YouTube Sailing: Eight Videos Packed with Practical Knowledge

Editor’s note: Practical Sailor entered the YouTube world in earnest a year ago, led by Editor-in-Chief Tim Labute, and the channel now has over 38,000 subscribers who contribute to a thriving comment section. We cover boat reviews, safety stories, how-to guides, location-specific cruising advice and more. Of course, we can’t do it all, so we appreciate the valuable, practical tips from our fellow YouTubers. This article from contributor Angie Richard offers eight favorite videos to help guide you through the YouTube sailing content wilderness.  

For generations, sailors have exchanged knowledge at docksides, harbors and boatyards, passing down tips, techniques, and lessons learned from time spent at sea and in boatyards. Today, like it or not, YouTube has taken on this role, becoming a virtual gathering place where sailors, DIY boat owners and small boatyards share their expertise and inspire each other. What once required proximity to seasoned sailors, professional boat builders or specialized libraries is now just a few clicks away.

This digital harbor of knowledge has transformed how many boat owners approach boat refits and repairs. YouTube sailing channels now provide detailed tutorials, creative problem-solving, and (mostly) honest reviews of tools, materials and techniques. Unlike traditional media, where content is produced at a distance, YouTube thrives on participation—creators engage with their audiences, and viewers shape the conversation, ensuring the information remains relevant and grounded in real-world experiences.

Whether you’re overhauling a classic sailboat, fine-tuning your weekend cruiser, or seeking offshore cruising inspiration, the platform facilitates immense knowledge sharing whilst also fostering community within and beyond YouTube itself; the YouTube Sailing Channels Facebook group has almost 40,000 members. YouTube enables even the smallest boatyards and the humblest DIYers to access knowledge that was once the domain of seasoned professionals.

In this article, we’ll explore some of my favorite YouTube sailing videos for boat maintenance, refit advice and general sailing inspiration, highlighting how these creators inspire and equip sailors to take on projects and adventures of their own.

Caveat: It’s always essential to maintain your own common sense and critical analysis to ensure the advice you’re consuming is reliable and applicable to your situation.

1. Comprehensive Sailboat Refit

Video: 54ft SailBoat REFIT: FULL DOCUMENTARY
Channel: Ocean Cruisers – Sailing Voyager

This documentary captures a six-month refit journey transforming a neglected Jeanneau 54DS into a fully equipped, off-grid liveaboard cruiser. The video offers an impressive display of technical know-how, covering a wide range of refit tasks with step-by-step clarity. Here’s what stands out:

Hull Restoration: The process begins with sandblasting the hull back to gelcoat to address layers of old antifouling paint and ensure a clean surface. The application of an epoxy barrier coat provides long-term protection against osmosis. Each stage, from preparation to antifouling, is thoroughly detailed, showcasing material selection and proper application techniques.

Through-Hull Replacement: Every through-hull fitting is replaced, emphasizing the importance of safety and leak prevention. The video explains how to select and install new fittings, using proper bedding materials and ensuring a watertight seal.

Rudder Rebuild: The rudder, showing signs of water intrusion and delamination, is removed, inspected, and rebuilt. This segment covers techniques such as epoxy reinforcement, fiberglass repairs and barrier coating.

Electrical Upgrades: The installation of solar panels, MPPT charge controllers*, and lithium batteries transforms the boat into an energy-efficient platform. The video explains wiring diagrams, cable sizing and system integration, providing viewers with a clear understanding of off-grid power setups.

*The MPPT charge controller ensures that the loads receive maximum current to be used (by quickly charging the battery). Maximum power point could be understood as an ideal voltage at which the maximum power is delivered to the loads, with minimum losses (Source: Sinovolatics).

Interior Refurbishment: Inside the cabin, the refit involves sanding and refinishing woodwork, installing new lighting and upgrading soft furnishings. Techniques for achieving a professional varnish finish and managing limited space are shared, making this section particularly useful for DIYers looking to improve their boat’s aesthetics and functionality.

