Because it can

June 4, 2023
Opinion , Share

Because we can: The story of renovating our own boat.

Why didn't you buy a new boat? Because restoring an old one is also possible!

The video below from Sailing Uma explains exactly, and much better than we could have, why saving an old boat is worth it.

An older couple we once saw walking hand in hand on the beach already knew it when we told them we thought it was such a beautiful sight. "My boy, we're from a generation that fixed things; today's generations throw things away!"

Why? Because it's possible!

It sounds so simple, and it actually is. We were about to buy a boat and came across a poorly maintained cabin catamaran that could potentially meet all our needs. However, the boat would have to be completely dismantled and rebuilt. We'd never done that before, so we thought we could do it. And we can!

Of course, we did look into buying something similar in better condition. We also checked if something similar was/was available new. The conclusion was that we would eventually rebuild a boat in better condition anyway; we're stubborn like that. We simply couldn't afford a boat in mint condition, and besides, we often found that newer boats lacked the charm we expected this one to have.

Everything new?

In short, we bought the boat. We proceeded to demolish it until there was practically nothing left. Almost four years later, we launched a brand new, old boat. This boat was equipped with:

New electric drive
A completely new interior.
A completely new electrical system
New windows
New polyester bulkheads
New polyester layer all around inside and outside
New beds
New combustion chamber

In short, everything is really new, except the hull shape and, now, the rigging and some sanitary facilities.

Was it worth it?

That's a fair question and the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Of course, we greatly underestimated the project, its duration, and especially its costs. Of course, everything went wrong, and we were sometimes despondent. Of course, we'll never get our investment back if we sell it. Of course, this took so much time that, especially in terms of time, a new boat would have been more cost-effective.

But:

We did this together as a family and that time together is priceless.
We know every fiber of this boat and we can repair anything if necessary.
We were able to customize everything to our own wishes (although, on closer inspection, a little more interior space would have been welcome).
The project as a whole has been incredibly educational on so many fronts, we couldn't have imagined that beforehand.
The children have learned from an early age that making something with your own hands is much more satisfying than buying something.
If we hadn't saved this boat, she would now be rotting somewhere, but now she's good for another 50 years.
Because we built one of the first electric catamarans in the world and because we've gained so much useful knowledge, Robust-MT Marine Technology BV exists. And without this old barrel, without this beautiful catamaran, it would never have happened.

About us

Robust-MT Marine Technology BV is located in Monster , on the edge of the water-rich Westland region . Situated in South Holland, between Rotterdam and The Hague, but also near Delft and the North Sea, our showroom and workshop are also located on a main waterway. We also have a mooring on the Haringvliet, near Zeeland, where we can also conduct sea trials. We also collaborate with a renowned yacht builder and shipyard in Woubrugge, near Amsterdam and North Holland. This location also has its own marina, a large crane, and both heated and unheated hangars. In short, no matter how large or small your project, we can provide you with the necessary products and support.

About our products

Looking to buy a new electric motor for your boat or, for example, convert an existing boat to electric propulsion? Our webshop has everything you need to make your project a success. We offer the widest range of electric motors and propulsion systems for recreational boating in the Netherlands, all at the most competitive prices. Our experience with electrifying existing boats sets us apart, guaranteeing that your valuable purchase will be a positive experience. You'll regularly find special offers in webshop , we post our own test reports on our blog , and we also offer complete sets that include a motor, battery, and all additional necessary equipment. Our homepage also features several reviews and ratings from satisfied customers; we'd be happy to add yours.