Refits
An interior refit can transform a yacht into something as good as—or better than—new. In this article, David King and David Pratt discuss how to update the look and feel of your interior.
- Is the refit process different for metal boats versus fiberglass?
- Tear-out syndrome.
- The effect of the complexity of boats.
- Understanding the scope of a refit.
- The value of original drawings during the refit process.
- Refitting the ends of your boat versus the middle of your boat.
- Exteriors and styling issues.
- Costing refits.
- How refits affect resell value and owner satisfaction.
Listen now to "Should You Refit Your Interior?” (11.06MB Streaming MP3 12:04).
- Layout
- Styling
- The Puzzle
- Tear-Out Syndrome
- Drawings
- 'Body
- Petri Dish Building
- Refitting for Resale
Layout
The layout of a yacht and the style are two separate entities, yet interwoven. One approach can be in going room to room for spot refitting, while another is going from bow to stern for a whole facelift. Pulling out the whole interior can afford the opportunity to move bulkheads around for a whole new look and feel. Conversely, sometimes simply changing fabric and the wall covering can be just the touch that is needed.
Styling
Jumping into a refit project requires finding a naval architect. Doing so ensures that you will get what you really want. You need to convey a clear picture of your desired outcome of the refit before the project is under way. A professional will keep communication clear and complicated details will be handled with greater efficacy.
The Puzzle
An important reality is that when planning a refit, there are numerous mysteries that lie ahead. There are many systems within the vessel. The workers are up against the hull, and the bulkheads, plumbing and electrical systems have not yet been uncovered. It is unknown as to what will be found behind the walls when they are removed. The true professionals will be transparent about what may be uncovered, so you can avoid sticker-shock. Over the course of the refit, there will be re-evaluations when structural issues are uncovered that need addressing. You are always free to decline any aspects of the project before you get in too deep.
Tear-Out Syndrome
One must be careful because the new additions can make the old look really, really old. Suddenly, you can demand the yacht gutted. However, putting everything back together again is an entirely different story than pulling out. Tear-out syndrome can quickly lead to a climbing six figure price tag with materials and labor. The professionals at Townsend Bay Marine are not out to generate more work for themselves by taking advantage of your emotions. They will make every effort to walk you carefully through the process of your yacht's refit. Your pride and joy is as important to them as it is to you.
Drawings
Keeping the original drawings of the yacht from when she was built may seem like a grand idea, but it does little to help in a refit. Rarely do the drawings and the end product—your actual yacht—ever match. Although it can be nice to see what the original intent may have been, it may be dangerous to follow them too closely because they can lead the project down the wrong path, which could waste time and money. Perhaps you could frame the blueprints for a galley decoration.
Body
When making plans to do a refit, if the budget becomes an issue, the area to be worked on can be negotiated. The ends of the yacht’s body are more expensive than the middle because of their complex structure. The ends are pointy and confined, whereas the middle provides easy access and is comparatively spacious.
Petri Dish Building
Naturally you want your yacht’s refit to be elegant. When everyone looks at your yacht, which they will, you want them to think that that is the way that she was originally built. The last thing that you want is for any sort of patch-work job to attract attention. Going into a refit fully prepared both mentally and financially is strongly advised for maximum satisfaction.
Refitting for Resale
Refitting is expensive, and is best considered an investment in your own enjoyment. Seldom does a refit increase the value of a yacht. At best it can help bring the value up to where it should be market-wise. Labor alone can easily cost twenty-thousand dollars per week. Although worth every penny, you should not expect to add the expense of the refit to the price tag for resale of your yacht. When considering the purchase of another boat in comparison with the cost of a refit, taking on such a project, although it may seem irrational, may in reality be cost effective. Do the refit for yourself and your pride and joy, you will be much happier in the end.