1. Acquisition and Initial Assessment

• A Rust Bucket with Intentions – Rebuilding a 1980s Steel Trawler into a 60-Foot Liveaboard Coastal Cruiser – How a neglected vessel became the foundation for a long-term liveaboard refit project.
• Not a Yacht. A Possibility – Why a Neglected Steel Trawler Replaced a Westsail 40 – Choosing the right vessel based on potential, practicality, and design.
• From Possibility to Proof – The Boat Survey That Measured Reality – Insights from the survey process uncovering the true condition of hull, structure, and systems.

2. Demolition and Preparation

• Demolition Before Design – Clearing the Past to Understand the Work Ahead – Removing old components to make way for structural upgrades.
• Shore Power and Hope – Discovering the True State of the Boat’s Systems – Evaluating electrical and mechanical systems to plan marine restoration.
• Foundations You Cannot See – Frames, Decks, and the Work That Makes Everything Else Possible – Examining hidden structural steel that ensures long-term stability.
• Designing What Cannot Be Undone – Systems Architecture and the End of Escape Routes – Planning integrated systems balancing comfort, safety, and maintainability.

3. Exterior and Steel Work

• Containment Before Comfort – Rebuilding the Exterior to Survive the Coming Cold – Preparing the hull and superstructure for winter and long-term durability.
• The Work No One Sees – Stripping Insulation and Preparing Steel for What Comes Next – Steel preparation techniques for high-quality structural steel repair for boats.
• Still Moving Forward – Cold Steel, Shortening Days, and Measured Progress – Reflections on pacing, milestones, and staying motivated during winter.
• Preserve, Plan, Return – How Winter Shapes the Pace of a Liveaboard Refit – Seasonal planning and strategies for uninterrupted progress.

4. Stern Deck Restoration

This multi-part series dives into restoring the stern deck, detailing assessment, steel repair, concrete removal, and reconstruction:

• Bringing the Stern Deck Back to Life – Part 1: Assessing the Damage and Planning the Work
• Bringing the Stern Deck Back to Life – Part 2: Removing the Concrete Topping
• Bringing the Stern Deck Back to Life – Part 3: Steel Assessment and Rejuvenation
• Bringing the Stern Deck Back to Life – Part 4: Planning for Deck Reconstruction
• Bringing the Stern Deck Back to Life – Part 5: Reflections and Lessons Learned

5. Structural Modifications and Systems

• Cutting a New Bulkhead Doorway in a Steel Liveaboard: Safe Solo Welding Methods for UK Boat Projects – Step-by-step guide for modifying bulkheads safely.
• Season Two Begins – Rebuilding a 48ft Trawler into a 60ft UK Liveaboard Cruiser – Updates on expansion, new challenges, and lessons learned for ongoing liveaboard refit.