Clever Sailboat Refit Using Salvaged Materials! Upgrading small sailboat for ALASKA | A&J Sailing

Exploring far reaching fjords & remote anchorages of the Inside Passage charting a course North to Alaska (slowly), we're a Canadian Aussie duo documenting an adventure-based alternative life off-grid on a small 'no-frills' sailboat, Uintah, adventuring off the beaten path with the purpose of living a more sustainable, self-sufficient life connected to nature.
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Ahoy! We're Allison & James 👋 a Canadian Aussie duo who left the conventional life behind to live an adventure-based alternative lifestyle here in the Pacific Northwest! Continually chasing our dreams of adventuring off the beaten path & living a more sustainable, self-sufficient life.
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[@barberamcisaac1633]

Little boat to …., refit,refurbish,redo,recycle, re-use….love how you do that ❤❤❤

[@thegreatoceans4274]

I don’t comment often but your philosophy on up-cycling whenever you can is hardly seen but so very important in today’s consumerism climate. Keep up the good work! You’re an inspiration. To your continued success! (SV Indigo Oceans on the hard 4 yr refit)

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awh, we’ve spent years working our way out of the consumerism addiction, it’s one hell of a drug! Adopting minimalism and a ‘let’s try and fix it first’ philosophy/mentality has been really rewarding. Happy that resonates. Thank you so much for taking the time to write us, we appreciate it! Cheers!

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awh, we’ve spent years working our way out of the consumerism addiction, it’s one hell of a drug! Adopting minimalism and a ‘let’s try and fix it first’ philosophy/mentality has been really rewarding. Happy that resonates. Thank you so much for taking the time to write us, we appreciate it! Cheers!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Absolutely love that you two are promoting upcycling for ur boat project. Starting during Corona, I went “shopping” on the beach to get little bits and pieces for boat projects 😊👍 and really good video making, too, sweet 🙌🏽

[@khyvich]

Upcycling, I could give a TED Talk on that. This video just reminded me of how much of my three boats are things I have upcycled. Off to the Gulf Coast tomorrow for four days and nights of sailing. Stay in trouble, y'all.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Haha I bet! It’s a relatable topic for us budget-friendly average cruiser folks just trying to get by and make it all work! It’s wild how many big new boat builds are on the Tube, but there’s lots to refurbish out there!! Good on ya, mate! Have an absolutely amazing time on your Gulf Coast cruise! Let us know how it all goes, cheers!

[@mattdouglas5570]

That stainless bench is amazing

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thank you! We’re really glad we went with the stainless!

[@carlylawrie8963]

The cushions are popping !!! Also sexy ice box, y’all are living the good life

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

You seen them in their infantry, glad you can appreciate! Thanks for the support Carly, you’re the best!

[@haydenwatson7987]

New upholstery makes such a big difference in the interior environment. You commented that the old cushions had a foul smell. We have found that most of the smell of old cushions is in the foam. Many years ago, I had a forced air diesel heating that suffered a failure in the high-pressure fuel line which sprayed atomized fuel into the blower air and subsequently because a fuel mist that covered everything inside the boat. I pressure washed the interior of the boat. I then removed all of the cushion covers and washed them at home which helped but the foam still reeked of diesel. We could not afford new foam at the time, so I decided to "deodorize" it. Febreze has enzymes that digest petroleum and organic compounds and removes the smell, but it needs to actually touch the smelly compounds. Knowing this. I sprayed the exterior of each cushion with Febreze and put it into a garbage bag. I then used a vacuum to suck all of the air out of the foam until it was compressed into a brick. Then I pulled the hose out of the bag and sprayed more Febreze into the bag as the foam refilled with air. I then taped the bag closed to seal in the Febreze. Within a day or two, the c had not smell.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Yikes what a mess that must have been! Febreeze! Thanks for the tip! I did use baking soda and vacuum to deodorize the foam. Maybe we’ll give that a go sometime as well, cheers!

