was his boat. This is the meaning of a 'win/win' situation and I think that is where you are too.)
I can smell that champagne you will be sipping the next time you are sailing UMA towards a new shore … know that you are doing much more than a boat overhaul … YOU ARE ALSO INSPIRING AND MOVING SO MANY OF US FORWARD IN OUR OWN LIVES … a true free therapy session every week for all of us … God protect you guys. Cheers and a big humongous THANK YOU
25:30 This is the irony your work is our play and we are entertained watching you and being a part of what you are doing. I love also making helpful comments just on the odd chance you might see it and it might help. You are always so kind in this area in letting us share.
Honestly guys, you are doing an amazing job! Don't let anyone tell or suggest otherwise. Can't wait to see where you "go" from here. All the best from Canada!
I have followed your travels since you were in Haiti the first time and have vicariously been a crew member, except during the midnight to dawn shifts. I have been a residential remodeling contractor and along with my long list of customers, I have rebuilt three of our own homes during my 50 years in the business. My point is that although it is easy to get wrapped up in the personal attachment with a project when it is one's HOME, it is still just a building of sticks, glass, tile, doorknobs, etc. We have learned after much wringing of hands and heavy hearts, that a house is just an object that we buy and sell and live in for a while. A house doesn't define our identity. After a huge wildfire swept through our rural neighborhood and we nearly lost our house, we reevaluated our connection with our property. I'm sure that can also happen when people are bobbing around in a bottle in the middle of a huge ocean and facing the numerous, ever-present challenges. Still, you are both inspiring and resourceful and I eagerly await your postings and I only wish I were young enough to join you or at least lend a hand with your rebuild! Oh, I have spent several months in several areas of Italy and I loved every minute. Learn the language, get to know the people, make friends and treasure the memories! A boat is just a boat!
Totally feel you. Hindsight is 20:20, when we started our 3 year refit we really thought it would be maybe 6 months… but then by the time you realize it’s longer you’re already in deep, and you think maybe only a few more months, then those pass and you’re in even deeper! But we now have a beautiful functioning boat and it was worth it in the end and I’m glad we saved Her! You two are amazing for tackling this and staying as positive as you do!
I admire you two so very much! You had a dream and bravely chased it. There are ups and downs even when living your dream....but in 20 or 30 years... you'll look back and be proud of how you spent your time on this planet. Be safe , stay healthy and have fun!!
The decision to call your episodes steps was a brilliant one. I have been watching for 6 or 7 years now and there are times when I don't have time for UA-cam or I get distracted by other channels but your channel is the only one that I will always go back and watch every episode in order no matter how many.
Point #11 can definitely be it’s own video series and probably should be mandatory viewing for any new prospective boat owners, especially those who enter boating at a later stage in life and didn’t grow up owning boats! I personally think one of the greatest challenges for couples doing long refits together is to both remain equally committed day after day. Each person will have their down days and it’s then up to the other to carry the weight of two for that day. It definitely puts a strain on relationships 😊
I hope yall don't quit. I wish I could do the things yall do. Me and my wife have 2 kids, and I don't think we could pull this off like yall do. As an IATSE studio mechanic I work on other's dreams and escapes. Your channel is one of my escapes. I have watched every Step. Don't stop yet. Your about to turn the corner on that project, and you have put so much time into it.
There is nothing wrong with venting out the stress and frustration and terror and sadness and whatever grows up in a big project. It's only complaining if you don't do anything about whatever it is you're talking on. Complaining: "Why doesn't anyone speak English? This place sucks! Ugh, I'm going to yell and be mad." Venting: "This language barrier sucks, but the people are nice and we're learning enough language to connect and get the job done." Keep on venting, you'll feel better after! Plus we learn something so everyone wins.
I have to applaud your consistency; I just discovered Spear It Animal's channel and while they are the party boat of the century, they have been very sporadic about posting videos. It's been a month with no update and people are worried as much as annoyed. You two are like clockwork and always put out a great product.
The challenge is real. I sold my house and bought my boat three years ago because of you two mostly and some other channels. Your first video was very inspiring. I'm much older than you two. I just turned 54 this month. It has not all been boat challenges for me, but just life. Trying to get my wife more involved for example has been a real challenge because she doesn't want to quit her job and move to the boat full time. Yet. We have also had deaths in our family and other issues that have simply taken time away from getting our boat where we want it to be to sail around the world. And of course money and time. Money is a big one because as you mentioned the marine industry is stupidly expensive just because it's labeled "marine". Our money has been depleted in a sense due to the aforementioned deaths for example and the time involved plus the travel. For example when my wife's father died in Ecuador just over a year ago and then his sister just this August. It's very frustrating because there seems to be one delay or set back after another. I know that is life, but sometimes life just sucks. I know you feel your video may have been a little depressing, but it still gave me the desire to keep going forward with our boat. Plus creating a YT channel which I should have already done, but when my wife is not with me on the boat for weeks at a time I find I do not want to start a channel without her. Maybe that's the place to start just so I can get it going and hopefully start building an audience and make a little extra to fund this project. Good luck and keep you chins up.
The challenges of projects like yours are worthwhile when you feel the satisfaction of completion. Nothing that comes easily is truly valuable. One day, your grand children will look back at what you are doing with love and pride. It will inspire them in their own successes.
I know you're cognizant of the fact that you are saving many hundreds of thousands of dollars by doing the work yourselves. Not bad pay for the two of you ! Nobody would do the quality of work you're doing ! It will be exactly as you want it ! Much safer for you to live on afterwords ! I love watching you two.. you are just perfect kids.. I'm 81 and envy your decisions . Another day, week, month or even a year does not really matter in the long run ! Stay focused, motivated and moving forward.. each step gets you closer to the finish line. Love you both !
Are they, though? Instead of spending money, they're spending their own time, and because they're not professionals and there's a lot about what they're doing they don't know, they screw up and have to spend even more money fixing the problem. Instead of spending all this time in a foreign country with a language they don't speak, they could be either sailing and making UA-cam videos that aren't just fixing their boat forever, and they could be living on their boat instead of in temporary accomodations, or they could be making money from some other venture while living in more permanent accommodations. The end result of spending money to fix these problems could be making more money than they "saved" by doing it themselves. There's also channel growth to consider. They could be leaving a lot on the table, especially if it turns out their repairs are inadequate and their boat ends up sinking anyway.
I have been watching your channel for years, but up to now haven't felt the need to comment. This is an unusual video for you, however, and as a U.S. expat living in Belize I get everything you are expressing. Language is not so much a problem since this was previously a British colony, but materials, money, transportation, having a place to stay, etc., etc., I get it. We're in the rainy season right now, and have only been able to negotiate the slippery road home once in the past 15 days. Fortunately we have an office downtown and we can sleep on cots when we can't get home. Its a struggle, but its also so rewarding. Wish you all the best. Overcoming adversity is what makes you stronger.
Hey, you guys need a holiday. Do it like the Europeans. Take two weeks off now and plan to take another two weeks off in springtime. I bet your productivity will increase overall. Learn to love the 2 hour lunchbreak, find where the locals go and join them. A bit of no alcohol social time really lets you re-focus afterwards. Please, please do the 'Boat Industry' video. We all need help with that one.
3 years rebuilding my swan 47...on the tail end and it has been worth every minuet but there have been many hurdles. I knew what I was getting into, as my wife often reminded me on bad days. The elephant goes down one bite at a time.
Oh, kids; this was a hell of a therapy session. You are at a unique point in your life when this sort of project just might work. My hat off again. I missed you in Trondheim by about a year, but this summer I am planning to sail to Sardinia( I did not remember that this is where you are currently); who knows, if the stars line up and you are not too busy, maybe we can have a beer. I did find a few not very expensive marinas around the island, I am glad it lines up with what you are saying about the costs on Sardinia. I should start learning Italian.
