Mads, you and I are complete soul brothers on boats, money, why I DIY, and yes, the necessity (or not) of having click bait on the videos. My friend, your honesty, wit and good nature is click bait enough to carry you around the globe. If you ever get back to Austin, Texas let me take you sailing. One of the current three boats in the yard will be ready by then. Enjoy NYC.
Yay, the good part of the ever dreadful Sunday is here! I applaud your courage to speak about money, like you said it's always such a sensitive topic. I'm sure a lot of people are afraid of what the costs may be if they want to restore an older boat. Have a great time in NYC!
Mads, your click bait observations are soooo right. Thanks for being just you DIYing and not fussing about being in the tropics so you can flash a crew member's bikini. I like to think you've got yourself a niche in the plethora of YT sailing videos and I for one (and I'm not alone in this) am looking forward to seeing Athena complete and back in the water. Please don't cut any corners - what you're doing amounts to a restoration, not a refit, and each vid is a pleasure to follow - well shot, edited, and as close to real time as possible. Keep it up bro'!
Was very lucky to run into you at our local marine consignment store! We hope the rest of your trip was fun! We enjoy your vlog every week because there are no blatant "pimping" shots. We enjoy the technical parts and are learning right along with you. The true reward for any cost with Athena is the knowledge you have gained and imparted to everyone watching. Keep filming !! Thank you for all your hard work!
Never apologise to anyone about following your dream. I admire what you are doing and by the time you are finished, you will know every inch (centimeter!) of that boat which is a bonus in itself.
mads you have almost 24 thousand subscribers . and that is because of your honesty and ability . and the fact you can laugh at yourself . you don't need click bait and it could possibly ruin the best you tube live aboard channel. i wonder if you realise how many people you reach and inspire regards dave
You don't need low brow click bait. Your viewers love you. I hope that was made all the more clear to you when in NY. Please keep these amazing videos coming.
I think you do a pretty great job as a channel without all of the clickbait. Definitely one of my favorites and I'm sure I'll keep watching after you start cruising.
Thank you for all your posts. I have just enjoyed to no end all that you I've done to both of your boats. I spent 4 years rebuilding my sailboat. I got it for the right price, and truly wanted to do the work. I know every inch of that boat! It's a great satisfaction to look back at what I have done to my sailboat, it's like I saved her, I gave her a new life.
At the end of the day, it's you that has to be satisfied and happy with what your doing. I think your doing a great job, most people can not stay on track with a project this large. Your OCD is your driving force.
Your good shit Mads. I love your attitude. Too many people just want to buy the new boat. When shit hits the fan in some remote location, it will hopefully add calm to the situation knowing you literally have touched every millimetre of your boat. I love your videos. You're an inspiration to me. I hope to one day be as handy as you. Good luck in the future.
Mads, nice of you to share what your project is costing you. I for one find your videos of your project work helpful and interesting. You certainly aren't alone in the efforts to make an old boat 'new' again and even somewhat custom for the owner. I know for myself that making your boat fit your own personal wishes and cruising style are investments that payoff in so more many ways when you do finish than the actual cost. Keep true to your dreams, you'll never regret it!
Well if it is any comfort I like just listening to you narrate your videos, without Bikinis, and I really enjoy watching you fix your boats. I enjoy fixing anything, but especially Boats, I love how meticulously you do any project, that is my way of doing woodworking. So keep up the good work and keep on track....
Thank you for listing your expenses. I've been fixing up my 66 Mustang, and taking heat for the parts. Now I can say "you think I spend a lot on my car...a guy I know is fixing up a boat, and he has spent.....!!!" I understand about the benefits of learning every square inch of your vehicle. Comes in handy when your car/boat doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning. Keep up the great work!!!
Hi Mads, I've been watching your channel for a while now. And so far your channel is one of THE MOST favourite ones of mine. For the most of us land labbers, I'm admiring your attitude, your skills and the job you've done so far. I guess You're our role model. There are so many of us who's been dreaming of sailing a boat around the world but never done anything... What a shame ))) A few words about 'nay' sayers, the negative folks. PLEASE, don't pay attention to them. Just do what you're doing, let them simply die of their jealousy ))) NEVER EVER give up your dreams, period!!! Enjoy your trip to the Big Apple, we'll wait for you to come back. You're like an old good friend for all of us. Don't give it up Fair Winds
Your stuff is so enjoyable to watch for that reason of not pimping out your old lady to grab viewer attention. Great stuff Mads...keep up the excellent work.
Hey, I had nothing to do with your mishaps last weekend! XD Love the vids! You are BY FAR the best sailboat and DIY youtuber. The amount of work and information you put into your videos is incredible. You are truly inspiring!!
Awesome job! I think you got a hell of a deal on Athena. Just the engine, wind vane, and radar is worth half of what you paid. I'm shocked you only spent ~$500 on your fridge. Keep the videos coming. You've inspired me to get off my ass and get my boat in shape!
We just purchased our third fixer upper and I am in the same "boat" as you, love the refit more than the sailing. Not sure if my sailing hours will ever equal my labour time. Your doing something right to keep viewers without the bikini shots. Derek
Welcome to the U.S., I hope you have a great visit but I wish you had the time to see just how diverse we are across the states. Treats for Jokull The wife says "the heck" with what others think about what you paid for whatever. You'll be the most knowledgeable person on the planet about that boat and that's worth a lot. Not to mention the peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Go Mads
Love your videos. And you're right, there is something oddly satisfying about hard labor on your own boat. I started fixing up my 18 foot interlake sailboat last summer and am really enjoying.
Mads I have learned so much from you, I am super thankful for your videos. You're one of the few channels I still watch for the very "bikini" issue. Just keep on being you, that's why you've got so many followers.
