refit yacht interior

MARINE & MEDIA

Yacht interior wrapping & refit, yacht interior refit services & 3m™ di-noc™ architectural vinyl installations, yacht interior refit.

Mooving Marine provide industry-leading standards of yacht interior refit and refinishing services. Including wrapping with 3M Di-Noc™ Architectural Finishes.

• Why rip out your interior to go through a hugely expensive internal refit?
• Do you wish to breathe new life into your interiors, and add your unique personality to your yacht or superyacht?
• Save time, money, and stress when under refit!

Our ability to restore and refurbish yacht interiors, with none of the conventional mess associated with a ‘normal’ refit, ensures owners, captains, refit managers and interior designers can make significant savings on refit costs.

10 Reasons to Wrap your Yacht Interior

• Convenient- no need for dust, mess or removal of items.
• High quality consistent one layer product.
• Creative freedom due to its reversible nature.
• Saves time.
• Saves cost.
• Durable – resisting water, dirt, impact, wear, abrasion & mould.
• UV resistant
• Easy to maintain.
• Protective layer retains value.
• EN 13501 fire certification to give you peace of mind.

Yacht Interior Refit with Mooving Marine & 3M™

Want to breathe new life into the interior of your yacht or charter boat, or add your own personality to your home on the water? Our ability to refresh and refurbish yacht interiors is the product of many years of experience. We work closely with yacht designers, build & refit managers, interior designers and captains. With none of the conventional mess associated with a traditional refit, vinyl wrapping allows you to achieve outstanding finishes in a short space of time, whilst ensuring significant savings.

With the use of 3M’s revolutionary DI-NOC™ architectural vinyl, we are able to achieve outstanding and long-lasting results using special effects and textured films to give your yacht a new lease of life. Our experienced installers can apply architectural finishes to a range of surfaces from furniture, fixtures, wall panels, doors, staircases, overhead panels, showers, elevators, switches & buttons, and flat surfaces to compound curved surfaces.

With special effects and textured films such as marble, wood grain, leather, silk, chrome, carbon, textile and metals, our interior finishes retain value and are available in over 900 different textures and effects, which resist water, impact and mould. We also offer a range of flooring options and a bespoke upholstery service.

Also see: Exterior Wrapping

Yacht exterior vinyl wrapping. Hulls, superstructures, and all weathered surfaces. Quick clean makeover that will last for 8 to 10 years, and it’s fully UV resistent.

HUGE VARIETY OF DESIGNS

Available in a wide range of selection with over 1000+ patterns to meet your design needs.

Trust built on performance and quality for a variety of different surface applications.

SUSTAINABILITY

Help acquire refit sustainability goals by refinishing existing structures and reducing waste.

COST PERFORMANCE

Create a premium look and feel with lower materials cost and minimal downtime of refit projects.

A small selection of our work

Yacht Interior Wrapping

3M Di-Noc Vinyl

Scandinavian Style

Yacht Interior Design

Yacht Exterior Upholstery

Lighten your Interior

3M Vinyl Technology

3M Di-Noc Transformation

Yacht Cabin Floors

Yacht Interior Wrap

Update Yacht Interiors

Leather Replacement

Yacht Interiors with 3M Di-Noc

Yacht Helm Panels

Classy Looks

Helm Renovation

3M Yacht Interior Wrapping

Refresh Fascia Panels

Yacht Interior Fabrication

Fixtures & Fittings

Deckhead Re-Upholstery

YachtWrapping & Upholstery

Trained Craftsmen

Easy Installation

Yacht interior refinishing wrapping, upholstery & flooring, yacht upholstery services.

We have an expert upholstery department, with decades of experience in re-upholstery of all soft furnishings, chairs, helm binnacles, pilot seats and lots more. We also manufacture bimini’s, deck enclosures and covers.

Pilot Seats

Exterior Seat Covers

Bimini's and Covers

Yacht Upholstery

Sunbed Upholstery

Bespoke Upholstery

Marine flooring.

Our ‘Loose-lay’ flooring solution, which isn’t fixed in place permanently, allows access to hatches and equipment, while still looking like one complete floor when laid. 100’s of finishes available.

Waterproof, stain proof, soft and warm underfoot.

Yacht Flooring

Design Flooring

Swap Out Carpets

A unique perspective on a galley transformation using 3m™ di-noc™ vinyl finishes..

Get a quote today

Personal information, boat details.

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Lekker Boats
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

5 Yacht Interior Designers To Consider For Your Next Refit Or New Build

The best yacht interior specialists..

The world of superyacht interior design deserves its own Netflix series. Seriously. It’s a high-class, ultra-luxury, competitive business that turns a small idea into a masterpiece. A superyacht interior should have equal parts wow-factor and functionality to elevate the boat. It takes a particular eye for art, detail, layout, and innovation to be a top name in (any type of) design industry.

For most firms, designing a superyacht is a personal experience. They’re masters at balancing a thousand different elements to create a single, elegant outcome. Elite design studios have the skills, talent, and intuition to create a layout, design, and decoration that wins awards. We already highlighted impressive yacht interiors , but who are the teams behind scenes? Here are 5 yacht interior designers to consider for your next refit or new build.

Italians have an eye for art and design, and award-winning design firm Hot Lab seamlessly integrates sophisticated detail into their work. Their interior designs are sharp, stylish, and modern. Over the years, Hot Lab has received several international awards, including World Superyacht Awards and Showboats Design , World Yachts Trophies, and Finest Interior Awards . The studio has solid relationships with both Italian and foreign shipyards and works together on both custom and series-produced yachts.

A great example of interior design by Hot Lab is on Hull #5 of the Numarine 32XP (available for a Summer 2022 delivery). The studio incorporates clever lighting throughout the yacht to give it a bright atmosphere that highlights materials from Armani Casa and custom marbles in greens and blues.

Contact Denison yacht broker Alex G. Clarke to inquire about the Numarine 32XP.

2. Giorgio Cassetta  

Italian superyacht designer Giorgio Cassetta is the dark night of yacht design. He flys under the radar yet he’s worked on some of the biggest and most stunning yachts in the world. His designs have personality, with a flare of timelessness and functionality that instantly makes you appreciate the setting. Past clients include Bennetti and Cigarette Racing, but he’s currently working with Alpha Yachts to design custom new build yachts.

Boutique shipyard Alpha Custom Yachts worked with Giorgio Cassetta to create an elegant interior for the Spritz 102 . According to Cassetta, the yacht has the feel of a Miami villa combined with great functionality. When inside the yacht, guests are never disconnected from the environment. The installation of the windows ensures constant visibility of the water and sky, even from the bed. The effect is particularly stunning in the full-beam owner’s cabin where the windows are oversized and less than half a meter above the water.

Contact Denison yacht broker David Johnson to inquire about the Spritz 102.

3. Gregory C. Marshall  

Gregory C. Marshall, Naval Architect Ltd. is a Canadian-based yacht design firm that has built a reputation as one of the top naval architecture firms in the world. For more than 35 years, founder Greg Marshall and his business partner, Gordon Galbraith, designed megayachts and commercial craft for a variety of clients Their designs gain attention as they push the limits of traditional expectations.

The interior of CRESCENT LADY , a 117’ Crescent 2020, is a Gregory C. Marchall design. Natural light floods into the interior space from expansive windows throughout the yacht. Inside, you’ll find clean, contemporary styling, which is complemented by high-quality joinery and modern fabrics and soft goods. Gregory C. Marchall created an interior that will stand the test of time onboard this Crescent 117, whose owner is accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin for the purchase of the yacht.

Contact Denison yacht broker Ari Sherr to inquire about CRESCENT LADY.

4. Patrick Knowles Design

Patrick Knowles Designs is one of America’s top yacht design firms specializing in custom megayachts, superyachts, and aircraft interiors. Patrick Knowles and his team apply their skills to ensure innovative creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to on-time delivery. Their ability to listen, understand, interpret, and transform ideas into results exceeds client expectations.

