7 Big Upgrades To Our 45 Year Old Hatteras Yacht!

Over the past 6 years, we have made a few changes. Check out 7 of our favorite improvements to our 45-year-old Hatteras 58 Motor Yacht. We spent about $15,000 and we think it was worth every penny!

[@empresswillis1971]

You know what I like best? That you installed most yourselves. You two work really well together and you enjoy each other.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks. Saves us a lot of money!

[@christhrogmartin896]

I have binge watched many of your videos and I believe that what I enjoy the most is seeing two awesome people such as yourselves enjoying a great life together. Thanks for sharing your life with so many people. God Bless you both. ☺

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Wow, thank you! Cheers!

[@SunsetStarship]

One of the things that I adore about boats and cruising in general is the amount of customizing folks do to suit their particular needs. Classy upgrades all around and nice work too.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thank you!

[@robhowen]

Looks like a nice mix of functional and enjoyable upgrades; well done.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks. We agree!

[@MVScottFree]

We love your channel. Hubby and I just recently discovered our passion for boating adventures and bought a power boat we are fixing up. We started a small channel documenting our retrofit, Scott Free Boating. We aspire to one day be able to bring it down the ICW from Ontario Canada to the Bahamas. So until then we will live vicariously through you two! But we will pass of the ruffies! lol

[@goodson77784]

That might be the best channel name I've ever heard.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Cheers!

[@barryjones7341]

Replaced the standard Hattswim platform and transom ladder with a 46 wide platform with stairs up tothe aft deck and removable safety rails. HUGE improvement for dingywork, line handling and boarding at floating docks or similar. Also adding a Dock Mate (similar to a Yacht Controller but with some fearures that better suitmy needs). My boat I a Hat 65ft motor yacht for reference...

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Sounds like a nice upgrade. Although expensive, I guess.

[@petetinkham3303]

the table you all made is amazing!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks. We love it!

[@krautAmerican]

getting rid of that black old carpet was best thing and the bar is very cool

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We agree!

[@festerofest4374]

You two have taken such wonderful care of your boat... always repairing and upgrading....keeping the value high. And what a wonderful Roger-Out at the finale!!! Roger-Out!!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Roger that! Thanks!

[@robertmdaniels]

Sounds like it added to your already fabulous enjoyment of the boat! Sail on!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

It certainly did!

[@mikepalena3900]

Well done! Fantastic choices and I suspect doing it yourself allows you to enjoy it even more.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We enjoy most boat projects!

[@ericmitchell5350]

Great video! Great content! Love the new floors!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

A lot nicer than that bamboo! Hoping to do the galley and lower helm this year.

[@mattie3595]

Love Mantus anchor products. Have both for bow & a throwable stern anchor. (M1 versions.) Love to get the M2 for looks - but our function right now is perfect.

[@thelivingbranch]

first capt flint from missouri on deck cheers aarrrgghhhh glad to see ya again mates

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Well shiver me timbers, it's good ole Captain Flint!

[@Erica_Brenda]

Excellent upgrades and ideas! Thanks!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Glad you like them!

[@torpedo2030]

Well done on your upgrades!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks!

[@notboeingnotgoing5483]

Well what a great looking anchor that is, quite expensive, but you’re correct that is one of the first things you notice on a boat is how shiny it is . That flooring looks remarkable and it just the bees knees. So sorry you got your team denied entry into F1, tell your dad, Mario hi for me…….😊

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Now we can spend more time on the boat and less time driving in circles!

[@FREEDOM195844]

IMO Hatteras yachts from the 60s through 90s were the best production boats ever made. The fiberglass work and systems in general are to the highest standards! I owned a 1974 42' Hatteras Convertible 16 years and am in the process of buying a 1972 42' Hatteras Convertible now. Unbelievable sea boat that would take anything you threw at her and come through like she was on a lake! The one I'm buying is mint condition all original just the way I like it. Ad a few things but keep the classic look. I love your boat and your videos!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We agree. We love our Hatteras!