Thanks for sharing your budget Mads. I'm looking forward to some sailing videos and I'm sure you won't be short of content as you learn your new boat. Enjoy NY!
I can't believe you are the same guy I stumbled on to while looking for sailing videos so long ago. I had thought at the time you were this angry guy that would grow tired of making videos very soon, but you just keep getting better and better at it, both personally and production wise. I like to think your true personalty is what is now coming through. :) BTW good decision on not wearing the bikini.
We have you beat by just a bit. I've been wanting to do a rundown vid about the work we've done and the cost. Right now we're just north of $73,000 spent in the last two years, but everything is new and I would trust our boat sailing across oceans. Being that is your plan, too, your money is well-spent. If you were spending that money on a home, no one would bat an eye.
Another great video. I enjoy going back and watching these slightly older videos with my knowledge of the "spoilers" from the future. Oh, how the moisture issues in the core are going to come to haunt you soon... The nattering nabobs of negativity on your choices are always going to be there no matter what you do, there will never be any pleasing them no matter what you do, so it is so good to see you doing what you want, while still giving the advice people offer a listen-to in case you might be headed off the rails here and there. I totally agree with your philosophy of building/re-fitting your own boat. You will have a great boat that will be better than brand new. It will never be finished, but an evolving work in progress. But no boat is ever a finished work because there will always be ongoing maintenance that needs to be performed and kept ahead of, and changes in technology will give you opportunities to upgrade slowly to better things as systems wear out and need to be replaced. In the end, as you point out, you will know every square inch of YOUR boat and be able to fix any problems and deal with any emergencies much better than if you had simply paid more for a "new" boat. One area to be careful of is electronics. While things like AC and DC panels/inverters/isolation transformers/cables are a great foundation and need to be placed sailing electronics like chartplotters, VHF radios, AIS systems, and other sailing instrumentation are all rapidly evolving and changing every year. While NMEA-2000 networking seems to have settled down and standardizing the instruments themselves seem to be updated with every model year. Everything bought today will probably be out of production and out of date in a year or two. I bought a brand new B&G Triton package and Vulcan 7 chartplotter in the fall of 2016 and almost instantly they became out of date when they came out with new models a few months later. B&G (and other Navico brands) as well as Garmin are both notorious for abandoning their products to software updates as soon as a new model comes out, even if they look almost identical on the outside. New firmware and even fixes for glitches just stop happening. They are as bad as Apple and Android smartphones and tablets with their product cycles. I was just talking to the B&G reps at the Chicago boat show and the new features of the newest models of my instruments that I am missing out on and will never have is a little heartbreaking. Neat MOB features and other little things have been introduced that I'll not be able to use now unless I get a new chartplotter and Triton gauges :( Also the warranties expire really fast on this gear and if products are not taken out and actively used on the water stuff that is bad from the factory will never be found until it is too late. I have had that problem as well. Matt from MJ Sailing here on UA-cam had a lot of these issues as well with their refit. I know you have already purchased much of the electronics but my advise is to try and hold off on any more of the instrumentation you plan to buy and install for Athena until right before you are ready to launch. As always, I love your videos and it has become my favorite DIY sailboat/cruising UA-cam channel. Keep them coming. Yours will definitely be one of the few I will be able to keep watching regularly once we have untied the lines and are further from broadband.
Your an inspiration. I admire your goals, and your work. :) I started watching three months ago and every weekend I am very excited to see what your going to show next. Gettem dude!
I absolutely agree with your refit. I have known new boat owners that paid way to much and now do not know a thing about their boats. When Athena splashes you will know more than the builder. You are amazing at DYI! Better than the builder. Congratulations and good luck!!!
Thank you for your inspiration! I may not be DIY’ing a live aboard boat, but your are encouraging in pursuing my small boat and other skills based goals.
Wow, you have a death grip on the obvious. Maybe you should go back and re-watch the video and then, maybe, just maybe with those incredible powers of perception, you will understand why Kevin said what he did. And he is right, of course.
Speaking only for myself, I care a great deal because I'm at the stage where I've decided I want to buy a boat (2-3 year timeframe) and I'm naturally very curious about what kind of maintenance/refit I could potentially be looking at by buying an older boat and how much that might cost. Definitely realize every boat is different and therefore costs are never going to be the same. But its still great to see this kind of information as a very rough guidepost. I'm quite grateful Mads is willing to share with those of us who aren't looking to throw darts at him.
The hull-deck joint reminds me of something I read from Hal Roth. He and his wife set out from San Francisco in a brand new boat to do a clock-wise circumnavigation of the Pacific. The beginning of their trip was marked with days upon days of pounding into seas and that joint leaking like a sieve. By the time they got to Mexico or so, they were so fed up that they stopped to address the issue. They removed the toe rail and stanchions, then used three progressively wider layers of fiberglass to bond over and reinforce the joint. (It isn't like they're ever going to unbolt and remove the deck half from the hull half.) If I recall correctly, he bought the glass in rolls of 6", 9" and 12" widths (~ 150mm, 230mm, 300mm.) In all the years of sailing after that, they never had a leak from that joint. In your case, you'd probably also think about building up that depression prior to glassing over, so you get a fair line with the rest of the deck and no standing water. Roth, Hal. _Two on a big ocean: the story of the first circumnavigation of the Pacific basin in a small sailing ship._ New York: Macmillan, 1972.
Thanks much for sharing. Now, think of all the man-hour costs you're saving by doing all the work yourself. Along with the satisfaction that you touched and approved every aspect of your boat. Keep up the good work!
