I must also say thank you for this video. Having purchased a 1984 Hunter 34 last July, this gives me some perspective. I paid 24k for mine (so the US guy that posted was not alone paying 24k) and it was basically ready to go. I have however spent plenty since last July. The main expense has been replacing the roller furler. (,Almost 5k) It wasn't absolutely necessary but I just felt like I wanted to upgrade for safety's sake. You have motivated me to calculate my expenditures and I will post as soon as I have done that. For the gentleman enquiring about head room, I am 6'3 and can stand up bare foot and just touch the ceiling. You being 6' 2" will love the head room. My last boat was only 6'0" and it makes all the difference in the world.

Finally! someone escaping the "rat race", with the budget of someone that would actually be on the "rat race". ( just found this vlog, gathering some valuable information :) ) you seem very down to earth and really cool, keep it up!

I'll add my cost breakdown as I imagine it's on the low end of most rebuilds: Price for a 1974 Galaxy 32 found in a corner of a boatyard- $0 (Yard owner was happy to clear space or add me as a regular seasonal storage user, I became the latter) Used 2 stroke outboard (Boat had no engine)- $250 Rebuild of this outboard- $300 In retrospect I should have just went new on the outboard, less problems, so... New Tohatsu Sailpro outboard- $1500 Sliding track allowing outboard to be raised or lowered into water- $50 (I fabricated it out of stainless bar stock and square tubing) Mainsail and a few jibs from ebay - Roughly $400 total including shipping Sail cover and a new wheel and additional jib sail- $0 ( I made friends with the yard owner and he allowed me to pick over boats destined for the crusher) Composting toilet-$15 (Home Depot bucket and large block of peat moss...using seasonally this block will last for years) Base layer of cabin sole floor- $0 (The original cabin sole was water logged...I ripped it all out and replaced the bottom layer with a grid made from recycled pallet wood, same pallets I also used for my kitchen) Deck paint (1/2 done)-$15 ( Painted aft part of deck with outdoor porch and deck paint as an experiment. After a full year outdoors it's holding up really well!) Westmarine epoxy/hardener/powdery stuff you add to it (Forgot the name sorry)-$100 ( I used a good amount to seal up several through hulls and fair the hull) Fiberglass chopped strand and woven roving (1 sq yard each)- $0 (Got it free from a guy at work who had rolls of the stuff) Synthetic planking I used to enclose the new composting head and give a nice appearance- $0 (Saved the pieces of the hot tub cabinet when I got rid of the hot tub) Raising and setting the mast- $350 (Much as I would have liked to do it myself, I needed a professional for this job) I had to purchase all running rigging/many blocks/winch handles/led strips/running lights/dock lines-$300 to $500 (Not really sure, some hardware was from ebay, some new) 2 Batteries- $300 total So roughly $3680 Is she finished? Well a boat never is but.... With the new motor we are confident sailing her, she moves well, as far as future projects; Final flooring layer, might use an Allure flooring or similar (A semi flexible synthetic wood-looking flooring) Complete deck painting Hull really needs paint, last paint job done years ago was sub-standard and is chipping, though the hull is super solid, not one blister. Oh almost forgot...oversized fortress style anchor $40 (Craigslist) Hope this is helpful to see how cheap you can really go, I did all work myself except the mast, I have extensive experience in the constructon field although I have never been employed in it. (I work in civil service, but I rebuilt our house over several years on the weekends) Cheers!

Great video. Thanks for sharing the story. I'm an attorney with plenty of money to buy a newer boat, but you've inspired me to spend the money on a bigger, maybe slightly older boat and undertake a project. I've rehabbed my lake house and refitted my pontoon boat. I've done all the finish carpentry work in my house. I'm not a full fledged handyman, but a fairly handy person (as lawyers go). Thanks for the inspiration. Being from the U.S., I really enjoyed your laid back style and how well you seem to get along which made the video an even greater pleasure to watch.

A concise and informative video on KZfaq... it's possible people! Thank you for taking the time to compile and share this.

Your demeanor, factual work clips and prices paid, your concise, no nonsense delivery and ability to stay on track: I’ve subscribed and liked this video. I can’t wait to look up prior videos, thank you.

You did well people. You're taking it a bite at a time and are well on your way to having a very nice, comfortable boat. Some sellers only see what THEY put into a boat and are remiss to actually consider what all may be left to get the vessel back up to a good sea keeping state. I would have never considered that boat for the asking price either. And yes, for what a full survey is going for these days, buying a book and doing it yourself can save a considerable amount of money. That was your nav gear package right there.