To your 10th point regarding your advisers. There are 1000 ways to fly a plane and 500 of them are within acceptable parameters. You guys are doing great. You impress and inspire me.
Whole life is like that, there moments of doubt, there are moments of pain, there are moments of boredom, tiredness, baffling, fear. But you don't have a couch, and that's not just awesome, is also a compass. And the boat will be awesome, If someday you come south to try the Magellan strait or Cape Horn to do the long way to the South Pacific, let me buy you a drink. Keep going strong, greetings from Buenos Aires.
My wife and I have been watching you two almost from the beginning. (We actually binge watched all of your segments when you were less than a year into it.) You're both clever and creative with a flair for good design. We rarely miss an episode because you're also so expressive in how you share your story. Thanks for all you do!
love your channel. You and Sailing Magic Carpet are great fun. However when I was 35 (Now 82) I had a friend who spent 8 years building a beautiful boat in a Columbia 50 hull In Redwood City Harbor, CA. Years he could have been sailing, his words. I see you are realizing your choices have consequencies. You are learning what life is all about. You won't regret not having done something in your later years.
Love this episode, so genuine and real. A boat owner (and embroiled in fixing someone else's boat) I felt most of your travails. It's not that misery loves company, but I can commiserate on a real and powerful positive about all your points: when all is said and done, there's an elevated feeling of pride in accomplishing the overwhelming and seemingly impossible. With you every painful step.
Loved this video guys. The actual reality is far more interesting and inspiring than the fun loving videos. So much respect for you guys as always . Your perseverance is awesome 🙌
I see how hard relationships on a boat can be. I see how much time and energy goes into boat maintenance let alone a rebuild. For these two reasons I think you both are amazing people and I applaud you and respect your strengths.
I’m currently carrying out a major house renovation and sometimes it all gets a bit much for me to handle, but keeping in mind the end goal is what helps keep me focused, even when I question why I ever took on such a big project. My end goal by the way is to complete this and buy a boat! In my chill out time on an evening I’m watching your entire back catalog & I find you both inspirational & to keep going to reach the end goal. So whilst you inspire me I hope this inspire you too
You are holding up very well. Still have fun and joke around a lot together. That is a/the crucial part of the whole process. Adoring your abilities and stamina. Go Uma, go team. We love your videos and watching the progress. What I learned from the video is, that you have to carefully choose your location: language and ability to have easy access to material and resources.
Carpe diem!! We are fortunate to be able to work, work together, and create stories. That is what being human is all about. Keep up the the great work.
You should be enormously proud about inspiring and motivating thousands of sailers - whether they're wannabe's, armchair or the whole 9 yards of we others - in what you've achieved from your very naive and brave start to the serious, innovative and professional sailors you are today... Your interior designs may not be PC to generations of yachtsmen - but they are immensely practical, fresh, bright, cheerful, different - and above all - work! Wouldn't miss your informative and entertaining videos - nor have I ! Thanks a million !
It's a beautiful thing when you’ve always wanted to do a project and are blessed with the opportunity to get it done. I have followed you for many years and was amazed and inspired when the two of you took on such a major and adventurous project all on your own without knowing its outcome. I have been in a wheelchair for over 10 years and was forced to stop sailing because of a hang gliding accident that left me in a wheelchair just as I was getting started on the dream of sailing the world. I kept sailing small Snipe and Sunfish sailboats, but seeing how you have tackled your project and the attitude it takes made me want to start saving (almost there) to adapt a med-size sailboat to my needs in a wheelchair. It won’t be easy, but good things in life normally are not, and they take effort, passion, and obsession. That’s what I have learned from you two: never quit. That’s my Mantra, just get-her-done, and the rewards will be for a lifetime and beyond.
I've been watching you 2 for years. And honestly lately it's been rough. You guys are my O.G channel, you guy were the very first channel I watched on sailing. I truly hope you guys get back to it soon! Cheers.
Thank you for the honesty. I am in the midst of tackling big boat issues which are comparatively very small to what you guys have going on. Yet, I still have to remind myself daily that it is all part of the journey... the self doubt, financial concerns, feeling stir crazy, project fatigue, and on and on and on. We all get our time in the barrel (barrel of a gun, not surfing a wave) but eventually find ourselves looking back on that time as ultimately being more beneficial to our well being than the easy, fun times. There are many sailing influencers out there sounding just like you right now... even after going the opposite direction having purchased new boats. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. This too shall pass and will be followed by joyous moments of cruising and adventuring... only to be followed by your next turn in the barrel. It' is just life. I know you two know this, but I will say it anyway, you've got it good.
I have been watching you guys from the beginning. I truly thought your story was going to be a dumpster fire, I quickly realized, you were quick learners and had a rarity, long distance vision. I used to tell family and friends, when they bought a house, “live in it for 6 months and keep notes about what you like and dislike, that will make the decision what to remodel easier. This is what you are doing, bravo. Watching Uma go from scrap to a seaworthy vessel, then reworked to suit your needs, was nice. The sailing is cool, ‘specially the Atlantic passage, but the boat work is really satisfying, watching lumber and components become a realized dream. As a 67 year old juvenile delinquent who has done exactly what he wanted, my way. When a job became boring/oppressive, I changed career paths. I have very few regrets, (except the couch) life has been a series of choices and I wouldn’t do anything different. Now retired, looking for a boat, want to do The Great Loop, the Great Lakes, the Panama Canal, the West Coast to the San Juans and maybe the Northwest Passage. Chin up, the wind in your sails and the spray on your face will come along just when you need it most. You guys are doing what 95% of people dream of doing, but just lack whatever it takes to make the first step towards their dreams. When you are old and filling your diapers regularly and wearing parts of your meals on your clothes, you can sit back on that couch and relive the memories when you stomped on the terra and maybe squeak out a nasty fart to share.
Hello/bonjour from Duncan, BC. We send you big bear hugs and heartfelt thank yous for your generous spirit and beg you not to get discouraged. You have come so very far and are nearing the finish line with your refit project. Like many other commenters here, we have benefited from your unending enthusiasm, originality and determination. My partner and I have been working on "light updating" our Hunter 340; nothing of the scale you are dealing with but still outside most of our comfort zone, doing the work ourselves has proven to be hugely rewarding and a catalyst for keeping going. You have encouraged us to take part in this wonderful journey that is sailing. If we were close by, we'd come and lend a hand. Merci mille fois pour tout ce que vous faites.
Dan & Kika, I could give you 10 reasons why rebuilding an old sailboat is a GOOD IDEA. The #1 reason is that is will be so REWARDING to make something old, new again. AND improving on an original design with your ideas. Coin a new phrase for improving something like, "This boat has been Uma-ized"
Large projects take a special kind of dedication that most people simply don't understand just how freaking hard it really is to just keep pushing forward.
Thanks for getting real with us. We have every faith that your hard work will pay off. The day you cast off again... it's coming. Oh, it's going to be so sweet! Much love to you crazy kids!
Your comment on the marine industry is spot on!!! it took over 3 years and a lot of personal leg work to get my brother-in-law's 8.2 detroit diesel fixed. we did it with the help of an old school mechanic and the internet. You guys need to not listen to any negative comments especially on line. Your doing what you love and that's all that matters. Its an amazing adventure that your on and your documenting it in the most brilliant, fantastic, amazing, creative way possible!!!!!
