019 Diesel Bacteria? Polish fuel!

Better come prepared if you aim to sail the seas of the world. I feel it’s a zoo without fences. And it will bite you in the butt if you assume it will be ok.

So, a working Diesel engine, especially if the weather deteriorates, is a welcome addition to a sailboat that wants to reach port. But with the new biofuel in, at least the Netherlands, a new enemy arose: diesel bacteria…

In this episode I try to explain the problem and create a solution that reduces the change these little friendly creatures to stop our engine from running. I’m installing a fuel polisher! A way to pump the diesel trough debug (bacteria killer) and a Separ (diesel filter) into the day tank. This way I always know we have clean diesel in the day tank which should help to up the reliability of the Diesel engine itself.

For those who don't know me or us: I am Jan and together with my wife Sacha and son Stef I’d like to set sail for a longer period of time! Great to learn you found this video which is a stap in preparing to set sail in 2024 on our Koopmans aluminum 36 foot Sailboat, Wind Rose.

The plan was conceived in 2006 and we have been working towards it ever since. With the purchase of Wind Rose, our go anywhere aluminum sailboat, we committed to our departure.

We don't know the destination(s), the duration or the route yet, but we do know we want to make the change and explore the world. At least for a year but who knows what happens.

Why 2024, you might wonder. Something with school and the hope Stef will join us at least parts of the trip. Also, we have to improve our sailing skills, our comfort level doing so and some upgrades to Wind Rose. But when does a journey start? For us it already did. Preparing is just an intermediate step between every sail :).

Here on YouTube we take you along in our preparation with regular updates. Because Jan likes it and likes to show you that you can alter course if you put your mind to it.

Enjoy and don't hesitate to leave a comment! :)