I highly recommend y’all don’t do a refit of your boat right now. I recommend something that dan and kika from sailing uma did. When they purchased their boat, all they did was make it sea worthy. Then they went out into the Caribbean for a few years then came back and did their refit. If you do decide to do this maybe make like an excel sheet and write down all of the things you say like, “i wish we had a bigger over” or “I wish we had more solar” then put a tick next to it every time you say that or are reminded by it. Then after a year or two you’ll see what you need to change and what can be put on the back burner. Regardless of what you choose I wish the best for you and hope you find the same love for sailing as you did for van life
Excellent advice, plus your audience want to see you try to sail. Keep the momentum and give the channel what it wants, get on the water as soon as you can safely do so, then keep us interested in the boat jobs and improvements in coming weeks.
Ive watched a lot of boat rebuilds and one thing that i got from it is to keep paper charts. You cant rely on electronics all the time. you need a backup. Its important to have everything with a backup. I would also go with a 12v fridge. The modern ones use very little power these days and it sound like you are going to have plenty of solar so you shouldn't have any problems with power. Keen to see how this all goes. Good luck
Paper charts are so important, just look at vestas hitting the reef on the vor 65 in the volvo ocean race. Electronic is useful but you cannot overlook the accuracy of paper
Having done what you are doing, the best advice I was given (and ,no, I didn't listen,) is "live on it for a while before making major functional changes". The things you hate you will not, the things you think are important, might not be. I agree with adding lithium and solar ..but seriously, some of things I thought I would hate are my favourites now: like the foot pump for fresh water.Crazy, I know but it is.
100% agree. Major reconstruction inside is a mistake until stock functionality is assessed and experienced. New sailors and new cruisers are not in command of all the tools to assess a boat until they are better familiarized with both the boat and the lifestyle.
Black Duck that’s the best advice you could give a new boatie. It’s all too easy to take the keys and start making changes before you even hit the water!
As a long time sailor, I very much look forward to your journey into boating. I totally agree with everyone that has advised you to not remove the chart table setup. It is not worth the added storage space to lose that comfortabele sitting space, accessable even on rough seas, in wet weather gear. Being on watch, that seat is worth a lot. And that's not adding the argument of keeping the paper charts that others have already made. Having said that, I think it's awsome that you do this. A marvellous boat you have bought. Take good care of it and it will take you to the end of the world and back again, in (relative) comfort.
More storage space means you fill it, quite often it's better to pack less. (less weight on board). Also the chart table is useful for things other than Nav
First off, congratulations. I own a 1974 Cal30 and just like your boat, she is built like a tank. Well maintained old boats never die and centre cockpits are fantastic, for safety and visibility. One thing that's really important: A boat is not a van and I highly recommend living on the water for at least a year before you make any structural changes that you may well regret. Live on the water, and the ocean specifically, is different from van life and boats have evolved over hundreds of years to look the way they look today. Most things in a boat look the way they do for multiple, and very good, reasons. A standup desk on a boat makes no sense at all, but a decent nav station, regardless of whether you're using paper charts or not, is absolutely essential for long-range cruising and living aboard. Like others have said, I also consider a good set of paper charts an essential safety item. Oh, and shelves on a boat - just don't. Hang what you can, everything else stow in boxes that are tied down as much as possible. Shelves will just spill everything, everywhere. Stern arch for solar is a great idea. Make it strong and it can also hold your tender.
I think you should assume the boat designer probably knows more than you about living on a boat. I'd avoid making changes to the nav station until you've tried living with it. You'll be plenty busy checking the sea cocks, engine, sanding painting etc. Also prioritise the hull jobs while you have it out of the water. Really looking forward to how you guys get on with this project.
Good one guys. I do agree with this comment having lived on a river boat. Although our wonderful planet is moving constantly, the sea moves a lot more all the time. Sometimes not so much and sometimes a hell of a lot. You will struggle to work at "anything" standing. All the best and keep going. Oh, and if you haven't already checked out "Sail Life" on YT do. ⛵️⚓️
i agree and as a sailer i would say that you shall keep the hangers for wet clothes .that said i i'm so excited to see you sailing hopefully soon (sry for my english i'm french ;))
The other side to that is boat designers produce to a concept of how their boat is to be used. This might be different from how you want to use your boat or what you prefer. I agree with the Nav station though. Keep it!
As a professional skipper you ALWAYS carry paper charts. If you're sailing around the world, or even in the Med for that matter, just wait for the first close lightening strike, doesn't need to be a direct hit, to put your nav instruments out! I've experienced it.
@@jiefflerenard1228 With you there. It's insanely immaculate and obvious very. well loved, but I am so surprised by the lack of solar, mods, the batteries still being lead etc. Every marine engineer I have ever met on the water tinkers incessantly. In a good way, but still... it looks like she never left the marina. They got a bargain (well, I don't know what they paid) if the hull and standing rigging is in a similar condition.
Congrats with your HR! It is a very well built boat. I advise you to rethink the idea of removing the navigation seat: we have a similar boat and really enjoy that place; it is a quite little space to sit behind your laptop. You might regret removing that seat. Regarding the fridge; if you buy a fridge with compressor and a water cooled heat exchange it will hardly consume electricity: we have the isotherm asu which is great. I am living in the Netherlands (europe) btw.
That chart table is original design it’s the same as my boat. It’s a good computer desk and under the seat is for your drinks locker. The deep locker to the side takes all your almanacs books etc. And you can jam yourself in at sea. Try it before you change it
Sitting seems greatly preferable to standing while under sail. You'll likely want that sitting space when you're sleeping on your dining table because the waves are significant.
@@scottfenix3015 I think they're gonna go cruising, which most cruisers say is mostly at anchor. I guess they'll have to see if they made a good choice or if they dun fukd up. Stay tuned and we'll all find out together!
