The Offshore Voyaging Reference Site
A refit of an old boat can be the best way to go cruising on a budget, but refits can also go horribly wrong with heart and budget breaking consequences. Three deeply experienced voyagers with some ten refits between them share how to do a great refit at a reasonable cost.
New boats are horribly expensive, so most of us will be faced with refitting an older boat to get out there. We have recently reorganized all of our many articles on how to do just that.
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It seems like a logical way to own a good offshore sailboat. Buy an older and a bit rundown but fundamentally decent boat and refit it. But does it really work? To explore that important question, I have a true story to tell you.
Members
When the subject comes up of buying an old and tired boat and refitting it as a way to get out there ocean voyaging inexpensively, John tends to start throwing around a lot of cold reality, and generally being a spoil sport. But sometimes this approach can work.
Members
If you want to know what it takes to restore a 30-year old sailboat and some tips on how to get going, we have a link for you. It will either convert you to the older-boat-restoration option or scare you witless (maybe both!).
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For many impecunious youngsters around the world a ‘project’ is the only chance of getting out on the ocean road, and good luck and full respect to them.
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