COMPLETE refit

[edokarura]

My dear sailheads,

Can anyone suggest a good place to do a COMPLETE refit of a 35-45 foot sailboat? I’m talking about ripping EVERYTHING out and replacing it with new. I can’t do it myself so I’m looking for a yard that could do it all for me. I have worked/suffered on 3 of my own boats so know enough to supervise but I don’t want to lift a single tool - which is as much for the quality of workmanship as it is to preserve my own sanity.

Is this even a thing that people do? I’m thinking that I could get an essentially new boat for about a third the cost of a new one. Have I been spending too much time in poorly-ventilated spaces working with epoxy?

I can go anywhere in the world - especially if it means taking advantage of high levels of skill or/and low costs of labor.

Any and all (positive, upbeat, even heart-warming) suggestions are welcome.

Cheers,

Ed

[coopec43]

It would not be a proposition in Australia because of labor costs but maybe a SE Asian country? You better sharpen your pencil though because it could cost more than buying a good used yacht in the end.

[Reefmagnet]

Thailand or Malaysia have some cheap yards with skilled workmen.

[Boony]

Kudat in tne north of Borneo. I understand the biggest hurdle is finding truly skilled trade and then keeping them motivated to do a proper job. Another hurdle is the 2/3/4 flights just to get there if you have to visit which adds $$$.

I still do some basic work myself but realised I'm better off working extra hours in my chosen profession and then paying a shipwright to do the job properly (as it's their chosen profession). Also doing it myself takes at least 5 times longer for a job no more than 80% as good and sometimes having to do it twice.

[edokarura]

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

Thailand or Malaysia have some cheap yards with skilled workmen.

Yeah, I got my first two boats there and found that to be true. Was kinda looking for other possibilities, though, and advice on complete refits in general.

Cheers!

[edokarura]

Originally Posted by Boony

realised I'm better off working extra hours in my chosen profession and then paying a shipwright to do the job properly (as it's their chosen profession). Also doing it myself takes at least 5 times longer for a job no more than 80% as good and sometimes having to do it twice.

Too true! “You can DIY” is a cruel, expensive, time-consuming lie!