Why Do So Many Boats Get Abandoned? My Journey Finishing a James Wharram Catamaran

Have you ever wondered why so many boats end up abandoned in boatyards, left to rot and decay? In this video, I take you through my personal journey of restoring a 51ft James Wharram Tehini catamaran, sharing the highs and lows of boat ownership and restoration.
From the cold and rainy days in Florida’s boatyards to the inspiration of seeing completed builds, this video captures the reality of tackling a massive boat project. Along the way, I meet incredible people, like Bennit-who sold me the catamaran-and Brent, an electronics wizard who helped diagnose some tricky problems. We’ll also explore abandoned sailboat projects and reflect on the challenges of keeping dreams afloat.
Follow me as I navigate the process of measuring my boat for a CAD design, picking up supplies, helping Bennit with his 14ft fishing boat, and finding motivation in the midst of the boatyard chaos. This journey is about more than just fixing up a boat-it’s about determination, community, and bringing a vision to life.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a boat restoration enthusiast, or just someone curious about the process of reviving a classic wooden catamaran, this video has something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on my journey!
If you'd like to support the project, you can join me on Patreon!
JOIN US ON PATREON: patreon.com/fatherblue
Subscribe and follow along as we bring this boat to life and set sail for an incredible mission!
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @Father.Blue
ABOUT EDDY:
Hi, I’m Eddy Gara, but you can call me Father Blue! 🌿 Over the next few years, I’ll be working on restoring and outfitting a 51-foot James Wharram Tehini catamaran. This incredible project is more than just a passion-it’s the foundation for a mission to protect and study endangered blue tree monitors and other unique species in Indonesia.
Our Mission
This catamaran isn’t just a boat-it’s a sustainable vessel that will allow me to:
-Travel freely through the stunning and biodiverse regions of Indonesia, including Batanta and the Raja Ampat islands.
-Carry out conservation work to protect the critically endangered blue tree monitor and other native species.
Document and share the incredible stories of wildlife and conservation through film and photography.
Build connections with local communities, scientists, and eco-tourism initiatives to promote sustainable solutions.
Why This Boat?
Initially, I explored other traditional wooden boats, but maintaining them in tropical climates posed too many challenges. After much thought, I chose this composite-material James Wharram catamaran-built by the talented David TheBoatSmith-for its durability and sustainability. It’s a big project, but one with even bigger potential for making a difference.

[@New_Cal_Corner]

So stoked for you 👌🏻🙌🏻🤙🏻

[@baked_beanz2660]

Incredible story! Cant wait for the next episode.

[@FatherBlue]

@@baked_beanz2660 thank ya big dawg! Stay tuned it only gets better! 💪🏽

[@robertnorkus5582]

What is the name of this marina,and where located

[@FatherBlue]

@@robertnorkus5582 it’s in La Bella Florida Check out here at time 7:55 it shows the information to the place

[@tomvanaalst5790]

Do you have a link to the previous building to bring it this far? If not, maybe you could host a play list of it?

[@FatherBlue]

@tomvanaalst5790 yes! So the boat in this video is not my vessel, it’s a buddy’s of mine. But my boat was build by the legendary Bill halladey. Look up” the boat smith” his videos will pop up on mine. And that’s a good idea about the playlist! Also stay tuned! I actually go meet David and pick his brain and pick up some old gear from him in my next video coming out shortly!

[@crelark]

Great narration! Good luck with getting your boat in the water.👍🏻

[@FatherBlue]

Fingers crossed! And thank ya very much!! 💙

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Hi pappy 🧙🏼‍♂️🇬🇧 they are big boats .. Have you seen Sea of Japans Wharram Islander its the same sort of size and diagnostics ? I love mooching round old style boat yards like scrap yards.

[@FatherBlue]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 it’s such a unique experience and easy to fall in love with for sure. I am aware of the sea of japans Wharram, I could only wish to have a vessel as big as his! But mine will do for the projects we have planned!

[@coldsmoker9387]

That's no small project,best of luck

[@FatherBlue]

This one isn’t my actual vessel! Stay tuned I’ll be going to visit mine in the upcoming videos. Or check out my last couple of uploads to see my personal boat! Thanks for the feedback either way!

[@mladenbarbic8719]

If you can tell us where is.If you can Tell us. location of that yard.

[@FatherBlue]

If ya watch through the video it gives out the location about midway, I show a view of the signage for anyone to contact them.

[@unbalancedwood]

That’s Belle Hatchee Marina in FL!

[@FatherBlue]

@@unbalancedwood correcttomondo!

[@cherjohnson5807]

Please use good language young people are watching this‼️

[@FatherBlue]

Sorry about that your right! I’ll make sure to do a better job on the next videos!

[@God-z7c]

It is not a no-start issue it was a no crank issue. I hate when you vote on us give the mechanics false information . How to charge you a dumbass fee

[@FatherBlue]

@@God-z7c it turned out to be a faulty starter, and a bad wire that was not allowing the current to hit the start correctly. Plus a bunch of bad small other issues. But she did fire up right after everything was said and done

[@immrd]

Been a master tech for 18 years now. People aren't mechanics, it's why we have our careers... You can't ever rely on customer info. Do your job, be honest and charge them a fair price or your just a 2 bit scam mechanic no one trusts.

[@greenstaraz]

Trashcan

[@FatherBlue]

@@greenstaraz thanks for the comment. You should give me other ideas of what I cna call my boat! Every thing is in the eye of the beholder, and I think all of these vessels are amazing. I’d love to see what you’re rocking with tho.

[@michaelarnephie154]

Too much talking more action mate..😂

[@FatherBlue]

@@michaelarnephie154 I’d love to get some inspiration man. Can I see your boat man? Maybe it’ll help out with my build my dude. If ya don’t have your own man, it’s chill enjoy the ride. Take care bother: