Restoring a $300 Boat - FINISHED!

This could be my favourite fibreglass boat restoration ever! This boat started out as one that was destined for the junk heap! It's been a true lesson in defiance day in, day out, and I couldn't be more proud of how it turned out.
If you've got a question or comment on the project, don't hesitate to get in touch!
Don't forget to subscribe!
IG: / matthewpkelly
FB: / mattkellyfishing
Email: [e-mail]

[@MattKellyFishing]

Thanks for watching and supporting everyone! This has been a massive project!

[@SwishRecordsInc]

Badass little boat , brings back memories

[@briandimmig]

I just spent $300 on a 1968 Silver Line Swift that should absolutely be headed for the scrap yard. I've been binge watching several builds and yours made me decide to say screw it and put this Humpty Dumpty boat back together again. In fact, I just decided that that is her name. I've never owned a boat, I have no clue how to do any of this, but I am PSYCHED to get started. Thank you for the inspiration! Cheers!

[@a1lindo358]

I just bought Matt Kelly’s boat. It’s still in awesome condition. Well done on a top build.

[@cwmaxfield2000]

How fast will she go. Love that bow clearance.

[@rickwallin6724]

Fantastic!! Really enjoyed your build series and tenacity. Most excellent to see you on the water there!! Just bought a boat, well bought a 2003 Nissan/Tohatsu 70hp, this weekend. It came with a free 1983 boat and trailer... Climbed in and foot went completely through floor into rotten wood everywhere. I hope to approach your defiance. Oh but it was 110 degrees with 9% humidity and UV index of 11 here in Arizona today. Yeah I turned around and went back into the house! Once again Most Excellent and inspiring build you accomplished and great Thanks for making and sharing your video of the process!!

[@MattKellyFishing]

I’ve spent a lot of time in Phoenix - I know that heat well! All the best with your project.

[@evildieselsjsk7336]

Bro Never stop what you do man . When they say you Cant , Just show them otherwise. And then laugh at your haters.....

[@chrisdeforest6021]

Just discovered your channel today. I really enjoyed binge watching this build. I am starting my first restoration project on a 14 foot fiberglass jonboat that I intend to convert into a bass boat. I picked up a lot of good info from your videos. Glad to see you're doing ok after the health scare. Cheers from Georgia, USA.

[@TheRealMrCods]

Bloody brilliant Matt, glad I was here from the beginning. Music really set the video 👍

[@EndlessWeekendlife]

Great to follow, inspiring mate. About to do the same.. in Qld. Cant wait!

[@jameshigbee455]

You have a good eye for picking boats to restore, this one has exceptional lines...very subtle but beautiful

[@MrThebrownie72]

Well done mate was a big job but we'll worth it , it's not always about $$$ value the experience gained and the journey itself are a huge part of this boat build and I for one am glad you did it and took us along with you . PS mate glad your health is better have been following you a long time and have learnt a lot

[@ThinkerNotEmoter]

Incredible job! I have a similar fiberglass boat although from 1959, with the side fins like the cars back then, that I'll be taking on at some point. Same issues - transom and stringers.

[@MattKellyFishing]

Good luck with your project!

[@BeeDeeH9]

I only found your channel a few weeks ago, but have now binge watched all your build videos. It even has me considering finding a forgotten glass hull and taking on a resto. Will see what the future holds! Can't wait to see the next build.

[@thailing57]

Good job !!! I am restoring a shetland 535 1972 (48y) and hope also for a good result the end of this year.

[@richardormond9053]

Looks great. My boat hopefully goes in the water this week after the usual traumas.Had my second hnd 1994 Mariner serviced - bought on ebay for £500 without seeing it run so a bit panicky. Weather in uk has been atrocious and my fibreglass keel repair didn't go off. However, boatyard have been great and are checking things over before launching. 70-80 mile gusts on River Hamble so won't be cruising just yet. It would be more like flying!

[@ryanadams3858]

Just found this vid, really well made, subscribed straight up, now to binge watch the rest, cheers from Hervey Bay

[@eyeball9124]

This dude is the James Bond of inspirational boat restoration videos, that montage was epic.

[@boransal]

All your works was impressive, thank you Matt

[@WhiteNoiz]

Couple of issues, 1st being that you made the floor go all the way to the transom. Effectively sealing it up, what about a bilge pump? If you had of left a small cut out area between the supports you could have added a bilge pump to reduce any water in your hull. 2nd, you could have created compartments in the floor for a battery holder and gas tank holder under the back. By doing so, you clean up the install and can add electronics. All you would have to do is cut a fabric curtain and the battery and fuel cell would be hidden. 3rd, the gel coating looks fairly decent but a good sanding to the outside would have smoothed it up then you could have sprayed a nice clean coat and polished it out. But overall, you did a really good clean job. Just putting my two cents in because I have worked in the field and have done this to many boats.

