We Bought A Big Old Rusty Canal Boat - Episode 1

We are on it again and have bought a big old rusty canal boat.
We have no idea what we have gotten ourselves into but the journey has began and there is no going back!
Stay tuned for the progress it will be slow but hopefully we can see it all the way through to the end!
Please follow our journey if this is something you are in to and should you like to help us along the way to get the ball rolling a little faster we have a Patreon account as well as a cute little coffee page so you can get some caffeine while helping us renovate this big beast of a project, our links are below:
patreon.com/duovagari
www.bru4ewe.co.uk (united kingdom only)

[@RB-yq7qv]

I would tow it to the ship yard and sand blast the whole boat with 40 grit and then check the hull for new plate work. Then you can make it water tight with windows and doors. Going the hard way will take years to complete and then you will need to start again as you chase your tails fixing little jobs.

[@nbspudley]

Totally agree with the above. Don’t do anything there. Get it towed, get it out the water & see what you’ve got before doing anything at all. Totally pointless doing anything until it’s out the water.

[@peterchapman3740]

Agree

[@thefloatingapothecaryroman16]

​@@peterchapman3740I third that. Wise move, save many headaches.

[@coolhand66]

I agree with the lads that definitely get her to a boat yard sandblaster down put a good coat of epoxy primer on her after you sandblaster then take your time figuring out what you really want to do but it's important to get her to a boat yard get her dry sandblasted down and epoxy primers she looks like a good boat I think you're going to like her

[@airforceone708]

I would take it out into a dry dock and grit blast the full boat then for the hull I would spray it with epoxy paint it will last about then I would spray a primer on the rest then get it water tight then you can start to refit it by spraying it it will look a lot better then hand brush i no what am talking about I’ve been in the Industrial painting for living 40 years

[@soundhobo]

Get it on dry land and get it surveyed before you do anything else…great project if it goes well, I wish you the best of luck 👍

[@michaelgibney3772]

I think a survey is definitely in order. While it is out of the water you can service and paint the hull, leaving it in proper shape to sit wet for all the time you will be working on it.

[@shirleygreaves9650]

The first time I’ve seen you two and it looks like I’ve found you at an interesting part of your journey. You could do with dry docking the boat and getting it sand blasted or it will take you forever. I don’t like to put a downer on things but until you can get windows and doors in and make her water tight and secure you may find the weather and vandals undo all of your hard work. I’m looking forward to watching your journey, I’ve never seen a vlog on a renovation of such a derelict looking boat! Good luck to you both. xxxx

[@DuoVagari]

Thank you for joining us on our journey, it's going to be a long one but hopefully we will get there! ☺️

[@Cpb10590]

Where are you located

[@simongadsby8436]

Good luck with the project, looking forward to watching There is nothing like starting from scratch

[@shanecrawford6023]

I have to agree with previous comment, you need to get it to a hard point, then sand blast it to get all the rust. Then start the fun stuff.🇨🇦

[@paultaylor9652]

Good luck guys, a lot of time and money will be required to turn this around.

[@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living]

Get it lifted out at a boat yard Get the bottom checked Get the basics done windows secure the doors black the bottom and do rest on the cut .looking foward to following the progress we just finnished a 35ft narrowboat from stipped out to nothing and refit will tag along to watch your progress 👍

[@davidife597]

Totally agreed with other comment, if after inspection your boat needs plating, most of your interior including flooring will need to be removed in order to facilitate wielding and safely so you are wasting your time until the hull has been certified sound.

[@cnobillbradley9673]

Your narrow rust bucket boat redo will be long and arduous but, it will be right in your eyes. God speed, fair winds and following seas. Good luck!

[@user-tf4bw5jj8f]

They are on a CANAL FFS!!!! Wind and sea doesnt come into it 🤦😂😂😂

[@theislerider9513]

Hi, I learned 3,5 years to build these generators... and.. there is a cable, running to an metal stick... that it pushed into the ground and that gives you the proper contact to earth or the minus. There is a screw somewhere, to connect the cable to this metal frame. That is the difference to the compact Honda or other little generators. Get informed or read instructions... (If fuelstations got their fuel.. you can see, that the driver runs a cable to "minus", to avoid problems with the plus/minus ground earth.. that can result in a spark.. Best regards from Berlin, Germany

[@redjacc7581]

cool, thats going to be really nice when finished, its pretty big.

