Navigating with Céci and Léa Jo

Cécile And Léa Jo
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

A no-fluff podcast for sailors and cruisers who want real navigation, real systems, and real offshore solutions. We break down weather routing, anchoring, marine electrical, GPS resilience, safety gear, satellite comms, lithium upgrades, connectivity, and the apps and tools that actually work at sea. Learn what works, what fails, and what’s worth your time and money — so you can cruise smarter, safer, and more confidently, based on hands-on experience, not theory or hype.

  1. Sep 15

    Diesel Heating Ep 6 of 6: Troubleshooting — When It Goes Wrong

    Nine out of ten diesel heater problems have a simple fix. The tenth one is usually the glow plug. Neither one requires a new heater. But without knowing what the error codes mean — or what white smoke versus black smoke is telling you — most people replace a unit they didn't need to and repeat the same mistake on the next one. This final episode is your field guide. You'll get the complete error code library — E-01 through E-04 — with a likely cause, a DIY fix, and the parts you'll actually need for each. Then the visual diagnostics: what white smoke, black smoke, and different shutdown patterns are signaling, and what to do about each. The episode goes deep on the Big Three failures: the E-01 voltage drop that kills cold-morning starts, the glow plug failure behind 90% of "won't start" problems, and the priming procedure that gets the heater running again after storage or fuel system work. One multimeter. Twenty minutes. You can fix most of this yourself. In this episode: The complete error code library: E-01, E-02, E-03, E-04 — cause and fix for eachWhite smoke vs. black smoke — reading your heater's diagnostic signalsShutdown loops, ticking noise, priming failures, and altitude stallingThe E-01 deep dive: voltage drop, wire gauge, and how to verify with a multimeterGlow plug testing and replacement — the $20 fix that solves 90% of failuresThe priming procedure after storage — and why over-priming is a fire riskWhen to fix it yourself vs. when to call a professionalFree troubleshooting quick-reference card at seeseayou.com

    Diesel Heating Ep 6 of 6: Troubleshooting — When It Goes Wrong

  2. Sep 15

    Diesel Heating Ep 5 of 6: Keep It Alive — Maintenance, Winterization & Fuel Management

    The number one cause of diesel heater failure isn't a bad unit. It's a good unit run wrong. Run at low power day after day, carbon builds silently on the burner screen, the evaporator pad, and the glow plug — until one cold morning the unit won't start. Nothing broke. It just wasn't maintained. This episode covers the complete maintenance system that keeps a diesel heater running reliably for years. You'll learn the hot burn protocol that self-cleans the combustion chamber before carbon accumulates, and the professional kerosene de-soot method for when it already has. You'll also get the full maintenance calendar — monthly, seasonal, and annual — plus the fuel management approach that prevents diesel from gelling, absorbing moisture, or growing algae in your tank. Because what's in the tank matters as much as what's in the heater. Finally: glow plug testing. One measurement with a multimeter tells you whether to replace it now or wait — and knowing this one test fixes 90% of "won't start" problems before they happen. In this episode: The hot burn protocol — why running at max power for 30 minutes prevents carbon buildupThe kerosene de-soot method used by professionalsMonthly, seasonal, and annual maintenance calendarWhy diesel is hygroscopic — and the 30-day storage rule for your tankFuel gelling, algae, and the additives that prevent bothGlow plug testing with a multimeter — the one measurement that predicts failureLong-term storage and pickling procedure for off-seasonFree annual maintenance checklist at seeseayou.com

    Diesel Heating Ep 5 of 6: Keep It Alive — Maintenance, Winterization & Fuel Management

  3. Sep 15

    Diesel Heating Ep 4 of 6: CO Safety & Fire Prevention

    Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and kills faster than almost any other household hazard. In an enclosed boat, van, or RV, a compromised exhaust system is one of the most dangerous situations you can be in — and the symptoms mimic seasickness and flu until it's too late. This episode covers what CO actually does to your body, why the detector you bought at the hardware store won't protect you afloat, and the exact protocols that keep you and your crew safe. You'll leave knowing: The biology of CO poisoning in plain English — and the exposure thresholds that matterWhy household CO detectors fail in marine and mobile environmentsThe two marine-rated detectors worth buying: Fireboy/Xintex CMD-3M vs. MTI Safe-T-AlertWhere to place your detector — and where not toThe fire prevention clearances, fuel shut-off requirements, and ventilation rules you needThe step-by-step CO emergency protocol — including why you don't re-enter until the exhaust system is inspectedFree CO safety quick-reference card at seeseayou.com.