I like to think of my own refit as an ocean to cross. Sometimes it’s stormy, sometimes I’m becalmed (watching refit vids on UA-cam). The tanks are drawing down and that’s a constant source of anxiety. But as a sailor I know that if the pointy end is aimed at the destination and I just keep moving, I’ll get there. And we know what a feeling that will be! I admire your ambition with this project. Many modern sailors, especially those with enough money to just buy a brand new boat, or just have it fixed or replaced as needed, forget that the connection to your boat is intrinsic. When you do every single thing to it/for it, you become part of it and it you. I think this is a foundational requirement of true seamanship and it’s a crucial factor in the success of the Pardy’s and the Slocums and the Voss’s and the Moitessiers and Knox-Johnson’s of the world. The list goes on. To build it is to know it and to know it is priceless. I think you guys understand this well, so really Iim just writing this comment to motivate myself to put this f*ckin phone down and get back in the shed. So I guess it’s a plank in my bridge? Speaking of sheds, curious why a couple of handy architects with heaps of tools didn’t just knock one up right there in the yard. It’s common practise in this rainy part of the world.. Could cost as little $1500 all in and if your tarps and poly are tight like a drum they can handle the odd gale. Definitely worth it, especially if you haven’t painted the exterior yet. Maybe the yard won’t allow it, and it’s their shed or nothing, but even if that’s the case, I would seriously consider moving into one when the grinding and sanding outside is all done. (Yes, it will be done!!) Hot direct sun and yard dust are almost as detrimental as the rain for exterior finishing.
I've been following along since near the beginning. Sailing and maintaining a boat sounds super fun, but a lot of hard work. With your channel I get to see the highs and the lows with far less effort! You're not always going to get it right, you're not always going to make the right choice, but even in those cases you learn. And that's the only way to get better. Enjoy the journey. Learn from yourselves, learn from others and just keep stepping forward.
As I heard it once put, "It's OK to not be OK". Rebuilding UMA down to the hull and back up is a helluva task for 2 people to take on by themselves. You've been rocking it this far. :) Also fine to show when things sometimes go wrong. "Sailing Uma" is a very carefully curated version of yourselves, with good reason, but it can feel a little "Stepford Wives" sometimes. For example, I've binged all the way from step 1 and never seen you 2 get annoyed at each other or argue. You've been living in each others laps for years, so I'd be amazed if it hadn't happened at least once! I didn't buy a couch, I inherited one and couldn't get rid of it. So I'm living vicariously through your adventures and look forward to what's to come. The good, the bad, the weird and the wonderful. Thank you for being out there! :)
I’ve seen your videos since you started. Stay the course and as an old man that I am can tell you are just maturing and seeing the every day troubles and doing a good job. The results are just wonderful 😉
We live on our boat as well and love the life style. We admire everything you have accomplished. We have watched all your videos and love them. You guys are inspirational. Very excited to see your new boat so keeping stepping forward and we know you can do it.
I've not commented for a while, but I find the rationalisation and introspection you've worked through and discussed here are life lessons for many, and help to put thinks into perspective for a lot of people. Constructuve comments and criticism are healthy. Some lovely people offering to help in the comments below reminds me what a great community this is. As for the concern that lots of little bits of wood and glass don't make for interesting videos? Don't underestimade how so many of us can totally nerd out with you on that stuff. It was the building, the engineering and the technology that drew me in all those years ago. When it comes to the final fit phase and the electronics, the plumbing, the sensors, the drive systems the solar and the sails, all of it, remains, a fascination. Keep doing the no couch thing. You do it so well. xxx
I am in awe of the scale and scope of this project you've taken on and all of the grueling work, challenges, struggles and self-doubt will all fade away when Uma splashes again - better than ever! Love your channel and watching your videos are one of the highlights of my weekends ❤
I have followed you from the start of your videos and I have said before that you are crazy and how wonderful that is. Anyone building or rebuilding a boat will learn a great deal by watching your videos. I'm too old to start a new 'hobby' but if I was in the market for a boat I would try to persuade you to sell me yours once it is complete because I very much doubt that any new built or refurbished boat will be as well built with so many gotchas foreseen and built out. You are two amazing people with a fund of skills and determination rarely if ever matched. And craziness and please don't lose that.
Look at Aladino and Maya, they went through same hard times but now it is finished and joy and satisfaction they showed in their last video is what you guys well get as a big reward, you doing absolutely great and you teach your viewers a lesson and on top you both great humans, sure it is time to get the project finished, like to see you sailing and show us the world from a different perspective, hard to believe that Jordan and Desire dropped the towel, but maybe the reached their personal limit and then it is better to change over to a new thing, but the sailing thing is more attractive and when you have already a lot experience doing this it will take a while before you find something else to do and to show it it to the public, guess you guys are on the right boat, cheers from Canada, but I notice Dan you look tired, good for you have quirky Kika around full of positive Energy and the biggest smile in the world, but another thing, you should do spent a week or two in a hot spring Spa there you soak every day in hot mineral water get massages go for easy quiet walks meditate sleep and just dream away limit it to that and absorb this solitude for some time, recharge and straighten out your mind and spirit, We do this every year at Halcion Hotspings in BC,
The truth is not about if you're doing it right or wrong, as long as you're doing it together, I will keep watching because seeing how a team can find solutions and be creative. You tuya inspire me, not to build a boat but to dare to the anything! Keep going the journey is DVD's important.
I id not get depressed by this at all, just reminded about what a big and crazy task you took on. And how I admire your stamina. Totally agree with reason 11 - an oil filter to my Honda outboard costs 25$ more than the same filter (and parts number) at the local motorbike dealer. Greetings from Norway 🙂
❤ eh, guys, thank you for reminding me that it is not only me who is homeless because of (a very extensive!) boat project… I can feel your pain - and you’re absolutely right it is hard sometimes. Especially in the UK - right again! I’m watching your videos on Saturdays as it is my day off (from boat work) - but I’m still in the workshop! And not far from my work anyway as - which you pointed out- time management is a key. You have to know what you do next week to make sure that you have all the materials you need (like with your timber merchant forcing you on vacation). But I’m watching your videos mainly to remind myself why I stay in the cold workshop. When we met in Southampton we were hoping to finish the project the following year, promising you we will chase you in the Med. Didn’t quite work out and I’m still in the workshop 3 years later and watching your progress with UMA (Well, I won’t recognise her!) gives me hope that it is the last winter off-board for me. I hope for you as well ❤
The only thing I can say is „Thumbs up“. I can‘t sail anymore because of health issues, but every single of your episodes took my mind out on the water or even in a boat yard again. A big Thank you for that, at minimum 414 times.
So young so young. My wife and I completed a five year rebuilt on a 41 OutIslander. It was done outside along a dock. We have made the Outislander 41 more better.
I have seen all of your episodes and really feel like I have been on such a journey with it. There have been times when I have not agreed with how you have done things but this I guess is always going to be the case. I really think that you have grown so much and become better in so many ways. I also think that you have taken on a mammoth task and people will always have their own opinions. I am so glad that I carried on watching as this has been the kind of epic end to such a huge Uma chapter, I really cant believe and at the same time totally believe how much you are doing and how far you have taken the refit. Keep doing a great job and not conforming to the normal ways of life. Much respect.
It looks that you've got your first full time job. For us old people, we felt this bad feeling hundreds of time, but you will recup, put your stuff together, deep breath, and take your project to completion. After this project you'll feel that you are ready for bigger things, so looking forward on what you decide to do next. Cheers from Ottawa 🇨🇦
I think you two are doing a wonderful job. And there is hundreds of different ways to do everything! It seems you are doing a good job in choosing the ones that work good for your boat. We love watching. Thank you so much for making extremely good quality videos to share with us. Bruce in Boise Idaho. 😊
Cloudy rainy days are hard to combat good energy, especially at the change of seasons...KEEP THE FAITH...as I'm sure your are...love your videos... well done!