This is a very clean Rasmus. Ours is also a 1976 and is hull number 527. They must have made a lot of Rasmuses in 1976! The propane locker looks very neat. We . moved the propane tank to the stern rail for safety. That leaves a lot of storage on the boat. We also replaced the stove with a Force-10 and completely rebuilt the gas system with a solonoid panel and bilge sniffer because the insurance company really did not like the original setup. The old stove does not have any safety features such as the burners automatically shutting off if they blow out. And we have had them blow out a number of times on our new stove. I installed two 100w fold-down solar panels that are mounted just outside of the stern rail on either side. They stick out over the water when underway but fold down in an instant when docking. Solar panels on the dodger canopy will work but at least one panel will almost always be shaded by the boom at all times and give no power. We have 250w of solar power and no refrigeration with four inexpensive 6v lead acid golf cart batteries and have no problem keeping them charged. We are heavy electronics users with laptops, tablets and phones, a stereo, and a full suite of modern navigational equipment although we do not have refrigeration. We use the icebox and buy ice every few days. You may want to hold off on the expensive lithium batteries until you have refrigeration as you likely do not need them. I am excited about your new boat and can't wait to find out what you decide to name it. We kept the name because it is historically relevant and meant a great deal to the former owners. There is a lot of lore and superstition around boat names. If you do pick a new one have the fun of a proper renaming ceremony. Cover your butt with the luck, and it is a good excuse for a party. Also pick one that isn't going to be a burden down the road. You'll be using it a LOT on the radio.
I agree with everyone about the charts. It's important to have manual backup when electronics fail. Also, make sure to buy lines that you can dedicate to holding the anchor chain. When you drop anchor, there is a lot of tension on the chain and they frequently break. If you have lines holding it as well, then you can save the anchor. Chains are cheap, anchors are expensive.
Chain isn't cheap. 250' of 5/16" galvanized is more $ than a 45lb Mantus. And no, chains don't break. But it is a good idea to use a 30' nylon snubber at the boat to reduce shock loads on the ground tackle.
@@kristenfader2088 the van doesnt lean. a sailboat leans ALL the time, back and forth also. you get injured out at sea you have to deal with it and hope it aint serious. there is no quick drive to a nearest medical facility.
Agreed. As a long time sailor, I think it's a sort of a crime to do that. On the other hand, I very much like to see how it all works out. They start with a 'non nautical', fresh look on boating. They will make choices I would never make, but that's the interesting part.
Great tour. Congrats on what seems like a great buy. Please don't remove the nav desk. Or at least, wait until you have lived and traveled on water for a while before you do. It will already be cramped with three people living on this boat, and removing one of the few places to sit down won't help. There's also a reason why nav desks are included in just about any modern boat as well, no matter how much electronic nav equipment they have. You should rather focus on all the technical stuff of the boat to make it properly seaworthy.
The HR Rasmus is a true classic from a distinctive vintage and pedigree. Yours is a beautiful example, designed by a skilled architect. This boat has an intrinsic value in it's original form, so you'd be wise not to mess with its figure. It would kill me to see you modify the interior.
DONT TOUCH THE NAV DESK YOU GUYS!!! standing desks will not ever work at sea, and unless you only plan on using it while at anchor then it will be a waste of your precious time with this beautiful project. live aboard and see what you use like and don’t like and then make decisions. And remember: the ocean is not the road, there are so many more things to think about these builds such as marine grade supplies etc etc. I have so much faith in you guys and can’t wait to see your progress!
We had a 1973 Lindsey Globemaster 39' and a 1973 Columbia 41' so we are enjoying watching you guys. We have had about two dozen boats and my husband as a retirement part time job kept charter boat business fleet fixed, maintained, looking pretty, and passing Coast Guard inspections, etc.
Don't get rid of the hanging locker. You have to have somewhere for foulies and other wet gear. Stuff is always wet. A standing desk on a monohull is like a screen door on a submarine. Hopefully, you already know that if you change out the batteries to Li FePo4 that is only the start. You need to have the proper charge controller(s) and may have to replace other bits due the ability of these to produce huge currents. Get Calder's books on boats and diesels.
I second keeping the seated desk - I've been sailing and when you're on sea standing desk will not always work. You will need somewhere to sit to write when it gets rocky. If you really want a standing desk for when you're in a port I'd probably try to add some modification that you can remove. Overall I wouldn't do much adjustments yet. To be completely fair I don't think it's very reasonable to buy a boat if you never sailed on one before (for many reasons) but since it's too late for this, I won't say more on that. But yachts are built in a specific way for a reason and often what you think is annoying proves super useful later (mind you, some things stay annoying). Make it seaworthy, take it for a ride, spend some time living there and see what you miss and what you don't need. For me I'd probably go looking for some fridge solution since I think it's pretty necessary (and even the coolbox is really small!).
Wow kids, your boat seems perfect! Beautifully built with tons of storage and accommodations for you and your family/friends to stay aboard in comfort. That engine bay Did look like you could eat off of the engine. The previous owner was very meticulous about every detail and it shows. Thanks for the tour and I am looking forward to following your new adventure.
I have had power boats my whole life. But that being said, I have learned an enormous amount watching people on YT just like yourselves start from scratch and change wrecks into beautiful boats. I therefore suggest you watch as many of these videos as you can. There is a ton of information there and these couples have already tackled many of the projects and improvements you are or will be contemplating in the future.
So happy for you guys. Dana looks so psyched. After the quirky little bits in the van that you didn't love, like not having a separate living space, you sound super happy that you have more room. I am not in anyway a sailor and I know you'll have loads of good advice from many people, so from me I say good luck and have such fun!!!
Congratulations!! As a fellow sailor (although we just got our first trawler as our live-aboard), I'm excited to watch you learn about the joys and sorrows of the sailing life! I would suggest you use the stern arch not only for solar panels but you also put dinghy davits on there as well. The older boats are narrow and putting a dinghy on deck takes up a lot of the space to walk forward when you need to. A roll-up might work but they are not as great in a bouncy harbor as a more rigid one is. But with solar, you should be able to get refrigeration with no problems. We have 400w of solar on our large trawler (Kadey Krogen 48) and they keep the batteries topped up really well except on cloudy days. We have a LOT of electrical needs on a boat that size (domestic Whirlpool refrigerator, washing machine, electronics, etc) and we only need to run the generator when we are at anchor for a few days. So get as much solar as you can! Enjoy the adventure! We bought our first boat when our first baby was 18 months old and we've had boats ever since. She is now 30!! :) Fair winds!
Congratulations guys! I am excited to see your future adventures. I agree with the sentiments below: put that sucker in the water and get going. Make major changes later. For refrigeration, Dometic seems to be a reasonable and easy option that a lot of sailors use if they don't want to go through a big install of a refrigeration system. Have fun!!