    Diesel Heating Ep 4 of 6: CO Safety & Fire Prevention

  4. Sep 15

    Diesel Heating Ep 3 of 6: The Silent Cabin & Smart Controllers

    A diesel heater that ticks all night isn't a comfort upgrade — it's a sleep problem. This episode solves it. The rhythmic fuel pump tick is the most common complaint in every diesel heater forum. There are four specific upgrades that eliminate it, and one popular "fix" that actually makes it worse. We cover all of them. Then we go into controllers — because the difference between a standard LCD controller and a logic-type PID/PWM controller isn't just convenience. It's the difference between a heater that short-cycles and soots, and one that modulates smoothly, runs clean, and lasts. You'll leave knowing: Why the rubber pump sleeve often amplifies the tick instead of killing itThe four upgrades that actually work: silent pump, fuel line damper, marine muffler, sound deadeningWhat a logic-type controller does that a standard LCD cannotWhy altitude above 5,000 ft causes sooting — and how the Afterburner controller solves it automaticallyHow to turn a budget unit into a quiet, efficient, smart systemFree silent cabin upgrade kit list at seeseayou.com.

    Diesel Heating Ep 3 of 6: The Silent Cabin & Smart Controllers

  5. Sep 15

    Diesel Heating Ep 2 of 6: Installing It Right — Fuel, Exhaust & Electrical

    Installation is where most diesel heater problems begin — and where the serious ones live. This episode covers the three subsystems that determine whether your install is safe and reliable, or a fire and carbon monoxide risk: fuel, exhaust, and electrical. The green plastic fuel line that came in your budget kit will crack. The standard muffler leaks CO. And if your wiring is too thin, your heater will fail to start every cold morning — not because it's broken, but because voltage drops below 12.4V during glow plug ignition. This episode fixes all of that before you ever fire it up. You'll leave knowing: Why cheap fuel lines fail and what ABYC A-7 compliant materials to use insteadThe correct exhaust architecture for marine installs: mixing elbow, waterlift muffler, high-loop riser, anti-siphon valveThe "station wagon effect" — how exhaust gets sucked back into your cabin at anchorWhy wire gauge and direct battery connection matter more than most guides admitThe priming procedure — and why over-priming is a genuine fire riskApplies equally to boats, vans, and RVs. Marine-grade safety standards, explained in plain English. Free installation safety checklist at seeseayou.com.

    Diesel Heating Ep 2 of 6: Installing It Right — Fuel, Exhaust & Electrical

  6. Sep 15

    Diesel Heating Ep1 of 6: Why Diesel Heat? The Case for Cozy & Choosing Your Unit

    You're about to buy a diesel heater. This episode makes sure you buy the right one. In 45 minutes you'll understand how a diesel heater actually works, why the single most common buying mistake is sizing too large, and how to match your exact situation — space, climate, budget, and tolerance for maintenance — to the right unit. We cover the full brand landscape without a sponsorship agenda: Premium European (Webasto, Espar), Mid-Range (Autoterm, Planar), Budget Chinese (Vevor, Hcalory, Wayska), and Marine-Specific (Wallas) — what each tier actually delivers and who each one is for. You'll leave knowing: How forced-air and hydronic systems differ — and which one fits your setupThe four factors that determine correct sizing: space volume, insulation, minimum temperature, and altitudeWhy an oversized heater short-cycles, soots the burner, and fails early — and how to avoid itHow to compare brand tiers honestly, from $66 to $3,800A clear decision framework: three questions that point you to the right unitNo forum wars. No marketing. Just what you need to make a confident decision. Free one-page sizing guide at seeseayou.com.

    Diesel Heating Ep1 of 6: Why Diesel Heat? The Case for Cozy & Choosing Your Unit

  7. Jan 25

    Mastering the Gulf Stream: The Ultimate Guide to Crossing from Florida to the Bahamas. Expert Tactics on Navigation, Weather Windows, and Navigating the New 2025/2026 feesFees & Regulations.

