Welcome to our blog post where we will be delving into the exciting topics discussed in the YouTube video titled “Tour of our Totaled & Salvaged, Wrecked 49′ Beneteau Sailboat! | Expedition Evans 2”. In this informative post, we will explore the journey of this adventurous couple, their love for sailing, and how their wildest dreams led them to acquire a shipwrecked boat. From their humble beginnings in a converted school bus to their determination to sail the world, their story is filled with determination, passion, and a touch of uncertainty. Join us as we uncover the fascinating details of their crazy decision to embark on this unique adventure. Get ready to be inspired by their unwavering spirit and their unwavering belief in the power of saying “let’s go for it!” So, let’s dive into this captivating tale and discover the incredible world of Expedition Evans 2.
– Introduction to Our Dream and Journey
About five years ago, when we were just starting our relationship, we stumbled upon a small YouTube channel run by an Australian couple who sailed the world. Despite growing up far from the ocean, we fell in love with the idea of sailing and decided to make it our dream. It may sound crazy, but we are the kind of people who take our wild ideas in stride. So, we made a pact as a couple to go for it and sail the world.
To make our dream a reality, we started by purchasing a school bus, or more specifically, a short bus. With limited funds, it was the most affordable option for us to have a place to live while we saved money for our boat. Despite the scorching summer heat, converting the bus into a tiny home was the most exciting and enjoyable project we had ever undertaken. We took our new abode with us and relocated to Hawaii to get closer to the ocean. While Brett pursued a career as a flight instructor and later as an airline pilot, I worked tirelessly, securing a photography scholarship at my university and booking out my weekends as a photographer.
Slowly but surely, we saved up enough money to finally buy our first sailboat. Our love for sailing only grew stronger, reaffirming our commitment to our plan. I got accepted into an incredible art academy in Europe, and we decided to sell everything we owned, including the boat and the bus, in preparation for our grand adventure. However, as fate would have it, 2020 unfolded in unexpected ways. Our visit to see family turned into us hunkering down and adapting to the new normal. But amidst all the changes, a project boat, our absolute dream, appeared on an auction website. Our plan to move to Europe suddenly transformed into purchasing a shipwreck.
Three days after winning the auction, we packed up our belongings and embarked on a three-thousand-mile journey, sleeping in the back of our van. And now, here we are, about to set foot on our new home for the very first time. It’s a mix of nerves and excitement, but that’s our boat, and it’s even more magnificent than we could have ever imagined. This is the beginning of our dream and journey, and we can’t wait to navigate the waters and explore the world together.
– The Challenges of Finding the Perfect Boat
Finding the perfect boat is no easy task. It requires careful consideration and research to ensure that it meets all of your needs and expectations. Here are some challenges that we encountered in our journey to find the ideal boat:
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Limited availability: Finding the right boat can be a challenge due to the limited number of options available on the market. It can be especially difficult if you have specific requirements or preferences, such as size, design, or features.
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Budget constraints: Buying a boat can be a significant financial investment. It is important to find a boat that fits within your budget while still meeting your needs. This can require a lot of research and comparison shopping to find the best value for your money.
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Condition and maintenance: Another challenge is assessing the condition of the boat and evaluating the level of maintenance it may require. Older boats or those in need of repairs may require additional time and money to get them in sail-ready condition.
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Accessibility and location: Depending on your location, finding the perfect boat may be difficult due to limited availability of sellers or boatyards. This may require you to travel long distances or consider buying a boat from a different region or country.
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Compatibility and personal preferences: Every sailor has their own unique preferences when it comes to boats. From the layout and design to the specific features and equipment, it is important to find a boat that aligns with your personal style and requirements.
Finding the perfect boat can be a challenging process, but with patience and perseverance, it is possible to find a vessel that will fulfill your sailing dreams.
– Our Decision to Purchase a Salvaged Boat
About five years ago, when we were just starting dating, we stumbled upon a small YouTube channel of an Australian couple who sailed the world. Despite growing up far away from the ocean, we fell in love with the idea of sailing and decided that we too wanted to explore the world’s waters. It may seem crazy, but when we were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, Brett said a pilot and I said an artist. And now, Brett works as a pilot and I have a degree in painting. We’ve always been people who chase after our craziest dreams, and now our dream of sailing the world is about to come true.