You may recognize a Patrick Knowles Design onboard REVIVE, a 150’ Richmond that was sold by Will Noftsinger and Chris Daves in March 2021. It’s one of the last (and some may say, the best) Richmond yachts ever built. In 2019, the second owner spent roughly $2 million making REVIVE perfect, and that included a completely new interior decor package by Patrick Knowles Designs.

5. Reymond Langton

You’ll know a Reymond Langton design when you see it; the British design studio applies innovation, inspiration, and functionality to their work. Most notably, ARKADIA (formerly known as Project TRITON) a 50-meter new construction Heesen , boasts an elegant interior designed by Reymond Langton.

The sophisticated layout accommodates 10 guests and 9 crew with a full-beam owner’s stateroom, 3 double guest suites, and an additional 1 twin guest suite. She promises the best of the yachting lifestyle. ARKADIA was sold by David Johnson and delivered to her owners in April 2021.

The creative world of yacht design is impressive. It takes patience, teamwork, and passion to become a top player in the industry. Whether you visualize a modern, dark, traditional, or quirky yacht interior, consider one of these interior design firms for your next refit or new build project. They’ll turn your idea into a masterpiece. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find a featured yacht for sale or yacht for charter with an impressive interior.

Speak With A Superyacht Specialist:

Latest news.

NEWS | August 23, 2024

Cocktails & canapés at 37th america’s cup [s/y seaquell].

Cocktails & Canapés at 37th America’s Cup [S/Y SEAQUELL] Thursday, August 29th | 19:00-21:00 Denison Yachting cordially invites you to an evening of cocktails and canapés aboard the Sailing Yacht SEAQUELL during the 37th America’s Cup Round Robins at Port Forum. Enjoy a relaxed gathering on board, set against

Newport International Boat Show [Brokerage Boats On Display]

Newport International Boat Show [Brokerage Boats On Display] Thursday-Sunday | September 12-15, 2024 Denison invites you to view a number of available brokerage boats at the 2024 Newport International Boat Show. The Newport International Boat Show, set for September 12-15, 2024, in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of

NEWS | August 19, 2024

85′ azimut 2006 sold by florent moranzoni [eva].

85′ Azimut 2006 Sold by Florent Moranzoni [EVA] EVA, an 85′ (26.82m) Azimut built in 2006, was sold by Florent Moranzoni, who represented the Seller. Special thanks to James von Eiberg of Bluebnc, who represented the Buyer. EVA can accommodate ten guests in four comfortable cabins, including a

Yacht Interior Designers Guide: To Refit Or Not To Refit Part 2

To be in yachting, you've got to love it and be a little crazy..

Murphy’s Law was written for yacht refits.  If it can break, crack, slip, fall off, tear or just plain wear out, it will on a yacht whether an owner has numerous refit experiences, or is planning his or her first.  Keeping this thought in mind throughout the yacht refit process will help to gain some perspective on the project.

Every little change on a yacht refit affects something else. You may want to move beds, but often beds are used for concealing many different things from structural stringers and floor line to HVAC, plumbing, wiring, and even fuel tanks.

87′ Outer Reef  Ti Punch  Guest Stateroom Construction Photos

87′ Outer Reef Ti Punch  Guest Stateroom Completed Photo

87′ Outer Reef  Ti Punch  VIP Stateroom Construction Photos

87′ Outer Reef  Ti Punch  VIP Stateroom Completed Photo

As mentioned in Part 1 of “Yacht Interior Designers Guide: To Refit Or Not To Refit” , it is what you don’t see that can cause unexpected budgetary increases and time delays.

87′ Outer Reef Ti Punch  Main Salon Construction Photo

87′ Outer Reef Ti Punch  Main Salon Completed Photo

*Notice how the loose sofa is built on top of the step in the floor.

Fuel Tank under Master Stateroom Bed on an Ocean Alexander Yacht

“Even the best-laid plans turn to hell when exposed to reality” -Michael Anthony, Author

I often wish I had a crystal ball to predict all the scenarios one might encounter during a yacht refit;  however, just as no two fingerprints or snowflakes are alike, the same is true for yacht refits! Remember, the better the plan is, the more successful the refit will be.

Something as simple as replacing wall material can be a major project when it is not known how the material was originally installed, how difficult it will be to remove or just how much prep work will be involved.  On the refit we did for the 97’ Hargrave Forever Young , the wall material throughout the entire yacht was pulling away from the walls giving it a bubbled look.

There was no way to know until we started removing the wall panels how much labor would be involved. In some areas the panels were able to be removed in one piece and in others the panels came apart in many pieces pulling off parts of the wall along with them.  The walls had to be patched and door skin applied and sanded in the areas where wall paper would be applied. In the areas where upholstered panels would be reapplied, the walls had to be patched and sanded and panels repaired if necessary, upholstered and re-installed.

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Pilot House Before

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Pilot House After

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Stair Before, During and After

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Master Stateroom Before

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Master Stateroom During

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Master Stateroom After

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Dining Before

97′ Hargrave Forever Young  Dining During

97′ Hargrave Forever Young  Dining During

Changing out headliner can make one of the biggest impacts because it is the largest surface area. It can brighten up the room and give reflection.  While changing headliner, it is a good time to also change lighting and wiring for audio visual. Plan on changing all of the headliner in an entire room and not just a portion of the room because the color and texture of the headliner will be impossible to match as the color will have changed due to age and sunlight damage.  If furniture that touches the ceiling is being removed, the new furniture must be designed with the same ceiling footprint as the original furniture or furniture with a new soffit larger than the footprint of the original furniture can be designed to avoid changing the headliner if that is not in the plan.

Also on the 97’ Hargrave Forever Young, the Dining Salon forward cabinet was removed, and the wall was re-veneered and finished to match the existing cabinetry.  All of the overhead lighting was changed to LED; however, changing the headliner was not in the budget so it was necessary for us to create a soffit above the new forward cabinet where the old was removed in an effort to save the headliner.

97′ Hargrave Forever Young  Dining After

This Owner-driven yacht interior design refit was to refresh our Client’s “new” yacht so he and his family would enjoy spending time aboard and pursue their passion of yachting.  In addition to family-driven requirements, the owner placed limits on the interior refit budget. Even when budget is of primary consideration, an Owner’s objectives can be achieved through effective collaboration and a solid scope of service established at the outset of a refit project.

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Main Salon Before

97′ Hargrave Forever Young Main Salon After

On the refit of the 142’ Trinity Chevy Toy ,  the original plan was a fairly minor refit to include refinishing of wood and replacement of stone counters and floors, soft goods such as bedding, upholstery, window treatments, carpet, wall coverings, headliner, loose furniture, art and accessories.

142′ Trinity  Chevy Toy Main Salon Before

In the process of removing the carpet and sound barrier padding, we found mold and mildew on the underside of the padding at each of the seams of the floorboards below. The entire Main Salon floor was rotting from an AC leak that had gone undetected.  The leak came from above, through the walls and under the built in cabinetry and floor.

The carpet, padding and the yacht’s floating floor system that consisted of a plywood subfloor, “damped” plywood made with layers of rubber sandwiched between the plys of wood,  plywood strips to level and attach the next layer, a foam material used for vibration damping properties and the “damping paste” had to all be removed down to the bare aluminum deck and rebuilt with new materials. The wood baseboards and some cabinetry had to be replaced as well as the entire HVAC system. Thanks to an experienced team and a well designed and choreographed plan of action, we were able to move quickly through this unexpected setback and create the elegant and transitional updated interior that the owner desired.

142′ Trinity  Chevy Toy Main Salon Completed Photo

A yacht refit is always larger than you plan for it to be and will always evolve.

Purchasing a yacht with refit in mind requires a different set of criteria than building a new yacht or purchasing a “like new” brokerage yacht for immediate use.  In some cases, a yacht that seems undesirable as-is can become a wonderful value as a yacht refit prospect.