You've come so many steps. This isn't a depressing video but how you are addressing day to day challenges and you do it with such a positive attitude! Still excited to see where you go! Keep the steps going!!! Cheers!
YOU absolutely nailed it with "issue #11"...maybe you should address how to improve the marine industry, and create a rating system, begin with major companies, you certainly have an audience , think like Angie's List...everyone would benefit, and also profit in money and relationships!
Here is another old guy who has watched all 414 steps and totally enjoyed it. There is one aspect that I seem to see immediately. How long does it take for a boatbuilder who has the forms to lay the glass for a hull? A couple of days, maybe a week? So after ripping everything out of Uma you were one week away of building a new boat. And while they have all the plans for every part you do it for the first time, bespoke, and probably for the last time. So who has the hard job, the marine industry or you? You have a lot of work ahead but you are close to the top of the hill. And we are by your side and we want to be there when you say: „We are done, this is Uma 2.0, let‘s weigh anchor and go where we have not been before!“. Take us along!
The difference between what Kika and Dan are doing, and what professional factories are doing, is the kind of work I do: Engineering. Taking huge amounts of time to transfer and idea, a design, into a stack of single part drawings. In any project I do for work, the concept phase is about 10% of the time. Then there is some 25% actual design, 50% to get all nitty gritty details right, and some 25% for actually building and testing. So yes, this is a lot of work, and probably money as well.
@@joopdesmit The big issue here is that this is a unique project. If you build 100 boats that are pretty much exactly the same, you will gather loads of experience building the first few of them and tweak the designs. So of your example, only the 25% of actual building and testing have to be repeated for numbers 5-100 and that will probably profit hugely from optimization just as well. Number 1 is likely 10 times as much effort as number 100 is.
@@joopdesmiti dont think money is an issue here……and now that its seems cool too restore,and rebuild old boats on you tube channels,why should one off the most commercial channels not be in the game…..advertising some cool drinks along…..😂😂
If they want they can buy an garcia right away…………
Yes, Yes, Yes, Well said.
Agree B no mater how you move things around it is still a 36 foot boat made in the 70's
My takeaway from this episode is that the two of you must have an exceptionally close relationship! to put up with all the frustrations of rebuilding Uma and maintaining a sane relationship is awe inspiring. My hat is off to the both of you!!
Rebuilt 4 of my own boats (15 - 40ft) in the last 40 years without living "ashore" for 25 of those.
You are doing it right, in the right company, with the right attitude and intent. I hope you've enjoyed every step of your journey as much we've all appreciated you sharing them with us. Please never stop. Thank you
Guys if you need help let us know. We live in Switzerland but we are in Sardinia very often. We are next there in December, speak fluent Italian and can put you in touch with reliable people who can order for you at no extra cost. I do this all the time. Our boat is in La Caletta. Happy to meet up if you could use the help and connections.
well they havent responded I guess
I didn’t think this was a depressing video. I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability. It takes a lot of courage.
You are role models for perseverance, dedication and motivation. It's hard to find another sailing couple who work as hard as you have over as long a period as you have. At the same time, you seem to have avoided the trap of over-focusing on minutia and have kept your focus on what's most important. You clearly will have a boat that is both fully seaworthy and truly yours when you finish. One thing that is clear after watching several sailing channels over the last three years: sailing involves a LOT of time in port fixing things. This is true if you have a new boat built, have one that's a few years old, or have a 50-year old boat. I'll bet that the ratio of hours fixing to hours of actual sailing is at least 5:1 if not 10:1. So, by the time you finish this refit with all the hours you've put in, you will be owed many hours of sailing, un-interrupted by repairs.
The only other couple I can think of is Sailing Magic Carpet. They are nearly there and you will get there too. You are doing great, keep going.🌞👍
@@jbontherlt2965agreed and would add RAN sailing. Amazing job by 2 people. Three builds by amazing people.
OK guys, I’ll give you some advice. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING! I’ve been watching since the beginning and you guys are my heroes. Your decision to not buy a couch is one you will never regret. (I hope there are some added benefits to being in one place for so long, ie Kika’s passport). I’m an old guy, so I am living vicariously through your videos. My regret is not to have done what you are doing. Watching you apply your acquired knowledge in this build is fascinating. Keep up the good work.
I’m glad you aren’t quitting like the other sailing channels.
Hahahahaharrrrrr
Looollll.
Who quit?
@@coalrob Sailing Atticus, good bad, ugly... to name just two.
Yup we are seeing lots of sailing utubers hang it up. Comes with the territory. Very few folks go sailing and never stop. There will be a new gang coming along.
Don't sweat the negative comments. The bigger picture here is that you both are setting yourself a possible new career/consultancy for new age boat building/boat energy and a whole new video series. For the next few years though, get this job done and get sailing while you still can. We all enjoy living vicariously through you.
One of the things I have found over the years, when you are hit with a plethora of different ideas on how something should be done, the more there isn’t a specific way it should be done. You guys are my heroes! Keep up the good work!!!
Dan, this is Jean. I have been following you since day one. Back when you knew all of us individually and I’ve always told you that you have an amazing knack to figure things out and get things done relatively easily. Building this boat is like pushing a huge marble over a hill. when you get to the end, it will roll by itself, and it will end just as quickly as it started. However, you will never forget this, and you will probably never do it again. Your project is almost to the top of the hill, and it will soon stop provided money, doesn’t become an issue. I’ve been there and done that. Hopefully you saw my blog back in the day “building a pocket cruiser”. And my latest video about non marine systems for boats. Don’t forget that Lynn and Larry Pardy and people from my generation took years to do those jobs with no social media. And we succeeded (with a few regrets). You will triumph and you’re not far off. You will see. If you need a break, I have a boat on the East Coast and a boat on the West Coast and a boat heading to Canada, that you guys are welcome to use to get away for a little bit. Cheers.
When the marble are on the top it’s starts rolling. And you know marble. Cracks very easy.
I feel like the comments section is forgetting that the point of this video is to focus on the negatives. You said at the beginning it's stuff you don't normally talk about and wanted to go over, but you've also gone over the positives many times in many other videos. Keep going and don't lose sight of your dream. Having taken the boat down to its foundation and then strengthened that foundation to then build back on, it won't just be another mass produced fiberglass boat when you're done, it will be unique and it will be yours!
They are on an island and do not speak the language and complain ?
First... you both should be incredibly proud of the work you've done, and the path you've taken. You've managed to execute your boating life with extraordinary skill and grace, and you've taken us along for the ride with a degree of charm, openness, and communication skill which is unequaled in the UA-cam sailing world. Yes - it's hard, in at least ten ways - but you'll be proud of your accomplishments 'til your dying day. I know, because my wife and I are nearing 80, and we took off on this kind of adventure 45 years ago - beginning with resurrecting a derelict 1967 steel race-cruiser (yea...steel). We had the same kinds of challenges and doubts - every one of them - but not a single regret. We cruised for years to Europe, Africa and S. America, then re-started a land life. We've rebuilt the boat a few times - and recently (after retirement) cruised her for a year in Mexico. Same boat. We're still working on her (as recently as this afternoon) fighting the inevitable ebb and flow of nautical decline and rehabilitation. I'm certain, however, that on our deathbeds we may regret some things, but that won't include a minute of the thousands of hours of boat work or the years of cruising and the friendships those years brought us. Thank you for bringing us your lives, your relationship, your trepidations, and your successes.