[@user-et7br1zx9i]

Thanks for the info. Boating is fun but costly. Love the channel.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks for watching!

[@captainkrunch6372]

I spent all my money on boats, women and alcohol, the rest I wasted.

[@TammyBillings-qt1ve]

Love the floors

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks!

[@TheOverproof151]

Well thought out upgrades are always worth the cost & effort!!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Very true!

[@RR-or5ip]

I love older boat....you can truly customize them the way you want without feeling you are taking away from the "new" value.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We agree!

[@user-wb2fq8xn1d]

You are extremely handy and must have the patience Im lacking with so many pop repairs you have encountered. I'm so busy with everyday maintenance it's difficult to find the time and energy to finish upgrades. Boating parts and service have gone crazy.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We wish we had more time to do upgrades. Living a thousand miles from the boat for half the year makes it tough.

[@apollo2010ism]

AIS for $800? I want one! The lowest prices I have found are way higher than that! Anyway, I have been loving your channel since a couple of my friends decided to live this life a couple of years ago. They inspired me to do the same and that's how I came across you guys. Things didn't work out between them but I still did this. Sold my property in Ft. Myers & bought a little yacht where I live with my cat here in Titusville. I hope to meet you guys someday!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Well be back in Titusville at the end of April. Perhaps we will see you.

[@briandale8386]

Nice anchor.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Why thank you!

[@nelsoncontreras2615]

Good to see you again miss your videos.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Glad you like them!

[@kathyline11]

Great improvements guys! Well worth the expense!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We agree!

[@captainkrunch6372]

I upgraded our 1986 3207 carver aft cabin, installed a larger swim platform and a spiral stair case from swim platform to aft deck, no more climbing a ladder to get up.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Nice!

[@dennisd6527]

Great upgrades . Love them all. My fave is that counter top. Stunningly beautiful ! . But I do love woodworking, so there's that.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks so much!

[@beverlyspurry579]

Have really missed you all!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Where have we been! 😁

[@benjaminchong82]

Love ur boat so much

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks.

[@arthurmasteller9027]

My wife and I are fans of your channel and we recently heard that you keep your boat at the Marina in Titusville, Florida. We live very close to Titusville and would enjoy taking you out for lunch or dinner the next time you are here. Please contact us when you are back in Titusville. Cheers!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We will be back in Titusville at the end of April. Hope to see you then.

[@arthurmasteller9027]

@@tryingnottosink9107 Hello Captain Ed and Lynn. Gloria and I are looking forward to meeting you in April when you return to Titusville. Do you have a secure way for me to send you my phone number so that you can keep in touch with us? Cheers and “ Roger Out”!

[@johnbruenn8755]

Galley up designs have really grown on me for the same reasons you cited. Both my wife and I love to cook and entertain while we’re doing so. I think galley up will be a requirement for our next boat.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We wouldn't have it any other way.

[@kentfehribach2842]

Love these last couple of videos. Y'all are doing a great job. A couple of my favorite additions were a magnetic screen on the door into the salon. Battery management system for monitoring batteries via bluetooth. And upgrading chartplotter moving to NMEA2000 which allowed for pushing more information to the chart plotter.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Glad you like them! One of these days I'll do a NMEA2000

[@garypoltonowicz7950]

Oh snap! I made a cameo!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Captain on the bridge!

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

We are still in contract but our list of upgrades is growing each day. I don’t know why a boat builder would install subzero fridge and freezer residential units and not an inverter? So that is uno number one, along with new batteries and solar. Fingers crossed that the sea trial goes well.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I guess they think you'll run the generator all day long. At least your getting high-end appliances! Good luck on the survey.

[@rikspector]

Who said you both weren't smart:) Cheers, Rik Spector

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Lots of people on the internet! 😁

[@rikspector]

@@tryingnottosink9107 They are right,we all are both☺️

[@jetlag4754]

Great information!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Glad it was helpful.