Even in what appears to be the most simple and straightforward project, there is no way to know for sure if the type of issues described above will arise, but as talked about in Part 1 of “Yacht Interior Designers Guide: To Refit Or Not To Refit” , you can benefit from the knowledge of an experienced team who has no doubt already encountered similar problems and worked out the solutions. The key to successfully refitting a yacht is the effective planning and correct execution of the plan.

Tips for effective planning and correct execution of the refit plan...

Once a realistic budget is determined and how it will be allotted, plan accordingly and engage the appropriate professionals who can ensure that the refit does not expand beyond control. Prior to the start, the owner-designer-captain-shipyard team must be certain of the desired end result. A well defined, clear and detailed project scope will allow for precise specifications to each of the various contractors involved which is necessary to obtain comprehensive quotes. What appears to be a lower priced quote may very well just not be inclusive due to a lack of information.

Just as every little change on a yacht refit will affect something else, each contractor’s work affects another’s.  Weekly on board meetings with all of the contractors involved, as a group, will uncover possible bottlenecks in the process early on that can affect the budget or schedule. Identifying these obstacles will allow for swift reorganization, minimizing lost time.

“Compromise” should be an accepted word in the yacht refit vocabulary.

An owner should be aware of budget and only invest what is redeemable upon resale, unless he plans to keep the refitted yacht for a long period of time.  Every yacht has a maximum value. Some yachts may require too much to bring them up to the owners expectations, both mechanically and aesthetically and perhaps may not be the right yacht to purchase in the first place. However, with the ample resale market we have now there are many options from which to choose!

Are you ready for a refit?

Let us know when you would like to meet to discuss possible options for you or your client!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

About the Author

Destry Darr Pethtel is an award-winning interior designer based in Florida. Her designs have been featured in several luxury yacht publications such as Showboats, Boat International, Yachts International, Yachting, Luxe Magazine to name just a few! Read More About Destry >>

As featured in:

destrydarrdesigns

© 2018-2023 Destry Darr Designs | Web Maintained by Clifton Design Group

Privacy Overview

• Yachting for beginners
• Owning a yacht
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yacht
• Indian Ocean
• Mediterranean
• Buying or Selling a Yacht
• Yachting Events
• FAQ – Luxury Yacht Charter
• FAQ – Buying a Yacht
• FAQ – Sell your Yacht
• How Much Does It Cost To Charter A Luxury Yacht?
• All our Blog Post & News

The Yacht Refit Guide: Tips and Realities

Although owning a yacht is a fantastic pleasure, these majestic ships also need a lot of care, which necessitates frequent trips to the yard for refit or maintenance.

A yacht refit is a significant undertaking that needs excellent management, budgeting and solid scheduling of the participating crew and contractors, whether performing a comprehensive overhaul or simply a few cosmetic and system modifications.

What is a yacht refit?

In accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, the team will:

• oversee every stage of construction
• keep an eye on the technical and financial performance of the contractors
• plan all surveys
• handle all paperwork related to classification, flag, and technical regulations
• and eventually launch and deliver the boat that you need and want.

Experience in yacht refit project is very important

The team has a wealth of expertise dealing with the daily challenges associated with operating large yachts. Choose a project management team has the qualification to offer a full range of yacht management services, offered in a variety of packages in order to suit one owner’s demands. 

What types of yacht refit can be done?

Examples of refits of yachts refit that can be done :

• Restoring: preserving an old wooden boat
• Modernizing: Using modern systems, technologies, and styling
• Customizing: Making changes to the yacht according to the owner’s desires and wants
• Modifying: Modifying the yacht to win a competition.
• Replacing or adding: Adding new equipment or replacing the old deck with a new one.

How to start a yacht refitting project?

Start by considering the main purpose of the work and what you hope to gain from the renovation. The main works will determine the main refit timeframe and the facilities required, but additional wish lists can typically be accommodated.

By distinguishing necessary work items from those that don’t take priority, you may clearly define the work’s scope and order of importance.

Prioritize anything that interferes with a vessel’s ability to operate safely. Additionally, anything that compromises the integrity of the vessel, such as exterior paint coatings, tank coatings, water leaks, etc., should not be put off since if they are they will wind up being very expensive to fix and will ultimately reduce the asset’s overall worth.

Any significant project that will affect the critical route needs to be prioritized in addition to any required tasks. For instance, they can be full paint, teak decking, interior renovation, or additions. This will constitute the procedure’ initial step in the quotation. The second stage consists of optional tasks that can be completed in the allotted time.

Understand the owner’s requirements in terms of cost, time, and quality. If quality is a given, then putting deadlines first might jeopardize the budget and timetable.

Know the Resources of your shipyard before refitting your yacht

Each shipyard has its own specialities, and they are not all made equal. If the shipyard is taken away from its core capabilities, we cannot expect a wonderful outcome. It can be beneficial to choose the shipyards you use with care.

A very frequent mistake is to assume that anyone working in the refit industry can guarantee the resources required to complete the job. A second possible mistake is to neglect to confirm this crucial detail. Once they obtain the firm contract, many of these setups — effectively the retrofit brokers — quickly look for subcontractors to carry out the work on their behalf and frequently offer extremely low prices. They frequently provide simple amenities, and sometimes not even these.

Keep On Budget : The Hardest Task of a Yacht Refit

You must constantly compare the amount of work completed to the percentage of money spent if you want to stay within your budget. However, it takes actual experience to realize that 80% of the budget has already been spent and only 50% of the work has been completed. Project management software is good at calculating how much money has been spent thus far versus the budget.

From the beginning of the job, the captain and shipyard project manager often meet. They confirm and agree on how much has been accomplished. The sooner you notice the slippage, the earlier you can remediate the steps. Quantifiable standards are necessary to assess the degree of completion, and they are crucial for projects involving paint and cosmetics.

Find a yard that will fix prices for work items so that they take on the financial risk and there are no hidden fees.

Get the Insurance and Firefighters Ready in Case Your Refit Goes Wrong

Insurance for shipyards is essential. To accommodate lateness, financial overruns, or any damage incurred in the shipyard, the contract’s specifics must be unquestionably clear. Check your policy to see if it covers situations involving “hot work,” such as welding, as some do not.

Similarly, due to the nature of the work, fires can break out at shipyards. Thus, check that the shipyard has top-notch firefighting capabilities. Conduct staff fire drills on a regular basis. Also, insist on crew and 24/7 watch schedule vigilance throughout the yacht refurbishment.

Read also : YACHT INSURANCE: THE DEFINITIVE OWNER’S GUIDE

Organize the Crew For Your Refit

During the shipbuilding period, strategically organize your workers. Different crew departments are subject to varying workloads during shipyard seasons. The interior team has more downtime because they are primarily in charge of preventing damage to the yacht throughout the refurbishment and performing stock takes, etc. 

The engineers, on the other hand, are typically busiest during this time of year. During a shipyard period, stewardesses, deckhands, and chefs, frequently have free time to attend professional training programs. Typically, the project manager for your shipyard will know about it. They can tell you how many crew members you will need to help do the job with the team onboard.

Expect Delay in almost every refitting projects

The truth is that there are a ton of excuses why you might not be ready on the scheduled day. When planning, take this into account and provide backup plans. Add at least 10% to account for unforeseen circumstances.

We work in real life. You can only apply so many coats of varnish each day or each week. If it is an international shipment, you may also have to consider the delay of parts. Further, you have to take care of the holdup of international shipments in customs, or the fabrication of a part when one cannot be found.  

Read also : Buying a Yacht : The Frequently Asked Question

How much does a yacht refit cost?

The price of refitting a boat varies greatly, depending upon what renovations you need. A comprehensive retrofit for a superyacht (one that is longer than 120 feet) can go from $300,000 to $1 million. The price of retrofitting a 60-foot personal yacht ranges from $60,000 to $250,000.