I very much feel your "pain", being 20 months into a major refit on my Pearson 35CB I can relate to every point that you've made. Carryon guy's you've got this . UMA 2.0 is going to be amazing !!
How many people actually rebuild their boat as opposed to just adding or subtracting an element? I think you two are true pioneers!
I really appreciate your honesty and openness. Looking back on life from 75+ years of experience, most of life is living day by day, doing the same sort of things everyday. It is important to take periodic breaks. Go explore (do something, anything different) for a weekend or week. You will come back completely re-energized and ready to resume your tasks with vigor and vitality. Keep up the GREAT work!
Having sailed and lived aboard for 25 years I know how hard it is to get along with someone else on a small boat.
You guys are awesome and amazing for defying the odds. Ya'll are unique and much appreciated 😊
Quit. This boat is a dead end. Buy property land. Develop you land,house. Then maybe go back to boat. Thx for all your sailing videos.
Pretty weak minded of you.quiter@@DavidChamp-z1o
It is a very long road but you are going to make it and it is going to be great. It is refreshing seeing an old boat getting a new life. Anybody can buy a new boat. Luv you guys. Thanks for the years of entertainment.
I have never been on a sail boat in my life but have been watching your videos for several years now. Regularly I watch 5 different videos on UA-cam: yours without a doubt is the one I like best.
There is no doubt in my mind that your expertise gained through trial and error or simply through actual use you may be helping the manufacturers realize what changes they should make to their manufacturing standards. Watching you rebuild Uma is extremely interesting and I am looking forward to the finished product. I am very impressed how your attention to detail is first and foremost in the reconstruction. Your architectural backgrounds are showing through and your ideas will become the way boats ought to be built!
Thank you for sharing the realities of your rebuild journey! I sailed at the Naval Academy and later served for 30 years. While sailing, we tackled minor projects-nothing like what you’re undertaking. Our longest sail was 42 days, which pales in comparison to your incredible adventures. I’m praying for your successful finish and wishing you blessings on the waters ahead. May your future include a growing family to share in your amazing wisdom and travels. I missed the chance to meet you both in Norfolk, but I’ll be cheering you on and can’t wait to see what’s next!
🥹 Thank you so much for such a beautiful message. And your kindness and cheer is definitely appreciated. 🥰
i have seen all 414 episodes and I fully agree with the difficulties you are dealing with , but you are young , very good at your jobs and entertaining , so I follow your experiences . I agree that for almost all others this lifestyle would not work .
Danke! Please take a day off work on Sunday. When my wife and i renovated our new house this saved us from drowning.
I think y’all are doing it exactly right. Faith in yourself requires doubt. Without doubt you have fact. And nobody has fact in themselves. I’ve been following you for 7-8 years now. I love that you kept Uma. Watching her grow and evolve has been part of why I think of all the sailing peeps I follow, you two are my favorite. It’s a way more interesting narrative than just buying a new boat. Uma is like the third character in this story.
Also, since I’ve never commented on any of the 100’s of videos of yours I’ve watched. Can I say, what I love the MOST (besides your passion for life) is you guys are the best at taking a viewer through a project. Partly inspired by you, I bought an O’day 272 for $200. You gave me confidence that I could glass a hull, change a bilge pump, seal a port light. I always feel like I’m learning when I watch. You may feel doubt, but you inspire confidence. ❤
You're authenticity is what I appreciate the most. You all could glass things right over and make it appear like everyone else out there, that it's no big deal and anyone can do it with simply a thought in 2 hours of time. You're willingness to show the good and the bad, and really the entire process is incredibly valuable. Keep up the great work because it will be worth it in the end.
All I can say is that you guys keep some of us motivated to keep doing what we enjoy doing. Or at least strive towards that goal, so thank you and know that we appreciate you sharing all the good and bad. Hope your spirits can stay strong to the end of the project and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. As far as comments on youtube go, ignore the trolls and draw strength from the ones that support you.
I'm in it for the long haul, your UA-cam channel is an honest view of real life, watching your up's and downs is what draws me to your channel. I'm so looking forward to the day when UMA is back in the water, what your doing is so going to be worth it.
The content is more interesting than just plunking down a credit card and buying the latest plastic offering. When she goes back in the water she will be strong, and with your backgrounds designed beautifully. Enjoy the process, take some breaks, and most importantly be thankful! You guys are fun to watch.
Back in the day (1970;s to 1980's) when I used to go to Miami, Florida, I was around folks who were building their own boats. What you are doing makes sense to me based on what I saw those people doing. It made sense to me that you had a hull, deck and rigging and worked with that to build your boat the way you wanted to build it. I used to charter from someone who built about half a dozen boats (they were not designed, just built) from 52-65' and the captain I used for a year or so with that fleet built a 30+ footer and then his next boat was about 70' long. He also made improvements on the boat that I normally chartered, since I knew the boat's owner well enough to know that he would allow it. I knew another person who was living on a boat he built where he had purchased a hull & deck. A common statement was that most boats are built to not go do what you need a boat to do so you did make the best decision to do what you are doing. Keep up the good work on your boat and thanks for doing the great and informative videos as well.
(On a side note, the guy who had captained that bareboat for my charters, who then re-did the front the cabin giving me room for 3 more paying passengers did that work for free, so to pay him back, I allowed him to bring a guest with him that summer, when he captained 3 trips for me. He and his guest started off as friends but have now been married for about 40 years and that never would have happened if he hadn't made the suggestions of what he would do if that was his boat. This is the meaning of a 'win/win' situation and I think that is where you are too.)
I can smell that champagne you will be sipping the next time you are sailing UMA towards a new shore … know that you are doing much more than a boat overhaul … YOU ARE ALSO INSPIRING AND MOVING SO MANY OF US FORWARD IN OUR OWN LIVES … a true free therapy session every week for all of us … God protect you guys. Cheers and a big humongous THANK YOU
25:30 This is the irony your work is our play and we are entertained watching you and being a part of what you are doing. I love also making helpful comments just on the odd chance you might see it and it might help. You are always so kind in this area in letting us share.
Honestly guys, you are doing an amazing job! Don't let anyone tell or suggest otherwise. Can't wait to see where you "go" from here. All the best from Canada!
I have followed your travels since you were in Haiti the first time and have vicariously been a crew member, except during the midnight to dawn shifts. I have been a residential remodeling contractor and along with my long list of customers, I have rebuilt three of our own homes during my 50 years in the business. My point is that although it is easy to get wrapped up in the personal attachment with a project when it is one's HOME, it is still just a building of sticks, glass, tile, doorknobs, etc. We have learned after much wringing of hands and heavy hearts, that a house is just an object that we buy and sell and live in for a while. A house doesn't define our identity. After a huge wildfire swept through our rural neighborhood and we nearly lost our house, we reevaluated our connection with our property. I'm sure that can also happen when people are bobbing around in a bottle in the middle of a huge ocean and facing the numerous, ever-present challenges. Still, you are both inspiring and resourceful and I eagerly await your postings and I only wish I were young enough to join you or at least lend a hand with your rebuild! Oh, I have spent several months in several areas of Italy and I loved every minute. Learn the language, get to know the people, make friends and treasure the memories! A boat is just a boat!
Totally feel you. Hindsight is 20:20, when we started our 3 year refit we really thought it would be maybe 6 months… but then by the time you realize it’s longer you’re already in deep, and you think maybe only a few more months, then those pass and you’re in even deeper! But we now have a beautiful functioning boat and it was worth it in the end and I’m glad we saved Her! You two are amazing for tackling this and staying as positive as you do!
The closed afternoon thing is a mediterranean habit: Spain, Italy, Greece, and maybe the south of France. It is to avoid working during hot hours.