[@dutchglobetrotter4513]

I love how you up-cycle materials. You have a new watching subscriber, if you have questions about sailing just ask because the sailing community is always happy to help. I sailed in the North Sea, The Baltic Sea, The North Atlantic, the Med and the Caribbean in the past 25 years. Trust me you'll never stop learning about sailing but that is the fun part. It keeps you fit and agile. I met a couple owning and helming an Oyster 62, just the two of them and they were 84 and 86 still 'running' around the deck. Mostly they would have one deckhand and a qualified captain on board to do passages, whom would leave when the passage was done and the boat secured on a mooring.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awh, thank you so much!! Wow that’s some impressive sailing history, fantastic! we hope to one day be able to say the same!! We’ve been so humbled by the experience so far and agree, we feel like we’ll be endlessly challenged and forever learning with this. One of the many reasons we love it so much. Gosh, that’s so amazing, we love to see and hear stories like that, so inspiring!! It’s def an investment in health and well-being

[@gmchristie123]

You two are so talented and resourceful and o love what you share.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awww cheers!

[@jenv9246]

I can't wait to see the rugged coastlines & mountainous splendor that you'll capture for all of us to enjoy from afar.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Gosh, hoping we can do them justice. Can’t wait to share! Thank you for the motivational comment to capture it well!

[@jordano6162]

Would love to know more details about the cusions -- the kind of materials, the type of foam, etc! Well done, great work

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

The foam is the original on the boat since the 70’s! Stamped C30, it’s become a little compressed over the years 😅 The fabric was out of the discount bin at Fabricland. The back is vinyl, and the top is chenille we think?! Very budget-end upholstery but does the trick! The videos on the SailRite channel were suuuuper helpful! Highly recommend taking a look at those if you’re looking at doing any sewing on the boat, cheers!

[@wayneneuhofel6744]

You have been busy! And that ice box setup, stroke of genius. I hope to do as well as you on my boat upgrades. Thanks for sharing.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Hah and then there’s all the things we didn’t film! 😅Definitely our busiest boat szn yet, but it was all worth it! The pull out is working really well for us so far, glad you appreciate that! All the best as you power thru your projects on your way to getting out there!! You got this!

[@RiverMorrison-ef4xj]

Such a cozy living space, looks amazing!!

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thank you for the support!!🤗

[@tanyasoroka3314]

Excited for you. A cozy boat is definitely a game changer

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thank you!! It’s making such a big difference to our cruising experience this year, beyond happy!!

[@robertgold2643]

So much great stuff in l episode - love the repurposing of the old stuff and especially the oven space. Brilliant! Bon Voyage!

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Cheers! We’re loving the slide out ice box, so convenient when cooking in the galley

[@stevenbridge]

Every time I decide that I am going to retire in a off road RV and do some adventuring (a.k.a. Destination Adventure), I see one of your videos and think that maybe I should get a sailboat instead. Your adventures are just as good. I wish I could make up my mind. All the best from Qualicum Beach.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Haha it’s hard to choose! We did the van-life/RV gig for a while and ultimately decided that we’d get into boating because the places we were seeking out were all coastal! We feel that the freedom/adventure afforded by sea is really unmatched by anything else, but it’s a lot more work!!! The other thing that we really love about sailing comparatively is the idea/feeling of moving with the wind! It’s a completely different experience and feel good high than getting around under power. But it’s also, it’s a lot more work! Haha Hope that helps! Qualicum is beautiful, cheers!

[@stevenbridge]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing Yes, but if you notice "Destination Adventure" is towing a "Swellfish" and I'm pretty sure that his last adventure was somewhere you guys went. You had better weather though. So maybe something like his setup is the way to go? Don't worry I wouldn't dream of not following you guys. Your upcoming adventures look like they are going to be epic.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

@@stevenbridge very cool, we’re not familiar with his channel, we’ll look em up! Def something out there for everyone. Really glad you’re enjoying the vids, stoked to share this cruising szn with you, cheers!

[@stevenbridge]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing Yes, you definitely should look him up. His cinematography is fantastic and not only does he show how beautiful B.C. is but he also interacts with the locals and has them tell about their history and culture, (he also has comical bits). I believe he is one of the most underrated channels on KZbin, as far as subscribers are concerned and I'm sure he would appreciate you showing him some love. You never know, maybe you guys could hook up somewhere , sometime. And thanks very much for responding to my comments. I hope I'm not becoming a pest.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

@stevenbridge thanks for sharing, will do that! Not a pest at all, thanks for being here and chatting with us. We enjoy hearing from you out there !