Good on you Madz, do what you love and makes you happy..... can't wait for each of yor eps, as a real person.. good on ya mate. i love watching and learning
Your videos provide a totally different, and equally enjoyable, experience as babes in bikinis. Happy to see other types of sailing vlogs out there with interesting content, humor, education and other things that still keep us excited for the next episode. All the best to you and your goals, I know you will do it and I appreciate you sharing it with all of us so we may learn from you along the way. Fair winds.
The boat project looks Awesome! keep at it, you are making great progress. pay no attention to the naysayers, they just don't understand. this is one of the ultimate recycling/re-use projects. I kind of figure it this way: if I weren't restoring old boats, I would just be spending my time and money on something else. great work!
Your friend Alf in BC makes a fine sailing channel without bikini's. LOL...Thanks for the run down on the cost to date. that is very encouraging looking forward.
Thanks for posting your expenses Madz. For a lot less than a new or newer boat you will have what you want, the way you want, and for a good price. And, as you pointed out, the priceless knowledge of knowing your boat, inside out. The good and the bad. Most sailors don't have that knowledge. And you get the parts you wanted, not old stuff someone else picked out. Its true that without a women on board (or several ) willing to show off their bodies in bikinis, you would have a hard time putting out videos that get the amount of views you get now, but then why care ? Put out the vids you want, and either people will watch, or they won't. Either way, your doing what you want to do. While I admit I watch a lot of sailing vblogs, its because of the content not the flesh. One of my favorite vblogs is Sea Change. Its very well done, all guys and a dog. The story they tell thru incredible video is fantastic. The other is White spot pirates. And while she is a girl, and wears a bikini at time, its her story, her challenges they make it great. Same with Sail life. When I finally untie the lines, maybe I will make some vblogs of it, maybe not. but if I do, I hope that the story and the video will be what people will be attracted to, not the flesh.
Hey my friend. I was really pondering your comment about people saying you paid too much. You're single, doing fairly well for yourself. You have a fun hobby to help you destress. I say go for it! Refit Athena to make her EXACTLY the ship you want her to be.
By the time it's all said and done it's gonna be awesome. Who cares what everyone thinks as long as you are happy with what you accomplish!!! Keep up the great job and I look forward to future videos. 👍👏🏼
I'm sorry I can't join the meet-up but NYC is practically another country from my part of the US of A. You have the right attitude. It's "your" dream so ignore the yahoos who want to tell you that you spent too much. as long as you spend what you wanted to. Love the videos.
Good for you. It seems many never talk about the money. Thank you. It's shows you enjoy your work, you know all about it. Overall, that sounds like a good deal to me. please keep up the good work. always looking forward to your show.
I am with you on the whole project. I spent ten years +, which is way too long, rebuilding a wooden boat 48' long with 16' beam. People used to come up as I worked and say, that needs a lot of work, or that will cost a lot to do up, or how long is that going to take to finish?, or how much will that cost to do up? I got so damn fed up I made up a sign that read, "Yes, I know this old boat needs lots of work and I know it will cost a lot to do up and I have no idea how long it will take and I have no idea how much it will cost and frankly I don't give a damn... " Keep at it Mads. I actually think for what you have achieved you have not spent a whole lot and even if you had spent more at the start you would still want to be taking it apart to rebuild it how you want and to know it inside out. Regards. Andy
You're doing what you love, and that's all that matters. I am concerned about your seasickness, but you'll either figure it out or not. Be the wave, man.
Amazing dream and knowledge you are acquiring. How many sailors real know his/her boats inside outside? Just go for it even sometimes things will not go as you expecte! (thst is part of someone who experiences life) and always do not forget as welll as things and it is almost 95& were just amazing well done! Big hug, Paul
Thanks for the honesty with the costs; I think you're doing well. I love following your journey and also Vagabond, Delos etc. They're all good and the effort to make these movies is huge and appreciated. Water maker? See Emerald steel and make your own. They've had 15yrs of trouble free service at a smaller cost. Cheers Mike.
Mads, good of you to include such personal info as prices....others may disagree, but I think the Warrior 38 is a good design and getting one in the low $40s seems like a good deal. As for the improvements, you would have to spend the money anyway, at least by doing it yourself you know the quality of the workmanship is good; you will appreciate this fact the first time you and Athena are seriously challenged by adverse conditions offshore. Keep up the good work.
Hey, if you deduct the money you save NOT having a girlfriend, what you paid for Athena emerges as a net profit! Also labor cost. If you didn't have Athena to work on, you would have spent a lot more money on other hobbies. Also this way, you get exactly the boat you want, not the boat someone else thought you should have. And I love that you talk about and show fixing up Athena, not waste all your time showing pictures of women in bikinis. Also the details on the geek equipment your are using. You are definitely a keeper! Thanks So Much, Dave
I need you for budget management! Great job. I like your attitude and attention to detail, after all if you did not make it or upgrade it, oftentimes there is little chance that that you will be able to repair it when you need the repair the most.
Wonderful video Mads, I so look forward to each and every one you make! ..I'm having withdrawals for next weekend already though, lol You're a modern day hero for giving that beautiful warrior 38 a new lease on life.. I know firsthand what it takes, my profile pic shows some of the fruits of my labor as a commercial fisherman (with the heart of a sailor :-) I will be getting back to sail soon, from my last trailerable Hunter 26 to the newer version 260 when an example pops-up in need of a bit of love to make her my own :-) So, "keep charging, tiger".. (old motivational saying) everything you do, delights and inspires! Best, subscriber #21
You have done such a beautiful job on restoring Athina. I am totally impressed.What you spent is your business , but it's a lot more than I would have. But I'm not looking for ascetics & perfection , I'm looking for tough functionality with low maintenance and I don't care about resale value because I'll never sell it . LOL Thank you for letting us pick your brain. Because I'm in the middle of what you're doing now. I'm dropping in a new diesel engine and fuel tank into my 31 foot project this week to replace the old Gas Atomic 4. Maybe wheel meet one day . Cheers & Keep on producing these great DYI videos.