Yep, also in southern Portugal - so I would even expand it as a southern European habit
I admire you two so very much! You had a dream and bravely chased it. There are ups and downs even when living your dream....but in 20 or 30 years... you'll look back and be proud of how you spent your time on this planet. Be safe , stay healthy and have fun!!
The decision to call your episodes steps was a brilliant one. I have been watching for 6 or 7 years now and there are times when I don't have time for UA-cam or I get distracted by other channels but your channel is the only one that I will always go back and watch every episode in order no matter how many.
Point #11 can definitely be it’s own video series and probably should be mandatory viewing for any new prospective boat owners, especially those who enter boating at a later stage in life and didn’t grow up owning boats! I personally think one of the greatest challenges for couples doing long refits together is to both remain equally committed day after day. Each person will have their down days and it’s then up to the other to carry the weight of two for that day. It definitely puts a strain on relationships 😊
I hope yall don't quit. I wish I could do the things yall do. Me and my wife have 2 kids, and I don't think we could pull this off like yall do. As an IATSE studio mechanic I work on other's dreams and escapes. Your channel is one of my escapes. I have watched every Step. Don't stop yet. Your about to turn the corner on that project, and you have put so much time into it.
The best thing you have! Is a partner that see things the same as you ,and works in the same direction your going and keeps going when you stall
There is nothing wrong with venting out the stress and frustration and terror and sadness and whatever grows up in a big project. It's only complaining if you don't do anything about whatever it is you're talking on. Complaining: "Why doesn't anyone speak English? This place sucks! Ugh, I'm going to yell and be mad." Venting: "This language barrier sucks, but the people are nice and we're learning enough language to connect and get the job done." Keep on venting, you'll feel better after! Plus we learn something so everyone wins.
I have to applaud your consistency; I just discovered Spear It Animal's channel and while they are the party boat of the century, they have been very sporadic about posting videos. It's been a month with no update and people are worried as much as annoyed. You two are like clockwork and always put out a great product.
The challenge is real. I sold my house and bought my boat three years ago because of you two mostly and some other channels. Your first video was very inspiring. I'm much older than you two. I just turned 54 this month. It has not all been boat challenges for me, but just life. Trying to get my wife more involved for example has been a real challenge because she doesn't want to quit her job and move to the boat full time. Yet. We have also had deaths in our family and other issues that have simply taken time away from getting our boat where we want it to be to sail around the world. And of course money and time. Money is a big one because as you mentioned the marine industry is stupidly expensive just because it's labeled "marine". Our money has been depleted in a sense due to the aforementioned deaths for example and the time involved plus the travel. For example when my wife's father died in Ecuador just over a year ago and then his sister just this August. It's very frustrating because there seems to be one delay or set back after another. I know that is life, but sometimes life just sucks. I know you feel your video may have been a little depressing, but it still gave me the desire to keep going forward with our boat. Plus creating a YT channel which I should have already done, but when my wife is not with me on the boat for weeks at a time I find I do not want to start a channel without her. Maybe that's the place to start just so I can get it going and hopefully start building an audience and make a little extra to fund this project. Good luck and keep you chins up.
The challenges of projects like yours are worthwhile when you feel the satisfaction of completion. Nothing that comes easily is truly valuable. One day, your grand children will look back at what you are doing with love and pride. It will inspire them in their own successes.
You two are definitely not alone. Thank you for letting us be on this adventure with you. You got this.
I know you're cognizant of the fact that you are saving many hundreds of thousands of dollars by doing the work yourselves. Not bad pay for the two of you ! Nobody would do the quality of work you're doing ! It will be exactly as you want it ! Much safer for you to live on afterwords ! I love watching you two.. you are just perfect kids.. I'm 81 and envy your decisions . Another day, week, month or even a year does not really matter in the long run ! Stay focused, motivated and moving forward.. each step gets you closer to the finish line. Love you both !
Are they, though? Instead of spending money, they're spending their own time, and because they're not professionals and there's a lot about what they're doing they don't know, they screw up and have to spend even more money fixing the problem. Instead of spending all this time in a foreign country with a language they don't speak, they could be either sailing and making UA-cam videos that aren't just fixing their boat forever, and they could be living on their boat instead of in temporary accomodations, or they could be making money from some other venture while living in more permanent accommodations. The end result of spending money to fix these problems could be making more money than they "saved" by doing it themselves. There's also channel growth to consider. They could be leaving a lot on the table, especially if it turns out their repairs are inadequate and their boat ends up sinking anyway.
I have been watching your channel for years, but up to now haven't felt the need to comment. This is an unusual video for you, however, and as a U.S. expat living in Belize I get everything you are expressing. Language is not so much a problem since this was previously a British colony, but materials, money, transportation, having a place to stay, etc., etc., I get it. We're in the rainy season right now, and have only been able to negotiate the slippery road home once in the past 15 days. Fortunately we have an office downtown and we can sleep on cots when we can't get home. Its a struggle, but its also so rewarding. Wish you all the best. Overcoming adversity is what makes you stronger.
Big hugs to you both! Boat projects are hard and I don’t know how you do it. Cheering you both on from Canada!
Hey, you guys need a holiday. Do it like the Europeans. Take two weeks off now and plan to take another two weeks off in springtime. I bet your productivity will increase overall. Learn to love the 2 hour lunchbreak, find where the locals go and join them. A bit of no alcohol social time really lets you re-focus afterwards.
Please, please do the 'Boat Industry' video. We all need help with that one.
3 years rebuilding my swan 47...on the tail end and it has been worth every minuet but there have been many hurdles. I knew what I was getting into, as my wife often reminded me on bad days. The elephant goes down one bite at a time.
At the end of the day, it's still a very old hull design though and you've missed out on a lot of adventures by people a carpenter.
Having a partner is in your favor and you have each other. Know that the overwhelming majority is rooting for you!
Oh, kids; this was a hell of a therapy session. You are at a unique point in your life when this sort of project just might work. My hat off again. I missed you in Trondheim by about a year, but this summer I am planning to sail to Sardinia( I did not remember that this is where you are currently); who knows, if the stars line up and you are not too busy, maybe we can have a beer. I did find a few not very expensive marinas around the island, I am glad it lines up with what you are saying about the costs on Sardinia. I should start learning Italian.
To your 10th point regarding your advisers. There are 1000 ways to fly a plane and 500 of them are within acceptable parameters. You guys are doing great. You impress and inspire me.
Whole life is like that, there moments of doubt, there are moments of pain, there are moments of boredom, tiredness, baffling, fear.
But you don't have a couch, and that's not just awesome, is also a compass.
And the boat will be awesome, If someday you come south to try the Magellan strait or Cape Horn to do the long way to the South Pacific, let me buy you a drink.
Keep going strong, greetings from Buenos Aires.
My wife and I have been watching you two almost from the beginning. (We actually binge watched all of your segments when you were less than a year into it.) You're both clever and creative with a flair for good design. We rarely miss an episode because you're also so expressive in how you share your story. Thanks for all you do!
love your channel. You and Sailing Magic Carpet are great fun. However when I was 35 (Now 82) I had a friend who spent 8 years building a beautiful boat in a Columbia 50 hull In Redwood City Harbor, CA. Years he could have been sailing, his words. I see you are realizing your choices have consequencies. You are learning what life is all about. You won't regret not having done something in your later years.
Love this episode, so genuine and real. A boat owner (and embroiled in fixing someone else's boat) I felt most of your travails. It's not that misery loves company, but I can commiserate on a real and powerful positive about all your points: when all is said and done, there's an elevated feeling of pride in accomplishing the overwhelming and seemingly impossible. With you every painful step.