To save money for our boat, we bought a short school bus to convert into our tiny home. We endured scorching summer heat during the bus build, but it was the most fun we had ever had. Once our savings started to grow, Brett worked as a flight instructor and then as an airline pilot while I secured a full scholarship and worked as a photographer on weekends. With our hard-earned money, we finally bought our first sailboat and learned to sail. Everything seemed to be going according to plan until 2020 hit, disrupting our dreams of sailing the Mediterranean. However, during a visit to see our family, we stumbled upon a project boat on an auction website, and “let’s move to Europe” quickly turned into “let’s buy a shipwreck.” Brett went to see the boat, flew back home, and three days later, we won the auction. We packed up our lives and embarked on a nearly 3,000-mile journey, sleeping in the back of our van. And now, the moment has arrived. I am about to lay eyes on our new home for the very first time. It’s really big – that’s our boat!
– Recommendations for Navigating the Salvaged Boat Market
After years of dreaming and planning, we found ourselves in the exciting yet nerve-wracking position of navigating the salvaged boat market. It all started when we first fell in love with sailing through a small YouTube channel. Despite growing up far from the ocean, we were determined to sail the world, combining our crazy dreams and bold ambitions. To save money, we converted a school bus into a tiny home and lived in it while we continued to work and learn about the ocean. We eventually bought our first sailboat and honed our sailing skills.
However, our plans took an unexpected turn in 2020 when the world changed due to the pandemic. As everything seemed uncertain, we stumbled upon our dream project boat on an auction website. What was once a plan to move to Europe turned into buying a shipwreck and embarking on an incredible restoration journey. With Brett’s job bringing him close to the boat, he had the opportunity to see it in person before we won the auction. After an intense three-day drive, we arrived at our new home and prepared ourselves for a momentous occasion – seeing it for the first time.
From our experience, we’ve learned a few recommendations for those interested in navigating the salvaged boat market:
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Do thorough research: Before diving into the market, educate yourself about the different types of salvage boats, their conditions, and potential restoration costs. Understand the risks and challenges associated with salvaged vessels to make informed decisions.
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Inspect the boat in person: Whenever possible, visit the boat yourself or have someone you trust check it out. Photos and videos can only provide limited information, and it’s essential to see the boat’s condition firsthand. Additionally, consider hiring a professional surveyor to assess its structural integrity and identify any hidden issues.
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Consider restoration costs: Be realistic about the time, effort, and finances required to restore a salvaged boat. Factor in potential repairs, upgrades, and legal requirements. It’s crucial to have a clear budget and contingency plan to avoid unexpected surprises along the way.
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Have a plan: Outline your goals and intentions for the boat, whether it’s for personal use or resale. Consider your sailing experience and the type of boat that aligns with your needs and abilities. Visualize the end result and determine if the salvage boat is the best fit for your long-term goals.
Navigating the salvaged boat market can be both thrilling and daunting. By conducting thorough research, performing meticulous inspections, considering restoration costs, and having a thoughtful plan, you can set yourself up for success in this unique and rewarding endeavor. Embrace the adventure and let your dreams set sail! In conclusion, our journey to owning a 49′ Beneteau sailboat has been nothing short of extraordinary. From our humble beginnings as avid viewers of a small Australian couple’s sailing adventures, to deciding to pursue our own dream of sailing the world, we have always embraced the unknown and taken risks.
Despite financial constraints, we converted a school bus into a mini home, moved to Hawaii, and immersed ourselves in the ocean. Brett worked tirelessly as a flight instructor and pilot, while I secured a scholarship and pursued my passion for photography. Eventually, we bought our first sailboat and became even more enamored with the idea of sailing the world.
Our plan was to save money, attend graduate school in Europe, and find a fixer-upper boat in the Mediterranean. However, the events of 2020 forced us to adapt. Instead of leaving the country, we found ourselves bidding on a shipwrecked boat in an auction. To our surprise, we won, and soon embarked on a 3,000-mile journey to see our new home for the first time.
As nervous as we were before setting foot on the salvaged boat, the sight of it left us awestruck. It was bigger than we could have imagined, and the possibilities seemed endless. Our adventure is just beginning, and we can’t wait to restore this wrecked beauty to its former glory.
We are grateful for the support and encouragement we have received along the way. Our mantra as a couple has always been “let’s go for it,” and we are excited to see where this journey takes us. Join us as we document our experiences, challenges, and triumphs aboard our 49′ Beneteau sailboat. The dream is coming true, one wave at a time.