[@lescampbell4196]

Major job there. Beautiful shape, can't wait to see it finished

[@gavinralph2910]

great project, preparation, preparation oh and did I mention preparation. This is going to be the key to doing this boat to a good standard (not worth doing otherwise) wish you luck, will be an amazing boat when finished...looks a good strong design too!

[@darrenlewis4423]

Definitely needs blasting . Would be expensive but the right way to go for sure.

[@nealgosling4597]

Looks a good project, blank canvas ,, but definitely get it to a boatyard and lifted out for survey , Hull thickness etc before you start any renovations,

[@paulb8186]

Looks like a massive money pit!!

[@coolhand66]

But that is the meaning of a boat money pit it's a hole in the water or you throw money and the best thing is the day you buy your boat and the day you sell your boat

[@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living]

That is a lovely boat its got great potential very unusual design it will be the talk of the town when done up 👍

[@DuoVagari]

Hope so! Welcome aboard

[@Matthias9319]

You need to get that boat out of the water and either sandblast it or grab a needle hammer do every section yourself, i will be following you though. Good luck ;)

[@jimwilder5578]

Need to take it somewhere and pull it out of the water to get it inspected. Easier to build on dry dock good luck It's gonna be beautiful when you get it done.❤

[@stethemeterman1968]

Looks a great project. But also looks like a money pit ! looking forward to see how things end up hope it all end well.

[@nickviner1225]

It's a boat, of course it's a money pit.

[@Devin-O]

Difference on flipping a boat and renovating it to keep.

[@howardcornwell9841]

I'm glad to see this boat being rescued it could be stunning! I wanted it but too old a knackered to attempt it, so good luck it will be a stunner ❤️

[@closer2theheart684]

That is a very unique looking canal boat, just an absolute beast. It's going to be amazing when restored.

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good night everyone glad that you are saving a old narrow baat good luck

[@moose6676]

Hi looking forward to your exciting journey, I’ll be watching as yous go along. I’m sure that you have heard this countless times, if yous can get the boat out of the water, dry dock, at least get it water tight. Best of luck 👍🏻👍🏻

[@DuoVagari]

Welcome aboard our journey and thanx for watching 🙌

[@snowflakemelter1172]

I have rebuilt boats and had one moored in the same basin a 5 years ago Its very rare to find a wreck like this that is cost effective to restore , this isnt a boat that has been hidden, its well known and so is the basin, you have to work on the basis that the hull is scrap , to buy as an amateur without a survey is not a good idea, i reccomend you dont spend any money on it until you find out if it is a doable project or you need to cut your losses.

[@michaelhill1176]

That is coolest canal boat I have ever seen

[@DuoVagari]

Thanks we love her shape too :)

[@joygreenlees209]

Seen this boat many times on other Vlogs over the last few years. Good on you two for giving it a go.

[@phillipherbst6357]

That is one huge task that you have ahead of you. I have been watching "Mick Blackley SandBlaster". He is also in your neck of the woods somewhere. You might get some tips from him. Unfortunately until you get the boat either moved or looking less like a derelict, you are going to have vandals causing some grief for you. The best of luck with the project. it will be interesting to see how you get on.

[@DuoVagari]

Hey! Thanx for the tip will look into him and sus things out for sure! It's going to be a while before things go from worse to ok but we slightly mentally prepared for that 🙂 stay tuned

[@sylviamolyneux-carr214]

If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for this widebeam would love to see your end result

[@gilbertmercado462]

First time seeing you both working on a long boat renovation. What I like especially that it is a bit wider than other long boats I have seen in other videos of long boat renovations. Good work going on and wish you all the best with your work. I like the romance of the longboat living. Until the next video have a good week.

[@peterholmesgavleman]

I’ m very interested to watch your progress. I wish you all the very best of luck. 60 years ago, our family used to have a 27 footer cruiser on the ground union. Just outside Leicester at Thurmaston and we as a family used to spend almost every weekend on the boat, especially during the summer and all of the school holidays.

[@davidschank956]

Yes I do agree with your one commenter the boat needs to be dry docked and sandblasted and painted Because it will last and save the two of You a lot of time and heart ack.! It's something you should consider.!! Love The boat it has so much pro ten shell.!! If done like that it will make the re- build so much faster and you will get Way better results.!! I think it's going To be a gorgeous looking boat onice It's done.!! Crack-on. From the U.s.a.!!