Mads, I really admire your skills in keeping the Misc costs so low. I have done much smaller projects on my Monsun 31 and I think I am spending more on plywood, Sika and skrews than you are. Also stuff like new through hulls and hoses are expensive. Good luck with your project, I will be following you. 👍
In my opinion, it is much more interesting to watch DIY sailboat projects than sailing itself (maybe because video just is not enough when it comes to sailing :D). Therefore my personal favourites are ofcourse Sail Life, followtheboat (the 1 year rebuild project, not really DIY, but still really satisfying) and Sailing Uma.
Grumpy people who would criticize and spew negative stuff are sad souls. You are a big inspiration Mads and your honesty and determination is great to see! Keep up the great videos. Is Athena a shoal draft ?
Madds - thanks sharing the tally on DIY expenses. I agree with all your rationale. It's funny to be watching this at almost 1pm est (here in Pennsylvania) knowing your meetup is scheduled for a couple hours from now. Wish I could have made it. I saw your FB post of all the electrical stuff you get at the Defender sale - hopefully the savings will help fund your trip. Ron
So far, financially, it would seem, you have done really well. You have made some great choices. You will have to do bottom and deck. Also, after all this work, you will probably change out chain plates, standing rigging, and you might need to get some sails, solar, wind generator, dingy, dingy motor.( water maker? rudder rebuild? Steering maintenance? upgrading electronics?) You paid $42K but would be doing really really well to keep it under double that when all is said and done for the boat in excellent condition, sharply kitted out filled with all your cruising essentials. Still a good deal--and you are having fun while doing all the prep work.
Good for you, I do agree the doing of the project is the best part!! Really enjoy the videos. I was thinking the same as a couple of the other comments that a water maker would be great.
I'm using Kiwigrip when I redo the deck of my boat this summer. Kiwigrip is water based and you can choose the aggressiveness of the nonskid with your application technique.
You probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I love any help you can give me
@Lochlan Abdullah I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
If someone says, you could have just spent $54k on a different boat in better condition - possibly. However, since $54k is not even close to what you'd pay for a brand new boat, so it will have its own set of issues you don't know yet and that will come with their own price tag. I think you concept is quite right. Buy a cheap boat with a solid base, assume everything not known good is bad and needs replacing, then proceed replacing/redoing everything and get pleasantly surprised if something is still good. :-) Greetings from Germany!
The money breakdown was really helpful. It always seems to be a cagey issue but, as a casual watcher/dreamer, it's helpful to put numbers on the individual projects. Also, Thank you for not having a bikini video. haha
great video, always do what you love and it turns out GREAT! suggestion on the deck...fair from top of voting down to bottom of scupper to elimate the junk tray. great job and have fun doing it.
Mads, even if you end up spending $100K by the end it will be worth it! Its your DREAM and only you can put a price on what you are willing to pay to make it a reality. The only haters you'll find in life are the ones who have quit on their own dreams! Dream on brother I believe in you and in your dream. Godspeed Mads...
WHAT!..........no thong? OMG. Keep up the great work and remember it's your dream! Nobody understood why we gutted our Westsail 42 Harmony to DIY our dream boat either? You've seen her - you know! Athena looks pretty darn spiffy! Fair winds my friend! Doug on WS42 Harmony
thank you for sharing and being so honest about the cost I really enjoy your dyi projects. my wife and I not going to be selling our house and moving onto a sailboat hopefully by the end of the year we live in Southern California.
Really cool how you open up about the costs of the boat, nice to give us a peek into the costs of a project of this size. If it's spent on something you love it's always money well spent!! In the end you might even break even or make some money when you sell it, but who cares just make sure you keep those posts on here coming! (Who knows, with a fancy boat like this, the bikini girls will line up to get aboard!!)
It’s funny watching this in 2020. All the things that have been done to Athena since this video was done are amazing!
Mads, you and I are complete soul brothers on boats, money, why I DIY, and yes, the necessity (or not) of having click bait on the videos. My friend, your honesty, wit and good nature is click bait enough to carry you around the globe. If you ever get back to Austin, Texas let me take you sailing. One of the current three boats in the yard will be ready by then. Enjoy NYC.
Yay, the good part of the ever dreadful Sunday is here!
I applaud your courage to speak about money, like you said it's always such a sensitive topic. I'm sure a lot of people are afraid of what the costs may be if they want to restore an older boat.
Have a great time in NYC!
Mads, your click bait observations are soooo right. Thanks for being just you DIYing and not fussing about being in the tropics so you can flash a crew member's bikini. I like to think you've got yourself a niche in the plethora of YT sailing videos and I for one (and I'm not alone in this) am looking forward to seeing Athena complete and back in the water. Please don't cut any corners - what you're doing amounts to a restoration, not a refit, and each vid is a pleasure to follow - well shot, edited, and as close to real time as possible. Keep it up bro'!
Was very lucky to run into you at our local marine consignment store! We hope the rest of your trip was fun!
We enjoy your vlog every week because there are no blatant "pimping" shots. We enjoy the technical parts and are learning right along with you. The true reward for any cost with Athena is the knowledge you have gained and imparted to everyone watching. Keep filming !!
Thank you for all your hard work!
Never apologise to anyone about following your dream. I admire what you are doing and by the time you are finished, you will know every inch (centimeter!) of that boat which is a bonus in itself.
Mads, Thanks for the refreshing concept.