Anchoring System: The outdated ground tackle is replaced with a modern Rocna anchor and high-grade chain. The video walks through the process of servicing the windlass, ensuring proper operation, and the importance of matching anchor and chain specifications for optimal holding power.

This video doesn’t shy away from the challenges, offering an honest portrayal of the work involved and the costs saved by doing it independently. I recommend this video for sailors considering their own refit projects, providing inspiration, a wealth of technical knowledge, and (necessary) reality checks.

2. Cabin Top Fiberglassing on a Cape George 36

Video: Fiberglassing the Cabin Top on a Cape George 36
Channel: Sailing Magic Carpet

In this video, Aladino and Maya of Sailing Magic Carpet tackle the huge task of fiberglassing the cabin top of their Cape George Cutter 36. They spotlight the technical challenges and detailed planning required for such a large-scale boat project, which is part of a complete refit of the boat they bought sight-unseen.

Preparation: Before fiberglassing, extensive preparation is carried out to ensure a smooth application. The cabin top is sanded thoroughly to remove old material and achieve a smooth surface. Edges of the plywood are rounded and coated with fiberglass to seal the end grain and prevent future water ingress. Aladino highlights the importance of vacuuming and degreasing the surface with acetone to ensure a clean and bondable substrate.

Dry-Fitting the Fiberglass: The fiberglass cloth is dry-fitted and carefully cut to size, with markings made to align each section precisely. This step minimizes movement during application and allows for a more efficient workflow. Aladino uses heavy-duty 19-ounce biaxial cloth with a chopped strand mat layer, chosen for its strength and sanding properties. The chop strand layer acts as a sacrificial surface during fairing to protect the structural fibers beneath.

Application Process: The process begins by wetting out the cabin top with epoxy resin to saturate the substrate before laying the fiberglass cloth. The cloth is then unfolded onto the wet surface, ensuring it stays in place. Additional resin is rolled over the fiberglass to fully saturate it. Aladino emphasizes the importance of working methodically to avoid dry spots or air bubbles, which can compromise the integrity of the finished surface.

Challenges and Solutions: Fiberglassing such a large surface presents multiple challenges, including maintaining proper resin ratios and working within time constraints due to warmer temperatures. Aladino demonstrates effective strategies, such as using slow hardener to extend working time and dividing the job into manageable sections. He also highlights the importance of swapping out tacky rollers and trays mid-project to maintain efficiency.

Fairing and Protection: Once the fiberglass has partially cured, fairing compound is applied to smooth the surface and prepare it for final finishing. This step not only improves aesthetics but also protects the underlying structural layers from sanding damage during the fairing process.

The video concludes with a discussion of how pre-drilled, epoxy-filled holes for hardware installations will prevent water ingress and preserve the integrity of the cabin top.

3. Understanding Amp Hours and Power Consumption on a Sailboat

Video: What is an Amp Hour? Explaining Power Consumption on SV Delos
Channel: Sailing SV Delos

In this educational video, one of my all-time favorite DIY skippers, Brian from SV Delos, provides a clear and accessible explanation of amp hours, a crucial concept for managing onboard power systems. Using relatable analogies and practical demonstrations, he breaks down complex electrical principles into understandable terms for sailors at any level of expertise.

Defining Amp Hours:
Brian begins by defining amp hours as a measure of electrical charge over time. Using a water tank analogy, he compares amp hours to water usage, making it easy for viewers to grasp the relationship between power consumption, battery capacity and time. This foundational explanation sets the stage for a deeper dive into energy management.

Practical Power Consumption Demonstrations:
The video takes a hands-on approach to illustrate how various systems onboard Delos consume power. Using a battery monitor, Brian demonstrates the real-time amp draw of appliances such as the refrigerator, water pump, lights and even the electric toilet. Each example is paired with calculations to estimate daily power consumption, offering a clear framework for sailors to assess their own energy needs.

• Refrigerator: Consumes 1.8 amps and runs approximately 10 hours a day, equating to 18 amp hours.
• Water Pump: Outputs 5 liters per minute, with total daily usage resulting in 1.64 amp hours.
• Electric Toilet: Draws 6 amps per flush, totaling 0.25 amp hours daily for 30 flushes.

