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Home » News » SWD News & Stories » Boat Renovations and Restorations 101

Boat Renovations and Restorations 101

Posted on March 8, 2022 and filed under SWD News & Stories

There’s an intangible, but visceral feeling we get when we hear the rumble of the engine and smell the exhaust of a Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS or view the way the bow of 1962 Riva Aquarama cuts through the water. It’s almost hard to put into words other than to say it’s magical. And despite the best efforts of the modern design world, there’s just something about the classics that can’t be replicated or replaced. Some things simply can’t be improved upon.

This mighty 1937 Purdy commuter yacht, Aphrodite , was completely restored at Brooklin Boat Yard with design support from Stephens Waring. Her rehabilitation shows how traditional design and technological innovation each have their place on the water. With redesigned propulsion and steering systems, new tanks and plumbing systems, and completely revamped interior, she offers a thrilling glimpse at what yachting was like in the 1930s—with all the comforts of today. Photo credit: Benjamin Mendlowitz

And in the fast-fashion world we live in, where it seems like half of what we buy has been replaced with a newer version before we leave the store, it gives us a good feeling to keep something old going, or better yet, to bring something from the past back to life.

Stephens Waring worked with the owner of this classic 45’ Huckins, called Northern Spy , to rebuild the hull structure to accept the most modern of power plants: twin Volvo IPS drives. In the classic Huckins QuadroConic hull form, the IPS performs marvelously, boosting speed, cutting fuel consumption, and increasing maneuverability. Photo credit: Alison Langley

But for every unicorn rebuild project, there are plenty of renovation and restoration disasters along the way. Conversely, there is a mountain of smaller, less illustrious restorations and renovations, implemented successfully, which didn’t require the net worth of a Saudi Sheik to accomplish, but still extended the life and enjoyment of an old and beloved boat.

Big or small, iconic or sentimental, the key to any successful restoration project is figuring out how to identify the right fixer-upper and arming oneself with the knowledge to enter into a rebuild project with a clear understanding of the challenges, costs, and risks along the way.

Renovations vs. Restorations

The terms renovation and restoration are often used interchangeably. And while they may be close cousins, the goal and outcomes of a renovation or restoration project can be quite different in terms of objective, scope, and cost.

What is Restoration?

The bridge of Aphrodite was restored to match the original materials and controls of the vessel. Materials including varnished mahogany were carefully matched and rebuilt based on the original design specifications. Right image photo credit: Benjamin Mendlowitz

The primary objective of a restoration project is to bring a boat back to its original design and construction as closely as possible. Good restoration experts put significant time into researching the origins and background of the original build including understanding the history of the designer, construction techniques of the time, design philosophy, parts suppliers, and material sources.

In 2014, French & Webb and Kurt Hasselbalch, curator of the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Hart Nautical Collections, began restoration of Marilee originally built in 1926. In early winter 2014 they began with a 3D scan of the existing hull. This, combined with a CAD drawing created from the original Herreshoff plans, enabled the team to accurately examine Marilee’s current shape and compare it with the design from 1926. Photo credit: Alison Langley

Restoration experts often embark on a difficult treasure hunt as they scour the world for rare and comparable historical parts. This process can almost be as time consuming as the construction work itself.

During the restoration process, original materials are matched, and methods of construction are reused. Modifications from the original design are generally limited to changes necessary to bring a project up to modern codes and standards including electrical and life-safety. Stepping aboard a fully restored vessel should be like taking a step back in time.

What is Renovation?

Renovation is a much broader term. Generally speaking, it’s the process of renewing a boat or structure by fixing what’s present and adding something new or modern. This includes the integration of new materials, technologies, and even major structural design changes. We often think of a renovation as being built on the “spirit” of the original design while leaving the door open to new opportunities for creativity and innovation.

The owner of Marilee (built in 1926) had the bold vision to create an interior that reflected the yacht’s century-long provenance while creating an open space below. However, he wanted to get away from the dark “cigar room” interiors typical of so many classic yachts. The team worked with Paul Waring of Stephens Waring Yacht Design, to create a traditional and properly constructed interior with an updated layout for relaxed, modern day use. Photo credit: Alison Langley

Renovation can include adding new engines, propeller systems, updated electronics, efficient keels and hulls, and electrical systems. It can also include a refresh of the interior design elements and decor.

In some cases, renovation can be cheaper than restoration, especially for very old or historic boats where access to original parts and materials are rare or don’t exist at all.

Often renovations are completed in conjunction with restoration. In architecture we often see this with an old home or building where great lengths are taken to restore the exterior facade back to the original design, while inside, cutting-edge kitchens and bathrooms are installed. The effect is a blend of classic elegance with creature comfort and modern living.