The best sailing DIY on the internet. Hard to imagine with no bikini clad babes...
mads you have almost 24 thousand subscribers . and that is because of your honesty and ability . and the fact you can laugh at yourself . you don't need click bait and it could possibly ruin the best you tube live aboard channel. i wonder if you realise how many people you reach and inspire regards dave
You don't need low brow click bait. Your viewers love you. I hope that was made all the more clear to you when in NY. Please keep these amazing videos coming.
You are an inspiration. No joke. Please keep up the great work!
Also money is not important it's just paper. Your time and passion is important. Very happy for you mate.
-Drunken future full time sailor Matt
I think you do a pretty great job as a channel without all of the clickbait. Definitely one of my favorites and I'm sure I'll keep watching after you start cruising.
However much you spend you can't put a price in happiness and you are clearly very happy 😊 thank you for sharing your journey with us
Fixing up an old boat is part of my dream as well. That's the best way to get to know the boat you will be living on for an extended period of time
Thank you for all your posts. I have just enjoyed to no end all that you I've done to both of your boats. I spent 4 years rebuilding my sailboat. I got it for the right price, and truly wanted to do the work. I know every inch of that boat! It's a great satisfaction to look back at what I have done to my sailboat, it's like I saved her, I gave her a new life.
At the end of the day, it's you that has to be satisfied and happy with what your doing. I think your doing a great job, most people can not stay on track with a project this large. Your OCD is your driving force.
Thanks so much Mads! We're all learning much ...
You are doing what you enjoy. As long as you can afford it, money is not an issue. Keep up the great work.
Your good shit Mads. I love your attitude. Too many people just want to buy the new boat. When shit hits the fan in some remote location, it will hopefully add calm to the situation knowing you literally have touched every millimetre of your boat. I love your videos. You're an inspiration to me. I hope to one day be as handy as you. Good luck in the future.
Mads, nice of you to share what your project is costing you. I for one find your videos of your project work helpful and interesting. You certainly aren't alone in the efforts to make an old boat 'new' again and even somewhat custom for the owner. I know for myself that making your boat fit your own personal wishes and cruising style are investments that payoff in so more many ways when you do finish than the actual cost. Keep true to your dreams, you'll never regret it!
Well if it is any comfort I like just listening to you narrate your videos, without Bikinis, and I really enjoy watching you fix your boats. I enjoy fixing anything, but especially Boats, I love how meticulously you do any project, that is my way of doing woodworking. So keep up the good work and keep on track....
Thank you for listing your expenses. I've been fixing up my 66 Mustang, and taking heat for the parts. Now I can say "you think I spend a lot on my car...a guy I know is fixing up a boat, and he has spent.....!!!" I understand about the benefits of learning every square inch of your vehicle. Comes in handy when your car/boat doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning. Keep up the great work!!!
Hi Mads,
I've been watching your channel for a while now. And so far your channel is one of THE MOST favourite ones of mine. For the most of us land labbers, I'm admiring your attitude, your skills and the job you've done so far. I guess You're our role model. There are so many of us who's been dreaming of sailing a boat around the world but never done anything... What a shame )))
A few words about 'nay' sayers, the negative folks. PLEASE, don't pay attention to them. Just do what you're doing, let them simply die of their jealousy ))) NEVER EVER give up your dreams, period!!!
Enjoy your trip to the Big Apple, we'll wait for you to come back. You're like an old good friend for all of us. Don't give it up
Fair Winds
Your stuff is so enjoyable to watch for that reason of not pimping out your old lady to grab viewer attention. Great stuff Mads...keep up the excellent work.
Hope you are having a great time in the USA. I think you are living the dream; thanks for bringing us along.
Was great to meet you and other Sail Life fans in New York, Keep up the great work!
Hey, I had nothing to do with your mishaps last weekend! XD Love the vids! You are BY FAR the best sailboat and DIY youtuber. The amount of work and information you put into your videos is incredible. You are truly inspiring!!
Awesome job! I think you got a hell of a deal on Athena. Just the engine, wind vane, and radar is worth half of what you paid. I'm shocked you only spent ~$500 on your fridge. Keep the videos coming. You've inspired me to get off my ass and get my boat in shape!
I love the way you fix up your boat.
+Marc Lonte thank you! :)
We just purchased our third fixer upper and I am in the same "boat" as you, love the refit more than the sailing. Not sure if my sailing hours will ever equal my labour time. Your doing something right to keep viewers without the bikini shots.
Derek
Thanks for all the work you put into sharing with us.
Welcome to the U.S., I hope you have a great visit but I wish you had the time to see just how diverse we are across the states. Treats for Jokull The wife says "the heck" with what others think about what you paid for whatever. You'll be the most knowledgeable person on the planet about that boat and that's worth a lot. Not to mention the peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Go Mads
All I can say is....good for you! you are happy with what you've done and what you are doing! Well done sir. See you out there.
Mads!!!!!! Thank you so much for talking about cost. I watched this video twice ! Hope you are having a blast in north American.
Awesome plans! Can't wait to follow along with you as you accomplish your dreams.
Love your videos. And you're right, there is something oddly satisfying about hard labor on your own boat. I started fixing up my 18 foot interlake sailboat last summer and am really enjoying.
Mads I have learned so much from you, I am super thankful for your videos. You're one of the few channels I still watch for the very "bikini" issue. Just keep on being you, that's why you've got so many followers.
Great stuff Mads, I am restoring my boat now and value watching you more than clickbate.
Thanks for sharing your budget Mads. I'm looking forward to some sailing videos and I'm sure you won't be short of content as you learn your new boat. Enjoy NY!
I think you are and will be ahead of the game !
Very good video Mads!!! Talking about money is so helpful for us future cruisers to have an idea of the budget we need to get sailing
I can't believe you are the same guy I stumbled on to while looking for sailing videos so long ago. I had thought at the time you were this angry guy that would grow tired of making videos very soon, but you just keep getting better and better at it, both personally and production wise. I like to think your true personalty is what is now coming through. :)
BTW good decision on not wearing the bikini.