Keep the navigation corner as it is. Believe me, you'll thank me if you don't rebuild it. With all the electronics that make sailing easier today, a reasonable corner for chart work that also offers space for radio and other electronics and that in combination with a seat in the direction of travel, is simply irreplaceable! You can also work on your laptop while the large table is occupied for other work. Do not give away this advantage! Oh and put a pair of stable eyelets at the galley where you can pick your way in. You would not be the first to be thrown completely through the ship by a wave while cooking. Bruises and bruises of the ribs are then usually the less serious physical injuries! And before you rebuild the inside, take care of the technology. So standing and running goods, underwater hull and hull passages, moisture in the rudder blade? According to my information the HR has a rudder blade with a foam core and can leak at the seams. This is not a big problem in itself, but should be checked on land and 'repaired' if necessary. And when installing the solar system, keep in mind that high currents flow there. Many tend to undersize the cross-section of the cables. Let several experts give you detailed advice on this. A later exchange is certainly not provided for in your budget.
I'm so pleased you guys have got a good boat! I'm going to agree with most of the other comments however and agree that you should live in it/ sail it before making any major changes. Especially the Nav station. I'd leave that alone, to be honest. Even just to have another spot to sit and relax in outside of the main saloon is a worthy reason. When we fixed up our boat, we left the layout as it was but made minor changes like tidying up the storage, modernising fixtures / fittings and painting most of the inside of the cabin white, actually. It makes a huge difference to the feeling of space if you keep parts of it natural wood but most of it white. It's probably the single biggest thing you can do to modernise a boat from the 70s' interior - but do it well!!
Just found this channel. The last few years I’ve become very interested in the cruising lifestyle but don’t sail. Very excited to see the start of this adventure. Also love the juxtaposition of you finding all the spaces big vs a van compared to people coming from a house or flat.
You guys are such an inspiration! Yay for a Swedish boat (says the Swedish girl that been sails my whole childhood 😅) A tip on the cooling box 👍 We had the same box on our boat and my parents put a couple of old ice-cream boxers of water (2 liter boxers) in the freeszer a week before the trip and they keept the food cold for a week in warmer weather! (You need a drain in the bottom of the box for this to work, you dont want the melted water to stay in the box.) You can also put a bag of ice in it but it will not be as afficient, it will melted faster. Love to follow your story! You will do just fine! And keep the navigation table, atleast until you been out a few month. It works great as a lunch table for one 😊
This is amazing, you guys have actually inspired me so much. I could't get your ebook (cuz I'm a frickin teenager), but I have found so much motivation and happiness in this channel. Thank you so much :)
...... exciting times ahead ..... with changing the hanging closet into shelves, will you need to change the chart table .. from what I've gone back and looked at your van-life, you did the stand up desk .. one big difference the boat rocks and you may find you will be grateful to be able to sit and work .... you have to do what works for you, maybe you will strap yourselves to the stand-up desk ..... boat looks like it will make a good home for the three of you .... maybe also think about where you would want to put a fridge, they take a lot of room and you will probably be grateful for it in warmer climates you encounter on your adventures ..... never stop dreaming, just dream bigger .... have fun be safe, save our oceans ......
Great video! I enjoy the editing and the extensive boattour. Hallberg Rassy is known for their quality and expert craftsmanship. Yanmar makes really great marine diesels too. Enjoy the ship! I’m kinda envious!
So much of your diet is composed of fresh foods and vegetables - I'm curious how that's going to carry over onto the waters. Congrats and thanks for the tour!
hi,great to see you have purchased a good make of blue water yacht there are a few we see on the Solent HERE IN THE UK, when flying around in our rib at week ends .there are a lot of us watching and waiting to see how the three of you get on ,but remember take advise and listen to others and young lady ,it can take a very short time to make a baby so do not rush the changes as 9 months goes by so quickly and then you have to live with what you have ,all the best and have fun ttfn.
What i would reccomend is a wind generator it generates a lot more power than solar cells but can be used in conjunction with them. We have two fridges on out motorboat that's about the same age one is used as a coolder and one is used as a fridge. The fridge has carry handles and can use 230v power as well as 12v with 230v being prioritized. During the winter as the boat is here in Sweden the fridge is in my living room cooling sodas next to the TV couch :D
I agree with Noah...the best advice I can give is to binge watch "sailing Uma"... they've already done alot of what you will do and it will give you an appreciation of whats ahead. Also I admire your guts...buying a boat without knowing squat, including if you get seasick 😂 thats gutsy 👍
Looks a great boat. You have had some very wise advice in the comments. I like the fact that the boat is old. Old can often be more reliable than modern. I wish you well with your new adventure. Get out on the water asap.
Looking forward to seeing how this works out for you guys. You certainly set the bar high on ambition. Agree with those who’ve said it’s best to live onboard a while before making any significant changes. To begin with, even for highly experienced sailors, every boat is quirky .... and boats are a bunch of compromises! Glad you’re focused on digital nav. I haven’t used a paper chart for 20 years .... I’ve been sailing all my life ... it’s exciting to be able to welcome newcomers. You’re going to have an awesome adventure! Good luck, Roy
I also have a boat....for sure you guys need to think about fridge . This ice box ....is just for 2 days trip!! But this boat...Nice choice !! Good luck
Took me a bit to stop laughing at the "Crawl Space" between the aft cabin and galley. Speaking of the aft cabin, I am positive at the time of this writing you wished that your brother was in the V berth, and you and hubby in that comfortable, roomy aft cabin. Be happy, be safe.
Lots for you to learn about if you want to be safe at sea. Professional lessons in seamanship a good idea. In the meantime checkout 'Nautical Flashcards' they are a fun and effective way to learn the Colregs, lights, buoys etc. Stuff you really do need to know. I had to learn morse (used flashcards) for my Yachtmaster exam back in the 90's but you won't need morse now. 😁
keep the charts for a less fortunate day when all the electronics go out the window. it is not good seamanship to go to sea without all the tools available. the ocean is a magnificent place, but it will kill you if you dont respect it. period.
I respect what you have done so far! I also admire you both, a lot. Please do your research with marine focus vs land. It’s a different environment. That said there is always creative ways to accomplish what your vision is. I am looking forward to see how you do. BTW, find someone to get you out sailing in heavy weather ASAP. Several mentors and some sailing/nav courses are a must. So exciting.