[@davedavids9619]

Both me and my wife love your bar counter top, absolutely super improvement. I wish we had accurate fuel gages. They are installed, but no longer function well, however can't take them out anymore. Real drag to figure out when the tanks are full or how much is left. The solar was one of our best investments, we actually installed 3.2 Kwp in solar plus 1400 Ah at 24 V lithium, which means we can actually run the boat all day long without the generator. The fuel savings is around 1000 liters per month, which means around 1600 USD per month. I assume you get to roughly the same numbers. Your wood floor looks great and the new sound system I will take a look at as well. We now have a surround system in the Salon, but indeed it uses quite a bit of juice. Your solution to have sound absolutely everywhere seems perfect. I.o.w. your improvements make perfect sense !

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks. We love all the improvements. You have a lot more solar and lithium than we do. We get about 8 hours of power, unless we connect the engine alternator while running, then we can about 12 hours. It is nice to have a modern sound system with access to online music.

[@dirtytoad2]

Sorry I was a hater. Yall have a great boat and great content. Keep on keeping on.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thank you! Will do!

[@SkylerinAmarillo]

All good upgrades. I probably wouldn’t have gotten the sound system upgrade, but I’m also not in the music biz which I seem to recall you were/are. Thanks for sharing.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks for watching!

[@jaquigreenlees]

I would put covered fuel gauges right by the fuel fill point(s) so you can see for yourself while filling the tanks. Very small cost for a lot more convenience. A yacht controller, wireless remote that runs the engines, anchor winch and bow + stern thrusters. Lets you have active control while giving you the ability to shift to where the view of the action is best. ( The brand Yacht Controller even has a digital to mechanical module available if needed but is the highest cost brand ) The wireless remote also allows for solo operation if ever needed, like a medical emergency.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Our fuel gauges are literally 5 feet from the fill point. We really can't do a yacht controller since we do not have stern thrusters. It would be nice though.

[@jaquigreenlees]

@@tryingnottosink91072 things on the stern thruster: 1) they are not required by the controller 2) it wouldn't hurt to add that small extra bit of manoeuvring control. ( extra control is never a bad thing )

[@th-zd4oj]

Those are great

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks!

[@jameslandi4688]

Another well produced and engaging video--- thank you both... our top up-grades---Tank Tender monitoring system provides fuel, water, and waste in an accurate non-electric package... love it. Racor fuel vacuum panel gauge mounted monitors--- easy to see an impending fuel starvation disaster on the horizon. We switched from direct expansion a/c units to Rich Beer's tempered water system. So much more efficient--- constant de humidifying and a lot less 220 electrical wiring thorough the boat--viz: less electrical fire danger. James

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We'll have to look into that AC system. Right now we have two out of six that are in need of service.

[@jameslandi4688]

Rich Beer's manufacturing is in Ft. Lauderdale. The heart of the system is the water chiller compressor, and you run insulated water hoses to each evaporator you install. So you have one 220 connection for the central chiller, and one large central raw water pump, one raw water filter for only one central heat exchanger.. all the evaporators need are 110 and relatively low amperage. The system is much less noisy and far more efficient and effective@@tryingnottosink9107

[@jameslandi4688]

@@tryingnottosink9107 Regarding the two a/c malfunctioning units, usually, especially in fl waters, the issue is an entirely fouled heat exchanger. Critters attach to the inner core of each heat exchanger, so that the refrigerant gets super hot, and the compressor cycles off. This is easy to diagnose. Have your hand on top of the exchanger raw water output at the exact moment that the unit is turned on. If the exchanger immediately gets hot and the compressor cycles off, your exchanger is fouled, They're super easy to clean using muriatic acid BUT you must take special precaution with that stuff as it puts off highly toxic fumes and it can burn you. You might wish to hire a professional if you've diagnosed the problem to be fouling. hope this helps, james

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks for the tip. We'll check it out.

