OLD BOAT MADE NEW | Sailing Florence Refit Ep.178

Revealing Florence's new look after 6 months of refit work, now we are getting somewhere! New paint, new varnish, new deck.
We have been sailing around the world for 8 years after setting off from England in 2016 on board our 37ft sail boat Florence. Now we are re-fitting her ready for the next adventure. Join us as we share the highs, lows, and challenges of travelling around the world by boat, Sailing offshore across the Oceans and exploring remote locations with our own little tiny house.
You can also follow us via our blog at www.sailwiththeflo.wordpress.com
#Sailing #circumnavigation #SailingYachtFlorence #BoatLife #boatlifestyle #yachtlifestyle #boatyard #boatrepair #yachtrepair #SYFlorence
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Renovating Florence's topsides
03:22 - Antifouling
06:14 - Replacing the deck grip
14:45 - Cabin Sole refurbishment
19:10 - Companionway hatch refurbishment
20:41 - Next time
Music in order as played:
Ambient - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Lively Mood - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Sunny Day - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Urban Funk Vintage Groove - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Calm Groove - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Cinematic Romantic - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Ignite the Night - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Modern Summer Party - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced

[@tomsailor7265]

Without being over dramatic, you two have shown what diligence, love and respect can do to restore a family member to her youthful glory.

[@earthangel8730]

Not surprised at Florence's transformation. You both work vigilantly. Very inspiring . Cheers!

[@gneisenau89]

It's been a long time since I've put antifouling paint on the bottom of a boat. I enjoyed parts of it, hanging out in the boat shed with my dad, with the yachts swelling out above all around, like the columns of a cathedral. Thanks for the memory.

[@tomdunn1254]

Wow.... her deck is looking beautiful. Well done!!!

[@Stakman1]

I had every confidence in your abilities and that Florence was going to come out looking fantastic. Despite that, I found myself saying "wow"outloid more than once in this episode! Thanks for sharing.

[@mikelowres4425]

Wow, Florence looks like new. You've both worked wonders on her.

[@davidbamford4721]

You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you could not have done a better job of preparing her for her next adventure, or made her look better. Congratulations on a job well done!

[@artsmith103]

Stopped my little boat project to watch yours. Incredible how much progress you made. Enjoy all that you share.

[@carltontweedle5724]

Florence was looking more then a little rough but she did her job kept you safe. Looking good now that is all down to your hard work. So when you splash remember keep the stick up and you inside.

[@bootybandy]

Florence has been given a new lease of life. She looks lovely.

[@robertbenjamin7728]

You two are wonderful. I hope, as you're sailing into a sunset someday with cocktails in hand, that you reflect on all the hard work you've accomplished.

[@richardkeen1996]

After many different finishes, I've found Internationqal Woodskin to be a real winner. Overcoating isn't a problem and its durability is exceptional. Try it out on some of your brightwork and see what you think!

[@marigoldbuckmaster1053]

What a lot of work….and to repeat it every couple of years 😮! However it is looking absolutely beautiful! Very well done!

[@terenceacton5803]

Fantastic job. I appreciate the blood sweat and tears that you have shed over the last few months to achieve such a professional result.

[@stevecoppin2557]

The smartest boat in the yard!

[@ranger2316]

You two are an inspiration! My wife and I have undertaken some big DIY projects together, but this....this is taking it to a whole another level! Well done, the boat is starting to look fabulous!

[@stevelambert7496]

Yea a florence Friday

[@cpjworrall]

Hej Amy & Matt. Such a great result on your refit. Great work. A little comment on your varnish project (hope you won't mind!!) I sort of sympathised with Amy on her slight disappointment with the result. If you ever do it again I can honestly recommend Epifanes. In my opinion the absolute best varnish you can buy. Comes in lots of different finishes. All of them from High gloss to Satin absolutely outstanding. (I use it on my Moody from '82) It needs a bit of extra prep with a 24 hour drying interval and sanding between coats. But the results are fantastic. All the very best for your new adventures. Best regards from Denmark. Chris

[@mattcaine7614]

Satin Varnish - is a finish coat, ie you should use gloss varnish for the base layers giving depth to the varnish then only use the satin for the last one or two layers.