Loved this video guys. The actual reality is far more interesting and inspiring than the fun loving videos.
So much respect for you guys as always . Your perseverance is awesome 🙌
I see how hard relationships on a boat can be. I see how much time and energy goes into boat maintenance let alone a rebuild. For these two reasons I think you both are amazing people and I applaud you and respect your strengths.
I’m currently carrying out a major house renovation and sometimes it all gets a bit much for me to handle, but keeping in mind the end goal is what helps keep me focused, even when I question why I ever took on such a big project. My end goal by the way is to complete this and buy a boat! In my chill out time on an evening I’m watching your entire back catalog & I find you both inspirational & to keep going to reach the end goal. So whilst you inspire me I hope this inspire you too
You are holding up very well. Still have fun and joke around a lot together.
That is a/the crucial part of the whole process.
Adoring your abilities and stamina.
Go Uma, go team.
We love your videos and watching the progress.
What I learned from the video is, that you have to carefully choose your location: language and ability to have easy access to material and resources.
Don’t stop sailing. These things take time. You have so many skills.
Carpe diem!! We are fortunate to be able to work, work together, and create stories. That is what being human is all about. Keep up the the great work.
You should be enormously proud about inspiring and motivating thousands of sailers - whether they're wannabe's, armchair or the whole 9 yards of we others - in what you've achieved from your very naive and brave start to the serious, innovative and professional sailors you are today... Your interior designs may not be PC to generations of yachtsmen - but they are immensely practical, fresh, bright, cheerful, different - and above all - work!
Wouldn't miss your informative and entertaining videos - nor have I ! Thanks a million !
It's a beautiful thing when you’ve always wanted to do a project and are blessed with the opportunity to get it done. I have followed you for many years and was amazed and inspired when the two of you took on such a major and adventurous project all on your own without knowing its outcome. I have been in a wheelchair for over 10 years and was forced to stop sailing because of a hang gliding accident that left me in a wheelchair just as I was getting started on the dream of sailing the world. I kept sailing small Snipe and Sunfish sailboats, but seeing how you have tackled your project and the attitude it takes made me want to start saving (almost there) to adapt a med-size sailboat to my needs in a wheelchair. It won’t be easy, but good things in life normally are not, and they take effort, passion, and obsession. That’s what I have learned from you two: never quit. That’s my Mantra, just get-her-done, and the rewards will be for a lifetime and beyond.
I've been watching you 2 for years. And honestly lately it's been rough. You guys are my O.G channel, you guy were the very first channel I watched on sailing. I truly hope you guys get back to it soon! Cheers.
Same here.
Thank you for the honesty. I am in the midst of tackling big boat issues which are comparatively very small to what you guys have going on. Yet, I still have to remind myself daily that it is all part of the journey... the self doubt, financial concerns, feeling stir crazy, project fatigue, and on and on and on. We all get our time in the barrel (barrel of a gun, not surfing a wave) but eventually find ourselves looking back on that time as ultimately being more beneficial to our well being than the easy, fun times. There are many sailing influencers out there sounding just like you right now... even after going the opposite direction having purchased new boats. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. This too shall pass and will be followed by joyous moments of cruising and adventuring... only to be followed by your next turn in the barrel. It' is just life. I know you two know this, but I will say it anyway, you've got it good.
You guys are smart enough to figure things out. Love what you do. Stay positive,the end result will be sooo worth it.
I have been watching you guys from the beginning. I truly thought your story was going to be a dumpster fire, I quickly realized, you were quick learners and had a rarity, long distance vision. I used to tell family and friends, when they bought a house, “live in it for 6 months and keep notes about what you like and dislike, that will make the decision what to remodel easier. This is what you are doing, bravo. Watching Uma go from scrap to a seaworthy vessel, then reworked to suit your needs, was nice. The sailing is cool, ‘specially the Atlantic passage, but the boat work is really satisfying, watching lumber and components become a realized dream.
As a 67 year old juvenile delinquent who has done exactly what he wanted, my way. When a job became boring/oppressive, I changed career paths. I have very few regrets, (except the couch) life has been a series of choices and I wouldn’t do anything different. Now retired, looking for a boat, want to do The Great Loop, the Great Lakes, the Panama Canal, the West Coast to the San Juans and maybe the Northwest Passage.
Chin up, the wind in your sails and the spray on your face will come along just when you need it most.
You guys are doing what 95% of people dream of doing, but just lack whatever it takes to make the first step towards their dreams.
When you are old and filling your diapers regularly and wearing parts of your meals on your clothes, you can sit back on that couch and relive the memories when you stomped on the terra and maybe squeak out a nasty fart to share.
I admire your grit and determination. You have a vision and it's aligned with your values. Keep calm and carry on!
Hello/bonjour from Duncan, BC. We send you big bear hugs and heartfelt thank yous for your generous spirit and beg you not to get discouraged. You have come so very far and are nearing the finish line with your refit project. Like many other commenters here, we have benefited from your unending enthusiasm, originality and determination. My partner and I have been working on "light updating" our Hunter 340; nothing of the scale you are dealing with but still outside most of our comfort zone, doing the work ourselves has proven to be hugely rewarding and a catalyst for keeping going. You have encouraged us to take part in this wonderful journey that is sailing. If we were close by, we'd come and lend a hand. Merci mille fois pour tout ce que vous faites.
Dan & Kika, I could give you 10 reasons why rebuilding an old sailboat is a GOOD IDEA. The #1 reason is that is will be so REWARDING to make something old, new again. AND improving on an original design with your ideas. Coin a new phrase for improving something like, "This boat has been Uma-ized"
Don't worry. We'll go over all that next week. ;)
Large projects take a special kind of dedication that most people simply don't understand just how freaking hard it really is to just keep pushing forward.
Thanks for getting real with us. We have every faith that your hard work will pay off. The day you cast off again... it's coming. Oh, it's going to be so sweet! Much love to you crazy kids!
Your comment on the marine industry is spot on!!! it took over 3 years and a lot of personal leg work to get my brother-in-law's 8.2 detroit diesel fixed. we did it with the help of an old school mechanic and the internet. You guys need to not listen to any negative comments especially on line. Your doing what you love and that's all that matters. Its an amazing adventure that your on and your documenting it in the most brilliant, fantastic, amazing, creative way possible!!!!!
I like to think of my own refit as an ocean to cross. Sometimes it’s stormy, sometimes I’m becalmed (watching refit vids on UA-cam). The tanks are drawing down and that’s a constant source of anxiety. But as a sailor I know that if the pointy end is aimed at the destination and I just keep moving, I’ll get there. And we know what a feeling that will be!
I admire your ambition with this project. Many modern sailors, especially those with enough money to just buy a brand new boat, or just have it fixed or replaced as needed, forget that the connection to your boat is intrinsic. When you do every single thing to it/for it, you become part of it and it you. I think this is a foundational requirement of true seamanship and it’s a crucial factor in the success of the Pardy’s and the Slocums and the Voss’s and the Moitessiers and Knox-Johnson’s of the world. The list goes on. To build it is to know it and to know it is priceless. I think you guys understand this well, so really Iim just writing this comment to motivate myself to put this f*ckin phone down and get back in the shed. So I guess it’s a plank in my bridge?
Speaking of sheds, curious why a couple of handy architects with heaps of tools didn’t just knock one up right there in the yard. It’s common practise in this rainy part of the world.. Could cost as little $1500 all in and if your tarps and poly are tight like a drum they can handle the odd gale. Definitely worth it, especially if you haven’t painted the exterior yet.