[@DuoVagari]

All the way from u.s.a! Thanx for watching! love how you said potential 😁 very clever 😂 I might have to steal it!

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

Quite the project. A lot of surface rust there. I'd be looking at getting it out of the water and sand blasted inside and out. The inside looks like it needs it more than out. Particularly as the inside metalwork is going to get boxed in/covered up. And you will not see problems occuring. So giving it the best chance up-front would be better. And once out of the water, you can do a proper hull survey. (Which you can do yourself with an ultrasonic depth tester.) And address any issues.

[@DuoVagari]

Hi Gonzo thanks for the tip on the ultrasonic tester will definitely check that out! We will be taking her out the water asap to sandblast and paint. This in itself was a challenge to organise. Thanks for watching :)

[@1dkappe]

With the vandalism, you will be making lots of backwards progress unless you get it to a marina or boatyard.

[@ron7447]

Good luck with this adventure. Wish you much success. I'm in the states but i love the canal boats. Definitely a trip across the pond is on my bucket list. Take care.

[@scottbellisle5581]

I would love to have a canal boat. So much room inside. Good luck and make it happen, one day at a time.

[@optimist3580]

The boat will need an out of water 3rd party survey for insurance, without that survey you could be just throwing your money away.

[@jamespayne8781]

That’s going to be a lot of work but the potential is over the top. What a find. Kinda like a gypsy of the water.

[@MrLindegger]

Good luck my Soutie friend!😊

[@theelectricnarrowboat6639]

Oh, good. That boat's been sat abandoned for ages. I turned it around earlier this year with my boat when it was on the other side of the canal having been set loose by vandals. I still have the scratched paintwork to show for it! I'm still in the middle of a sailaway fit-out (those at least have windows, doors, paint and motors) after almost 2 years, so I wish you the best of luck.

[@DuoVagari]

Thank you for saving our tooshys. If you ever come past us again stop in and say hi will have to get you a beer 😉🍻

[@Lifesgood427]

This is a massive project, well done for taking it on, looking forward to seeing all your efforts an updates, good luck !

[@DuoVagari]

Thank you very much!

[@davidday6838]

What a project you two have taken on 😮 I have done six boats now but that's a monster, i do wish you all the best, it would be interesting to find out some history on the boat I'm sure that might have been a commercial craft.

[@darrenparker8359]

Before you spend 1000£'s I'd get her to a dry dock & get a survey. That's what I'd spend my 1st £'s on. Good Luck with your project 👍🏻

[@aionphriend]

Yeah I'll be usomg raptor or bedliner on mine. Board up the wondows for now. People would have you spend more than you need too. Budget amd get the most out of it as the work will be constant with any boat. So make it cost effective.

[@scx7831]

Dry dock, bottom repair and maintenance, thruster, internal combustion and electric drive from the stern.......... Pozdrawiam z Warszawy.😁

[@davidtall7283]

Hello guys - just wanted to wish you all the very best with your new project. My partner and I have passed your boat many times on the cut and thought it could make someone a fantastic home and always hoped someone would rescue it. Really pleased you'll be breathing new life into her....good for you! Hope it all goes well and look forward to seeing your progress. We'll give you a toot the next time we cruise past. Very best wishes and good luck! :)

[@DuoVagari]

Thank you for your comment 😊 if you see us definitely say hi. It's going to take us a while but we are very excited for the project

[@davidtall7283]

Sure, will do :) @@DuoVagari

[@garrickmartin7707]

It's a great space guys. Should be very cool when you're done. I agree with the comments below. Take it to a boatyard and get it sand blasted inside and out. You'll be impressed.Then windows and doors tout suite. Then you can chill a bit and take your sweet time. Lotsa luck. I'll be watching!

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

OMG!!! That is a MAMMOTH 🦣 project. So much easier to get it dry docked outta the water I know added expense but get it sandblasted painted blackened then fit engine and electrics plan the layout while fitting electrics the easy job is fitting it out. You've got deep pockets I hope. Properly done will be costly but don't cut corners they will come back yo haunt you.😂. Gonna keep my eyes out for uour boat any idea on a name? All the very best of luck Kev the Brinklow kayaker..😊

[@DuoVagari]

Hey Kevin, yup indeed a mammoth project on our hands here and it's not just going to be a weekend job 😂 we have named the boat barleys barge

[@terrycoles9079]

Hi, New to your channel, but looking forward to seeing the before, during and after. Beautiful boat with so much potential..