[@wastinson]

I should have known that you'd have a GRAND PLAN (with the wiring, etc.). Real good! Thanks and best wishes as you get on under way.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Cheers Wastinson! Our grand plan still has a few more upgrades but this is all we had time for before cruising season started this year. So far it’s been a riot! Excited to share it soon with you!

[@threewins3]

You both are so inspirational and resourceful. I’m so happy to have found you. I’m so excited to see all your beautiful videos and wonderful narration of your upcoming adventures. Thank you for sharing.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awe, thank you for such kind words always! We’re so appreciative and happy you’re here on the journey with us!!

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

The recycled aluminum kitchen countertops are awesome!

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

They’re awesome! We love the counters, they’re actually stainless steel but aluminium would also work!

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing LOL yeah meant to say 'stainless'....

[@johnrumbles3068]

There comes a time after purchasing and fixing up a new place, that you realise, that when you make the right decisions, a house (albeit a floating one) suddenly feels and becomes a home........... from what we have had the joy to witness, at seeing your obvious pride in what you have both achieved, this looks like you have found a home to me !!!!!

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awe, you’re right, it finally likes home. That’s going to make this season aboard a pretty amazing one. Cheers!

[@SamiAbed-tr7sf]

Awesome job! I love repurposing things.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thank you! Super satisfying

[@alexjh47]

Great idea for the propane mount! I think KZbin's caption generator doesn't know the word 'skookum' because it says "pretty skook" and then I guess it thinks the 'um' should be left out 🙂

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

We could get into calling things ‘skook’, us aussies love shortening everything anyway!

[@user-mv3vu7bu6p]

So happy u put out another video. Cheers from Port Hardy

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awe, neighbor! We're stoked about it too!

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awe, neighbor! We're stoked about it too!

[@cbrucewarren]

another great video!... small nit: should have attached shop vac to the table saw to reduce the micro-plastic dust spewed out when you cut the f/g box. Cheers

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thanks for the advise, a shop vac would have definitely helped to reduce the amount of plastic going into the immediate environment. Fiberglass (and plastic in general) is pretty toxic stuff and we humans tend to love making it! It’s sad to think that over the course of the plastics life, it never truly degrades, it only become finer and finer particles of plastic that inevitably end up in the environment.

[@sothernborn1]

Ole man Romeo from Kentucky

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Cheers Romeo!

[@timlamarre8680]

Very good video. Thank you for posting.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awe awesome you think so, thanks so much!

[@patcosgrove3077]

nice video now you got me thinking about my propane placement

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Anywhere but inside the boat (that’s what we’ve been told at least!)

[@MrHogadog]

Great job you guys! Looks great

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Cheers Mr. Hogadog! We’re excited to put it all to the test this season!

[@lecaton5973]

Great work! Thanks for the inspiration. SV Brooklyn, Salish Sea

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thank you for cheering us on cruising neighbors! Appreciate the continued support from SV Brooklyn, cheers!

[@paulmartin9496]

Inspiring you guys. Thank you.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awe, thanks Paul!!!

[@danp7399]

Great video I enjoyed it. Good job you 2

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Awesome you enjoyed it, thanks so much!

[@SvGemstar]

G'day gus. I live on my Columbia 27 sailing boat, SV GEMSTAR. I recived my 300 watt solar panel, so now I am now able to recharge the small battery to recharge my small battery and phone. So this weekend i can make My first vlog on my boat. Gerard.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

G’day by! That’s awesome, totally a game changer! Hope you find the vlogging rewarding. Will you be making it public?

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

G’day by! That’s awesome, totally a game changer! Hope you find the vlogging rewarding. Will you be making it public?

[@SvGemstar]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing Yes.

[@SvGemstar]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing Yes.

[@FirstnameLastname-ps4cu]

Best of luck, I just wanted to comment your video.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thank you!!!

[@garthjones3747]

dont forget the cherries

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

🍒 manhattans on the floor by the fire!

[@user-bn2hf3on2b]

Thank you for an inspiring video!!! And thank yo.u for providing the boat foam decking carpet link as well

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

You’re so welcome!! We hope it works out for you like it has for us!

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Nice Wombling 🧙🏻‍♂️😉... you are going to need an adjustable pan cage to keep any pans on your gas hob ... Even at a rocky anchorage you can end up with pans sliding off and spilling. For comfort greeness and safety underfoot indoors or out try cork...