[@karllewis735]

She looks fantastic. What a lot of work that was.

[@rickjanicki3705]

Florence looks amazing. I've been watching your videos since the beginning, through out covid i looked forward to your updates, you made so much of an impression i decided i wanted a boat and i wanted to sail round the world! you made it look easy! Watching the refit videos has cured me of that, who'd have thought a boat would need so much hard work? I'm going to hold out for a lottery win, buy a new boat and hire a crew.🤣 Looking forward to the next bit of the adventure.

[@billygrahamyachtsinc753]

Dark anti fouling paint, especially black helps the sun create growth on the hull at the waterline.

[@hectorcyre7664]

Great job on the decks. Is it actually "paint", or did you go with KiwiGrip coating? It sure looked like KiwiBrip going on. We are 10 years on from our initial application of KiwiGrip on our decks, and it is still very good. It has been recoated twice in that time, directly over the initial coats without any sanding or prep other than a thorough cleaning. To add some heresy to my comment, I would suggest you consider Cetol for the exterior and high-wear teak. We lay on three coats of Cetol Marine Teak for color, followed by 9 to 12 coats of Cetol Gloss. It is a very hard finish and the gloss shines brilliantly. Our experience is that it lasts four to five years and is easy to touch up. We sand between every two coats, but not aggressively - only to knock down rough spots and assure adhesion. You can also lay Cetol Marine Gloss over conventional interior satin varnish with similar results - just be sure to sand before the first coat of Cetol. It is NOT slippery under foot, even when wet. We are certifiably crazy, but we have French polished all the (very) extensive teak in our interior, using Gilboy's proprietary wax and 0000 wire wool. We laid the wax over two coats of teak oil (also appllied with 0000 wire wool). For reference, 0000 wire wool is basically equivalent to 1200 to 1600 grit sand paper, i.e., an extremely fine grit equivalent. The advantage is the wire wool doesn't load up like fine sandpaper does. (Check out Gilboy's KZbin channel to learn about French polish on antique furniture and musical instruments.)

[@seafuryphil]

Great épisode guys . So much hard work , good thing it's a labor of love ❤⛵️

[@petewitt2867]

You guys always motivate me to bet back onto my boat. Thanks.

[@EdToml]

Really like this way of presenting refurbishing.

[@lindsaygrams8373]

Well Matt and Amy you have done fantastic job on your boat you should be proud of each other job well done the new look looks great fantastic

[@samuelgarofalo6910]

Great job, brought back some memories of sweat filled days!

[@jimsargent7288]

Matt & Amy Florence looks amazing. I love the new deck and even though you didn't really love the floors I think they look outstanding. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures. (High five) from Montana

[@cutaway7405]

Wow you guys did an Excellent job on everything on your job list! Well Done you 2!! Smart, talented, and hard workers!!🎉

[@njbaskipper]

Good morning.. I have been surprised by the positive change in Florence and in fact I congratulate them. P.S. I give you a Tip. There is a variant to the varnish, the use of CETOL, there are for exteriors, extreme durability and the classic, even different colors of teak wood Just take note of it and study it, they will go this time for much more severe conditions. Blessings and success. 💡⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@michaeldallimore8590]

Great progress. Looking forward to seeing her back in the water.

[@CuntstableFannyButterbum]

You can cover the satin varnish with a gloss coat and it will be glossy again. And even a little stronger of a finish with that extra coat.