Explaining the Power Equation:
Brian simplifies the concept of power using a basic formula:
Power (watts) = Current (amps) × Voltage (volts).

He explains that this relationship helps calculate how much energy your devices use. For example, to estimate power consumption over time, you use the formula:
Amp Hours (Ah) = Current (amps) × Time (hours).

In the video, he shows how a 400 ah battery at 24 volts provides 9,600 watt-hours of energy, the same as an 800 ah battery at 12 volts. This shows how both current and voltage work together to determine the total energy available.

System Efficiency and Inverter Draw:
The video also discusses the inefficiencies of AC systems powered through an inverter. For example, the inverter itself draws 0.3 amps even when idle, illustrating the importance of considering passive energy drains. Brian emphasizes the trade-offs between DC and AC power, urging viewers to think critically about their system design.

Battery Capacity and Usable Power:
The distinction between total battery capacity and usable power is crucial. Delos has a 400-amp-hour 24-volt system, but Brian explains that only 50 percent of this capacity is usable to avoid excessive cycling, which shortens battery lifespan. By maintaining a shallow depth of discharge, sailors can extend battery life from hundreds to thousands of cycles.

Real-World Application:
By calculating Delos’ daily power consumption at anchor (130 amp hours) and comparing it to available capacity, Brian shows the importance of renewable energy inputs like solar and wind to achieve energy independence. The video is great in highlighting how these calculations inform decisions about when to run the generator or adjust usage patterns.

4. Removing and Replacing the Oceanvolt Electric Motor

Video: Removing Oceanvolt and Installing Dual Propulsion
Channel: Sailing Uma

In this episode, Sailing Uma duo Dan and Kika take on the complex task of removing their Oceanvolt electric motor and preparing the hull for a new, innovative propulsion system. As usual with these two, this video demonstrates meticulous problem solving, planning and execution in marine systems.

Removal of the Oceanvolt Motor: The process begins with draining the skeg’s oil, which serves as a cooling and lubricating medium for the motor’s internal components. This step highlights the importance of keeping saltwater out of electrical systems, ensuring longevity and reliability. The motor and its flange are then carefully uninstalled, requiring both technical skill and brute force to break through years of sealant and bedding material.

Grinding and Hull Preparation: After the motor’s removal,  they grind out the old Oceanvolt mounting bed to create a smooth surface for fiberglassing. The importance of masking off the surrounding areas is emphasized to prevent dust contamination throughout the boat. The valuable lesson here is in preparation, the video demonstrates how to efficiently manage workspace cleanliness during messy projects.

Fiberglassing the Hull: The next step involves sealing the large hole left by the removed motor. Using layers of fiberglass and epoxy, they rebuild the hull’s integrity from both the inside and outside. The video includes a detailed explanation of selecting the appropriate fiberglass layup and ensuring proper adhesion, highlighting the need for structural strength for underwater applications.

Planning the Dual Propulsion System: Sailing Uma explain their innovative plan to install two electric motors for enhanced regeneration and propulsion. By splitting the propulsion system into dual units, they aim to increase energy efficiency and redundancy. As can be expected, Dan and Kika (former architecture students known for their impressive design-planning methods) remind viewers of the importance forward-thinking in system design, addressing both practical and performance considerations.

Challenges and Problem-Solving: Unpredictable cold weather presents a challenge during the fiberglassing process, causing delays and requiring the team to adapt by tenting and heating the workspace.

Sailing Uma have commented in the past that even they refer back to their own videos to remember steps they’ve done on various refit projects. Their videos really spotlight the value of iterative learning and innovation in boat refits and knowledge sharing. In documenting their process, Sailing Uma provides both themselves and millions of boat-owning viewers a detailed guide for anyone considering major propulsion system changes, with valuable insights into both the technical and logistical aspects of such a project.