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Hahah. Nah, we don’t generally cook much while sailing! Unless we’re motoring or it’s a calm sail downwind. Gotta remember the waters are calm in the inside passage and we’re not doing overnights! We cook/prep food before we leave and just warm it up or eat something that doesn’t require heating! We haven’t had a pot fall off in three seasons of cruising 😉 Cork is a delight and def most sustainable!

[@Constantine-yp1dl]

Great video. It looks like you lined your new icebox with something but you skipped over that part. How does this fiberglass frig keep things so cold for so long?

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Sorry we skipped over that, the ice box is insulated to r-20 with ridged foam board and the glass is laid directly onto that board. The wooden surround is just the supportive shell to the top loading fridge.

[@guitarstroke]

Can you share details on the table? I assume the berth available by dropping the table is out with that modification, but it looks like it opens up the space. Curious about what it is and how it works.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Absolutely! James made it but we just popped it in there without mentioning! We actually took it out of the Airstream we converted - it’s milled cedar, fiberglass and epoxy with a foam core. We have it on the same Lagun table bracket we used in the Airstream. Super handy cause it’s adjustable in all directions and lightweight! It currently doesn’t fit the space to drop down and create an additional sleeping berth, but we have plans to change that and build a rectangular one that does! Just didn’t get there this round of projects. Hope that makes sense, happy to answer any further questions about it!

[@kevynvossen2027]

You not worried about the elements rusting the propane tank and attachments ?

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

The tank is made from aluminum, the brackets are an aluminium alloy and most the fittings are brass. We hope that they will make it to the end of their service life but time will tell. I have intentions to make a cover for the regulator and solenoid but just didn’t get time to do it this year :)

[@annecompagnion1970]

I’d like to do the flooring on ours too. Looks amazing. How is it holding up for stains? Also did you glue it down?

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

It’s made such a difference for us! It’s a peel and stick application. Holding up extremely well to stains minus the diesel under the stove from a Carburetor leak. But everything else scrubs off like it was never there. Unable to sweep it tho, so does require a vacuum, something we’ve never had onboard before 😅

[@gertboerman3666]

While Allison was sewing the cushions....I noticed a very promising semi acoustic electric guitar. 335 shape. What is it?

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

It’s a vintage piece from the Matsumoku (Japanese) factory made somewhere in the 70’s. No brand name but they made guitars for tons of different brands over the years. Always been a fan of the 335, but my fav would be a slim body (3/4 profile) 335.

[@gertboerman3666]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing My advice: Go for a Epiphone Sheraton II Pro, built in Korea in the late 90's. Stay away from Chinese versions. And Gibson? Late 50's go for approx 50k in euro. They sound like the Epi.

[@gertboerman3666]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing 3/4 335 tried it. It lacks warmth.

[@andrii.b9788]

Hi, great video and projects. What fabrics did you use for the cushions? I am thinking of upgrading them as well on my Catalina, but it is a nightmare to choose without filing it in hands.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Feel this! We waited ages to tackle this project for that exact reason! Unfortunately we can’t provide you a link to buy it anywhere, cause it came out of the budget bin at Fabricland! Not our first pick, but it does the trick! The back is vinyl the top is chenille we think?

[@andrii.b9788]

@@AllisonandJamesSailing When I bought the boat, I thought the cushions were going to be one of my first projects. But two years later, they are still there, especially after getting the quotes for new foam prices and Sunbrella fabric, which you cannot even see with your own eyes and hands locally anywhere. Could you educate me about vinyl back? My current cushions have it, and it is where water condensates and mold tries to grow from time to time. But when I watched Sailrite videos and all the others, people tried to use the opposite approach with breathable material there. I am confused about what to choose in the future. It could be some local Northwest knowledge that vinyl is better, contrary to more south-minded sailing, but I could not find an explanation on the internet about it anywhere.

[@LifeLongLearner222]

Wow. Those are some beautiful upgrades! Love the repurposing old shit philosophy.

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Thank you, glad you appreciate! Cheers to fixing and repurposing old shit for years to come!

[@CurtisWestsail]

Actually “ Bobs your Uncle or your Aunt “ can’t judge can’t assume. lol

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

Or a helicopter pilot living on an off grid island needing to offload his sailboat cause he doesn’t have time to keep fixin it up!