What to Know Before Embarking on a Restoration or Renovation Project

There are no two ways about it, a major restoration or renovation can be costly and time consuming. They can also be extremely rewarding. The most successful projects are born from a sentimental and emotional objective rather than a purely economic consideration (although there are times when the economics pan out as well). Key to success is starting a restoration or renovation project with the right foundation. This may includes several of the following principles:

Starting with the Right Boat

Not all boats make good restoration projects. In fact, most don’t. The ones that do have that special something that may be referred to as being a “classic”. A good restoration candidate should have a historical or emotional value, or simply, a unique “wow” factor that makes it worthy of a second life.

Building on Good Bones

Zingara was originally designed by Bill Peterson, conceived to participate in the 1990 BOC-British Oxygen Company Challenge, a solo event ‘round-the-world yacht race. By the time we met her, the yacht was a long way from finished. Our renovation made the best use of her potential as a solid sailing yacht: the thoughtful design of the sailing platform, deck arrangement, and cockpit were to be functional in blue water; and down below her interior was to be spacious and comfortable, safe and relatively simple.

When possible, find a boat in which the problems are more cosmetic in nature than major costly systems repairs or replacements. At some point deterioration of major structures such as stringers and bulkheads may make restoration impractical. You should consider consulting with a professional designer like Stephens Waring to get an accurate assessment of major structural components and systems to fully understand the scope and resources necessary for a restoration or renovation.

Set a Realistic Budget and Timeline to Complete the Job

It is said that God created the world in seven days. That’s probably because he didn’t have to clean up anyone’s mess first. Realize that restoration and renovations are often as time and resource consuming as the original build itself. It takes time to undo the bad and rebuild with the good. Sweat equity can only carry your project so far and there are many hard costs and professional skillsets you’ll need to complete a big job. Working with a professional can help to set a realistic budget and define clear expectations and goals.

Size Does Matter

It’s easy to want to bite off more than you can chew. However, as a boat gets bigger the complexities of the systems become exponentially larger. The difference between a 30’ and 40’ boat can be immense. Experts generally recommend that no one attempt to restore a boat bigger than 35’ without professional support.

Where to Make Your Money Go the Distance

When done correctly, there are a number of benefits to upgrading and renovating rather than buying new. The key is to identify where to get the most bang for the buck. Finding a project where cosmetic repairs are the main problem is the best place to get a strong ROI. Renovations such as replacing upholstery, fixtures, refinishing surfaces, and painting can do wonders to make an old vessel feel new and increase the economic value.

Where to Start

Whether looking to renovate a boat you currently own or looking to purchase a used fixer-upper, we strongly suggest starting with a professional evaluation. Engaging an expert to inspect the hard to reach structures and systems can save a lot of money in the long run. A renovation expert like Stephens Waring can also help determine a solid triage strategy for what to discard, repair, and replace. For bigger projects, having a design expert create a detailed design and engineering plan, complete with 3D renderings, can provide a way for owners to better conceptualize the scope, cost, and outcome of the renovation and finished product.

Five classic superyachts brought back to life from the brink

Western Flyer

We might think 2021 a bad year, but in 1940, as Nazi Germany invaded Norway, the world truly “went to hell”, wrote the future Nobel-laureate John Steinbeck. Far from these hostilities, having published The Grapes of Wrath to both acclaim and notoriety the previous year, Steinbeck motored along the coast of Mexico and California, into the Gulf of California. There, as he had hoped, “the great world dropped away”.

In an out-of-season sardine-fishing “purse-seiner”, then named Western Flyer , he and a small crew examined and collected marine animals, negotiating “wrecks and wayward currents”. Though they marvelled at “the incredible beauty of the tide pools” and “the swarming species”, it was no idyll. Things seemed “to sting and pinch and bite” worse than in other places. The region was “fierce and hostile and sullen”. Written up as The Log from The Sea of Cortez , largely as a result of Steinbeck’s enduring fame, the venture has entered literary folklore – and attached added renown to the boat.

During the decades since, the Western Flyer has – like all fishing boats – pursued catches (different species, caught often in quite different areas) as marine populations have shifted and declined: perch; king crab; salmon – far to the north or further south. The story of Western Flyer is the story of the Pacific west-coast fishery, and the story of humanity more broadly.

Rechristened Gemini , at times her ownership was hazy. Located by her unchanging call sign WB4044, she had come to resemble a ghost ship: paint peeling, mud-spattered, strangled by weed and timbers rotting. She has sunk at least twice, become completely unseaworthy, and all the time the price of restoration has grown.