We have you beat by just a bit. I've been wanting to do a rundown vid about the work we've done and the cost. Right now we're just north of $73,000 spent in the last two years, but everything is new and I would trust our boat sailing across oceans.
Being that is your plan, too, your money is well-spent. If you were spending that money on a home, no one would bat an eye.
Fantastic video Mads, and I always enjoy your sense of humor.
Another great video. I enjoy going back and watching these slightly older videos with my knowledge of the "spoilers" from the future. Oh, how the moisture issues in the core are going to come to haunt you soon...
The nattering nabobs of negativity on your choices are always going to be there no matter what you do, there will never be any pleasing them no matter what you do, so it is so good to see you doing what you want, while still giving the advice people offer a listen-to in case you might be headed off the rails here and there. I totally agree with your philosophy of building/re-fitting your own boat. You will have a great boat that will be better than brand new. It will never be finished, but an evolving work in progress. But no boat is ever a finished work because there will always be ongoing maintenance that needs to be performed and kept ahead of, and changes in technology will give you opportunities to upgrade slowly to better things as systems wear out and need to be replaced. In the end, as you point out, you will know every square inch of YOUR boat and be able to fix any problems and deal with any emergencies much better than if you had simply paid more for a "new" boat.
One area to be careful of is electronics. While things like AC and DC panels/inverters/isolation transformers/cables are a great foundation and need to be placed sailing electronics like chartplotters, VHF radios, AIS systems, and other sailing instrumentation are all rapidly evolving and changing every year. While NMEA-2000 networking seems to have settled down and standardizing the instruments themselves seem to be updated with every model year. Everything bought today will probably be out of production and out of date in a year or two. I bought a brand new B&G Triton package and Vulcan 7 chartplotter in the fall of 2016 and almost instantly they became out of date when they came out with new models a few months later. B&G (and other Navico brands) as well as Garmin are both notorious for abandoning their products to software updates as soon as a new model comes out, even if they look almost identical on the outside. New firmware and even fixes for glitches just stop happening. They are as bad as Apple and Android smartphones and tablets with their product cycles. I was just talking to the B&G reps at the Chicago boat show and the new features of the newest models of my instruments that I am missing out on and will never have is a little heartbreaking. Neat MOB features and other little things have been introduced that I'll not be able to use now unless I get a new chartplotter and Triton gauges :(
Also the warranties expire really fast on this gear and if products are not taken out and actively used on the water stuff that is bad from the factory will never be found until it is too late. I have had that problem as well. Matt from MJ Sailing here on UA-cam had a lot of these issues as well with their refit. I know you have already purchased much of the electronics but my advise is to try and hold off on any more of the instrumentation you plan to buy and install for Athena until right before you are ready to launch.
As always, I love your videos and it has become my favorite DIY sailboat/cruising UA-cam channel. Keep them coming. Yours will definitely be one of the few I will be able to keep watching regularly once we have untied the lines and are further from broadband.
Your an inspiration. I admire your goals, and your work. :) I started watching three months ago and every weekend I am very excited to see what your going to show next. Gettem dude!
I absolutely agree with your refit. I have known new boat owners that paid way to much and now do not know a thing about their boats. When Athena splashes you will know more than the builder. You are amazing at DYI! Better than the builder. Congratulations and good luck!!!
Thank you for your inspiration! I may not be DIY’ing a live aboard boat, but your are encouraging in pursuing my small boat and other skills based goals.
Sobering insights! Thanks for sharing. Really enjoy the content here and look forward to every episode. Ignore the detractors.
Mads who cares what you end up spending, it's your money your boat and your home so as long as you are happy that's all that matters
Kevin Armstrong I think his reason for sharing is to give somebody watching his videos and planning to do something similar a rough idea of the price.
Wow, you have a death grip on the obvious. Maybe you should go back and re-watch the video and then, maybe, just maybe with those incredible powers of perception, you will understand why Kevin said what he did. And he is right, of course.
Speaking only for myself, I care a great deal because I'm at the stage where I've decided I want to buy a boat (2-3 year timeframe) and I'm naturally very curious about what kind of maintenance/refit I could potentially be looking at by buying an older boat and how much that might cost. Definitely realize every boat is different and therefore costs are never going to be the same. But its still great to see this kind of information as a very rough guidepost. I'm quite grateful Mads is willing to share with those of us who aren't looking to throw darts at him.
The hull-deck joint reminds me of something I read from Hal Roth.
He and his wife set out from San Francisco in a brand new boat to do a clock-wise circumnavigation of the Pacific. The beginning of their trip was marked with days upon days of pounding into seas and that joint leaking like a sieve. By the time they got to Mexico or so, they were so fed up that they stopped to address the issue.
They removed the toe rail and stanchions, then used three progressively wider layers of fiberglass to bond over and reinforce the joint. (It isn't like they're ever going to unbolt and remove the deck half from the hull half.) If I recall correctly, he bought the glass in rolls of 6", 9" and 12" widths (~ 150mm, 230mm, 300mm.) In all the years of sailing after that, they never had a leak from that joint.
In your case, you'd probably also think about building up that depression prior to glassing over, so you get a fair line with the rest of the deck and no standing water.
Roth, Hal. _Two on a big ocean: the story of the first circumnavigation of the Pacific basin in a small sailing ship._ New York: Macmillan, 1972.
super breakdown on the costs you have incurred so far. well done... enjoy your meet up!
Nice work! I can't bear to think about how much money we've spent on this boat. Your efforts are well worth it. It's looking gorgeous.