5. Building Wharram Catamarans with Hanneke Boon

Video: Epoxy Fillets for Boatbuilding with Hanneke Boon
Channel: Wharram Design and Build

In this instructional video, Hanneke Boon, head of Wharram Designs, demonstrates the process of creating epoxy fillets, an essential technique in building and maintaining Wharram catamarans. The video is a practical guide for sailors and DIY boat builders, offering a detailed walkthrough of this critical method. As Hanneke humorously remarked, “If you need to ask a question about how to do epoxy fillets, I need to go and make a better video.”

The Purpose of Epoxy Fillets: Epoxy fillets reinforce joints by removing sharp angles, which are weak points prone to cracking. Fillets provide a smooth, curved connection between surfaces, distributing stress evenly and preparing the joint for fiberglass application.

Preparation and Tools: Hanneke highlights the tools needed: epoxy resin, hardener, a microsphere blend filler, a mixing pot, a metal mixing knife, thin plywood spatulas, a chisel-shaped scraper, gloves and a dust mask. The filler is mixed into the resin and hardener until a thick, smooth consistency is achieved. Hanneke stresses the importance of mixing carefully to avoid dust and using a clean, organized workspace.

Application Technique: The epoxy mixture is applied to the joint with a spatula, ensuring sufficient filler is used for shaping in a single operation. A semi-circular spatula is used to draw the fillet smoothly, and excess filler is scraped back into the pot for reuse. Hanneke demonstrates how to shape the fillet evenly, clean up edges with a chisel-shaped stick, and smooth imperfections by adding more filler where necessary.

Finishing Touches: After shaping the fillet, the edges are cleaned, and the fillet is left to cure. For a perfect finish, Hanneke advises sanding the fillets and applying a clear resin coating. The video concludes by showcasing the seamless, professional look of completed epoxy fillets, integrated into the clean interior of a Wharram catamaran.

Hanneke’s methodical approach and attention to detail make this video an excellent guide for builders (we will be referring to it time and again as we build our own Wharram Designs Narai Mk IV). Her practical tips, such as reusing excess filler and drawing the fillet in one sweep, help streamline the process and minimize waste. This is an essential watch for anyone building or repairing a Wharram design or similar.

6. Fiberglassing Over Plywood

Video: How to Fiberglass Over Plywood
Channel: Fish Bump TV

Captain Joe Buskins, a second-generation professional boat builder, provides an in-depth guide on fiberglassing plywood. This video is a goldmine for anyone looking to learn or refine their skills in this foundational aspect of boat construction and repair.

Preparation is Key: Buskins emphasizes that the success of fiberglassing lies in meticulous preparation. He starts with Marine fir plywood, noting its compatibility with fiberglass resin. Before applying any resin, the surface is sanded aggressively using a 24-grit disc grinder. This step introduces a “mechanical bond” by creating a rough texture for the resin to grip. He also stresses the importance of ensuring the wood is dry, using a heat gun to eliminate any residual moisture, as resin and water are incompatible.

Edge Rounding and Priming: To avoid fiberglass delamination, sharp edges are rounded off. Buskins demonstrates two methods: using a grinder for a freehand approach and a palm router for precision. He finishes the edges with sandpaper to ensure a smooth, consistent radius, roughly the width of a finger, which helps the fiberglass conform to the surface without lifting.

Before laying fiberglass, he primes the wood with an isophthalic polyester resin. The primer coat is thinned slightly with styrene monomer for better penetration into the wood’s fibers. Buskins advises against thinning with acetone, a common but suboptimal practice. This initial resin coat is applied with a bristle brush and worked in thoroughly to saturate the wood, enhancing the bond.

Fiberglassing Process: Buskins uses two types of fiberglass material: chop strand mat (CSM) and biaxial cloth. Each material has unique properties—CSM is excellent for bonding layers, while biaxial cloth provides structural strength. For most applications, he recommends a staggered layering technique. Each layer of fiberglass is cut to size beforehand, with progressively narrower widths to ensure a smooth transition between layers and avoid “hard points” that could weaken the structure.