[@bensens]

Very nice upgrade, looks amazing,- and love to see Amy smiling again 🙂

[@WillN2Go1]

Good work. Florence looks like a new boat. Please use a vacuum attachment for your sander and any tool that can be attached (Don't worry the exact connections/adapters, Duct tape.) Even if you wear a mask that dust gets into your lungs. (I always wear a full respirator in my shop.) KZbinr Dave Lee is the master of dust control and made really good videos on the topic. He fixed a Lagoon 450 cat next to Parlay Revival. I shared with him all my dust collection/abatement knowledge, he took up several levels. One immediate benefit to dust collecting from your ROS sander is instead of sliding around on top of the piles of dust, you'll be working the surface. I've used a similar coating product on my floors and bookcases, but not yet on my boat. Two part Bonaseal (Swedish). There's a catalyst to which you add a little water. It goes on with just a Shureline type foam pad. No brushing, just wipe it down - much quicker. Lays down flat, incredibly durable. And I can tell you it keeps just fine unused for 20 years because that's how long after I was still using my original purchase. Yeah that's the same stuff. Different brand. The thing about gloss is that it shows imperfections. But if you don't like the satin, get some synthetic 'steel' wool pads and buff the floor (with a pole sander). You can quickly make it as shiny as you want. You could also use floor wax. (Tip for KZbinrs DIY: use poles! I've seen too many videos where earnest Millennials are clearly doing something for the first time because they don't use extension poles! You should be able to buff all your floors in place in just a couple of hours. No power tool will be needed. ( In fact everyone should get some synthetic 'steel' wool and try it. You can take an uneven rippled varnish job to a near French Polish really quickly. ) And in a couple of years if you want to resurface, just cut the surface with 120 grit sandpaper (on a pole of course) and recoat. (If you have a shop vac, always use a bag, even if you have to tape it in the drum. And try to find one with an exhaust port that you can stick another hose on. I used to vacuum my photography darkroom with the exhaust going through a hose around the corner of the building. Vacs collect dust, but they also grind it into microscopic particles that stick deep inside your lungs.) Your companion way has two problems: Exposure so you'll be redoing the finish every couple of years no way around it. (All the south facing doors on houses have this issue. At least in the Northern Hemisphere.) The wearing though. Get something like furniture sliders so that's what rubs instead of the wood. These are sacrificial meaning that they are softer than the finish. They will wear instead of your varnish. If you had to DIY it, a Delrin block right at the end with a couple of screws can keep the leading edge from rubbing. Also beeswax. I've got hardwood drawer sliders that I waxed thirty years ago, they still slide really well. Beeswax is amazing and useful. Hope this helps. And it looks like your replacing your electronics next. I can learn from you. Lots of details please.

[@sailingheretic]

Wow, her deck looks great!

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

For future reference, check out Sailing Magic Carpet for varnish, stain, and paint. Alidino and Maya produce the prettiest, shiniest boat surfaces. It's a work of art. 🎨🖌 Florence looks beautiful. I think you'll be happy with your deck grip and her fresh bottom. Thanks for sharing and including the spring buds and ducks.

[@SailingSteelSapphire]

In the big showdown between TreadMaster and KiwiGrip, there was only ever going to be one winner. But still brought a tear to the eye seeing the before and after pics. And that was without having done all the back breaking work! I know you've got lots of exciting electrical upgrades to come, but I reckon the deck is the one that's going to give the longest-lasting feeling of satisfaction, pride and even joy in Florence.

[@Chris-kn4vf]

She looks fantastic!

[@BH195829]

The floor looks GREAT👍👍👍

[@Tintenfinger]

In the olden days, teak was oiled and never painted. Being an extremely oily and rot-resistant wood - which was why teak was chosen for boatbuilding in the first place - conventional one-pot furniture varnish did not stick well on teak, no matter how much acetone was used to pull the natural oil from the teak grain before varnishing. Traditional oiling, however, gave teak a matte finish. So your choice of a matte- or satin-finish modern floor varnish returns the teak surfaces in your boat to the look they should always have had. The boatyard who in 1979 built the interior of my sailboat used a conventional heavy-duty one-pot floor varnish on all the teak surfaces. I stayed with their choice of matte-finish varnish to this day and have since had to renew the paint only in places of exteme wear.