[@greghelmer]

I thought that boat was going to the landfill when you first showed it. It really does look great and I hope you (or someone) gets many more useful years of service from it. Nice Job!

[@lewismasterson8414]

Good work. Turned out great.

[@diywaterworld]

Kickass job on this restoration, and WOW on this video! I appreciate the time and effort you put into such a great project. The boat, the videography, the story, the edit, the music…. Thank you for the inspiration. Cheers from Florida to a prosperous/ growing channel Matt! Subbed!

[@denisconnaughton2923]

Great project. Inspirational. Well done Matt. Loved every moment and i learned a lot from you. Thank you. Best wishes from Ireland.

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Great video. Save that old fiberglass from the chipper and land fill!

[@Fluid36]

Have you considered lengthening the tiller arm and sitting slightly forward?

[@DividedGibbon]

Wow! This has inspired me to try and restore a boat...with absolutely no experience. Wish me luck :)

[@phillipsemmens1786]

Gday mate just watched this series well done. Watching on the water the outboard looks trimmed too high as you were porpoising even though rear weighted if you set motor trim bar closer to the transom it will help lift the stern out of the water (faster planing time) and compensate for your weight at the rear. You wouldv been happier. Anyway well done on your project

[@lynkpaul2171]

It's also Endurance. I would have named the starboard side Defiance and the Port side Endurance as a true representation of what it is and what went in to restoring it.

[@andrewbutterworth2874]

Wow, the journey was epic... loved every moment of progress. Very well done!

[@MattKellyFishing]

Cheers!

[@juvenaldasilva9949]

Good job

[@fernanmartinez1699]

Mate i binged watched from start till finish! Well done buddy! Turn out really nice, all that time and effort was well worth it. Congratulations, keep up the good work. Can’t wait for the next project 🙃🙃

[@MattKellyFishing]

You’re a legend - thanks for the kind words!

[@solarfunction1847]

Has your motor got a hydrofoil on it so that you can lift your motor out of the water to plane easier because your front of the boat lifts up too much out of the water. You've done a wonderful job on the whole thing so far too, well done.

[@mmanut]

BEAUTIFUL JOB. WITH A 30hp MERC THAT MUST RUN REAL REAL FAST ‼️👍🚤🛥🚢⛴🛳. Vinny 🇺🇸

[@AngryMackAdventures]

found you off another channel, great video, love restoring boats!

[@bcr07pzu]

awesome

[@CiLyXx]

You did an amazing job mate, well done

[@brendo3142]

Not my type of boat. But looks nice mate good job. Was wondering what was happening with the build was bad news for you but good to know your all ok. Well time to start another one.

[@bohdiwelsh1901]

Hey Matt great video mate, when you say a 25hp tohatsu is the same as a 30hp Mercury just with upgraded parts, which one has the upgraded parts to it and what’s better in your opinion Thanks a lot and great vid

[@brentwismer5602]

Great job mate, I suspect that was just slightly more expensive than buying a brand new tinny with motor and trailer but far more satisfying and educative. Good on ya mate. I have a 5 metre fibreglass sitting in my driveway that I bought thinking it was not a project...holy sh!t it’s a nightmare...stringers, transom, electrics. I am going to just get another one and use it as a project for my son and I. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@anthonypedrol9352]

looks good, great job.

[@dirtyhooker6317]

Looks like it handles smooth👍

[@88liane]

So be proud of your self fella. 👌🏻

[@asteriks_hardcore]

Amazing work mate! Greetings from the Netherlands

[@portmacboy]

Good job, looks awesome 👍

[@MrCustomvs]

hi mate, nice vids, been flicking through and subbed. What Vid software do you use ?

[@johncrawford2248]

Great build man! Was wondering if you have ever thought about restoring these types of boats and selling them? You think that would be a profitable endeavor?

[@cbglassiii9362]

Late comment, I know.... Sure did look like Mobile Bay. Was that Point Clear in the background?

[@MattKellyFishing]

Unfortunately not - It's Moreton Bay, in QLD, Australia

[@garymcintyre8431]

Good series Matt, and a cool intro to this final video. Roughly what was the cost of materials?

[@chadhess8597]

Well done love the video what color blue is that and brand I'm really liking it

[@jisezer]

Trim tabs! That's what ya need

[@wg7644]

What a great job - congratulations - I think I'll stick with aluminum though.

[@jgsadventures1673]

cool

[@aussielover1407]

yay you yfinally did it

[@elijahtobolov8352]

I swear to god I now own your boat It’s in my yard currently It’s has the same stickers and everything

[@stevenjalopnik1342]

Need a filler extension

[@movindivend5447]

Less than 2k he build himself a 10k boat

[@bahamasking2063]

Good job