Spanish Wells to Bimini by boat E229

Summary

In this boating journey, the crew bids farewell to Spanish Wells and heads to Chub Key, encountering a series of challenges along the way. After struggling with battery issues, they discover a faulty battery and resolve the problem with the help of a viewer. The video also touches on the difficulties of managing algae sludge in the boat’s fuel tank. Despite setbacks, the crew is excited to visit Chub Key, a favorite destination known for its beautiful marina and local hangouts. They also invite viewers to meet them at the Annapolis Powerboat Show.

Takeaways

• 😀 The boat journey began with an unexpected battery issue, but quick problem-solving led to a successful start.
• 🔋 Battery troubleshooting involved cleaning terminals, testing each battery, and swapping out a faulty one.
• ⚡ A key lesson was to check for hot terminals and monitor voltage while starting the engine to detect battery issues.
• 🌴 Spanish Wells provided a fantastic stop with golf cart rides, local bars, restaurants, and meeting viewers of the channel.
• 🚤 Spare batteries are essential for boat trips, as they can save the day when unexpected issues arise.
• 🌊 Chub Cay is a favorite destination, known for its excellent marina, relaxing pool, and local hangouts.
• ⚙️ Tank maintenance on the boat is a constant challenge, especially with algae sludge buildup, despite using algicides.
• 🧽 The boat's tank cleaning process is difficult due to small openings and baffles, making it hard to thoroughly clean.
• ⏳ Life on a boat is unpredictable, and cleaning issues often arise at the most inopportune times.
• 🚢 Lynn and the crew are attending the Annapolis Powerboat Show, inviting viewers to meet up at local watering holes.

Q & A

What problem did the boat face at the beginning of the trip?

The boat had trouble starting due to battery issues. Although the batteries weren't completely dead, they were too weak to turn the engine over, causing a delay at the start of the journey.

How did the boat owner troubleshoot the battery problem?

The boat owner initially cleaned the battery terminals and tested the batteries individually. Despite this, the problem persisted, leading him to test the temperature of the batteries during startup, which revealed one battery was overheating.

What did the boat owner learn about the faulty battery?

The faulty battery showed normal voltage readings but overheated when trying to start the boat, which ultimately caused the issue. It was only when the temperature of the battery was checked that the problem became apparent.

How did the boat owner resolve the battery issue?

The boat owner swapped the faulty battery with a spare golf cart battery that he always carries on board, which successfully started the boat's engine.

What is the significance of carrying a spare battery on board?

Carrying a spare battery proved crucial in this situation, as it allowed the boat owner to continue the journey without further delay. It highlights the importance of being prepared for unforeseen mechanical issues.

What island did the boat owner leave before heading to Chub Cay?

The boat owner left Spanish Wells, where they had spent a few days, before heading to Chub Cay.

What makes Chub Cay a special destination for the boat owner?

Chub Cay is described as one of the most beautiful marinas in the Bahamas. The boat owner enjoys its pristine swimming pool, excellent restaurant, and the vibrant local bars, which make it a favorite stop.

What maintenance task did the boat owner undertake during the trip?

The boat owner cleaned out the after tanks on the boat, removing algae sludge and debris. This is a recurring issue, and the owner emphasized the difficulty of cleaning the tanks due to their small openings and baffles.

How does the boat owner plan to improve maintenance of the boat’s tanks in the future?

The boat owner plans to build a polishing unit and possibly set up a filtration system to prevent algae buildup in the future, aiming to streamline maintenance and reduce the frequency of manual cleaning.

What event is the boat owner planning to attend after the trip?

The boat owner plans to attend the Annapolis Powerboat Show on Friday and Saturday. They invite viewers to meet them at the show or at local watering holes during the event.