[@charliemcgrain]

In general, areas like your hatch way, clean the teak with oxalic acid before sanding. Sanding can drive the dirt deeper into the grain. Oxalic takes the dirt out, then sand then oil/stain or varnish. Your decks look great. Kiwi grip is great. Well done you guys, that's a ton of work but it is paying off, Florence looks beautiful.

[@music-man]

i think you did a bang up job on the Cabin sole and the teak over the hatch looks great.

[@rob3942]

Top job guys. She looks and will be functionally ace

[@Marcel-J]

Wow, what a transformation.

[@blahdiblah2169]

I think the floor looks amazing btw.

[@humanafterall2076]

The top coat determines the sheen. Use a gloss over the top and it will be gloss. Use this technique in wood flooring. Use what you have until the top coat

[@Mark-he3tl]

Florence is looking fabulous, so much lighter and fresher. You're going to have your own personal iceberg to sail north in. ;)

[@larssolem2507]

I think the satin look of the sole looks great, never been a fan of high gloss varnish in a sailboat, that belongs to the stink boats:) Also using the teak sealer is a great idea, when it's looks a bit tired just wipe it down with solvent and apply a new layer. Can't wait to see you on the water towards new adventures!

[@OutdoorTraveler]

The decking looks really nice.

[@annhysell6064]

Wow, what a transformation. Absolutely stunning. She is definitely breathing a sigh of relief for her new youthful look and will return the hard work by sailing well for you. 👍👍

[@patriciathorp4911]

Florence looking well ... Great job

[@anitatroyer2066]

Wow! You 2 are such hard workers and the transformation of Florence is amazing!

[@fedegoeswoods3142]

Wow! Such a wonderful job you're doing... And fast!

[@ScottS360]

Wow! That's a stunning transformation! Florence is looking beautiful now.

[@markbuskens6070]

The decks look great and l like the color,you have worked so hard

[@tomst9417]

Bravo Matt and Amy! Your tireless work refurbishing Florence has achieved great results. Her deck looks wonderful and should provide secure footing. Sailing will be even more enjoyable after months of repetitive sanding and scraping!

[@andrewmcgovan5866]

What you've done is fantastic. The jobs you are doing are difficult messy and grafting, requiring strong characters which you both obviously are. Hats off to you both launching your next leg.

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

Very nice paint job on the bottom and an interesting color for your non -skid deck paint.

[@derekwaudby5899]

You're doing a great job on Florence. Love your videos, excellent. I've followed you all around the world. I follow 4 other sailing channels, I look forward to yours the most.

[@humblestever24]

Spring in a 4 seasons climate is wondrous. The extravagant excesses of the tropics isn't for me. Never noticed that Florence had a skeg before. Well done Florence. Well done Amy, well done Matt.

[@kbbarton1]

The KiwiGrip looks WAY better than the TreadMaster!

[@robjohnson2649]

Just beautiful. Wonderful work guys.

[@paulmjolsness6482]

The decks look amazing! 👍👍

[@terrywells3809]

She looks great!

[@DanielAlley]

Wow, just wow.

[@LisaBFIT4Life]

Very impressed! So much hard work. Well done

[@monomattock1]

I believe Kiwi grip applied with a grooved plastic scraper gives enough but not too much for the rolling after. I painter striped the floor on our boat - allowed for less sanding and complete removal, and as you say less risk of going through veneer. I used a gloss spar varnish which has great depth, but should have had a final 2 coats of satin for a bit of grip. It hasnt ben an issue really, but gloss also shows up imperfections.

[@wrap-itsolutions2387]

She looks great! The big secret to varnishing that a lot of people miss is to thin the first 2-3 coats with about 70% thinners ... this allows the first few layers to soak deep into the teak so the rest of the layers have something to bond to and the varnish is not just sitting on the top ... then go to 50% and eventually to around 30% for your top coats. Amazing amount of work you have achieved in one refit!!