Applying Fiberglass: The process begins by wetting out the primed surface with resin, ensuring the fiberglass adheres without trapping air bubbles. Buskins demonstrates using a roller to evenly saturate the fiberglass with resin, pointing out the importance of achieving a semi-transparent finish that indicates proper saturation. He follows this with a grooved roller to remove air pockets and ensure the fiberglass conforms tightly to the substrate.

Corners and Fillets: For corners, Buskins uses a short-strand fiberglass filler to create a smooth radius. This ensures the fiberglass layers bond well without voids. He uses flexible blades to apply and shape the filler, achieving a consistent radius that matches the edges prepared earlier.

Tips and Tricks

• Mixing Resin and Catalyst: Buskins provides clear guidance on resin-to-catalyst ratios, adjusting the mix based on temperature and the desired cure time. He advises mixing thoroughly and avoiding large batches to prevent exothermic reactions that can lead to wasted resin or safety hazards.
• Layering Technique: For optimal strength, Buskins staggers the layers of fiberglass, ensuring overlaps are smooth and evenly distributed. This approach minimizes weak points and creates a professional finish.
• Managing Heat and Timing: He highlights the importance of working efficiently once resin is catalyzed, particularly in warm conditions where curing time is shorter.

Buskins’ attention to detail and his ability to explain complex techniques in a practical, approachable way along with his emphasis on preparation, material selection and application technique makes this video an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced boat builders (my husband has it saved in his “favorites”).

7. Designing and Building a Hardtop Dodger

Video: Building a Hardtop Dodger for Avocet
Channel: Sailing Avocet

In this video, Sailing Avocet (known for their refit videos) takes on the ambitious project of designing and building a custom hardtop dodger for their boat. Combining skills in fiberglassing, fairing, metalwork and sewing, they create a functional and aesthetic solution that supports solar panels while providing weather protection. The video demonstrates both technical proficiency and the collaborative spirit necessary in driving successful DIY boat projects.

Concept and Design: The project begins with an evaluation of the old canvas dodger, which had deteriorated over time with sun-bleached canvas, a wobbly frame, and cloudy Strataglass. After consulting with seasoned sailors, they decide on a hybrid design: a hardtop for durability and solar panel support, paired with removable canvas sides for ventilation and ease of cleaning.

Marissa, one half of the Avocet crew, sketches various designs before settling on a final concept. Using MDF as a template, Chris constructs a mold for the hardtop, carefully shaping it to match the existing dodger frame. This step involves frequent adjustments to ensure the design looks good and integrates seamlessly with the boat’s structure.

Fiberglassing the Hardtop: Chris selects Nidaplast, a factory-scored honeycomb core, for the hardtop. Its lightweight, rot-resistant and flexible properties make it ideal for marine applications. The core is cut to shape using the old dodger as a template, ensuring a perfect fit.

Two layers of 1708 fiberglass cloth are applied to each side of the core for strength. Due to the size of the cloth, Chris enlists the help of a friend for the layup. Challenges arise as the weight of the epoxy and fiberglass causes the mold to sag in some areas. To counteract this, Chris improvises with boat hooks, battens and other supports to maintain the desired shape.

Fairing and Underside Reinforcements: Once the top skin cures, fairing compound is applied directly onto the wet fiberglass for a chemical bond. This step reduces the need for sanding and preserves the material’s thickness. Despite achieving a smooth exterior, Chris realizes the hardtop lacks the rigidity needed for lateral and torsional forces.

To address this, he installs parallel stringers made of Divinycell foam, which are secured with fiberglass and epoxy. These stringers not only reinforce the structure but also create a raised platform for mounting solar panels. The underside of the hardtop is then glassed and faired to complete the structural work.

Metal Frame Construction: The frame for the dodger is constructed from lightweight aluminum tubing, chosen for its durability and ease of fabrication. Collaborating with a skilled metalworker, Chris ensures the frame is strong and properly aligned. The hardtop is temporarily hoisted above the cockpit to determine the optimal height and tilt before finalizing the frame design.