[@DuoVagari]

Thanks Terry welcome aboard!

[@kennyscouse3388]

Just found your channel - that’s some project you’ve taken on! Looking forward to joining you on the journey whilst sitting back & watching you put blood, sweat & tears into this. I’m sure it will be worth it. Good Luck.👍🏻

[@marksaint-john3722]

Maybe it's looking back thru rose tinted glasses but Jack Warner was a comforting sight on our TV screens. Rest in Oeace Jack and thankyou.

[@alxgu198]

Love it. Looking forward to following your progress 😁

[@DuoVagari]

Thank you!! 😊

[@NAMCBEO]

Short of iron hull plate corrosion and scaling ,causing thin wall pitting issues, it's built like a WW1 tank, has beautiful lines, endless possibilities as a total blank slate that needs an electric bow thruster or at least a bow rudder from the get-go !.

[@DuoVagari]

Let’s hope the hull is better then predicted! Your right she is built well with so many trusses ! There is some evidence of a bow rudder at some point which is very interesting:)

[@user-ww2xc4mn9s]

Was good hearing SA accent. Only ever see South Africans take on such big task with attitude of "its not so bad" and then work hard to get it sorted. I am a full time van lifer and wish you guys well.

[@DuoVagari]

Thanx for your comment and watching. We all love a good task don't we 🤣

[@kennethwikert2841]

If you choose the route of blasting I would recommend using baking soda instead of sand as it is environmentally safe and is a very good abrasive material. talk to contractors who do blasting and find out what you can. Here in California small sand blasters, which can be used with baking soda as well, . can be purchased rather inexpensively. Then an air compressor which could be rented and you're in business. My brother used this method to clean tiles in swimming pools and my neighbor cleaned the turbines from power generators and to strip the paint off of automobiles.

[@shortcircuit7149]

Wow and i thought my boat was a project... dont throw too much money at it until you've got it surveyed. Survey and some small welding work and other little bits cost me 5k. Thats gonna need a lot more hope you are rich.

[@craigshrimpton5765]

Love it. Switch it on on the other side woman.😂 I can't wait to see the progress on this.

[@terranceyeo3087]

get it on hard standing, get a tarpaulin to cover the boat, and buy or rent a portable grit blaster because it's going to cost you a bomb, get someone to check the thickness of the hull to see if it needs overplanting, get the outside done first with a primer on, has it been on fire it looks like a fire damaged barge good luck.

[@RobinMuirhead]

That is a really good barge love the style and build should be fantastic when done!

[@nickstainer3985]

The boat was a steam dredger and the original cabin is the narrow part at the front with wide decks the last engine was a 6 cylinder Foden careful when you scrape the rust off in the bow cabin there’s about 3 holes just above the water line we left a 1 ton bag of broken paving slabs on the starboard side roof at the stern to keep the holes out of the water in the bow

[@DuoVagari]

Hi Nick thanks for reaching out it’s incredible to speak to someone who knows more about her history I did find the holes you mentioned and have made a temporary repair for the interim. Please keep in touch would love to know more about your experience with the boat.

[@buddysinsight9834]

You should invest in a sandblaster it will save you months and do a superb job.

[@chrischris8550]

Long journey ahead! I hear the accent's and hope you have both taken into account, that the weather will soon change!

[@drlong08]

I'd blast that hull completely and see what shakes out. Good luck to you both on what I hope will be a great build out!

[@garymucher4082]

This looks like it will be an interesting refurbishing project. I'll be waiting and watching...

[@DuoVagari]

Might take us a while but thanx for watching

[@graememercer1653]

Like what people are say get it out of the water and get the hull checked for thickness as there is a minimum thickness as you will not get insurance on the boat. Also it means that you can do other stuff like painting the hull after the welding patches on and you will be doing that, and you can work on the stuffing box for the prop shaft.