I have only just come across the channel so I have bought a ebook yet to read it and watch the stories of travelling Europe ,I cant see which order it is but im getting into it ,you have a fantastic personality and allways smilling :)
4:55 "Hopefully we don't get sea sick" Oh you will. Also, before you start overhauling the boat and adding all sorts of new and expensive features maybe go sailing first, y'all don't really know what to expect once you're really out there, I can tell. Having been a professional racer for many years I can say I've seen a lot of people like this. As for the chart table, rather keep it for now, you should still have paper charts, you can't just rely on digital on the ocean, even today we still plot on charts as a backup.
44 HP yanmar!!!!! Holy SHIT that’s a powerful engine! We have a heavy displacement 30ft S2 and our engine horsepower is... 13 haha. Fast boat! You guys will love boat life! And your is really pretty!!!!
Excellent. Great boat. You'll get the hang of the boat lingo soon enough, appreciate the effort. You will want to install a refrigeration system. That Icebox also looked tiny, maybe get a compressor large enough to cool that and another compartment that you insulate? Personally, I like to have two smaller sinks. (one medium + 1 small). More practical, and saves water. Sinks are used as storage a lot. Of dirty dishes, detergents, bottles, cans, cups... Again, with two I can separate. Maybe a couple of plastic tubs can have their semi-permanent home in your sink?
this boat is an absolute dream! personally I think the built in desk looks better than a standing one, and would be more secure, plus multiple people can already work at the table, so it's not like you're short on space and need to get rid of an original feature xox
I’m so excited to watch you guys do this! I just stumbled onto the video before this and subbed. This is amazing and I can’t wait to hopefully be able to do this one day! Live free!
Congratulations Guys! Ensure you prioritize hull, and technical seaworthiness, before you put her back in the water. Save your budget for interior cosmetics, until you've tested life at Sea. Versus van-life, the necessities of sailing, such as stowed sails, take up extra space. Hatches can also leak, especially in rougher conditions. Beware of what you stow where, such as in the fore cabin, until experience confirms your watertightness. Where water rules, there will be challenges, but oh, what a great adventure! Look forward to it. :-)
Maybe it’s just me but is anyone else confused why her brother has the bigger bedroom when he is just one person and they are 2 people? Maybe it’s because they want to be on the one bed together but they can totally reconstruct that bigger bedroom to have one solid bed. Especially since they are worried about sleeping in the more rocky side of the boat. Sounds like her brother as been sailing a while and would probably be fine in the front. Just thoughts to consider. Not trying to tell you what to do. Just want you to be the most comfortable you can be! Love you guys!
It's really nice to be with you during this process, since I only found out about you guys after you build Ody. Now I can follow the process in (almost) real time :D
Where do store all your sails, spares etc? I agree with other comments - don't change the interior until you have been out in her sailing for a few days and had to do sail changes etc. Also in bad weather you will need a nav desk that you can use in rough weather and you will need backup paper charts etc so don't go gutting it all yet! Looks great though.
Congrats! I'm excited for your upcoming adventures. I'm currently living full time in a school bus which is a journey I embarked on solely because of your Ody videos. Thanks again for all the wholesome and inspiring content :)
It will be interesting to see how you find the galley. Many seem to regard hip support much more valuable than hand holds. Nothing like paper charts when sitting round a table contemplating things - never mind when the electric got drowned. Look forward to reports on your travels.
I highly recommend y’all don’t do a refit of your boat right now. I recommend something that dan and kika from sailing uma did. When they purchased their boat, all they did was make it sea worthy. Then they went out into the Caribbean for a few years then came back and did their refit. If you do decide to do this maybe make like an excel sheet and write down all of the things you say like, “i wish we had a bigger over” or “I wish we had more solar” then put a tick next to it every time you say that or are reminded by it. Then after a year or two you’ll see what you need to change and what can be put on the back burner. Regardless of what you choose I wish the best for you and hope you find the same love for sailing as you did for van life
Make a lot of sense to use it then figure out what needs changing
Really good advice!!
Exactly, start at least a bit of sailing first. Even for a month or so.
See how it fells and then decide what you need and what you don't
pleeease :)
Excellent advice, plus your audience want to see you try to sail. Keep the momentum and give the channel what it wants, get on the water as soon as you can safely do so, then keep us interested in the boat jobs and improvements in coming weeks.
super wise!
Make sure to keep the paper charts, you can never rely 100% on digital in case it breaks!
100% agree!!! Paper all the way!
You can't depend on paper charts either, as they are out of date almost as soon as they are printed. TANSTAAFL.
@@svbarryduckworth628 This is why you can retrieve chart amendments online...
Tell me you religiously update your paper charts by hand. You must have a lot of free time.
SV Barry Duckworth the same charts the plotter uses which needs the same update.
Ive watched a lot of boat rebuilds and one thing that i got from it is to keep paper charts. You cant rely on electronics all the time. you need a backup. Its important to have everything with a backup. I would also go with a 12v fridge. The modern ones use very little power these days and it sound like you are going to have plenty of solar so you shouldn't have any problems with power. Keen to see how this all goes. Good luck
Paper charts are so important, just look at vestas hitting the reef on the vor 65 in the volvo ocean race. Electronic is useful but you cannot overlook the accuracy of paper
Dan Elisha Dude they haven’t even hit the water yet. They’re researchers and planners. They’re gonna be fine.
dont forget a watercooled fridge if you are going to the tropics
Having done what you are doing, the best advice I was given (and ,no, I didn't listen,) is "live on it for a while before making major functional changes". The things you hate you will not, the things you think are important, might not be. I agree with adding lithium and solar ..but seriously, some of things I thought I would hate are my favourites now: like the foot pump for fresh water.Crazy, I know but it is.
Great tip!
100% agree. Major reconstruction inside is a mistake until stock functionality is assessed and experienced. New sailors and new cruisers are not in command of all the tools to assess a boat until they are better familiarized with both the boat and the lifestyle.
Black Duck that’s the best advice you could give a new boatie. It’s all too easy to take the keys and start making changes before you even hit the water!
As a long time sailor, I very much look forward to your journey into boating. I totally agree with everyone that has advised you to not remove the chart table setup. It is not worth the added storage space to lose that comfortabele sitting space, accessable even on rough seas, in wet weather gear. Being on watch, that seat is worth a lot. And that's not adding the argument of keeping the paper charts that others have already made.
Having said that, I think it's awsome that you do this. A marvellous boat you have bought. Take good care of it and it will take you to the end of the world and back again, in (relative) comfort.
More storage space means you fill it, quite often it's better to pack less. (less weight on board). Also the chart table is useful for things other than Nav
First off, congratulations. I own a 1974 Cal30 and just like your boat, she is built like a tank. Well maintained old boats never die and centre cockpits are fantastic, for safety and visibility.
One thing that's really important: A boat is not a van and I highly recommend living on the water for at least a year before you make any structural changes that you may well regret. Live on the water, and the ocean specifically, is different from van life and boats have evolved over hundreds of years to look the way they look today. Most things in a boat look the way they do for multiple, and very good, reasons.
A standup desk on a boat makes no sense at all, but a decent nav station, regardless of whether you're using paper charts or not, is absolutely essential for long-range cruising and living aboard. Like others have said, I also consider a good set of paper charts an essential safety item.
Oh, and shelves on a boat - just don't. Hang what you can, everything else stow in boxes that are tied down as much as possible. Shelves will just spill everything, everywhere.
Stern arch for solar is a great idea. Make it strong and it can also hold your tender.
I think you should assume the boat designer probably knows more than you about living on a boat. I'd avoid making changes to the nav station until you've tried living with it. You'll be plenty busy checking the sea cocks, engine, sanding painting etc. Also prioritise the hull jobs while you have it out of the water. Really looking forward to how you guys get on with this project.
Good one guys. I do agree with this comment having lived on a river boat. Although our wonderful planet is moving constantly, the sea moves a lot more all the time. Sometimes not so much and sometimes a hell of a lot. You will struggle to work at "anything" standing. All the best and keep going. Oh, and if you haven't already checked out "Sail Life" on YT do. ⛵️⚓️
i agree and as a sailer i would say that you shall keep the hangers for wet clothes .that said i i'm so excited to see you sailing hopefully soon (sry for my english i'm french ;))
@@romaina3062 Yes, and speaking of which it is a good idea to buy foul weather gear, too.
@Romain A Dont apologize your English is good enough.
The other side to that is boat designers produce to a concept of how their boat is to be used. This might be different from how you want to use your boat or what you prefer. I agree with the Nav station though. Keep it!
As a professional skipper you ALWAYS carry paper charts. If you're sailing around the world, or even in the Med for that matter, just wait for the first close lightening strike, doesn't need to be a direct hit, to put your nav instruments out! I've experienced it.
Always!
Absolutely agree! You need to be trained to navigate with paper charts, I would never solely rely on technology on the water.
Peace be upon the engineer who took good care of the boat.
Ameen 🙏🏼💙🤲🏼
@@jiefflerenard1228 With you there. It's insanely immaculate and obvious very. well loved, but I am so surprised by the lack of solar, mods, the batteries still being lead etc. Every marine engineer I have ever met on the water tinkers incessantly. In a good way, but still... it looks like she never left the marina. They got a bargain (well, I don't know what they paid) if the hull and standing rigging is in a similar condition.
Amen 🙏
Congrats with your HR! It is a very well built boat.
I advise you to rethink the idea of removing the navigation seat: we have a similar boat and really enjoy that place; it is a quite little space to sit behind your laptop. You might regret removing that seat.
Regarding the fridge; if you buy a fridge with compressor and a water cooled heat exchange it will hardly consume electricity: we have the isotherm asu which is great.
I am living in the Netherlands (europe) btw.
Definitely agree with keeping the Nav station. I've been on boats before that didn't have them and it sucked on the ocean crossings
When a boat engineer builds a sitting desk there’s a valid reason don’t fix what’s not broken
That chart table is original design it’s the same as my boat. It’s a good computer desk and under the seat is for your drinks locker. The deep locker to the side takes all your almanacs books etc. And you can jam yourself in at sea. Try it before you change it
Standing desks didn't yet exist. I will say they won't be doing much standing on a 40 degree beat...
Sitting seems greatly preferable to standing while under sail. You'll likely want that sitting space when you're sleeping on your dining table because the waves are significant.
@@scottfenix3015 I think they're gonna go cruising, which most cruisers say is mostly at anchor. I guess they'll have to see if they made a good choice or if they dun fukd up.
Stay tuned and we'll all find out together!
This is a very clean Rasmus. Ours is also a 1976 and is hull number 527. They must have made a lot of Rasmuses in 1976!
The propane locker looks very neat. We . moved the propane tank to the stern rail for safety. That leaves a lot of storage on the boat. We also replaced the stove with a Force-10 and completely rebuilt the gas system with a solonoid panel and bilge sniffer because the insurance company really did not like the original setup. The old stove does not have any safety features such as the burners automatically shutting off if they blow out. And we have had them blow out a number of times on our new stove.
I installed two 100w fold-down solar panels that are mounted just outside of the stern rail on either side. They stick out over the water when underway but fold down in an instant when docking. Solar panels on the dodger canopy will work but at least one panel will almost always be shaded by the boom at all times and give no power. We have 250w of solar power and no refrigeration with four inexpensive 6v lead acid golf cart batteries and have no problem keeping them charged. We are heavy electronics users with laptops, tablets and phones, a stereo, and a full suite of modern navigational equipment although we do not have refrigeration. We use the icebox and buy ice every few days. You may want to hold off on the expensive lithium batteries until you have refrigeration as you likely do not need them.
I am excited about your new boat and can't wait to find out what you decide to name it. We kept the name because it is historically relevant and meant a great deal to the former owners. There is a lot of lore and superstition around boat names. If you do pick a new one have the fun of a proper renaming ceremony. Cover your butt with the luck, and it is a good excuse for a party. Also pick one that isn't going to be a burden down the road. You'll be using it a LOT on the radio.
I agree with everyone about the charts. It's important to have manual backup when electronics fail.
Also, make sure to buy lines that you can dedicate to holding the anchor chain. When you drop anchor, there is a lot of tension on the chain and they frequently break. If you have lines holding it as well, then you can save the anchor. Chains are cheap, anchors are expensive.
Agree! Definitely need a back up incase it goes wrong
Chain isn't cheap. 250' of 5/16" galvanized is more $ than a 45lb Mantus.
And no, chains don't break. But it is a good idea to use a 30' nylon snubber at the boat to reduce shock loads on the ground tackle.
Gah, don’t butcher the original nav desk! Paper charts or not, you’ll want a sitting desk. Don’t fall for the standing desk hype.
They had a standing desk in their old van they used to write the ebook and work
@@kristenfader2088 the van doesnt lean. a sailboat leans ALL the time, back and forth also. you get injured out at sea you have to deal with it and hope it aint serious. there is no quick drive to a nearest medical facility.
Agreed. As a long time sailor, I think it's a sort of a crime to do that. On the other hand, I very much like to see how it all works out. They start with a 'non nautical', fresh look on boating. They will make choices I would never make, but that's the interesting part.
100% agree. You need to be able to sit at your laptop even if it's not for Nav. There is always something cool and special about a boats Nav station
for van standing desk is ok for sailing on the see it is not
even if you have charts on your laptop...
Great tour. Congrats on what seems like a great buy. Please don't remove the nav desk. Or at least, wait until you have lived and traveled on water for a while before you do. It will already be cramped with three people living on this boat, and removing one of the few places to sit down won't help. There's also a reason why nav desks are included in just about any modern boat as well, no matter how much electronic nav equipment they have. You should rather focus on all the technical stuff of the boat to make it properly seaworthy.
Nav stations are there for a reason!
The HR Rasmus is a true classic from a distinctive vintage and pedigree. Yours is a beautiful example, designed by a skilled architect. This boat has an intrinsic value in it's original form, so you'd be wise not to mess with its figure. It would kill me to see you modify the interior.
DONT TOUCH THE NAV DESK YOU GUYS!!! standing desks will not ever work at sea, and unless you only plan on using it while at anchor then it will be a waste of your precious time with this beautiful project. live aboard and see what you use like and don’t like and then make decisions. And remember: the ocean is not the road, there are so many more things to think about these builds such as marine grade supplies etc etc. I have so much faith in you guys and can’t wait to see your progress!
We had a 1973 Lindsey Globemaster 39' and a 1973 Columbia 41' so we are enjoying watching you guys. We have had about two dozen boats and my husband as a retirement part time job kept charter boat business fleet fixed, maintained, looking pretty, and passing Coast Guard inspections, etc.
Don't get rid of the hanging locker. You have to have somewhere for foulies and other wet gear. Stuff is always wet. A standing desk on a monohull is like a screen door on a submarine. Hopefully, you already know that if you change out the batteries to Li FePo4 that is only the start. You need to have the proper charge controller(s) and may have to replace other bits due the ability of these to produce huge currents. Get Calder's books on boats and diesels.
I second keeping the seated desk - I've been sailing and when you're on sea standing desk will not always work. You will need somewhere to sit to write when it gets rocky. If you really want a standing desk for when you're in a port I'd probably try to add some modification that you can remove.
Overall I wouldn't do much adjustments yet. To be completely fair I don't think it's very reasonable to buy a boat if you never sailed on one before (for many reasons) but since it's too late for this, I won't say more on that. But yachts are built in a specific way for a reason and often what you think is annoying proves super useful later (mind you, some things stay annoying). Make it seaworthy, take it for a ride, spend some time living there and see what you miss and what you don't need. For me I'd probably go looking for some fridge solution since I think it's pretty necessary (and even the coolbox is really small!).
Wow kids, your boat seems perfect! Beautifully built with tons of storage and accommodations for you and your family/friends to stay aboard in comfort. That engine bay Did look like you could eat off of the engine. The previous owner was very meticulous about every detail and it shows. Thanks for the tour and I am looking forward to following your new adventure.
I have had power boats my whole life. But that being said, I have learned an enormous amount watching people on YT just like yourselves start from scratch and change wrecks into beautiful boats. I therefore suggest you watch as many of these videos as you can. There is a ton of information there and these couples have already tackled many of the projects and improvements you are or will be contemplating in the future.
So happy for you guys. Dana looks so psyched. After the quirky little bits in the van that you didn't love, like not having a separate living space, you sound super happy that you have more room. I am not in anyway a sailor and I know you'll have loads of good advice from many people, so from me I say good luck and have such fun!!!
Congratulations!! As a fellow sailor (although we just got our first trawler as our live-aboard), I'm excited to watch you learn about the joys and sorrows of the sailing life! I would suggest you use the stern arch not only for solar panels but you also put dinghy davits on there as well. The older boats are narrow and putting a dinghy on deck takes up a lot of the space to walk forward when you need to. A roll-up might work but they are not as great in a bouncy harbor as a more rigid one is. But with solar, you should be able to get refrigeration with no problems. We have 400w of solar on our large trawler (Kadey Krogen 48) and they keep the batteries topped up really well except on cloudy days. We have a LOT of electrical needs on a boat that size (domestic Whirlpool refrigerator, washing machine, electronics, etc) and we only need to run the generator when we are at anchor for a few days. So get as much solar as you can! Enjoy the adventure! We bought our first boat when our first baby was 18 months old and we've had boats ever since. She is now 30!! :) Fair winds!
Love this video and agree with all the comments. Keep the beautiful original desk please! It has so much utility and character. You will miss it!
Pleeeease keep the nav desk. Standing desks don’t work on a boat like they do in a van. Paper charts too. Loving this new adventure☺️
Congratulations guys! I am excited to see your future adventures. I agree with the sentiments below: put that sucker in the water and get going. Make major changes later. For refrigeration, Dometic seems to be a reasonable and easy option that a lot of sailors use if they don't want to go through a big install of a refrigeration system. Have fun!!
You guys are just lovely and full of sympathy. Really like your vlogs since years! :)
Keep the navigation corner as it is. Believe me, you'll thank me if you don't rebuild it. With all the electronics that make sailing easier today, a reasonable corner for chart work that also offers space for radio and other electronics and that in combination with a seat in the direction of travel, is simply irreplaceable! You can also work on your laptop while the large table is occupied for other work. Do not give away this advantage!
Oh and put a pair of stable eyelets at the galley where you can pick your way in. You would not be the first to be thrown completely through the ship by a wave while cooking. Bruises and bruises of the ribs are then usually the less serious physical injuries!