[@MikeBanks2003]

I used to put on the first layer a hard red powerboat antifoul, followed by two coats of softer sailing boat blue antifoul. When I see red, I book the slip. I use two pack clear polyurethane finishes containing UV screening chemistry on timber where wear is likely. It is tough and easily re-finished. I use a semi-gloss, but many prefer the full gloss. It is good interior or exterior--just not cheap.

[@greenwave819]

Starting to look good!

[@Who.is.Clinton]

Wow your deck looks amazing, well done guys, awesome result!

[@SustainableSailing]

Really enjoying this season. Very nostalgic as I spent a lot of time on Hayling Island at Sparkes Boatyard, Mengham Rythe Sailing Club and Wilsons Boatyard from about 1975 to 1994. We are going to have to paint non-slip on our decks which currently have a diamond moulded pattern. So very interested to see how your KiwiGrip holds up.

[@jaywellington9904]

I'm excited to see the upcoming adventures! I've said it before, but I'll say it again, your videography is superb!

[@annettemay5743]

Looking good team. Carn't wait for the finish.

[@trevorjordan1787]

Well done for all your hard work

[@anthonyschroeder7458]

Holy crap 😮 looks stunning guys

[@travelradiocoza]

Funny you should mention the satin varnish. I just sanded the teak on my own boat because I hated the dark high gloss and far prefer satin look. To me it is softer, classier with the off white cream interior, easier to maintain and does not show knocks or blemishes nearly as easy as the gloss does. Florence is starting to get back to ship shape. Well done crew!

[@ingriddoorn1201]

Florence looks amazing with her new deck. Brilliant job👍

[@ps4peace]

So proud of you guys, she's looking great and can't wait to see the journey ahead!!

[@markbriggs4807]

Wow. Excellent.

[@omarkn4371]

+Beautiful boatwork!

[@reloadncharge9907]

Looks amazing! Thanks, Andrew

[@peterasacker5948]

;You guys are doing a great job ....she is looking great. wow

[@Dax435]

Beautiful work

[@Dobbo314]

Florence is looking glorious!

[@stevelambert7496]

Looking great what a transformation

[@j.a.n.8456]

Beautiful work.

[@markbriggs4807]

She looks super. IMHO the thick blue free board stripe would look good in navy or very dark blue. A dark blue transom with Florence in gold italics? Maybe?

[@AdrianLyons]

I am personally grateful to you both for the years of pleasure you have given my lovely wife and I and once again would like to thank you for a really great “show” 🎉

[@timallen6025]

Ya can’t beat a shiny shapely hull .. 40 years of glow👍

[@davidabaxter4424]

WOW!!! Great job.

[@william6526]

Florence,looks amazing and you two are doing a top notch job of refitting her. I know you have plans to sail north but maybe it would be better to take the time while you are in the boat yard to spend the time to finish the refit and delay sailing north for awhile until Florence is completely finished and ready to take on the weather and rough seas the northern latitudes are known for. We live an hour from the pacific ocean in oregon USA. And we know how bad the weather and ocean conditions are along our coast line. This bad conditions just get worse the farther north you go. A boat must be ready to handle these conditions because our ocean doesn't allow mistakes or boating with a boat that's not in tip top shape. I'm really looking forward to see all the adventures you guys will face once Florence is ready for the challenge. God bless we will still be here when you are ready to sail once more.

[@stephenburnage7687]

Must be nice to do your boatwork in a shed :). I am painting while trying to keep the birds off; watching the rain and trying to prevent dust build up.

[@kenc2707]

That new deck should be a lot cooler in the hot sun. Looks beautiful.

[@westpacificmarketanalytics2384]

Florence is really one beautiful gal and will take good care of you on the seas ahead. God Bless that journey.

[@209turtleboy]

One thing you didn't mention is if you're going to the northern latitudes you may be dealing with cleaning snow off the deck so I think you made a good choice.

[@markkrajcar3729]

Looking good. If the satin cabin soles really bother you, just put a couple of coats of of the varnish you'd like over the top.

[@simoncaselton9020]

Great job guys.I'm doing my deck this Spring.

[@SailingOfka]

great job. Congratulations.