Couple transform abandoned 78-foot superyacht found rotting in Alaska into their family home
They are now planning to travel the world in their boat
A couple have transformed an abandoned superyacht that was found rotting in Alaska.
The 78-foot boat has now been turned into their new family home.
The couple in question, Blaine and Janis, stumbled upon the yacht that had been left under a tarp and was stuck to the seafloor in Wrangell, Alaska.
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They were delighted upon discovery, having spent over a year looking for a boat, but the project turned out to be more work than they had initially anticipated.
Documenting the experience on their YouTube channel, Onboard Tangaroa - The Neverending Sea Trial, the couple got to work restoring the superyacht.
The boat was in bad shape with rotting decks, peeling paint and damp.
Forking out CAD$200,000 (US$141,000), Blaine and Janice knew they had a big challenge on their hands.
In their channel description, it read: “We’re a husband and wife team, and we’re taking on a big project: completely refitting our 1969 aluminum trawler, a classic Stephens Bros yacht, all by ourselves.
“Join us as we document every step of this DIY journey - from swapping out our Detroit Diesel engines for new Cummins, installing a custom fuel system, setting up lithium batteries and solar panels, to creating a wet exhaust system.
“Whether you're interested in hands-on boat work, learning about marine systems, or just want to follow along as we bring this beautiful boat back to life, you're in the right place!”
In their first video, Janis said: “We met on a superyacht 25 years ago, I was a first mate, he was the engineer, we ended up on the same boat, we ended up in the same crew quarters and well things happen on the high seas.
“We decided we wanted to have a family and a dog so we moved on to shore.
“20 years later here we are, after having our kids, our dogs, our houses, our jobs, it's time to get back on the water again.”
The pair are sharing updates to how their restoration is going, with videos showing them take on tasks like installing a heater and ripping up the old deck.
Viewers took to the YouTube comment section, with one user writing: “Looks like you took a big chance and it worked out. Great for you ! You have a beautiful yacht. Congratulations you two.”
And another added: “I think offer was very generous, more than I would have offered!”