I just bought my first boat and plan on starting my refit within the month! This video has my hopes up that I haven’t gotten in over my head. I got a 1983 hunter 34 for 7000usd so I feel I’m off to a good start!

i just wanted to say thank you for this video. you helped me make a decision on wither to buy a boat to refit from a marine that has been there that needs lots of work or buy a boat that needs some refit . of course i need to way out out the cost both are boats i like so we shall see .if you like i will let you know what i end up with .I watch you two every time you post .We will probable never meet. I live in Bremerton Washington USA.. I live on a bay called Phinney bay been here 54 years and have wanted to sail away and see the world and now at the age of 54 and 55 coming fast I have the funds and time so I'm going to do it.thanks again for you videos .

You two are great. Love you both. The information is so helpful. It's hard putting your personal info on the web. Thanks so much. It really does help others gauge their attempt. Your honesty regarding your skills set is also very helpful. I truly hope you are rewarded with many days at sea.

When I bought my 1987 Pearson 33-2 I found doing the work myself and installing top of the line electronics( AIS, Chartplotter, depth finder, autopilot,wireless wind instruments, vhf, led lights,etc ) that I have spent about 100% of my purchase price to make it cruising safe. I continue to upgrade the boat regularly cushions, radar arch, Rocna anchor, solar etc but I will be living on it full time down south in 45 Days. Money well spent. I have stopped blowing money eating out and drinking out and I’m having the time of my life. One marina tech told me the most expensive boat is a free boat - keep that in mind

You've done a good job fixing your boat and learning to sail. I wasn't sure you'd make it in the beginning but I'm glad you did. You're good people and I enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing.

Absolutely love it when everything is laid out, spelled out and talked about. Great video you two. Thanks much.

I just subscribed to your channel because of your straight forward information. Keep up the fine work. No swearing or sex talking is rare.

Great video guys, as a boat lover who's never sailed but thinking about buying and moving onto a sail boat full time, this was a great insight in buying used and renovating yourself. I'm subscribed to a bunch of sailing channels on youtube and yours has been the first I've seen where doing this is actually a lot cheaper than I was expecting. Thank you! I just subscribed to your channel.

Excellent, people need to know that it is do able ! I got my 1979 Endeavour32 for $4000 , it was severely neglected thus the low price but after an engine test and checked the vitals I bought it and put $5000 into it. A lot of blood and sweat and a month and a half later I was out there sailing and I love her...now I don't want to haul her out,, Gulf of Maine is getting chilly !! Cheers and Fairwinds !!

Great video, guys. You are a really fun couple to watch! Having bought and restored a succession of sailboats over the last couple of decades, I must say that I never keep track of material costs for fear that my sanity might reassert itself and I'll become a confirmed landlubber...the way I see it, a man (or woman) has to spend his disposable income on something, and a boat is as good an obsession as any. Keeps me out of bars, anyway....

We’ll I just discovered your channel, watched 6 video’s Now looking forward to a storm day to binge watch ALL your videos. ⛵️ 🇨🇦

thanks.... really a perfect intro to a person examining if i want to own an old boat

Thanks for sharing, I am thinking about getting a project boat and it was great to hear your breakdown on the refit. Looks very nice , enjoy!

Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing. We were watching this with our 4 kids this morning and they were mostly fascinated by the water heater being thrown, the pipes and valves😂But it made us, parents, review the amount of money we "need" to spend on a boat to go around and get more familiar with sailing in order to prepare ourselves for our bigger journey, the dream being sailing around the globe as a family. We love that you basically saved that boat, it's great, environmentally friendly, creative, you relied on your skills... etc, all sort of things we try to embody and teach our kids everyday. 🙌🙌🙌You are welcome here in Sept-Iles anytime!!

I share your pain. We spent 6 months in a boat yard fixing a 30" Catalina. A real learning experience. Enjoy the sailing and be kind to each other.

VERY resourceful! Great job, guys. I look forward to each of your segments. As always, thanks for bringing us along. Steve

Thank you for the detailed and informative cost of the purchase of your sailboat and all repairs. Most detail I’ve seen so far. Great sailing!