Thanks much for sharing. Now, think of all the man-hour costs you're saving by doing all the work yourself. Along with the satisfaction that you touched and approved every aspect of your boat. Keep up the good work!
Good on you Madz, do what you love and makes you happy..... can't wait for each of yor eps, as a real person.. good on ya mate. i love watching and learning
Great job! Have fun today at the meet up!
Your videos provide a totally different, and equally enjoyable, experience as babes in bikinis. Happy to see other types of sailing vlogs out there with interesting content, humor, education and other things that still keep us excited for the next episode. All the best to you and your goals, I know you will do it and I appreciate you sharing it with all of us so we may learn from you along the way. Fair winds.
The boat project looks Awesome! keep at it, you are making great progress. pay no attention to the naysayers, they just don't understand. this is one of the ultimate recycling/re-use projects. I kind of figure it this way: if I weren't restoring old boats, I would just be spending my time and money on something else. great work!
Your friend Alf in BC makes a fine sailing channel without bikini's. LOL...Thanks for the run down on the cost to date. that is very encouraging looking forward.
Thanks for posting your expenses Madz. For a lot less than a new or newer boat you will have what you want, the way you want, and for a good price. And, as you pointed out, the priceless knowledge of knowing your boat, inside out. The good and the bad. Most sailors don't have that knowledge. And you get the parts you wanted, not old stuff someone else picked out.
Its true that without a women on board (or several ) willing to show off their bodies in bikinis, you would have a hard time putting out videos that get the amount of views you get now, but then why care ? Put out the vids you want, and either people will watch, or they won't. Either way, your doing what you want to do. While I admit I watch a lot of sailing vblogs, its because of the content not the flesh. One of my favorite vblogs is Sea Change. Its very well done, all guys and a dog. The story they tell thru incredible video is fantastic. The other is White spot pirates. And while she is a girl, and wears a bikini at time, its her story, her challenges they make it great. Same with Sail life. When I finally untie the lines, maybe I will make some vblogs of it, maybe not. but if I do, I hope that the story and the video will be what people will be attracted to, not the flesh.
Hey my friend. I was really pondering your comment about people saying you paid too much. You're single, doing fairly well for yourself. You have a fun hobby to help you destress. I say go for it! Refit Athena to make her EXACTLY the ship you want her to be.
By the time it's all said and done it's gonna be awesome. Who cares what everyone thinks as long as you are happy with what you accomplish!!! Keep up the great job and I look forward to future videos. 👍👏🏼
I'm sorry I can't join the meet-up but NYC is practically another country from my part of the US of A. You have the right attitude. It's "your" dream so ignore the yahoos who want to tell you that you spent too much. as long as you spend what you wanted to. Love the videos.
Good for you. It seems many never talk about the money. Thank you. It's shows you enjoy your work, you know all about it. Overall, that sounds like a good deal to me. please keep up the good work. always looking forward to your show.
I am with you on the whole project. I spent ten years +, which is way too long, rebuilding a wooden boat 48' long with 16' beam. People used to come up as I worked and say, that needs a lot of work, or that will cost a lot to do up, or how long is that going to take to finish?, or how much will that cost to do up? I got so damn fed up I made up a sign that read, "Yes, I know this old boat needs lots of work and I know it will cost a lot to do up and I have no idea how long it will take and I have no idea how much it will cost and frankly I don't give a damn... " Keep at it Mads. I actually think for what you have achieved you have not spent a whole lot and even if you had spent more at the start you would still want to be taking it apart to rebuild it how you want and to know it inside out. Regards. Andy
You're doing what you love, and that's all that matters. I am concerned about your seasickness, but you'll either figure it out or not. Be the wave, man.
I'm calling it. If you won't wear a bikini, time for Jökull to get one. ;)
Enjoy NYC!
GDP of Denmark would increase 2% on the ad/patreon revenue....
I had the same thought!!! 😂😂
That's to funny. Ha
Problem: Americans would claim, exploitation.
Only the Americans that lean to port
Amazing dream and knowledge you are acquiring. How many sailors real know his/her boats inside outside? Just go for it even sometimes things will not go as you expecte! (thst is part of someone who experiences life) and always do not forget as welll as things and it is almost 95& were just amazing well done! Big hug, Paul
Another great video; I love your optimism, keep a good work, and have a nice day!
You're living the dream. Yeah!
Thanks for the honesty with the costs; I think you're doing well. I love following your journey and also Vagabond, Delos etc. They're all good and the effort to make these movies is huge and appreciated. Water maker? See Emerald steel and make your own. They've had 15yrs of trouble free service at a smaller cost. Cheers Mike.
Great video as always. So excited for the meetup!
Great video. I laughed so much. I look forward to every one of them. Thank you!
Mads, good of you to include such personal info as prices....others may disagree, but I think the Warrior 38 is a good design and getting one in the low $40s seems like a good deal. As for the improvements, you would have to spend the money anyway, at least by doing it yourself you know the quality of the workmanship is good; you will appreciate this fact the first time you and Athena are seriously challenged by adverse conditions offshore. Keep up the good work.
Hey, if you deduct the money you save NOT having a girlfriend, what you paid for Athena emerges as a net profit! Also labor cost. If you didn't have Athena to work on, you would have spent a lot more money on other hobbies. Also this way, you get exactly the boat you want, not the boat someone else thought you should have. And I love that you talk about and show fixing up Athena, not waste all your time showing pictures of women in bikinis. Also the details on the geek equipment your are using. You are definitely a keeper! Thanks So Much,
Dave
I agree.
I need you for budget management! Great job. I like your attitude and attention to detail, after all if you did not make it or upgrade it, oftentimes there is little chance that that you will be able to repair it when you need the repair the most.