    Mastering the Stream: The Ultimate Guide to Crossing from Florida to the Bahamas (2026 Edition) The crossing from Florida to the Bahamas is more than just a 50-mile trip; it is a rite of passage that requires respect for one of the most powerful hydrodynamic forces on Earth. Whether you are a first-time crosser or a seasoned veteran navigating the recent regulatory shifts of 2025 and 2026, this episode is your comprehensive tactical briefing. We break down the crossing into five critical phases to ensure you arrive safely and legally in paradise: Phase 1: The Hydrodynamic Beast – Understanding the Gulf Stream as a "river in the ocean" that flows north at up to 5 knots. We discuss the "Captain’s Veto": the absolute law of never crossing with a northerly wind component (N, NE, NW), which creates dangerous "square waves". Phase 2: Geometry & The "Three-Finger" Rule – Why pointing your bow at your destination is a recipe for failure. Learn the art of "Crabbing" to maintain a high speed over ground and how to use Sea Surface Temperature (SST) maps to find favorable eddies. Phase 3: Timing the Perfect Window – How to read the clocking winds after a cold front passes. We discuss why the "calendar" is the most dangerous piece of equipment on your boat and which professional routing tools you should trust. Phase 4: The 2026 Regulatory Outlook – A deep dive into the 2025 fee hikes and the mandatory anchorage fees that shook the cruising community. We provide the latest updates on the Bahamian government’s 2026 pivot to make the islands more competitive and welcoming again. Phase 5: Digital Logistics & Click2Clear – Practical advice on clearing customs in 2026. We share the "Pro-Tip" of completing your inward declaration while still in Florida to avoid the frustration of spotty island signals. Weather & Routing: PredictWind, Chris Parker’s Marine Weather Center, and WRI. Regulatory Portals: Click2Clear for Bahamian Cruising Permits and the CBP ROAM app for US re-entry. Compliance: US Customs Decal requirements and the mandatory use of AIS for vessels over 50 feet. In This EpisodeKey Resources Mentioned

  8. 11/30/2025

    8 of 8 ~ Design Your System: From Wish List to Action Plan. The 8-Step Blueprint for Creating Your Ultimate Battery & Charging Setup.

    Congratulations! You have completed the technical journey. We've gone from vocabulary and auditing your consumption to mastering complex wiring and alternator protection. In this final, definitive episode, we synthesize all seven steps into a coherent, actionable System Design Plan or Spec Sheet. This episode provides the blueprint for avoiding common and expensive mistakes by matching your energy needs (consumption) to the right components (production). Reconfirm the Foundation: Finalize your Total Daily Amp-hour Consumption and define your Usable Capacity Target based on the Two-Day Buffer Rule. Define the Tank: Solidify your Chemistry Choice (Lithium vs. Lead-Acid) and the required nominal Amp-hour size. Choose the Refills: Determine your optimal mix of Solar Watts, Shore Charger Amps, and Alternator Amps to meet your daily deficit. Select the Safety Strategy: Commit to the necessary protection (External Regulation or DC-DC Current Limiting) to ensure your engine and batteries have a long, safe life. Build the Infrastructure: Define the high-current cable runs that must be sized for 3% Voltage Drop and ensure proper fusing (ABYC standards). Specify the Smart Devices: List the mandatory management components: Shunt-based Monitor (Mandatory), necessary DC-DC Converters, and a Pure Sine Wave Inverter. We walk you through three practical system archetypes (Budget Upgrade, Modern Cruiser, Off-Grid Ultimate) so you can accurately spec out your project, purchase components confidently, and approach any installer with an intelligent, clear scope of work. 📚 The Electrical Mastery Series Progression: (The Complete Blueprint) Episode 1: Foundations (Volts, Amps, Ah, 50% Rule) Episode 2: The Power Audit (Calculating Ah/Day) Episode 3: The Tank – Battery Chemistry Trade-Offs (Lead-Acid vs. Lithium) Episode 4: The Refill – Charging Sources & Strategy (Alternators, Solar, Generator) Episode 5: Wiring for Safety (Voltage Drop, Fuses, Wire Sizing) Episode 6: DC-DC Chargers & Smart Charging (The Traffic Cop) Episode 7: The Alternator Problem (Thermal Protection) Episode 8: Design Your System (Your Final Action Plan)

See All (25)

About

A no-fluff podcast for sailors and cruisers who want real navigation, real systems, and real offshore solutions. We break down weather routing, anchoring, marine electrical, GPS resilience, safety gear, satellite comms, lithium upgrades, connectivity, and the apps and tools that actually work at sea. Learn what works, what fails, and what’s worth your time and money — so you can cruise smarter, safer, and more confidently, based on hands-on experience, not theory or hype.

Information

You Might Also Like