She is owned now by a marine geologist called John Gregg who is restoring her with the help of Tim Lee, a shipwright from the west coast. Whereas the wheelhouse, Lee remarks, could remain remarkably intact and original – around 90 per cent of it – the hull was in a shocking condition. The starboard side, in particular, he remembers, was “completely rotten”. “If the boat had rolled over” she would probably, he remarks, “not have been salvageable.”

While some backbone timbers are original, it has been necessary to basically build a new hull. Time cannot be denied. But she – and the wider world – are lucky indeed that she has found people enthusiastic and committed enough to restore her, and to ensure that this piece of literary history can continue to “fly” along the western coast.

Shenandoah of Sark

More than once the famous yacht Shenandoah of Sark has been pulled back from the brink. As others have observed, she has really lived. She has seen all sides of life and come, in the process, perilously close to extinction.

First built for an American financier in 1902, she was in Germany before the First World War and then confiscated by the British Navy. She was given the name Shenandoah after the war, then rechristened again, this time by an Italian prince – another boat to be called Atlantide . She spent the Second World War concealed in a Danish shipyard, her masts and one of her engines removed to make her unseaworthy (and less appealing to thieves). Her post-war history included an almost year-long zoological and oceanographic expedition along the African west coast, as well as time spent smuggling in Central America – her precise location is unknown. Seized by French customs in 1962, she was tied up and left to rot before being bought and restored by a French industrialist.

Working as a charter yacht, she was sold in 1986 to a Swiss businessman who ordered a complete restoration at New Zealand shipyard McMullen & Wing . The majority of the riveted hull was replaced, and the result was impressive: in 1996 she won the ShowBoats International award for Best Classic Yacht Restoration.

Together the owner and the yard have lavished attention upon every detail: from polished teak or redwood planking, to art deco lights and a unique, detachable deck cockpit. Further attention since to her rig and her mechanics has ensured that this is one yacht in a very fine position to advance far into – and perhaps complete – her second century.

Well past her centenary (having been built in 1913, on the eve of the First World War) Vagrant is one of the oldest yachts still afloat. There are a small number of older human beings living – but not many. And the comprehensively refitted Vagrant will almost certainly outlast them all. In 2017 she had a major refit – for almost two years – in Dutch restoration yard Royal Huisman. Her owner’s instructions were that “ Vagrant should be ready to last for another one hundred years.” Well, who can say? It certainly isn’t impossible.

Back in the distant past, Vagrant ’s designer, Nathanael Greene Herreshoff , dominated the America’s Cup between the late 19th century and the early 1930s. A boatbuilder, he was also a proficient sailor, placed in the National Sailing Hall of Fame, and helming in the America’s Cup at least once.

Vagrant was built for Harold Vanderbilt, of the famous dynasty. Herreshoff built boats for the financial big guns – William Randolph Hearst, John Pierpont (JP) Morgan, Jay Gould. Yachts, like houses, were (and are) a symbol of wealth and success, and Herreshoff’s were the finest.

Now, under relatively new ownership, Vagrant – one of the most revered classic yachts afloat – is being restored to her former greatness. Her steel hull needed substantial work (sandblasting areas of corrosion left some plates too thin and in need of replacement). But her teak interior has justified the wood’s reputation as the best natural material for a marine environment: beautiful, hard, rich in protective oil, resistant to rot and little prone to warping.

Sure enough, when removed and examined, much of the wood in the cabins could be treated and reused, even after so long (with the redesign to accommodate things such as electric lighting, plugs, heating and air conditioning, which were absent from the original boat). This clear link with the past serves to emphasise that this is very much the same boat.

Other departures from the original – aluminium masts, for instance, with internal furling for the mainsail and fisherman’s sail – seem an update rather than any kind of insult to the original maker. She might still sail under her old name of Vagrant but she has, very clearly, a loving home.

Having been built in the late 1920s, the sailing yacht Cambria was assumed, like so many, to have been destroyed during the Second World War. In fact, she had fallen into complete oblivion: vanishing not only from the present, but also from the historical record. One authoritative book on the yachts of William Fife , the renowned Scottish boatbuilder responsible for Cambria , omitted her completely. Only subsequently has she been rediscovered in every sense – restored to history and restored in the present.

Cambria was built originally for a newspaper magnate – Sir William Berry – who rose from complete obscurity (having left school in South Wales at 13) to become owner of the largest media empire of the day: publisher of titles still active and well-known, like The Sunday Times , Financial Times and The Daily Telegraph . Berry’s publications happened to include Yachting World , giving him a route to its editor.

