Unsinking an Italian Yacht: The Epic Salvage Mission

In this riveting episode of B is for Build, the intrepid team finds themselves in a race against time to salvage a half-sunken Italian yacht, the Riva Tropicana. With pumps running and water gushing, they are determined to uncover the cause of the sinking and put a stop to it. This luxurious vessel, a true symbol of opulence, had been their pride and joy until it met its watery demise. But fear not, for our heroes are not ones to back down from a challenge.

Armed with their unwavering determination, they recount the boat's journey from Seattle to Portland, a voyage that ended abruptly with a blown engine. Undeterred, they embarked on a mission to revamp the entire boat, replacing the outdated engines with powerful Texas Speed LSX engines. Alas, fate had other plans, and on a fateful January day, the boat sank, leaving the team in a state of shock and disbelief.

Now, with the boat partially afloat, the team faces a new problem - leaks. Despite their best efforts, water continues to seep in, challenging their resolve. They suspect that the side vents are to blame and work diligently to plug them, hoping that this will finally bring them some respite. The tension is palpable as they anxiously await the moment when the boat will rise above the waterline, allowing them to assess the extent of the damage.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Our fearless host takes a moment to thank the sponsor of the episode, Marvel Strike Force, a game that allows players to assemble their dream team of superheroes and villains. A brief respite from the chaos, but soon it's back to the task at hand. With each passing moment, the boat inches closer to salvation, and the team's spirits lift as they witness the back of the boat emerging from the depths.

As they delve deeper into the cabin, hope begins to flicker anew. They pump out the water, revealing a boat that, despite its trials, still possesses an air of grandeur. However, the source of the leak remains elusive, leaving them to ponder the mysteries of the deep. Yet, their determination remains unyielding, and they press on, removing furniture and searching for answers.

Finally, a breakthrough! They locate the leak, a faulty raw water pump, and quickly set to work fixing it. Relief washes over them as they realize that this is a problem they can conquer. With renewed vigor, they continue to pump out the water, inching closer to victory. The boat is slowly but surely rising, and the team can almost taste the sweet triumph of a mission accomplished.

In the face of adversity, the team at B is for Build proves that with determination, resourcefulness, and a touch of good fortune, even the grandest of vessels can be salvaged from the depths of despair. Stay tuned for the next thrilling chapter in their epic journey.

Watch Re-Floating My 30yr Old Italian Yacht - What Made It Sink? on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for Re-Floating My 30yr Old Italian Yacht - What Made It Sink?

Winterizing the engine by running antifreeze through the raw water system is a common practice for boat owners.
Installing a valve at the start of the raw water system and draining the system can prevent water from freezing during winter.
Checking the state of the engines, including spark plugs and oil, is important after a flooding incident.
Using an expandable plug with an air line in the raw water outlet and pressurizing the system can help empty the system for winterization.
Closing raw water valves and replacing through hull valves are recommended to prevent water from getting into the boat.
Adding a blow-down connection can help remove water from the system when leaving the boat in cold months.
Insulating the engine area and using halogen lights can help keep the area warm enough to prevent freezing.
Installing a water alarm can provide notifications if the water level rises above a certain level.
In Norway, boats are either taken out of the water and stored or the engine is winterized with antifreeze.
Double clamping hose connections and using a bilge alarm are recommended for boat owners.
Some users express sympathy for the situation and commend the positive attitude of the boat owner.
Suggestions include using a trailer to store the boat during winter, installing a bilge alarm with cell phone notification, and using heat tapes or dehumidifiers.
Some users question why the through hull valves were not closed and suggest consulting with a marine mechanic for winterization details.
Others mention the importance of experience and learning from mistakes, as well as the need for insurance coverage.
Some users express interest in the process of re-floating the boat and the cost of hiring a salvage crew.
There are comments about the need for heated bilge pumps, insulating the boat, and using stopcocks or valves to drain the water from the system.
A few users make jokes or sarcastic remarks about the situation.