Maybe the yard won’t allow it, and it’s their shed or nothing, but even if that’s the case, I would seriously consider moving into one when the grinding and sanding outside is all done. (Yes, it will be done!!) Hot direct sun and yard dust are almost as detrimental as the rain for exterior finishing.
I've been following along since near the beginning. Sailing and maintaining a boat sounds super fun, but a lot of hard work. With your channel I get to see the highs and the lows with far less effort! You're not always going to get it right, you're not always going to make the right choice, but even in those cases you learn. And that's the only way to get better. Enjoy the journey. Learn from yourselves, learn from others and just keep stepping forward.
The pride at the end and the skills and knowledge gained will make it all worthwhile 👍
As I heard it once put, "It's OK to not be OK". Rebuilding UMA down to the hull and back up is a helluva task for 2 people to take on by themselves. You've been rocking it this far. :)
Also fine to show when things sometimes go wrong. "Sailing Uma" is a very carefully curated version of yourselves, with good reason, but it can feel a little "Stepford Wives" sometimes. For example, I've binged all the way from step 1 and never seen you 2 get annoyed at each other or argue. You've been living in each others laps for years, so I'd be amazed if it hadn't happened at least once!
I didn't buy a couch, I inherited one and couldn't get rid of it. So I'm living vicariously through your adventures and look forward to what's to come. The good, the bad, the weird and the wonderful. Thank you for being out there! :)
I’ve seen your videos since you started. Stay the course and as an old man that I am can tell you are just maturing and seeing the every day troubles and doing a good job. The results are just wonderful 😉
We live on our boat as well and love the life style. We admire everything you have accomplished. We have watched all your videos and love them. You guys are inspirational. Very excited to see your new boat so keeping stepping forward and we know you can do it.
It is good to have the time to do Uma's rebuild properly and make her come out the way of your dreams! Love you guys and love your videos!
I've not commented for a while, but I find the rationalisation and introspection you've worked through and discussed here are life lessons for many, and help to put thinks into perspective for a lot of people. Constructuve comments and criticism are healthy. Some lovely people offering to help in the comments below reminds me what a great community this is.
As for the concern that lots of little bits of wood and glass don't make for interesting videos? Don't underestimade how so many of us can totally nerd out with you on that stuff. It was the building, the engineering and the technology that drew me in all those years ago. When it comes to the final fit phase and the electronics, the plumbing, the sensors, the drive systems the solar and the sails, all of it, remains, a fascination.
Keep doing the no couch thing. You do it so well. xxx
I am in awe of the scale and scope of this project you've taken on and all of the grueling work, challenges, struggles and self-doubt will all fade away when Uma splashes again - better than ever! Love your channel and watching your videos are one of the highlights of my weekends ❤
I have followed you from the start of your videos and I have said before that you are crazy and how wonderful that is. Anyone building or rebuilding a boat will learn a great deal by watching your videos. I'm too old to start a new 'hobby' but if I was in the market for a boat I would try to persuade you to sell me yours once it is complete because I very much doubt that any new built or refurbished boat will be as well built with so many gotchas foreseen and built out. You are two amazing people with a fund of skills and determination rarely if ever matched. And craziness and please don't lose that.
Look at Aladino and Maya, they went through same hard times but now it is finished and joy and satisfaction they showed in their last video is what you guys well get as a big reward, you doing absolutely great and you teach your viewers a lesson and on top you both great humans, sure it is time to get the project finished, like to see you sailing and show us the world from a different perspective, hard to believe that Jordan and Desire dropped the towel, but maybe the reached their personal limit and then it is better to change over to a new thing, but the sailing thing is more attractive and when you have already a lot experience doing this it will take a while before you find something else to do and to show it it to the public, guess you guys are on the right boat, cheers from Canada, but I notice Dan you look tired, good for you have quirky Kika around full of positive Energy and the biggest smile in the world, but another thing, you should do spent a week or two in a hot spring Spa there you soak every day in hot mineral water get massages go for easy quiet walks meditate sleep and just dream away limit it to that and absorb this solitude for some time, recharge and straighten out your mind and spirit, We do this every year at Halcion Hotspings in BC,
The truth is not about if you're doing it right or wrong, as long as you're doing it together, I will keep watching because seeing how a team can find solutions and be creative. You tuya inspire me, not to build a boat but to dare to the anything! Keep going the journey is DVD's important.
I id not get depressed by this at all, just reminded about what a big and crazy task you took on. And how I admire your stamina. Totally agree with reason 11 - an oil filter to my Honda outboard costs 25$ more than the same filter (and parts number) at the local motorbike dealer. Greetings from Norway 🙂
❤ eh, guys, thank you for reminding me that it is not only me who is homeless because of (a very extensive!) boat project…
I can feel your pain - and you’re absolutely right it is hard sometimes. Especially in the UK - right again! I’m watching your videos on Saturdays as it is my day off (from boat work) - but I’m still in the workshop! And not far from my work anyway as - which you pointed out- time management is a key. You have to know what you do next week to make sure that you have all the materials you need (like with your timber merchant forcing you on vacation).
But I’m watching your videos mainly to remind myself why I stay in the cold workshop. When we met in Southampton we were hoping to finish the project the following year, promising you we will chase you in the Med. Didn’t quite work out and I’m still in the workshop 3 years later and watching your progress with UMA (Well, I won’t recognise her!) gives me hope that it is the last winter off-board for me.
I hope for you as well ❤
The only thing I can say is „Thumbs up“. I can‘t sail anymore because of health issues, but every single of your episodes took my mind out on the water or even in a boat yard again. A big Thank you for that, at minimum 414 times.
So young so young. My wife and I completed a five year rebuilt on a 41 OutIslander. It was done outside along a dock. We have made the Outislander 41 more better.
I have seen all of your episodes and really feel like I have been on such a journey with it. There have been times when I have not agreed with how you have done things but this I guess is always going to be the case. I really think that you have grown so much and become better in so many ways. I also think that you have taken on a mammoth task and people will always have their own opinions. I am so glad that I carried on watching as this has been the kind of epic end to such a huge Uma chapter, I really cant believe and at the same time totally believe how much you are doing and how far you have taken the refit.
Keep doing a great job and not conforming to the normal ways of life. Much respect.
I loved this video. There were a lot of philosophical nuggets for life in it. Thanks for letting us into your process.
It looks that you've got your first full time job. For us old people, we felt this bad feeling hundreds of time, but you will recup, put your stuff together, deep breath, and take your project to completion. After this project you'll feel that you are ready for bigger things, so looking forward on what you decide to do next. Cheers from Ottawa 🇨🇦
When you first started the rebuild, I was thinking that rebuilding could be problematic.
I wish you all the best.
I think you two are doing a wonderful job. And there is hundreds of different ways to do everything! It seems you are doing a good job in choosing the ones that work good for your boat. We love watching. Thank you so much for making extremely good quality videos to share with us. Bruce in Boise Idaho. 😊
Cloudy rainy days are hard to combat good energy, especially at the change of seasons...KEEP THE FAITH...as I'm sure your are...love your videos... well done!
You've come so many steps. This isn't a depressing video but how you are addressing day to day challenges and you do it with such a positive attitude! Still excited to see where you go! Keep the steps going!!! Cheers!
YOU absolutely nailed it with "issue #11"...maybe you should address how to improve the marine industry, and create a rating system, begin with major companies, you certainly have an audience , think like Angie's List...everyone would benefit, and also profit in money and relationships!
I really loved how you pointed out it's not a bad thing people don't speak English, that's the attitude
So much fun watching 👀.
Thanks for all your hard work! I'm living vicariously through your videos right now ❤
Cheers from Southern California USA 🇺🇸 👍