[@grumpyolegamer]

Ed and Lyn I am really enjoying your videos. My wife and I approaching that point in our life where we are considering getting a trawler or similar so we can go down the coast to the Keys. I retired from the Navy having operated 9600 ton cruisers and small fishing boats under 21'. What I would love to hear from your perspective is how you got started in Yachting... Even with my experience handling large ships it's not the same as operating your own vessel. Large ships your handling is done via proxy (through a helmsman). I am confident in my navigation abilities, rules of the road, etc.. but the actual handling (even though I know the concepts and could direct someone..) it's different with your hands on the helm) I would love to hear you perspective of how you started out and evolved from your first boats to the Hatteras. Did you take any courses for handling / safety outside getting your Captain's license? Or was it trial by fire? What about your diesel engine maintenance experience? I grew fixing my car with a Chilton's but watching your day to day operations is both inspiring but a little intimidating.. What your your advice be for starting off..

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I am at work right now and can't answer indepth. Definitely trial by fire. We never owned a boat until 6 years ago. I have done several videos on how we started out and how I learned. I'll try to answer more later.

[@bikersoncall]

Amazing upgrades, my tops would be; Galley wall removal, and counter add (#1) Anchor upgrade Wood flooring (#2) Solar system (#3, competing with #2) AIS (hopefully pirates don't subscribe to the svs/app 😄) Fuel gauge upgrade + display relocation. 2:57 Drill; looks very similar to my Ryobi drills, best I've owned as a long-retired, 25 year tradesman.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

The wall and counter are definitely the most useful. Yes, it was a Ryobi drill.

[@bikersoncall]

@@tryingnottosink9107 When the video started, I thought it looked like new paint, yacht has definite curb/dock appeal. Plus as you mentioned; ''the anchor is the first thing you see'', I've often noted that too, not a place to be displaying barnacles and sludge.

[@stevevlossak2443]

Nice upgrades i live up near jim thorpe pa

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We live in Bucks County.

[@mattgreven7615]

that old Marantz receiver might be worth some $$ if it's not too late! There's a whole culture of people investing in old analog amps etc. There's a shop near me that exists solely to refurb vintage hifi equipment. If you find that guests would prefer an independent zone for themselves (vs the one zone throughout the vessel), I use little JBL flip 6's in my rv--super good sound, and very convenient/easy to deploy from a smartphone. I enjoyed the vid, keep it up--don't sink!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I wish I still had it!

[@edwardranno7119]

Boats require a boat load of money.even new boats 🎉🎉🎉

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Very true!

[@en8581]

Thanks! Can you please share what brand/model commercial brand carpet tiles you installed? Looks nice!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We just bought them off the shelf at Lowes. I forget the brand name but I remember the box stating they were for commercial use.

[@patrickbray1439]

Have you considered a bow bulb? We have retrofitted them to over 60 boats including quite a few different size Hatteras. You will get a 12% saving in fuel consumption and 30% reduction in pitching.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

No, we never thought about it. Did not think it was an option. We have met a couple of boaters who have them and like it.

[@deanbone6790]

How dare you get rid of that classic Marantz stereo lol! I was looking at a Marantz car stereo some time ago and the sales guy said that it was one of their more exquisite models right before it started spewing out the cassette tape everywhere! Now you know how old I am ha ha.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I need to look in my attic and see if I actually saved it (them).

[@sailingcardinalpoints]

Fantastic upgrades! I'm looking to upgrade to a Fusion RA70 as well. Curious what remote fuel gauges you used. Thanks!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B7OYBD4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@sailingcardinalpoints]

@@tryingnottosink9107 Many thanks! What sending units did you use at the fuel tanks?

[@relayguy]

All well worth it. I had the Vesper 8000 in my previous boat, will get one for my new (to me) boat this year. I have a question. The 2006 radar on the new boat stopped working. I can get a used replacement on Ebay for $600-$800. Should I do that, or replace the whole shebang (12" MFD, Radar, sounder) with new? Patrick Heavey

[@tryingnottosink9107]

New would be nice. I hear they are more accurate now. We use our old Furuno for radar, It is about that old. We'll probably use it until it dies.