As always, you are a very watchable couple. Addictive actually. Love you guys. ROD UK

Loved this video guys. Will be living vicariously through you

Excellent video, I like it when people give breakdowns on costs and how much they actually did themselves. By doing it yourself you learn to know where everything on the boat is and how to repair in the future.

great info , loved watching the refit process

It's fun to see someone locally taking steps towards the dream. I've been following La Vegabonde, Sailing RAN and Sailing Uma very closely for the last few months and they have all perked my interest in sailing. I don't know if I'll ever live aboard or even own a sail boat but I really want to give it a try. I just bought a motor home so I will be a few years before that is paid off and I can buy a boat. It is great to get a local perspective on the cost. Its fun to see the Halifax harbour and the basin from the perspective of a sail boat. After seeing much of the tropical world from this perspective its interesting to see something more familiar.

Thanks for this episode. Super info !. Looks like you are both equally involved in the project - fantastik. I enjoy your videos - relaxed, comfortable and down to earth. And I enjoy the pleasant and well-chosen music in the intro. You make me smile. Last week we bought our first boat, a Hallberg Rassy 31 foot. We are SO happy.

Thanks for that guys. Some good info. Enjoy your sailing!

Great job on this video. Thanks for breaking down all the costs of your refit. The boat is really looking good. Looking forward to more vids.

Oh! You guys shirts are awesome! Thanx for this episode and the info. 👌

That info is really good, especially to those of us who don't have experience sailing.

Hi there, Jeff from western Australia Perth. Just purchased a 34ft Bruce Roberts sloop, so found your post for refit informative. Very sound hull and decks but needs upgrade. Expecting it to be around the 20.000 mark when completed. Like yourselfs will be doing all labour and cabinet work myself. Hope you enjoy your time on the water.!!

Great vid! Going through the expenses step-by-step was a big help.

Great, very helpful in gauging what we’ll need to upgrade/we bought a boat in better condition but I am sure there will be some stuff we’ll need to do. Good informative video, subscribed.

Great job guys. Glad to see everything is going well. Now you can do some sailing.

Nice video. Thanks you both for sharing. Now you can enjoy it and all that hard work is more than worth it 👍

Excellent job on the negotiating. Its so easy to lowball with boats.

SO cool! So helpful!!

It is so refreshing to see a nice couple who work so well together and enjoy each other without jumping in on each other. You have made some very good decisions on what is important and what can wait. Not to mention you are a very attractive couple with great personalities. And also Canadian when Canadians are not very popular.

Thank you for putting actual numbers in your video!! So many people skip the numbers and that's rediculous. Good on ya guys!

loved your blog, i just got a 1986 hunter 34' for free that was a marina repo with the same crappy floor problem as yours, we got twins!

Congratulations guys!

Thanks guys!

Here's my cost breakdown for my 1984 Hunter 34. Purchase price -24,000 Roller furling - 4507.95 - Not absolutely necessary but I felt safer replacing the old unit. Hydrolock engine repair bill - 1890.49. I made the expensive mistake of running my engine from a bucket in the cockpit. Water back flowed into the combustion chamber and out the air intake. The dripping out the air intake ran onto my starter, destroying it. The bucket needs to be down at the engine level to prevent this problem. Rig inspection - 513.25 I wanted the peace of mind of knowing my rigging was good so I paid a professional to inspect standing and running rigging. Thankfully all was good. Chart Plotter - 534.84 Electric toilet - 381.07 The pump toilet was gross and very PITA to explain to guests how to use it. The new toilet is just like your home toilet and flushes with the push of a button. Nice luxury. ATN mast climbing system and harness - 500.00 Bilge pump - 100.58 Float switches (2) - 60.00 Electrical breakers (5) - 60.00 LED lighting - (8) - 135.00 Graco ball valves and plumbing - 210.00 Impeller - 30.00 Fenders (4) - 60.00 Sail ties (4) - 10.00 Jib sheets - 60.00 Oil - 21.48 Manuals - 50.00 Unidentifiable expenses from various marine.com's - 350.00 Total - 33,300

I'm impressed! For nominal cost you have a very nice boat. Thanks for sharing this information.

thanks for itemizing this for everyone

Nicely done and thank you for providing a very useful video.

Im glad ya'll got you a good boat. Happy trails:)

Thanks for sharing! This was very helpful!

Great video! I am also an owner of an 8,000 USD Hunter 34 that I bought this summer. I also bought mine without paying for a survey. It's been a great boat for me this summer but now I've got it up on the hard and digging into some projects. You have done a great job with your craftsmanship and with keeping it to a reasonable budget. I look forward to your future videos, especially if you come up with a good diy bimini!

first video that is ACTUALLY about budget/money/detailed spending!!!! thanks a bunch!

