Dreams of the perfect boat brand and model may come from your first memories of boating. Then reality sets in and you realize the boat you fell in love with years ago is no longer in production. But a refit can help make those dreams a reality.
You can search online for that perfect already updated boat or find one that has good bones, needs a little work and refit it yourself. A proficient surveyor can help prioritize a worklist according to your goals. And don’t forget: Your budget should reflect the decision to use OEM parts or modern upgrades.
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Repair or replace
A systems review helps sort out what’s pristine and what’s due for a complete overhaul. Immediate service inspections should include the propulsion and generator engines. If you want to be more than a retro dock queen, then the mechanical equipment should be priority number one.
Hire a mechanic to remove all heat exchangers to be boiled, then pressure tested before reinstalling. Make sure they are repainted the same as the original engine color. Gotta look good too!
A fluid analysis from the survey process is a tremendous tool to decide to buy the boat as well as what mechanical work may be required: fuel injection, water pumps, both recirculating and raw water. Don’t be afraid of soft consumables such as hoses and belts, as they are easy DIY chores.
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Old school or new tech?
Are you interested in electronic controls to make single lever operation of the engine and transmission a reality? This can be switched out easily and may include up to four different helm stations.
You can also go one step further and install wireless remote control. This has a handheld box that allows you to walk around the boat while shifting gears. Seeing all sides of the vessel when docking is a plus. This wireless system can also include bow and stern thrusters. Everything can be in one portable controller.
Your auto pilot and navigation suite likely need an update too. Import apps with crowd-sourcing routes. Internet and telephone connectivity can happen far off shore using satellite receivers. This luxury is seen on almost every cruising boat, new or refit.
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Support power Installing more batteries and a sizable inverter/charger allows you to power up your household items such as a TV, refrigerator, ice maker, and phone charger without operating the generator.
Lithium battery designs are another thought. Get an ABYC Marine Electrician involved in this part of the refit to ensure a professional and integrated installation.
Creature comforts If you swap to a chef’s hat when captain’s duties are done, you may want to replace your galley appliances. A new electric or induction cooktop, refrigerator or dishwasher may need a little carpenter work to fit, but now is the time to do it.
Original toilets and raw water flushing designs may come with an odd odor. Often, the old sanitary hoses are the culprit. An easy upgrade to a freshwater flushing system should reduce that low tide smell.
To be more comfortable with the motion of the ocean, think stabilizers, available in different technologies to fit below deck. Active fins are hydraulic, pneumatic or electric. Gyros are AC or DC powered. Then there are the interceptor blades on the transom that act as both trim tabs and stabilizers while at planing speeds.
Refit your dream boat Go to a boat show. Visit the accessory vendors. Determine your commitment level. With eyes wide open, your refit dreams can come true.
By Capt. Chris Caldwell
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