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Gutting An Old Sailboat to Re-Build as a Modern Coastal Cruiser!

March 1, 2026 · 18 min · 14K views

Man cuts bulkhead inside gutted sailboat with power tool

What this video covers

Andy guts the interior of a 24-foot sailboat to prepare for a full refit, focusing on removing old bulkheads and grinding down fiberglass tabbing from the original sole.0:15 He uses a multi-tool with a carbide-tipped blade to cut through the fiberglass, noting that the tight access in the quarter berths significantly increased the labor time.3:52 The project involves replacing the sole with Kusa panels, using OSB as a template material to refine the fit before cutting the final material.7:00

Beyond the structural work, Andy evaluates two potential locations for a 162-pound, 600-amp-hour battery bank.7:53 Placing the batteries in the V-berth instead of the original midship location near the swing keel trunk would shift weight forward to offset the 10-horsepower outboard and cockpit load, while providing easier access for electrical components.12:25 This configuration, however, limits space for a potential head.15:34 The refit prioritizes weight distribution and interior utility for a boat intended primarily for single-handed coastal cruising.

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