And before you rebuild the inside, take care of the technology. So standing and running goods, underwater hull and hull passages, moisture in the rudder blade? According to my information the HR has a rudder blade with a foam core and can leak at the seams. This is not a big problem in itself, but should be checked on land and 'repaired' if necessary.
And when installing the solar system, keep in mind that high currents flow there. Many tend to undersize the cross-section of the cables. Let several experts give you detailed advice on this. A later exchange is certainly not provided for in your budget.
The "Cavita" line embossed on the hull is the stamp of quality and design of this Company.
I'm so pleased you guys have got a good boat! I'm going to agree with most of the other comments however and agree that you should live in it/ sail it before making any major changes. Especially the Nav station. I'd leave that alone, to be honest. Even just to have another spot to sit and relax in outside of the main saloon is a worthy reason. When we fixed up our boat, we left the layout as it was but made minor changes like tidying up the storage, modernising fixtures / fittings and painting most of the inside of the cabin white, actually. It makes a huge difference to the feeling of space if you keep parts of it natural wood but most of it white. It's probably the single biggest thing you can do to modernise a boat from the 70s' interior - but do it well!!
Just found this channel. The last few years I’ve become very interested in the cruising lifestyle but don’t sail. Very excited to see the start of this adventure. Also love the juxtaposition of you finding all the spaces big vs a van compared to people coming from a house or flat.
You guys are such an inspiration!
Yay for a Swedish boat (says the Swedish girl that been sails my whole childhood 😅)
A tip on the cooling box 👍 We had the same box on our boat and my parents put a couple of old ice-cream boxers of water (2 liter boxers) in the freeszer a week before the trip and they keept the food cold for a week in warmer weather! (You need a drain in the bottom of the box for this to work, you dont want the melted water to stay in the box.) You can also put a bag of ice in it but it will not be as afficient, it will melted faster.
Love to follow your story! You will do just fine! And keep the navigation table, atleast until you been out a few month. It works great as a lunch table for one 😊
Super excited for you guys. She’s so pretty & wow..that engine is squeaky clean. Pat on the back for the previous owner. You’ve bought a beauty.
This is amazing, you guys have actually inspired me so much. I could't get your ebook (cuz I'm a frickin teenager), but I have found so much motivation and happiness in this channel. Thank you so much :)
It's a good read ❤️
...... exciting times ahead ..... with changing the hanging closet into shelves, will you need to change the chart table .. from what I've gone back and looked at your van-life, you did the stand up desk .. one big difference the boat rocks and you may find you will be grateful to be able to sit and work .... you have to do what works for you, maybe you will strap yourselves to the stand-up desk ..... boat looks like it will make a good home for the three of you .... maybe also think about where you would want to put a fridge, they take a lot of room and you will probably be grateful for it in warmer climates you encounter on your adventures ..... never stop dreaming, just dream bigger .... have fun be safe, save our oceans ......
Great video! I enjoy the editing and the extensive boattour. Hallberg Rassy is known for their quality and expert craftsmanship. Yanmar makes really great marine diesels too. Enjoy the ship! I’m kinda envious!
So much of your diet is composed of fresh foods and vegetables - I'm curious how that's going to carry over onto the waters. Congrats and thanks for the tour!
I am so excited for your new adventure! I can not wait for you to take us aboard with you guys!
I have no words to describe how much I am LOVING to watch this series
I'm so stoked to watch you guys on your journey with the boat!
Was sad to see VanLife end but can't wait for this next chapter!
just a tip - the layout on that boat has lasted the test of time over 40 years, probably for a reason...
hi,great to see you have purchased a good make of blue water yacht there are a few we see on the Solent HERE IN THE UK, when flying around in our rib at week ends .there are a lot of us watching and waiting to see how the three of you get on ,but remember take advise and listen to others and young lady ,it can take a very short time to make a baby so do not rush the changes as 9 months goes by so quickly and then you have to live with what you have ,all the best and have fun ttfn.
Dana, you’re so well spoken. This was a great tour. It’s been so exciting following along on these new boat ventures!
What i would reccomend is a wind generator it generates a lot more power than solar cells but can be used in conjunction with them.
We have two fridges on out motorboat that's about the same age one is used as a coolder and one is used as a fridge.
The fridge has carry handles and can use 230v power as well as 12v with 230v being prioritized.
During the winter as the boat is here in Sweden the fridge is in my living room cooling sodas next to the TV couch :D
I'd put that kitchen where the navstation is. Love that boat shes very clean for her age.
Best of weather to ya!
I really hope you keep that original desk. It has some wonderful character to it
I agree with Noah...the best advice I can give is to binge watch "sailing Uma"... they've already done alot of what you will do and it will give you an appreciation of whats ahead.
Also I admire your guts...buying a boat without knowing squat, including if you get seasick 😂 thats gutsy 👍
Looks a great boat. You have had some very wise advice in the comments. I like the fact that the boat is old. Old can often be more reliable than modern. I wish you well with your new adventure. Get out on the water asap.
I am so excited to see y’all go on this wild adventure. This is the kind of adventure people spend their entire life dreaming about! Congrats again
For any system you need to consider if it is possible to ever stop working and how screwed would you be if it did stop working? Keep the paper charts.
Looking forward to seeing how this works out for you guys. You certainly set the bar high on ambition.
Agree with those who’ve said it’s best to live onboard a while before making any significant changes. To begin with, even for highly experienced sailors, every boat is quirky .... and boats are a bunch of compromises!
Glad you’re focused on digital nav. I haven’t used a paper chart for 20 years ....
I’ve been sailing all my life ... it’s exciting to be able to welcome newcomers.
You’re going to have an awesome adventure! Good luck, Roy
Starting with a well built home. Famous boat brand. It is a good one..
So proud of you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also have a boat....for sure you guys need to think about fridge . This ice box ....is just for 2 days trip!! But this boat...Nice choice !! Good luck
Excellent! So excited to have found you guys through Danny and Tulu. What a fabulous adventure for 3 amazing souls ❤ 💫💙💫 💙💫
OHHHHHH WOW.....now this is gonna be fun.
Looking forward to this new chapter that you guys are sharing with us.....Awesome!
Groovy :)
Wise choice, and and a lucky find.
