Restoring Sarinda’s rudders starts with a deceptively basic problem: the original hydraulic pipes were removed when the aft deck was replaced, and the new structural beams no longer have matching passages for them. Simon’s solution is practical and easy to follow, using the old openings to create a hardboard template before drilling twenty 22 mm holes through the new beams. The care taken over alignment pays off when the long pipe sections begin sliding through with relatively little resistance, giving the early part of the project a satisfying sense of measurable progress.
Much of the appeal comes from watching problems emerge naturally rather than seeing a perfectly planned installation. A homemade guide for feeding pipe through the beams works until masking tape fails to hold it securely, bulky valves prove different from what Simon expected, and missing adapters force another trip to the hydraulic supplier. He openly admits that this type of hydraulic work is new to him, so the episode functions less as authoritative instruction than as a record of practical problem-solving. That distinction is important because some choices are based on judgment and experimentation rather than a demonstrated manufacturer procedure.
The pipework itself becomes increasingly involved once the straight runs reach the stern. Flexible hoses, valves, ninety-degree fittings and a bypass arrangement all have to fit within a confined space, while several rigid sections require careful measuring and bending. Simon does a good job of explaining why he tackles the simpler runs first so they establish reference positions for the more awkward sections. His repeated efforts to blow debris from cut pipes, tighten connections and check valve operation also show an awareness that small mistakes could become troublesome once the system is filled.
Bleeding the steering system provides the episode’s strongest technical sequence because the outcome is uncertain and the process is visible. Simon fills the shared reservoir, disconnects lines into a container and repeatedly turns the wheel while watching for fluid movement and trapped air. He gradually works out how the manual steering pump is drawing fluid back through the circuit, adjusts the bypass valve and eventually gets a noticeably firm wheel when the valves are closed. The narration sometimes becomes repetitive during this trial-and-error process, but the persistence makes the eventual pressure buildup feel earned rather than staged.
Testing remains necessarily incomplete because Sarinda is sitting in the mud rather than floating freely. The rudders do respond, and Simon is able to move them individually enough to conclude that the hydraulic circuit is functioning, although he notices greater resistance when one cylinder retracts and does not establish the exact cause. He sensibly avoids treating that observation as a confirmed diagnosis. Because the full rudder sweep cannot be tested under normal operating conditions, the episode demonstrates substantial progress without proving that every part of the rebuilt steering system is ready for service.
The final stretch broadens into finishing work, including fabrication of supports for the new hydraulic lines and painting inside the aft saloon roof. The handmade pipe clamp is a particularly good example of the project's improvisational character, turning a slightly inaccurate cut into a usable support rather than starting over. A brief conversation with a crew member away fishing adds personality, while Simon’s acknowledgement of recent mental-health struggles gives some context to why working on the boat matters to him. These diversions make the episode more personal, though the painting sequence does dilute the otherwise strong focus on the steering installation before time runs out with one bracket still unfinished.
Pros
- The alignment template and drilling process clearly show how the new pipe routes are established through the rebuilt structure.
- Problems with fittings, valves, pipe bends and missing adapters are shown rather than edited out, making the installation feel credible and instructive.
- The bleeding sequence provides a useful visual account of trapped air gradually leaving the hydraulic circuit and pressure returning to the wheel.
- Simon consistently distinguishes his own experimentation from certainty, particularly when discussing unfamiliar hydraulic components and the uneven cylinder resistance.
- Fabricated supports address the long-term need to secure the new pipework rather than simply leaving a functioning but unfinished installation.
Cons
- The steering system cannot receive a complete operational test because the vessel is not floating freely.
- Some hydraulic decisions are made through trial and error, so the episode should not be treated as a definitive installation guide.
- The extended bleeding process becomes repetitive once the basic method is established.
- The later painting work interrupts the hydraulic focus, while one planned support bracket remains unfinished.
The rebuild succeeds as an engaging workshop episode because progress comes through measurement, fabrication and repeated troubleshooting rather than a frictionless installation. Its technical value is limited by the incomplete final test and Simon’s admitted lack of experience with this particular hydraulic setup, but the careful observation of what works and what still needs checking makes the project easy to invest in.