To only renew the rigging of a 50 feet boat, the yacht refit may cost only about $20,000. If you want to change the look by replacing the wood, paint or restrain it, the cost will go up to $300,000.

When picking the best refit provider, there are a lot of other aspects to take into account in addition to the services the yard provides.

For instance, determining a yard’s reputation and financial standing are crucial. After all, how can you be certain that they will be able to fulfil – and surpass – your expectations if they aren’t highly recommended by other customers?

In order to establish a long-term relationship with the vessel, investigate whether a yard offers competitive pricing. It makes sense to wonder if potential clients are dependable partners if it doesn’t want to enter into a mutually beneficial business partnership with them.

Clients should prefer a shipyard that aims to build a long-term connection with the vessel and provides ongoing value beyond a single yard period.

At Windward Travels, we provide all refit works for sailing or motor vessels – short- or long-term contracts. Get in touch for recurrent or preventive maintenance such as careening, revisions and class visits. Contact the team for daily repairs such as a normal repair or fixing a technical problem. Whether it is mechanical breakdowns, piping, hull damage, air conditioning, home automation, call us during emergencies at any time of the year.

Read also : CAN OWNING A YACHT (REALLY) BE PROFITABLE?

Trimaran vs. Catamaran: What are the Differences?

5 bold yacht interior design ideas in 2024, you might also like.

Best Yachts Under 5 Million: Yachts Available for sale

Best Yachts for Sale under 5 Million: Our Pick for 2024

What differentiates a yacht from a superyacht or a mega yacht?

• IK Yacht Design Blog
• (954) 922-9220
• (888) 453-9711

YACHT INTERIOR REFIT + REPAIR

Yacht Interior Design, Yacht Refit + Yacht Repair.

IK CUSTOM SOFT GOODS + UPHOLSTERY

Custom soft goods and upholstery by IK.

IK CUSTOM FURNITURE

Endless Options

DESIGNER WORKROOM + FURNITURE SHOWROOM

When it's time for a refresh..

MARINE WINDOW TREATMENT

Hunter Douglas Dealers

YACHT REFIT + REPAIR

When it's time for a refresh.

ACCESSORIES + GIFTS

Shop IK for a great selection of accessories and gifts.

YACHT INTERIOR DESIGN + REFIT

Visit our South Florida Facility located at Harbour Towne Marina.

UNBREAKABLE TABLEWARE + ACCESSORIES

On board, on the terrace, in the garden or by the pool.

OUR SERVICES

We design and manufacture custom interiors for just about any design project that moves, with a specialized focus on yacht interior design and yacht interior refits. Additionally we have completed a number of  high end luxury private residential and commercial remodels. Our Furniture Showroom and Designer’s Workroom offer the latest in furniture and fabrics as well as the convenience of  custom made furniture and accessories. With more than twenty-five years in the industry, we have a solid understanding of each stage of the refitting and remodel process, problem solving as needed, ensuring the finished product meets the client’s need for style, quality, comfort and performance requirements.

RECENT PROJECTS

These projects are a demonstration of the range and scale of capabilities that IK Yacht Design has developed over the last 25 years. Spanning the residential, commercial and yacht interior design and remodel sectors here are a few of the many projects we have proudly completed for our customers.

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and it shows, as we have been crafting interiors for our clients and their friends for over twenty five years.

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Our team works hard to ensure the quality of our products, services and facility meet the expectations and needs of our customers.

DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

We work with you to define the details of your project, then coordinate and execute the plan through each phase–through to the finishing touches of furniture and accessories.

WE WORK WITH

+1 888-453-9711

[email protected]

809 Northeast 3rd Street, Dania Beach, Florida 33004

Founded by Zak Kadosh back in 1996, IK Yacht Design worked hard to quickly establish itself as a leader in interior renovation and redesign in the yachting industry. Since its inception IK Yacht Design has branched out into the residential, commercial, luxury recreational vehicle and aviation industries.

Latest Posts

Published date — 05.01.2024

How to Start a Yacht Refit

Are you dreaming of transforming your beloved yacht into a vessel that reflects your unique style and vibe? Embarking on a yacht refit journey can be a thrilling experience, but it also requires careful planning, attention to detail, and expert guidance. Whether you’re looking to modernize your yacht’s interior, upgrade its technology, or enhance its performance, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started on your yacht refit adventure.

1: Define Your Goals Before diving into the refit process, take some time to define your goals and objectives clearly. Consider what aspects of your yacht you want to improve or upgrade, whether it’s the interior design, mechanical systems, navigation equipment, or overall functionality. Identifying your priorities will help guide the refit process and ensure your vision is realized. This is an excellent time to contact a skilled yacht management firm (like our team!) to help pinpoint some of these goals.

2: Conduct an Assessment Next, conduct a thorough assessment of your yacht to identify areas that require attention and determine the scope of the refit project. This may involve inspecting the hull, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, interior fittings, and exterior surfaces. Our team will work with you (in addition to connecting you to our wide network of marine professionals, including yacht surveyors, engineers, and designers) to help assess the condition of your yacht and develop a plan of action.

3: Set a Budget Establishing a realistic budget is essential for a successful yacht refit project. Our team will consider the costs associated with labor, materials, equipment, permits, and any unforeseen expenses that may arise during the process. We will also be sure to factor in contingencies and buffer zones to account for unexpected challenges or changes to the scope of work.

4: Assemble a Team Like every good heist movie, the key to a successful yacht refit is assembling a skilled and experienced team of professionals. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to enlist the services of yacht designers, naval architects, engineers, project managers, craftsmen, and specialized technicians to bring your vision to life. Our experienced and well-connected team will help you choose individuals and companies with a proven track record of excellence in yacht refits and renovations.

5: Make a Plan We will work closely with you and your team to develop a detailed refit plan outlining the project’s specific tasks, timelines, and milestones. One of the many advantages of taking on a refit with your yacht management team is we consider scheduling the work in phases to minimize disruption to your yachting schedule and ensure that each aspect of the refit is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

6: Select Materials When selecting materials and equipment for your yacht’s refit, prioritize quality, durability, and functionality. Choose materials suitable for marine environments and able to withstand the rigors of life at sea. Not sure what that means? Our team of experienced maritime veterans will guide you and work with reputable suppliers and manufacturers to source the best products for your yacht’s needs.

7: Monitor Progress Throughout the refit process, we stay actively involved and regularly communicate with your team to monitor progress, address any issues, and adjust as needed. The best advice we have at this point in the journey is to stay flexible and open to changes, as unexpected challenges or opportunities may arise during the project.

8: Enjoy the Transformation! As the refit project nears completion, take a moment to step back and appreciate the incredible transformation that has taken place. Your yacht will emerge from the refit process with renewed beauty, functionality, and style, ready to embark on new adventures and create unforgettable memories for years to come.

Embarking on a yacht refit journey is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into your vessel and create a space that reflects your taste and preferences. By following these steps and working with our team here at RYC, you can turn your yacht refit dreams into reality and enjoy the thrill of sailing on a yacht that is truly one-of-a-kind.

• Share post:
• Link copied

Related Posts

What is STCW Training?

Why Financial Management is Critical for Your Yacht

Yacht Maintenance Tips

Mental Health Resources for Crew

Restorers Of Fine Woodwork

International yacht, fine wood refinishing & restoration.

Renova Refit is an international yacht refit company specializing in the art of fine wood finishing and restoration. Located in the yachting capital of the world, we are South Florida’s interior refit experts. For over 25 years, we have been handcrafting beautiful wood finishes and today we are just as passionate about our pursuit for perfection since the day we started.

Renova Refit sets the gold standard in high auality restorations & repairs

Excellence in hand craftsmanship & detail, exceptional workmanship, we restore your most precious investments.

Our client’s tell us that it’s our exceptional workmanship and attention to detail that really sets us apart. We enjoy hearing that, but for Renova, our ultimate goal is to continue to ensure the lasting value and beauty of our client’s most precious investments. This is what makes us smile!