Soon after its construction, Cambria won an early race, then for a few years raced some 50 times a year. Her beauty was much admired, and fame seemed assured. (Berry asked his wife whether she might like a matching yacht, an offer she sadly declined.) Rules of the time hindered Cambria , however, and not long afterwards she changed hands. Her name was changed and she retreated, during the 1930s, into obscurity – and then into oblivion.

Her sketchy post-war history includes an ill-fated circumnavigation during the 1970s, before being bought, and mothballed, in Australia, until finally she was rediscovered near the Great Barrier Reef. Her basic structure, mahogany planking on a steel frame, remained intact and was remediable with careful repair work. Only in the 21st century did she return to British waters, after more than half a century. With a new mast, of spruce pine, and a thorough refit in Southampton in 2006 which saw Cambria stripped back and the boat’s stem reworked. There is no doubt now that Cambria does once again fulfil Fife’s basic requirement of a yacht – that she be both “fast and bonnie”.

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Classic Yacht Restoration

A classic yacht restoration is the ultimate project for many yacht owners, however the ever-shrinking classic yacht fleet has meant that the opportunity to carry out such a project is becoming increasingly rare. Classic yacht restoration has formed the mainstay of our firm’s business for the past twenty years, G.L. Watson & Co. have the expertise to source and salvage classic yachts and also design and project manage their refit. In the past ten years alone we have won Boat International’s World Superyacht Award for Best Refit twice and our portfolio of classic yacht restoration projects includes, amongst others, Malahne, Nahlin and Blue Bird .

Below is a small selection of the collection of yachts we have identified as candidates for classic yacht restoration projects.

Sourcing and Salvaging a Classic Yacht

With our unparalleled knowledge of classic yacht restoration and the fate of yachts from the classic era we can assist our clients in sourcing a yacht. Using our archives, research skills and contacts, we have identified numerous yachts which are ripe for restoration. When selecting a yacht for a classic yacht restoration we look not just for historic pedigree, but also the suitability of the hull to accommodate modern requirements and comforts. We have particular expertise in the purchase and safe recuperation of classic yachts and have engaged in the complex salvage of yachts that are either abandoned or have ended up converted into houseboats, ferries or even floating restaurants.

Classic Yacht Restoration Design

Recent classic yacht restoration projects carried out by the firm such as Nahlin, Blue Bird and Malahne demonstrate how G.L. Watson & Co. can re-design a classic yacht in order to combine modern superyacht amenities with an authentic period style. Our multidisciplinary team uses archival sources, as well as the vessel itself, to recreate the legacy design and to take this forward to a conceptual design for the classic yacht restoration. We have an in-depth knowledge the house styles not only of G.L. Watson & Co., but also of the other great designers of the classic era such as William Fife, Alfred Mylne, Camper & Nicholson and Nathaniel Herreshoff. This, combined with cutting-edge knowledge of modern design requirements, means that we can create designs which do not compromise authenticity or modern requirements and aesthetics.

Project Management and Owner’s Representation

Classic yacht restoration projects are complex and require substantial management if they are to succeed. G.L. Watson & Co. can manage these projects by providing a comprehensive project management service. This service includes contract management and specification writing, sourcing shipyards and running a tender-process, and managing sub-contractors and suppliers. We can also act as the Owner’s Representative in the shipyard in order to ensure maximum quality and contract value during the refit process.

G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd. 20-23 Woodside Place, Glasgow G3 7QL, Scotland

Tel: +44 (141) 501 0480

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Restoring Classic Boats

Are you thinking about taking on a classic boat restoration? Here are a few things to consider before taking the leap.

If you are doing the classic boat restoration yourself, you need to make sure the boat is protected throughout the entire process. An ideal location would be near your home in a garage or outside the building. If you don't have access to a building, be sure to keep it covered when you are working on it. Either way, there are three key elements you must have:

Enough natural sunlight
Access to running water
Access to a power supply

Before Committing, Get a Survey

There are different types of surveys, but the most common is a condition and value survey. A surveyor will assess the overall condition of the boat, report problems, and give a market valuation. Specialized surveys may be needed for engines, electrical, and other systems. You can find a list of accredited marine surveyors at NAMSGlobal website and Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors.

Give the Boat a Thorough Cleaning for Better Inspection

This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how often this step is missed before the restoration process begins. It serves the practical purpose of finding any problems you may have missed previously.

Clean the base standard to start
Unblock all drainage holes
Clean the bilge
Lift any hull access points to clean and inspect

Make a List of Broken Items

Keeping a record of items that need repairing or replacing will help you plan your classic boat restoration in a logical order. This will save you time and a lot of frustration by knowing ahead of time what you will need. You will not want to remember a component you forgot you need after the restoration has been completed. Although, some repairs may not be visible until the restoration has begun.