Wonderful video Mads, I so look forward to each and every one you make! ..I'm having withdrawals for next weekend already though, lol
You're a modern day hero for giving that beautiful warrior 38 a new lease on life.. I know firsthand what it takes, my profile pic shows some of the fruits of my labor as a commercial fisherman (with the heart of a sailor :-) I will be getting back to sail soon, from my last trailerable Hunter 26 to the newer version 260 when an example pops-up in need of a bit of love to make her my own :-)
So, "keep charging, tiger".. (old motivational saying) everything you do, delights and inspires!
Best, subscriber #21
You have done such a beautiful job on restoring Athina. I am totally impressed.What you spent is your business , but it's a lot more than I would have. But I'm not looking for ascetics & perfection , I'm looking for tough functionality with low maintenance and I don't care about resale value because I'll never sell it . LOL Thank you for letting us pick your brain. Because I'm in the middle of what you're doing now. I'm dropping in a new diesel engine and fuel tank into my 31 foot project this week to replace the old Gas Atomic 4. Maybe wheel meet one day . Cheers & Keep on producing these great DYI videos.
Mads, I really admire your skills in keeping the Misc costs so low. I have done much smaller projects on my Monsun 31 and I think I am spending more on plywood, Sika and skrews than you are. Also stuff like new through hulls and hoses are expensive. Good luck with your project, I will be following you. 👍
Great job. Looking forward to all of those projects. Have fun in New York ....... :)
In my opinion, it is much more interesting to watch DIY sailboat projects than sailing itself (maybe because video just is not enough when it comes to sailing :D). Therefore my personal favourites are ofcourse Sail Life, followtheboat (the 1 year rebuild project, not really DIY, but still really satisfying) and Sailing Uma.
Ülari V those are my favorites also but uma has nice scenery also
Grumpy people who would criticize and spew negative stuff are sad souls. You are a big inspiration Mads and your honesty and determination is great to see! Keep up the great videos. Is Athena a shoal draft ?
Madds - thanks sharing the tally on DIY expenses. I agree with all your rationale. It's funny to be watching this at almost 1pm est (here in Pennsylvania) knowing your meetup is scheduled for a couple hours from now. Wish I could have made it. I saw your FB post of all the electrical stuff you get at the Defender sale - hopefully the savings will help fund your trip.
Ron
So far, financially, it would seem, you have done really well. You have made some great choices. You will have to do bottom and deck. Also, after all this work, you will probably change out chain plates, standing rigging, and you might need to get some sails, solar, wind generator, dingy, dingy motor.( water maker? rudder rebuild? Steering maintenance? upgrading electronics?) You paid $42K but would be doing really really well to keep it under double that when all is said and done for the boat in excellent condition, sharply kitted out filled with all your cruising essentials. Still a good deal--and you are having fun while doing all the prep work.
Good for you, I do agree the doing of the project is the best part!! Really enjoy the videos. I was thinking the same as a couple of the other comments that a water maker would be great.
Great video! Hurry up on the Battery Panel and Rewiring Video. Doing mine now. Using all Blue Sea stuff.
I'm using Kiwigrip when I redo the deck of my boat this summer. Kiwigrip is water based and you can choose the aggressiveness of the nonskid with your application technique.
You probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account?
I somehow lost the account password. I love any help you can give me
@Cain Matthew instablaster ;)
@Lochlan Abdullah I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
@Lochlan Abdullah it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thanks so much you really help me out :D
@Cain Matthew Happy to help =)
If someone says, you could have just spent $54k on a different boat in better condition - possibly. However, since $54k is not even close to what you'd pay for a brand new boat, so it will have its own set of issues you don't know yet and that will come with their own price tag.
I think you concept is quite right. Buy a cheap boat with a solid base, assume everything not known good is bad and needs replacing, then proceed replacing/redoing everything and get pleasantly surprised if something is still good. :-)
Greetings from Germany!
Great video as always, keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing the finances.
The money breakdown was really helpful. It always seems to be a cagey issue but, as a casual watcher/dreamer, it's helpful to put numbers on the individual projects.
Also, Thank you for not having a bikini video. haha
great video, always do what you love and it turns out GREAT! suggestion on the deck...fair from top of voting down to bottom of scupper to elimate the junk tray. great job and have fun doing it.
Great video, it really helps! Thank you, Mads!
Mads, even if you end up spending $100K by the end it will be worth it! Its your DREAM and only you can put a price on what you are willing to pay to make it a reality. The only haters you'll find in life are the ones who have quit on their own dreams! Dream on brother I believe in you and in your dream. Godspeed Mads...
WHAT!..........no thong? OMG. Keep up the great work and remember it's your dream! Nobody understood why we gutted our Westsail 42 Harmony to DIY our dream boat either? You've seen her - you know! Athena looks pretty darn spiffy! Fair winds my friend! Doug on WS42 Harmony
thank you for sharing and being so honest about the cost I really enjoy your dyi projects. my wife and I not going to be selling our house and moving onto a sailboat hopefully by the end of the year we live in Southern California.
You Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! big love for what you do here from Israel
Really cool how you open up about the costs of the boat, nice to give us a peek into the costs of a project of this size. If it's spent on something you love it's always money well spent!! In the end you might even break even or make some money when you sell it, but who cares just make sure you keep those posts on here coming! (Who knows, with a fancy boat like this, the bikini girls will line up to get aboard!!)
Only answer that matters: ARE YOU HAPPY!?
I think Mads already answer that one LOL
WOW I think you got a good deal on your boat/items as you live on a boat as well as having your dream and hobbies!
I'm very jealous, great job. :)
Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance..... Samuel Johnson .... well done
Nice video again!
:) -you`re building a new boat!