This is the first video I've watched from you. Subbed. I really appreciate the info so far. I've dedicated my life to the ocean and it begins after one more year of working non-stop. I hope you know how that where you sit is a dream for me.

top notch video you two. all too often sailing channels talk about how they got their boat for 40k and how they were lucky. I think that puts the price out of a lot of peoples grasp alone. then they imagine a 20k refit. you got yours for a sweet 8k USD. much more reasonable! also great job doing the survey yourself. I think you'll inspire a lot of folks to take charge and go for it.

Nice, and you really lucked out on the sails. Win!

Thank you I appreciate the honesty

I really enjoy your site , always remember when docking do everything slowly that way mistakes happen slowly .

Great job guys, did a similar refit of an '86 Pearson. Lots and lots of work but worth it I think, a labor of love! Interesting idea for redoing the cabin sole.

Thanks for being honest ands straight forward about what you spent. I have been looking around for a slightly bigger boat for my family of 4 and I see lots of affordable boats it’s the refit cost I can’t estimate. This is a good start. Thanks.

Respect for all the hard work and dedication. Congrats.

Great info very good of you both to share 👍🏼

Awesome video the info is very helpful. Fair winds!

Just found you. You both have nice way about you. Really appreciate info like this, its more helpful than you think so dont take it lightly like maybe it doesnt matter to people. It does!

Great video guys. Valuable information. Thanks

Great video guys, thanks for the info, good luck out there !

Just stumbled upon your guys channel and it's been really fun! What I enjoy about your channel versus other sailing vlogs is how down to earth and realistic you guys are. It's kind of like a breath of fresh air, haha. Anyways, keep it up! Also, Nova Scotia looks beautiful. I'm heading there on honeymoon in August with my fiance, we're both pumped!

Subscribed. We are going to look at what could be our first boat, also in need of some TLC.. We will also be tackling the repairs ourselves. Your video gives me hope that we will get through the refit... Thanks!!

Excellent presentation and breakdown.

Thank you for allocating the time to provide the itemized cost! Take Care

Great video. Excellent quality to all your video's

Thanks guys, did find it really interesting x

Great video. Loved it. Very helpful.

Good job very nice from Miami Florida

That's a real nice boat for that kinda money. Well done.

Thanks for the upload. very informative and very very useful information. cheers

well done. great story to hear.

Hi there. Nice video. Good luck for you and happy sailing with the boat

Thanks for the video guys, Great to hear your story... Mine is just starting, I will Build my boat from scratch (well from a set of plans actually).... Wish me luck!

Thanks for the info, this is really helpful for someone like me who is likely to do the same. Fair winds!

nice video. I just bought a 34' Columbia for a song. I can't wait to get to work on it.

You guys kinda looked at the dirt a cpl times as you went over prices and labors. Personally, im very impressed. You're boat is beautiful ! It is incredibly well fitted ! The only thing I see WRONG in entirety is it seems to be in cool water. ;) I enjoyed this tremendously.

Great video. Y’all make a good team!

This is the type of video I've being looking for. The bare truth told by real people and not the rich kids or artificially humble people who talk about economic monthly spends on their $400k boats. You whole story is inspirational in the sense that with a lot of hard work, ordinary people can get a boat in the water for less than a lottery win ! Thank you. I will now watch more of your vids :)

amazing job guys.awesome.

Great Vid & good work guys

Great vid!

Good job guys!

That was awesome!

excellent job. Good video

thank you.. we enjoy you videos, South Dakota

Many thanks for the information very helpful ...Txs,enjoy your efforts...

This is the best video, Thank you! :)

Thanks for sharing the cost wth us.

just started watching..Im liking you guys already.....

Great info. Thanks.

I did my own refitting and it looked beautiful; I initially went to a nautical specialist (family run enterprises) but the man was afraid of water!!! LOL. So we found a special deep blue material with insulation at a discount price and decided to do it ourselves. Worked out that my significant other bought the material 50/50 while I took down the old patterns and took then to the nautical lab. The captain, oddly discarded in the rubbish bin, the cabin's old yellow torn interior, which made it so difficult! I then, started disassembling the old lining piece by piece and had them repeated onto the new material and sewn where needed; drove back and forth with new material and new pieces; cleaned the interior then enjoyed gluing the new blue material back on. Took me a full month after work and took some days off from work but I did it! Oh by the way, my significant other also discarded me shortly after! Well not all stories have a happy ending!

Thanks for sharing Chad and Katie! Now I feel like we overpaid for our H34 at $24k USD! Though is was relatively turn-key and already had the compression post replaced. Your patience netted you a great deal on your sailboat. And sweat equity is the best way to learn how your boat works, that will be invaluable as you cruise or live-aboard next summer.

Very educational!