Inspect Any Through-Hull Fittings

Check for any fittings that penetrate the hull, as these will flood the boat. Repair using a specialized seal to form the through-hull fittings with the hull.

Check the Seacocks

The seacocks serve two purposes. Some allow water in to cool the engine. Others, as in the cockpit drain, allow water out. Be sure to repair these properly because a seized seacock can cause the boat to flood and sink.

Check the Condition of the Hull

What you are looking for will depend on the material the hull is constructed with, but a thorough inspection is required.

Check for cracks and other signs of damage due to water penetration. If there is minimal damage, you may be able to easily repair this yourself. However, it is best to seek professional help if extensive repairs are needed. Special attention should be paid to the cleats, stanchions, and chainplates where cracks often occur.

Wooden hulls

Wooden hulls often experience rotten or dried-out wood. Unless you are very confident, repairs should be outsourced to a specialist. Resealing sound woodwork is an easy, but time-consuming process, so depending on your time restraints, it may be best to seek professional help with that as well.

Inspect the Load-bearing Fixtures

The load-bearing fixtures, such as cleats and chainplates have a backing plate behind them. Be sure this plate is secure and in good condition, as it spreads the load and prevents damage.

Inspect Every Halyard, Sheet, or Control Line

The material used to make halyards and sheets is very resistant to the elements of salt water and sun. However, they can deteriorate over time and need replacing. Replace any frayed lines and wash any in good condition with a non-bio detergent. Thoroughly rinse with fresh water.

Examine Your Sails

Sails are exposed to a hostile environment and prone to damage caused by heavy wind, rain, saltwater, and UV light.

Check for any damage to the metal, as well as the fraying of the stitching. Any repairs require the work of a skilled sailmaker.

Sail's Surface

Any holes, tears, or frayed stitching can be repaired with specialty repair tape or resewn.

Again, look for fraying, loose stitching, and signs of stretching.

Although mold is not damaging to the sails, it is not attractive. Mold issues can generally be fixed easily with a special cleaner.

Estimate the Cost of the Classic Boat Restoration

Keeping a list of what needs repairing and what needs replacing is a good start. You can generally find the prices of parts easily. The price is certainly going to depend on what you are starting out with and the extent of damage and the work that needs to be done. Be prepared that it can be quite costly, again depending on your starting point.

It is often best to get a professional estimate before you begin your classic boat restoration. You really want to know what to expect. Decide if it is feasible or not. This decision becomes all the harder to make when the boat has historical or sentimental value.

Plan Your Classic Boat Restoration in Stages

If you have decided to move forward, plan the restoration process in stages. It's best to complete some stages before others. For instance, it makes sense to replace damaged structural components before relaying the deck. Keep track of completed work with part numbers and prices. Make realistic deadlines for completing each stage to keep you on track.

Be honest with yourself about your skill level. Some jobs should be handled by a professional unless you are very confident. This should factor into your timetable, as you may not control the availability or time needed to complete a professional task.

Final Thoughts

Classic boat restoration should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. With proper planning, patience, and resources, you can give new life to your vintage boat and get her back on the water again.

Absolute Classics can help with every stage of the restoration process. From finding a boat to finding tools and parts, we have a wide selection for all of your classic restoration needs. Contact us today and let us help you with your project . It's smooth sailing from there!

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Classic Yacht Restoration

Restoring a classic yacht usually starts on the drawing table to get the details just right and incorporate modern updates and modifications seamlessly. The designer is called upon to serve as historian, archivist, artist, and engineer. Each successful classic yacht restoration requires research, documentation, and seamless transition of new design elements into the original design. It must all be undertaken with a degree of deference and respect for the integrity of the vessel and original intent of the designer.

Each vessel responds to the ravages of time and environment in different ways. Here at Rockport Marine Yacht Design a restoration begins with 3D laser measurement of the vessel in order to quantify with precision the degree to which the vessel differs from her original intended condition. Our restoration clients benefit from designers and builders working together to establish a restoration procedure customized to the vessel.

Rockport Marine Yacht Design maintains close working relationships with the curators of the world’s richest yacht design collections. Superlative restoration demands curiosity, diligence, and willingness to pursue the last degree of detail. Each of our restorations reflects a close collaboration with those most familiar with the designer’s work.

It is a rare project that is restored to truly original condition. Almost invariably a restoration incorporates reconfigured accommodations, modern electrical, and mechanical systems, and efforts to improve vessel performance. In each Rockport Marine Yacht Design is called upon to design and incorporate these variations so as to enhance the overall work.