[@Jmmondeau]

Hi. I just discovered your channel recently. I have a Lien Hwa (same as marine trader) 50. And I must say ditto on your solar. Only I added 3300 watts. 6-550 watt panels. What a difference. And yours is the first boat I’ve seen with the same kitchen layout as ours. Yay. I thought I was an only child. I’m on yt under my name Jean Mondeau. Check out my solar. Cheers

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Cool. We'll check it out.

[@user-rc7lb6wb4g]

By the way...do you have any negative comments about the Li Batteries? Sometimes insurance companies tend to get a tidbit persnickety about having them aboard. I own an 11-meter Trojan International and over the last 2 years, I made it brand new. Gutted the interior, found a great cabinet guy, re-did it in mahogany, new galley. I was considering Li batteries...but. I'm an electrician by trade and have wired many plug-in chargers for electric vehicles...and lots of towns around here won't allow electric vehicles to be parked inside an attached garage. I'm south shore Long Island... Please let me know....Thanks....Willie T.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

The problem with lithium batteries catching on fire was mostly an issue with previous generations of batteries. I do not worry about the LifPo4s at all.

[@williamconway1287]

I can’t wait for tax day , so the 2 of you will get back to the boat ! 😁😂😎

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Us too!

[@jmsask]

👏🍻

[@tryingnottosink9107]

👍🍸

[@ericspurling8175]

Nice job on the upgrades. You saved a ton of dough doing that yourself. What did you do to charge the lithium batteries?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We have a Victron Multiplus 3000. It is an inverter and charger combined.

[@richardp969]

Great video. I have been meaning to ask you if you go to the Bahamma island where to couple was kidnapped and killed? The interviews from the news of others at the marina said they could not leave the marina because of the violence there. Does this change your plans of going there?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

That was in Granada. We have never experienced violence in the Bahamas.

[@toniavalon]

Does your Hatteras have 32 volt, 24 volt and 12 volts systems or only 24 volts ? I have a 1986 70’ Hatteras that has 32,24,and 12 volts. Looking for a better charging unit. Could you please tell me where did you bought the new fuel gauges from? I’ve decided to put my Hat for sale after 12 years. She’s been a wonderful vessel and is totally been remodeled. Lady T

[@tryingnottosink9107]

All the original systems are on 32 volt. We have quite a few 32v to 12v converters on board that run chart plotters, radios, etc. We also have a 24v lithium battery and inverter system to give us 110v while underway and at anchor. I go the fuel gauges on Amazon.

[@aceventura8966]

I added a chain counter on my b$at. My wife and I call it the anti-divorce device!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

That sounds like a good idea.

[@blondeboywilson9221]

I wonder should you decide to replace the engines instead of rebuild them what you would consider putting in...

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We are hoping they last until electric engines are viable.

[@blondeboywilson9221]

@@tryingnottosink9107 I dont remember you having to rebuild these yet and you have put on alot of miles on them.

[@robertkutz]

LOOKING GOOD.👍👍

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks!

[@Dannny_Mac]

How’s tat AIS Anchor alarm system working out for ya?🙄

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Works great. We still use our phones as a backup though.

[@esiebert7625]

Re-run 😂

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Yep.

[@edwardhartman8575]

Oh, our boats for sale so (if I remember right) so this is an advertisement!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We have no plans to sell our boat. Not as long as we are physically able to run her.

[@FisherPost]

Marantz 2270? Wanna sell it?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I don't remember what I did with it. Probably in the attic next to my old Pioneer Receiver.

[@crashgilliam5983]

The “Roger out” is dumb.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

It is an inside joke between us and a number of regular viewers.

[@crashgilliam5983]

@@tryingnottosink9107 I get it. I’m just sayin.