Full Portfolio

Creating beauty that leasts a lifetime., news & events, news coming soon.

Thank you for stopping by, I know this page may seem a bit empty however we will be filling this news center weekly. You will get the latest news & tips in woodwork and how to maintain your vessel. We appreciate your visit, check back next week for our first news entry.

Three brothers, each with several years of individual experiences in the large world of yacht interior projects. All of us have been working for well known outfitting companies, until we decided to finally make our step into independence. The end of 2019 marked the start of our own company. After some exciting weeks of brainstorming, planning and preparations, we moved into our new small but well equipped office and turned on the PCs for the first time - MR³ was born. In the near future, we want to make ourselves a reputation by achieving outstanding results on every project. Nothing speaks more for itself than timely delivered and highest quality yacht interior.

CEO & Project Management Civil Engineer / Technical Draftsman Julian has worked in the yacht interior business since ever. Interrupted by four years of civil engineering studies in Austria, he has been working for well known german interior and planning companies for 13 years. Starting with an apprenticeship as a technical draftsman specialising in wood, he gained wide knowledge in the areas of construction, calculation, controlling and project management. His involvement in all stages of yacht interior projects provide him with the skills to make decisions in the most beneficial way for all parties. [email protected]

CEO & Project Management Engineer Woodworking Technology / Carpenter Oliver has passed through every step of yacht interior building during his career. From his early days as a carpenter in the production site to the following years as a fitter, he has seen every single aspect of the manual part of the discipline. Being a Project Manager for Refit and After Sales for several years complemented his portfolio with the planning and business side of the craft. He brings an eye for detail and a special talent for the coordination of construction, production and installation processes in order to deliver timely and highest quality projects. [email protected]

Touch-Up & Design Restorer / Designer Felix always has been the most creative part of the trio. After his apprenticeship as a carpenter and some time in cabinetmaking, he has been working as a touch-upper for several years. During his time on dozens of private yachts, he has developed a fine sense for all kind of surfaces. While still putting on hands on bord, he is also responsible for the careful compilation of our touch-up team and the overall quality of our surface repairs. Going through three years of design school, he is also always able to push design ideas further with a simple sketch. [email protected]

Repair Trips

Loose furniture, the air condition fails mid-season, but nobody has a clue how to disassemble the ceiling to access it that beautiful marble top in the owner‘s bathroom is full of water stains and he just scheduled a trip for next week we are able to send a team of yacht-experienced fitters for every interior job on short notice and all over europe to help you out. just give us a quick call or mail., the refit is the master-class of yacht interior outfitting. when quality has to be on time, our strengths come into play: communication, flexibility and full dedication. together with our top tier partners we deliver turn key interior. from single rooms to whole areas, we are always thrilled to hear about your refit vision. let’s talk about it., touch-up is not a gray area. if you are an owner, captain, owners rep or interior manager you most likely know the frustration of signing off hour after hour without seeing much progress. a good touch-up needs its time, but good touch-up management provides efficiency and transparency. you require work on wood, leather, stone, fabric, special surfaces please contact us., there is hardly anything that combines traditional handcraft and state-of-the-art design better than a free-standing piece of furniture. sometimes a single table, sofa or sideboard is enough to give your stateroom a fresh twist. located close to the cradle of cabinetmaking in southern germany and austria, we design, plan and build your new favourite piece. you already have an idea tell us.

Design & Refit Specialist

LATEST PROJECT

2006 Broom 42CL

Swipe to see Before.

Discover our Remastered Broom 42cl.

REMASTERED MARITIME

The world’s leading design & refit specialists

At Setag, we are raising the concept of ‘refit’ to a new level of luxury. It’s not just luxury redefined – it is also luxury refitted and remastered… by the original artists.

BE THE FIRST TO DISCOVER

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Unlock VIP access to our latest yacht transformations before anyone else – sign up below.

2014 PRINCESS 72 PROJECT

Discover a detailed walkthrough tour of our Remastered 2014 Princess 72 by Sarah Luck, our Design Director.

CASE STUDIES

Redefining luxury.

By considering every aspect of your refit, from materials to interior design and acoustics, we offer a complete, holistic approach to yacht refurbishment that is truly unique.

• The Big Picture

Remastered Maritime

There has never before been a qualified service comparable to that which we offer at Setag: total renovation and refurbishment of your yacht, remastered by the original artists.

• Yacht Expertise

Setag is founded on a deep-rooted knowledge and understanding of every stage of the process of creating the best motor yachts in the world.

• Market Leaders

Setting Tomorrow’s Standard

When acquiring a pre-owned yacht, there is always the likelihood that what was new and innovative at the time of the build may now feel a little dated and in need of a refresh. Which is exactly where Setag comes in. Our exclusive, personalised refit service allows you to futureproof your prize possession, updating it to your exact specifications.

AT THE HELM

Discover the Setag Way

“Boatbuilding is in our blood, offering you the confidence and reassurance that your treasured yacht is in the hands of the experts.” – Chris Gates

Get the Se“tag” of approval

Each project is truly bespoke, catering to individual needs. If you are moving into a new house, you naturally want to renovate to put your own stamp on it – to make it feel like your home. So, why would you be happy to live with someone else’s taste?

Sustainability

We are committed to generate positive change for people and for the environment by building responsible and sustainable considerations into every stage of our refits – and of course, the simple act of ‘recycling’ an existing yacht is the ultimate in upcycling.

Yacht Refit

One of the most common questions we are asked by potential clients is what we mean exactly when we talk about offering a refit service for yachts. There is a false impression about yachts that they only require a refit if they are on their last legs and are barely seaworthy. This simply isn’t the case.

Setag is a British yacht specialist based in Plymouth and Poole, UK, dedicated to redefining classic yachts through our bespoke refit service.

We’re ready to redefine, refit and remaster your yacht, according to your needs. Get in touch today to Realise the Art of the Possible.

With SETAG, you can make a huge difference when you buy something secondhand, maybe a bit tired and then you put all of this beauty in it and you create what effectively is a brand new boat. Completely to your own liking, your own standard...creating the perfect boat for us.

Brilliant concept...new boat look and feel at pre-owned prices - by the industry experts. Recycling at its best!

The great thing is, none of this is off the shelf - I love this boat and now she’s got her frock on...this is the best money I've spent.

If you want to redefine, refit and remaster your boat who better to do it than the people who designed it in the first place? "What a fantastic idea!"

We cannot recommend the SETAG team highly enough. If you love your current boat, then for a fraction of the cost to change it, have it SETAG’d. The SY branding certainly helped us obtain a premium price. We got what we paid for her in 2017 plus what we spent with you!

I have worked with Chris for over 30 years and I’m pleased to see him develop his own brand - along with likeminded people with industry-leading expertise. The future is bright for Setag Yachts and pre-owned yacht owners, who can now refurbish their vessels to today’s - or even tomorrow's standards.

That has been one of the key selling points for us – having that personalised service and having a boat that is unique to us – is standout in its own right. We are pretty blown away…very very pleased. I think it’s fabulous…it has transformed the boat.

The perfect way to open up a new market: the "true reflection of luxury". Setag gets it: simplicity and personalisation are key – with the depth of knowledge to deliver.

Setag are probably the only company who can carry out all the tasks as a ‘one stop shop’. Other yards were reluctant to price work and needed to subcontract many tasks meaning higher costs and longer lead times. If you are in any doubt speak to Chris and his team, they know boats like no one else.

We have been waiting for this quality of service: a comprehensive, professional refit that we can rely on – because of the pedigree of its staff, with over 200 years' experience in our market.

You have put Princess magic into our beloved Broom.

Never have I come across a more able collection of professionals in this market. We have complete trust in Setag, since its team has been in the business for as long as we can remember. We're very excited to welcome this specialist refit company into our portfolio.

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it...

Rearranging the interior of a boat is often enough to make it more comfortable and welcoming. If you have just bought a used boat , these tips can help! Decorate the interior of a boat and match design, comfort and functionality. This article will give you some ideas for an easy renovation without spending a lot of money.