Very lucky
Took me a bit to stop laughing at the "Crawl Space" between the aft cabin and galley. Speaking of the aft cabin, I am positive at the time of this writing you wished that your brother was in the V berth, and you and hubby in that comfortable, roomy aft cabin.
Be happy, be safe.
Making plans and getting read is such an exciting stage of your next adventure. The boat looks great!
Lots for you to learn about if you want to be safe at sea. Professional lessons in seamanship a good idea. In the meantime checkout 'Nautical Flashcards' they are a fun and effective way to learn the Colregs, lights, buoys etc. Stuff you really do need to know. I had to learn morse (used flashcards) for my Yachtmaster exam back in the 90's but you won't need morse now. 😁
keep the charts for a less fortunate day when all the electronics go out the window. it is not good seamanship to go to sea without all the tools available. the ocean is a magnificent place, but it will kill you if you dont respect it. period.
I respect what you have done so far! I also admire you both, a lot. Please do your research with marine focus vs land. It’s a different environment. That said there is always creative ways to accomplish what your vision is. I am looking forward to see how you do. BTW, find someone to get you out sailing in heavy weather ASAP. Several mentors and some sailing/nav courses are a must. So exciting.
Hallberg Rassy is a good boat! We have living aboard for over 25 years (have a catamaran now) - looks in good shape!
I have only just come across the channel so I have bought a ebook yet to read it and watch the stories of travelling Europe ,I cant see which order it is but im getting into it ,you have a fantastic personality and allways smilling :)
Good luck guys... love your new boat!! Cheering for your channel xx
4:55 "Hopefully we don't get sea sick"
Oh you will. Also, before you start overhauling the boat and adding all sorts of new and expensive features maybe go sailing first, y'all don't really know what to expect once you're really out there, I can tell. Having been a professional racer for many years I can say I've seen a lot of people like this. As for the chart table, rather keep it for now, you should still have paper charts, you can't just rely on digital on the ocean, even today we still plot on charts as a backup.
looking forward to sailing with you all.
44 HP yanmar!!!!! Holy SHIT that’s a powerful engine! We have a heavy displacement 30ft S2 and our engine horsepower is... 13 haha. Fast boat! You guys will love boat life! And your is really pretty!!!!
Yay so excited for you guys and this epic new journey! Cannot wait to follow your adventures! Lots of love & support from Australia xx
Excellent. Great boat. You'll get the hang of the boat lingo soon enough, appreciate the effort. You will want to install a refrigeration system. That Icebox also looked tiny, maybe get a compressor large enough to cool that and another compartment that you insulate? Personally, I like to have two smaller sinks. (one medium + 1 small). More practical, and saves water. Sinks are used as storage a lot. Of dirty dishes, detergents, bottles, cans, cups... Again, with two I can separate. Maybe a couple of plastic tubs can have their semi-permanent home in your sink?
Surprised that the married couple didn’t choose the aft cabin.
this boat is an absolute dream! personally I think the built in desk looks better than a standing one, and would be more secure, plus multiple people can already work at the table, so it's not like you're short on space and need to get rid of an original feature xox
Enjoying joining you all on this new adventure! Do you have a music playlist? I don’t know the artists but I really dig your song picks
I’m so excited to watch you guys do this! I just stumbled onto the video before this and subbed. This is amazing and I can’t wait to hopefully be able to do this one day! Live free!
Congratulations Guys! Ensure you prioritize hull, and technical seaworthiness, before you put her back in the water. Save your budget for interior cosmetics, until you've tested life at Sea. Versus van-life, the necessities of sailing, such as stowed sails, take up extra space. Hatches can also leak, especially in rougher conditions. Beware of what you stow where, such as in the fore cabin, until experience confirms your watertightness. Where water rules, there will be challenges, but oh, what a great adventure! Look forward to it. :-)
You guys are so brave and adventurous! I can't wait to see what's next for you!
Maybe it’s just me but is anyone else confused why her brother has the bigger bedroom when he is just one person and they are 2 people? Maybe it’s because they want to be on the one bed together but they can totally reconstruct that bigger bedroom to have one solid bed. Especially since they are worried about sleeping in the more rocky side of the boat. Sounds like her brother as been sailing a while and would probably be fine in the front. Just thoughts to consider. Not trying to tell you what to do. Just want you to be the most comfortable you can be! Love you guys!
We live on a 1980 Endeavour CC. We use two ABR portable fridges one is our freezer and one is our fridge.
It's really nice to be with you during this process, since I only found out about you guys after you build Ody. Now I can follow the process in (almost) real time :D
I'm so excited to watch your new travels. I also love learning from the comments people share.
Good Luck!! Can’t wait to follow your next adventures
It even has a proper lavac toilet 👍🏻 looks like she is in a great condition overall. A bit jealous. 😋
Enjoy sailboat ⛵️ tour! Mike from Missouri 😀⛵️😘
Can't wait for more! Sounds exciting.
Gratulation, I Love the boat. I‘ts Nice to see your happynes about the yacht
Awesome! I really like the woodwork in the boat. Thanks for sharing your amazing tour with us. Have a great day!
I would have given my brother the V berth. The aft looks nice.
I am so excited to follow along with your boat life journey! What a cool opportunity.
Very cool!
I love the engine compartment so very accessible to change parts .
Looks like a nice HR , well maintained.
Lacks the glamour of some of the other boat channels
outside the boat = deck & cockpit . Congratulations and good luck!!!
Excited for your journey!!!!
Well, you may not be actual sailors "yet," but at least you've done your research and have all the vernacular down pat. Great job!!
This boat looks incredibly built. Just be cautious with the modifications. Good luck and thanks for this. I liked it. :)
Where do store all your sails, spares etc? I agree with other comments - don't change the interior until you have been out in her sailing for a few days and had to do sail changes etc. Also in bad weather you will need a nav desk that you can use in rough weather and you will need backup paper charts etc so don't go gutting it all yet! Looks great though.
Congrats! I'm excited for your upcoming adventures. I'm currently living full time in a school bus which is a journey I embarked on solely because of your Ody videos. Thanks again for all the wholesome and inspiring content :)
It will be interesting to see how you find the galley. Many seem to regard hip support much more valuable than hand holds. Nothing like paper charts when sitting round a table contemplating things - never mind when the electric got drowned. Look forward to reports on your travels.