[@alfredrondorf8717]

Heilige Mutter , da habt Ihr beiden euch aber etwas vorgenommen 🫠 ! Aber der Erfolg ist immer mit den Mutigen , Ich werde mit Genuß euer Projekt verfolgen , alles Gute für eurer Projekt 🫠🫠🫠 ! ❤

[@DuoVagari]

Thanks so much 😃

[@miltamener]

That looks a big project, looking forward to watching the journey!

[@dk4622]

You won't regret buying or renting a industrial sand blaster and paint gear and hiring a friend to help for a few days. Good luck.

[@ThePorridgeGobbler]

Inspection in a yard, sandblast, make it watertight then begins the long task of conversion, good luck you will learn alot along the way, your not complete amateurs, if you take responsibility for your own actions/mistakes 😉 instead of blaming one another that should prevent any domestics. 🤣 Nice curves/lines by the way.😁

[@namzoza]

I am very interested in the project and i can’t wait till it finish, lets go

[@MyLife-lg6tg]

When I worked on such rust removal projects, in the US Navy, we used an air driven needle gun. This very noisey instrument made short work of lots and lots of loose rust and paint, as well! Dan S. From Michigan & Texas USA

[@johncarr8092]

If you know nothing about your purchase, and you want to throw cash at her, you have to be certain that she will stay on top of the water long enough to allow that to happen. A survey to detect hull thickness is essential cos it may only be as thick as tissue paper . Always work from the bottom upwards leaving the pretty bits to the very last.

[@cliveshakespeare9184]

Looks brilliant, best of luck! The comments about sand blasting sound very sensible, you want to use it before you retire I think. There is nothing a bit of African Ingenuity cannot fix! (e.g. Big hammer and pair of pliers)

[@AndreasDuessca]

Take it out of the water and do the work on the hard. You have a huge amount of work coming your way.

[@shogun666able]

Interesting start but without keeping the rain water out you will be hard pushed to get anything done, or hours doing the same thing. Like to watch it being bought back to life, but I hope you two have a stack of money. Get it out of the water, covered, safe and secure would be the first thing to be doing aiming for at least watertight to rain before anything else.

[@rvierra7235]

Along with my family, we were lucky to spend 4 days on a canal boat. We were on the Avon River (sorry...River Avon). It was one of the best vacations we had, the kids were small 5 and 7 years old, over 20 years ago and they still talk about what a great time they had. I think before long, we (or they) will return to England for another visit to include a canal boat adventure.

[@richardwakelin843]

It's the first time I have seen your channel. My word, you know how to choose a project . Personally, I would get your vessel on dry land and get it surveyed. Then, sandblasted, I had a steel yacht once and used a paint system called Brantho Corrux. It's a single part paint, it will stick to anything, it's easy to touch up in small areas because it is one part , it has good filler quality's and as long as you clean away loose material it's great to apply. Although I did find you need to apply the hardener only on the top coat in heavy wear areas, you can also chuck in a handful of grit for non-slip effect, I used the left over grit from sandblasting. I wish you well and hope to watch your progress

[@DuoVagari]

Thanks Richard we appreciate the insight from a fellow boater ! she is a mammoth project for sure :)

[@notsohairybiker]

How about dragging it closer to where your car is parked? Big project. Good luck.

[@recipecollective.1uk]

Wow this is some project, looking forward seeing how it all goes 😎

[@stephenpyner4156]

Hi guys , I'm new to the channel, hope you enjoy the journey of rebuilding your boat and that you get it just how you want it

[@imuayachtcharter7940]

Acquisition so many only dream about. Congratulations 🎊! and good luck

[@user-ow6vv3pn3v]

😮 That is a big ass boat!

[@iggysfriend4431]

The concrete in the bilge is worrying, what's it hiding? Ideally you should get it towed to a boat yard, hauled out and surveyed. Then you know what you're dealing with and if anything under the waterline needs replating.

[@mitchchandler1529]

I absolutely love the shape of it! Inside and out❤. The hummer of narrowboats

[@flybywire5866]

It looks like a wide beam? I guess it really wants to get to know a sandblaster up and personal. Doing that by hand is a never ending job.

[@howardescoffery4950]

Yow! you too better stay together because in 50 years I be back to watch more of your videos. Just my way of saying awesome video. I wish though you had a drawing of your vision of the finish product you would be aiming for. respect and best of luck.