1 – Refitting your boat by optimising storage space 2 – Customise and revamp the interior of your boat with a little paint 3 – Decorating the interior of a secondhand boat: fabrics

1. Refitting your boat by optimising storage space

For certain secondary boat interior refits you don’t always need to call in the professionals. You can in fact do some cheap renovations yourself with a little ingenuity and a few good tips. Roll up your sleeves and get out your toolbox… let’s go!

Without committing yourself to a total overhaul, you may want to start by renovating a few things inside your boat. Opting for furniture with rounded corners, making fittings as functional as possible or adding shelves and drawers to every nook and cranny to cut down on lost space are just some of the arrangements that will make your life easier once at sea.

• A fridge with drawers enables you to compartmentalise storage and keep things cooler.
• Wooden, melamine or metal tableware will prevent breakages once on the water.
• To store fruit and vegetables and prevent them from spoiling prematurely, you can use nets that you can hang up in the kitchen.

Become a boat owner

Discover now the latest boats for sale ads!

2. Customise and revamp the interior of your boat with a little paint

Just like the interior of an apartment or house, when it comes to decoration, it’s worth considering repainting certain surfaces. You don’t have to of course, if the existing colours and materials suit you as they are. But in some cases, a lick of paint can give your boat’s interior a new look, enabling you to personalise it . Giving one or two wooden surfaces just a simple coat of varnish will bring a touch of charm and authenticity to certain spaces.

However, repainting surfaces using white or pastel tones will make them brighter because even when there are a lot of portholes, they are often narrow. Light-coloured walls or ceilings will also help to optimise the light sources

To keep things looking warm and cosy, why not repaint a section of the boat in the colour of your choice? Adding touches of paint here and there will harmonise and brighten up the whole interior. Cupboard frames, finishing strips, handrails, fold-out tables, handles or even shelves are all elements that you can opt to repaint.

Want to renovate a sailboat?

Discover our ads of sailboats to renovate

3.Decorating the interior of a secondhand boat: fabrics

Curtains, bed linings and cushion covers are all opportunities to refurbish the interior of a secondhand boat and customise it more to your own liking.

Les éléments en tissus

• Mattresses and benches

First step: measure the benches and bunks so you get the right size of mattress. This is a good way of making your secondhand boat more comfortable as well as a good option for replacing parts that are sometimes worn out by the weather. Once all your foam mattresses are ready, give them zipped protective covers made of waterproof fabric (this makes newly purchased items last longer).

Then choose sheets and fabrics in a soft and durable material (linen or cotton) that you can cut to the right size to cover the mattresses and benches. You can select either bright, neutral or pastel colours that match the colours you’ve used on the rest of the boat interior. Then opt for the bedlinen of your choice.You can make a cabin with dark wooden walls brighter using light-coloured bedlinen. On the other hand, if your walls are white, why not go for warm or dark coloured sheets to make the space more welcoming? Just like at home, you are advised to keep a spare set of bedlinen, so that you can rotate it while you wash the others.

Cushions are another decor option you should capitalise on! As backrests or to frame a bench, they are both useful and decorative. Again, you should give them waterproof, zipped covers. You can then choose a fabric in the colours and patterns of your choice and sew it to the right size. Extra tip: get two sets of covers, so that you can wash them regularly

For curtains, start with some porthole-sized cords, which you can attach with small open hooks for when you want to “”pull the curtains””. Depending on your preferences, you can then choose fabric of varying degrees of opaqueness, based on how much light you want to pass through, if any. As for colours and patterns, go wild! Be careful though not to overload the whole design scheme and to try and keep a sense of consistency with the rest of the decor you’ve chosen.

And why not a few frames!

The last little touch to decorate the interior of your boat and make it look like this: add a frame or two! Choose an illustration, a nice photo or why not a poster of a nautical event you attended. Choose a lightweight frame with Plexiglas glass and fix it securely to avoid a disaster during a turbulent navigation.

We hope you find these tips useful.

Feel free to leave a comment with your best ideas for a boat interior.

You might like these articles:

• Yacht Painting
• Yacht Refits
• Interior Refinishing & Varnish

(954) 327-3009

Yacht interior refit.

• November 3rd, 2015
• Yacht Refit

Aged 40, my boat is an old lady compared to most of the yachts mooring in the marinas. I really like the classic cruiser-like lines of my Fiskars King´s Cruiser 33 and from the first moment I saw her fell in love with SY OLIVIA (which can be read here ). Now that she is finally paid for and secured on dry land to be safe out of water during winter-season, I was spending the last two weeks with working out what to finally do with her. But where do I start?

Dreams coming true.

To be honest: Owning this boat is a child´s dream coming true. This ship is the materialized possibility of really acting out all the dreams I´ve had when I was a little boy. Even if it´s “only” the Baltic Sea where we will set sails in the end and not the far away destinations like the Caribbean or Cape Horn – it´s still the possibility of one day mooring in front of New Zealand, Tonga or Galapagos which is so energizing. Being outside, experience the forces of mother nature, the ocean, weather and we in the midst of it all. It´s everything right here, in my tiny boat.

But we will have to arrive first. I mean, we have to accept the 33 feet as our home . And here it gets complicated. We love OLIVIA, but, well, let´s put it this way: A lot of people have spent a lot of time in her during the last 40 years. The boat breathes “them” more than us. So, refurbishing and refitting the ship for me was a matter of course from the first moment on.

“I´ll refit the boat.”

That´s a sentence spoken out all too quick – but what does it mean in the end?

A lot of work: How to structure yourself.

Not having the money to pay professional people to do the work for you means, simply, to do it yourself. From my perspective that´s the perfect chance to snap two flies with one hit. First of all, doing all the work (well, most of it certainly) by myself would give me the chance to get to know my boat from keel to mast-top and from upside down. Reduce the ship to the bare hull and rebuild her would mean in the end that I´d know every single screw, every wire, every this and that. A factor of safety in as well.

The other chance was to look behind the nice cover. Taking away all the panels would make visible and accessable all of her tiniest corners and brackets. I had taken close looks onto every possible spot when I was still thinking of buying her (full article of how to buy a used yacht can be read here ) but I had certainly had no time to look at everything.

First decision therefore was to split my high flying plans in two: First year it´s just the interior I want to work on. Second year I will go for her outward appearance. Why´s that? Well, I´m travelling with wife and children. It´s my first priority to have them feeling comfy and at home onboard SY OLIVIA. I want them to recognize the boat as a part of their life: So, rebuilding the boat with an all new interior was not only necessary but logical as well.

After having cleared that this year it would be “only” the inside I was to work on, I started to empty the boat. From the bowsprit to the toe-end of the quarter berth I removed everything from OLIVIA, looked at every item and … most time threw it into the trash. 40 years of constant usage, there´s a lot of crap on board a ship I can tell you. Finished with taking away every hatch and flap and working for 16 work-hours in total I had some 6 big blue sacks of trash thrown away. But I had also found some “treasures”. Two original and still sealed throw-away grills dating from 1987, a Milka cholclate bar from 2003, some 15 big candles down in the keel, a 20-pieces-set of Nirosta screwdrivers and wrenches and some very useful spare-parts for my engine.

Plans´n´schedules

Well, I am a professional marketing-guy so making plans and schedules is a no-brainer for me. And it´s useful to structure my work, keep a close overview, inform my wife, track my financial spendings, working-hours and organize the time I have in total. I love Excel, because it´s an excellent way to visualize projects. Knowing that I´d had only weekends and my holidays for working on the boat, I could recount the total-time in working hours that I would be able to spend.

In average, I can do four working-hours a day. That means eight hours per weekend. Four weekends per month sum up to 32 working-hours. Having seven months until next sailing-season would mean a minimum of 224 working hours in total. Some two weeks of additional spare time and “holidays” add up to a total amount of working time of 280 working hours. Well, there will be days on which I will do certainly more work so that I define the total time available to 300 working-hours.