Finishing Touches: After several days of sanding and applying primer, the hardtop is painted using a professional-grade spray application at a local boatyard. Wiring conduits are embedded within the core to run electrical lines for lights and solar panels, ensuring a clean and seamless appearance.

The canvas sides are crafted using Sunbrella fabric and a Sailrite sewing machine. Mitch, a friend with canvas experience, introduces a templating technique that simplifies the process. The panels are fitted with zippers and clear Tuffak windows, providing weather protection and visibility.

Solar Panel Installation: With the hardtop completed, the team installs three 100-watt Renogy solar panels. These are mounted to the stringers using pins, allowing for easy removal when cleaning or replacing the panels. This addition enhances the boat’s energy independence while maintaining the hardtop’s sleek design.

The project faced its share of challenges, from structural issues to accidental damage during priming. However, these setbacks were met with adaptability and support from friends and the sailing community. The end result is a durable, functional and visually appealing hardtop dodger that enhances life aboard Avocet.

8. Solo Atlantic Crossing: A Poetic Reflection

Video: Solo Atlantic Crossing | Kiana Weltzien
Channel: Kiana Weltzien

There’s a quiet beauty in the rhythm of the ocean, a stillness that Kiana Weltzien captures with grace during her solo Atlantic crossing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean that has since amassed over 1 million views. This video, shot on an old smartphone, is not a tutorial or technical breakdown; it is an immersive, observational celebration of the human spirit and an exploration of human-ocean kinship.

The video begins with Kiana’s candid reflection—a seed of an idea planted late in the sailing season. Her decision to embark on a westward crossing in April is unorthodox, even a little risky (though on brand for Kiana). Her calm determination sets the tone: This is not a video about rushing or conquest but one of surrendering to the elements and embracing the unknown. Her soft-spoken excitement and nerves are relatable, inviting the viewer into her intimate world aboard her boat, a 50-year-old Wharram Designs named Mara Noka.

As the days stretch into weeks, Kiana reveals the meditative rituals that fill her time at sea. Morning tea becomes a ceremony, the sunrise her daily affirmation. She often stays in bed, resting between the sporadic demands of navigation and ship monitoring, creating a natural rhythm dictated by the ocean itself. From moving her outboard engine on deck to avoid accidental submersion to preparing meals only to realize it’s far earlier than expected, these small moments reflect the unique temporal distortion of solo sailing.

Amidst the isolation, there are fleeting brushes with others—ships passing too close for comfort in crowded shipping lanes and a single sailboat appearing on the horizon, a rare moment of human interaction after 23 days alone. Her radio crackles with life, a brief exchange about the world’s state, before silence returns. It’s a poignant reminder of how vast the ocean can feel and how precious human connection becomes.

The video captures the visceral experience of life at sea: the heat of the sun, the unpredictability of squalls, and the relentless swell. The ever-changing moods of the ocean, from glassy calm to messy chop, serve as both a challenge and a comfort. Kiana’s reflections highlight her growing appreciation for wind and weather, a reminder of how the sea shapes not only a journey but the solo sailor herself.

One reason I believe this video went viral is that it reflects more than a crossing (already a remarkable feat in itself) but a meditation on life, on a platform teaming with videos typically beckoning hyper-paced lifestyles and excess consumption. As Kiana closes in on Guadeloupe, her gratitude for the journey and its lessons is palpable. She celebrates the simplest pleasures—a full night’s sleep, fresh fruit, and an unhurried shower—while also confessing a longing to remain at sea, cradled by its rhythm forever (she later goes on to complete several Atlantic crossings, fulfilling her desire to sail slowly alone at sea).

The video ends not just with landfall but with a call to action. Kiana’s message is clear: follow the pull of your dreams, no matter how small or improbable they seem. Her words resonate deeply: “Start moving your life in that direction… You’ve got this.”

Bottom Line

YouTube can be a helpful resource for your sailing DIY projects. It’s an entertaining and educational place where you can learn from others’ mistakes and expertise. If you haven’t checked out Practical Sailor’s channel, you can find it here.

PS Note: This is not an endorsement of these channels in their entirety, just the specific videos mentioned.