[@WAREWOLF-te7rk]

It isn't pretty right now by no means but it does have nice bones and a great layout. Good job on picking up that boat. I completely understand why you bought it

[@dennismcginnis]

It's just like the barge on the highlander tv series.

[@simonsutton5524]

Hi good luck with your restoration job, its abig one! I have cruised past this hulk on many occasions [I am a live aboard at Denham marina just down the cut] and thought with time and a lot of money this could be made lovely again. Like many have already stated you really need to get it out of the water and surveyed so you can tackle any plating / welding that might need doing and then concentrate on getting it watertight. Yes getting a floor in might make it easier to walk around inside but if its not dry then you will end up ripping it all out again as the damp will ruin the flooring. You will also need to lay ballast stone in before putting the floor down. Better just to lay some boards down tempoarily to enable you to walk around easier. Sand / shot blasting although expensive along with the lift out of the water is your best option, it will save you so much time. You can do inside and out and then get all the surfaces treated / painted and get windows and doors in to seal her up nice and dry. Then your free to do the rest as time and money allows without the elements ruining all your hard work. I would contact P & S at Watford and book a slot to have it lifted out there onto hard standing [the nearest to handle a boat that size] and organise a tow from a friendly neighbour or book a tug to take you. I am looking forward to seeing how you progress. Good luck.

[@DuoVagari]

Thanks Simon appreciate the insight from a fellow boater hopefully we will see you out there sometime:)

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Yes you can find unwanted scaffolding boards at scaffolding firms where the timber boards have been deemed not up to the safety standards required. I had many boards from local company and ideal for making raised garden beds!

[@coltonupchurch4368]

Cool boat

[@TheCiaMKultra]

You should keep the ferns plants and put them back in pots as part of the interior Aesthetics with a great story of all the hard work put into the project . Good luck , looks like fun!

[@DuoVagari]

Thanks so much! Yes definitely holding on to the ferns we have already rescued them and potted them at home waiting to go back in the boat when she’s completed 😃

[@lifeyeehhhh9437]

This looks like its going to be a great series. All the best.

[@MaverickBlack412]

I'm from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, CAMPO GRANDE neighborhood, be happy

[@robertstevison1448]

Glad I found you at the beginning sees like a harrowing adventure you have undertaken best wishes for yall

[@JosephDiveley]

You have a chance to start from scratch and do it right so don't over think things. Take it out of the water and sandblast the entire thing and do the proper maintence. Then start your build the right way with a clean and fortified hull properly painted. It will make the boat have a whole new life instead of one riddled with headaches. Remember to make access to the engine room and other utilities easy to get to and work on. It can drastically cut the cost of repairs and repairs are ALWAYS needed on a boat. Don't skimp when it comes to water and black water tanks because the bigger you make them the less hassle you will have.

[@lynhardie6291]

I just found you two. Its going to be interesting to follow your journey with your fixer-upper! I tend to go along with the sand blasting, quicker and you can see the condition of the whole boat, good luck, shall be keeping an eye on your progress!!!Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@billotto4499]

Found you guys by chance and I'm glad I did all of the best I will sure follow your guys Bill from Queensland Australia

[@DuoVagari]

Thanks Bill appreciate the support from down under :)

[@fanclku9928]

can't wait to c what it looks like when done....keep it on. oh yeah!!!

[@MrLouis79]

I know that boat. Good luck it will be interesting,

[@Shaunthesheep-ni7ht]

Definitely get it blasted as you don't know what your looking at . Good luck . Alan Herne did the same . Do it justice please.🤪

[@jnorthrup1020]

I concur below! Get it to a dry dock and work (sandblast, patch, weld, etc...) on it there. You can get it out of the water and check the hull underneath. Also, it will be protected from vandalism.

[@TheByard]

That is an old hull with riveted joints, I helped with the survey of Dunkirk Little Ship Llanthony that was built in the 1930s. She was in Rhodes at the time and being used as a cheap charter boat, with very little being spent on maintenance, just running costs. Part of the survey was to use instrument that measured the thickness of the steel, she was lacking in several places and a lot of beams also had rusted badly. So, I suggest you pay attention to the hull first before spending money on the superstructure. If the projects takes a long time, do remember to have a maintenance plan in place for the completed works. I owned a 1930s wooden Dunkirk Little Ship for 15 years and never stopped work on her, but boy did we have fun on the many good days. I hope you have the same.