That´s a figure to start with. But will it be enough? So the first plan was the overall refurbishing plan, spanning from late September to late March, I sub-devided the total work into milestones.

Yacht interior refit – what does that mean?

Interior refit, that simply means to make an otherwise unfamiliar, alien surrounding feel as it was your home. So, removing all the old and used parts like wooden and leaether covers, taking off all cover panels and styling-elements was the first work to do. Easy said: Hard task. Unscrewing the wood took me three days alone. Most of the wooden stuff was in perfect shape so that a complete grinding down, colouring and varnishing will make them look brand-new with ease.

I discovered only one spot where a small – but constant – amount of waterdrops from the starboard chain-plate had done harm to the wood in a way that I will have to renew everything. Which is a good sign: The rest of the boat is dry and sealed.

Having taken off all the wooden stuff, next thing was the ceiling. Awful to look at, my pre-owner had previously been unsatisfied with the design as well, as he apparently varnished the whole ceiling. The work was done improperly and the finish was poor. The whole ceiling will go to the trash – I find it only useful as master plates for the new-made ceiling parts.

Last but not least, the leaether-coating with which all of the yacht´s interior is covered. It´s glued to the inner shell of the GRP-hull and can only be retrieved my machine. A tiring, loud work that makes my whole body aching as I´ll have to work over head, on my knees and in various other near-snakeman-like positions. Speaking of a sore body: The worst part is taking off the deck-plating, on which I´m currently working on.

Until now there are 62 working-hours already spent – having at least 20 more to go until I think the first of the overall eight milestones will be marked as “done”.

Starting with a white canvas.

Having an empty, clean boat means to have the white canvas an artist needs to paint his picture on. So do I need a bare boat to bring to live my ideas of the perfect interior design. First of all there is the pure, uncovered GRP-surface. As my boat was built back in 1975 this yellow-ish oldschool colour may have been at the fancy top-notch end of the yacht design, nowadays this paint reminds me of old ladies underpants. Not sexy. Grinding and priming these surfaces and varnishing it with a modern, clean yacht-white will be the first step to bring this Kings´s Cruiser to the 21 st century.

Having done that, it´s the leaether-coating I want to re-install. Having to choose between the ultra-clean (and brutal) white, a more pearl-like white and a grey we´ve decided to go for the pearl-white. That part will be tricky since removing the old coats meant to destroy them. There are no patterns available anymore so I´d have to painstakingly reconstruct all the very complex parts.

Going for the ceiling, I am working on a solution which will combine the original plywood-parts with my idea of having a “real” leaether-look commonly used in cars today. All the wooden stuff will be redone with new basic colouring and fine varnish and last but not least a completely new set of the 21 cushions needed to fulfill my dream of a new interior for OLIVIA.

Classic sailing boat vs. modern luxurious yacht?

And here the problems set in. From a DIY-standpoint I find there´s no real challenge in refitting the boat. I am familiar with basic mechanical skills as I can draw a lot of experience from building our family´s home during my teenage-years, it´s only the electrical stuff (I go for LED-lighting inside) I am really afraid of – and that´s together with new cushion – the only part of the game where I won´t be out on the field and pros will take over.

But the real hard question is a more prosaic one: How should the boat look like in the end? Reading all kinds of maritime stuff I do have a certain idea of how a yacht should look like. But in detail, there is so much possibility how to do it. Hundreds, if thousands of different options, are buzzing before my inner eyes. And make me crazy.

My ship is 40 years old. So, conclusion is near to refit her in “her” style: Go for wood, mahagony and teak, classic colours would be white, blue and … well, wood. Fullstop. Nothing needed more. Except for the accessories like brazen chrono and barometer. A classic ship like it has been beamed here right out of Melville´s “Moby Dick” or Verne´s “20.000 Leagues under the Ocean”.

Or do we go for modern? What an interesting concept this would be. Try to fit in modern styles, colours, patterns and concepts into a hull that is older than myself. Kind of perplexed we postpone these decisions once more to the future. Too big for hasty shots.

Colours, patterns & wood.

Roaming the Hanseboot yacht fair these days, we take a look into a lot of modern day yachts. Apart from the fact that they offer far, far more space (even a current 31 feet boat is a lot more spacious that our 33 feet classic cruiser) they do look different. More light at all, standing-height all over the place and lighter, friendlier colours that remind me of a designer kitchen more than of an oceangoing vessel characterize them. No dark areas, no darkened wood (which is a problem with OLIVIA since her wood is dark and you cannot brighten up wood) and mud-tones all over the place. White to pearlish coulours, violet and a lot of grey dominate nearly all of the interiors we´ve seen.

Having brought a variety of different styles of deck plating, it´s the grey/black pattern that was hitting our eyes first as “how interesting”. No wooden deck-plating but … grey? Combined with lightgreen and grey-blue? Or foggy-blue and beige? Hell, that´s no Maybach I´m configurating, it´s a sailing boat …

And then it´s the Hallberg-Rassy and an astonishingly beautiful Henningsen & Steckmest which brings me back to the picture of our King´s Cruiser as a classic sailing boat. No apple-green, lemongrass and other fancy tones, maybe it´s the century-old, classic look of white/blue-stripes, mahagony facing and the old pattern of deck-plating which will suit our old lady best?

Our choice: A classic design with modern elements.

We don´t have a definite decision yet, but I think we´ll go for a crossover of both. Combining a modern LED-lighting concept with colours and – especially for the most defining part of the interior, the cushion – the feel of the surface in the use of material, we try to update the ship to 2015. But there won´t be a TFT-screen in the saloon, neither a glass ceramic-cooking surface or a laptop-station.

Looking at the King´s Cruiser 33, her father Pelle Petterson has designed a design classic in itself. The boat doesn´t need another artist to be a fine boat. It already is one. So my primary task will be to preserve her beauty and to try to bring back this feeling of … wow. A mixture of Jules Verne and the romance of the Clipper-ship FLYING CLOUD but having a modern mobile home, comfortable and home to a modern day family.

A balancing act, truly. But one of the most challenging and satisfying tasks I could imagine right now.

A work in progress.

Having my overall plan is a good guide. But not of great help. So, on a day to day basis I do work with another Excel-sheet, the to-do list. Here I break down every milestone in smaller tasks and plan ahead day by day. In doing so, I can pre-think the tasks, note questions and try to collect knowledge, ask people who have the know-how and – an otherwise big danger – don´t forget the tiniest details.

So far the list comprises of 29 to-dos of which 7 are “done”. Some tasks will split into two or more, others will merge. Some tasks will turn out as being planned way too optimistic – such as the removal of surface-stuff, which takes 4 times the amount of work as imagined – some will turn out as consuming shorter amounts of precious working-time. Life is life.

It´s a fantastic voyage, a work-in-progress. A huge mountain of work but indeed, it´s a very satisfying one. I cannot wait to see everything coming into place step by step, how my ideas turn reality, how everything unfolds and sums up to a whole new unity, a new ship, hopefully meeting all the expectations of my family and myself. Gicing OLIVIA a new look, trying to preserve her rich history, her 40 years of expertise, adventures and cruises, carbing out her character as a Fiskars King´s Cruiser as well as a modern ship of 2015 is a huge task. But one that makes me smile everytime I think of it.

Well, at least until it comes to removing ground plating. I hate this point on my list …

But anyway, once done, maybe then we´ve decided for which colour-scheme out of four we should go. Time will tell – and you will read it here on NO-FRILLS-SAILING.com

What are your experiences with refitting your yacht? What was the most annoying, what´s the most satisfying part? I am looking forward to your comments.

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

Superyacht refit guide: How much does a refit cost?

Repainting a hull.

Want to know exactly how much a superyacht refit costs? Daan Balk, CEO of Balk Shipyard , and Fortunato Di Marco, sales manager of Lusben , explain what goes into four of the most common refit requests and how much they will cost a superyacht owner.*

Repainting a hull

A new paint job might seem straightforward enough, but owners are often surprised by how quickly costs can escalate. “Painting is 70 per cent preparation – fairing, sanding and treating corrosion – but it’s absolutely worth doing a proper job,” Balk says. “If you take care with all that, your paint will last much longer.”

And don’t forget that before any painting can happen, “you have to take off all the hardware, stainless-steel railings, hand grips, grids and doors, and the caulking will need to be cut away and window seals removed”, Balk says. “There are some cases of ‘scratch and shoot’ but in general there’s a lot of additional work that people don’t realise – plus the cost of having the boat in a shed with heating, lighting and extractors.”

*All costs are estimates, based on a 60-metre yacht in fairly good condition. Image courtesy of Billy Black.

Installing an LED Lighting System

Swapping harsh halogen lights for warmer, more subtle LEDs is a relatively simple way to update your yacht. Costs vary hugely depending on whether you’re copying your original lighting plan and placing lights in the same position – in which case “you could do that quite easily in a couple of weeks”, Balk says – or if you’re planning on redesigning your whole system, which owners often want to do. The age of the boat has a bearing on rewiring, Di Marco notes, and costs will change depending on whether you go for simple LEDs, RGB or RGB white systems.

LEDs are a wise investment, in Balk’s opinion, because they’ll save on electric power consumption too. “Normally a light produces 80 per cent heat and only 20 per cent light, but LEDs are completely different,” he says. Unlike some projects, owners have the choice of whether to keep changes to the lighting minimal, and therefore keep the costs down, or to run with a more extensive overhaul. Either way, it’s a savvy investment.

Image courtesy of Jeff Brown.

Replacing Superyacht Furniture

Swapping out built-in, dark, carved wooden furniture for free-standing items in lighter woods is one of the most popular refit trends today. “It’s something you can do on a reasonable budget to make a magnificent difference,” Balk says. Free-standing items are also easier to replace in the future, giving you more flexibility to refresh your boat on a regular basis. “The process can be complicated by the fact that some fixed furniture is used to cover cables, piping and fan coils,” Di Marco adds.

But, “it’s something that makes people feel they get value for money,” adds Balk. “You can come on board and think, wow, this is a totally different ship!”

Image courtesy of Mark Sims.

Installing a Spa Pool

When it comes to installing a hot tub , many owners are lured by a seemingly straightforward, off-the-shelf option. But, explains Balk, if you haven’t thought about access properly, “the whole thing will be torn apart so that we can position filters and pumps in different positions. The same hot tub can cost you twice as much”.

A detailed spec is crucial when looking into installation – what regulations your yacht has to comply with is a major factor, and “the availability of power in relation to how quickly water can be heated up is key too”, Di Marco says. What deck you choose to have your spa pool on is also important. “Most people like to have it on the highest deck, in the sun, but from a naval architecture point of view that’s the most difficult point because it’s directly related to the stability of the yacht,” Balk notes. He recommends building a tub that fits in with the power and water systems you already have on board – and don’t forget, even though space is at a premium, you’ll still need to get access to maintain it.

Sponsored listings

Ferretti Yachts and Riva to attend Moscow Boat Show 2013

• Inspiration

Related News

Popular news this week, popular news this month, latest news.

• Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >

Written by Zuzana Bednarova

To be represented by Premium Yachts, Ferretti Yachts and Riva , two prestigious brands of the Ferretti Group, will be present at the Moscow International Boat Show 2013, displaying motor yacht Ferretti 530 as well as Riva Iseo yacht tender.

Luxury motor yacht Ferretti 530

Luxury yacht Ferretti 530 was very keen to undertake in collaboration once again with AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology, Ferretti Group Engineering Division and Studio Zuccon International Project . The compact dimensions, 16 meters long and almost 5 meters wide, allow the 530 yacht to deliver grand Italian luxury and cruising immersed in such comfort until now unheard of in a yacht of this size.

Ferretti 530 yacht boasts three revolutionary innovations: the full beam master cabin with chaise longue and two large open view windows that make it a real suite at sea level bathed in light, tones and the natural essences of teak. Moving the galley from the center to the aft section creates a unique open space that includes the saloon, galley, cocktail bar and the dining area, the cockpit area continues thanks to the tilting window. The roll bar free sky lounge and the spoiler allow the 530 a sporty appearance combined with elegantly formal lines.

Ferretti 530 Yacht - Interior

Riva , the iconic Ferretti Group brand, presented a new model at the historical Lake d’Iseo shipyards in July 2011. Featuring elegance and ease of transportation as its distinctive characteristics, Iseo superyacht tender , a 27 foot runabout, is destined to become a must-have for those who love cruising on both lakes and the sea, and, most importantly, design enthusiasts. It is also perfect for anyone wishing to enhance their yacht with an exclusive tender that will never go unnoticed.

Riva Iseo superyacht tender

Due to its ease of manoeuvrability and size, Iseo yacht tender is also ideal as a tender for large yachts. Innovative and elegant, it can also guarantee comfort in bad weather conditions. Besides the electrohydraulic bimini top, it was also designed with a waterproof, automobile-style soft top which protects those on board against water and the wind during cruising.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Ferretti Yachts and Riva to attend Moscow Boat Show 2013".

• Charity & Fund Raising
• CharterWorld News
• Classic Yachts
• Coronavirus
• Cruise Ship
• Ecological Yachts
• Expedition Yachts
• Expert Broker Advice
• Feature Superyachts
• Interior Design
• Legal & VAT Yacht Issues
• Luxury Catamarans
• Luxury Gulet
• Luxury Phinisi
• Luxury Trimarans
• Luxury Yacht Design
• Luxury Yachts
• Marinas & Harbours
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Electronics
• Marine Equipment
• Mega Yachts
• Modern Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• New Launch Yachts
• New To Charter
• Open Style Sports Yachts
• Private Jets
• Sailing Yachts
• Social Media
• Sports Yachts
• Superyacht Crew
• Superyacht Photographers
• Superyacht Products & Supplies
• Superyacht Refits
• Superyacht Reviews
• Superyachts
• Uncategorized
• Yacht Builders
• Yacht Charter
• Yacht Charter Destinations
• Yacht Charter Picks
• Yacht Charter Specials
• Yacht Delivered to Owner
• Yacht Designers
• Yacht Events & Boat Shows
• Yacht Fashion
• Yacht Industry News
• Yacht Photos
• Yacht Racing
• Yacht Racing & Regattas
• Yacht Safety Equipment
• Yacht Support Vessels
• Yacht Tenders
• Yacht Videos
• Yachting Associations
• Yachting Awards
• Yachting Business
• Yachts For Charter
• Yachts For Sale

Quick Enquiry

Superyacht news:.

Email Your Yachting News to: news @ charterworld.com

Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti Group announces its presence at Moscow Boat Show 2013

Ferretti Group attending Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show 2014

Ferretti Group Days 2013 to be marked by premiere of Ferretti 960 Yacht

Ferretti Group to deliver first Ferretti 960 superyacht and Riva 86 Domino yacht to Hong Kong by mid-December

10 sensational superyachts with spectacular swimming pools

Superyacht KAŞIF on route to the 2024 Cannes and Monaco Yacht Shows

45m custom superyacht SAN will debut at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show

Leapher Yachts unveils 49m luxury explorer yacht NAVIX50

Inaugural CROYA Charter Show announced for 4th to 6th October 2024 in Split, Croatia

31m luxury yacht CARPE DIEM available for charter in the Bahamas

OCEA delivers 33m motor yacht ARAOK II to her new owner

39m sailing yacht LINNEA AURORA launched by SES Yachts

A luxury charter yacht is the perfect way to encounter New England’s fall foliage display

Charter yachts offering citizen science opportunities around the world

55m superyacht YN20555 is launched by Heesen Yachts and named superyacht SERENA

Late summer special offer on board 72m superyacht ARBEMA in the Western Mediterranean