Six years ago, we bought an abandoned 78-foot aluminum luxury yacht that hadn’t moved in years. She was moldy, leaking, stuck to the seafloor, and completely covered by a tarp in Southeast Alaska. At the time, we thought we were buying a project.
In this video, we’re looking back at that decision with six years of hindsight. What we thought we were getting into, what the reality actually looked like once we moved aboard, and how that “project” slowly turned into our dream retirement.
This is part one of a two-part update. In this episode, we revisit the early days, the expectations versus reality, and the turning points that shaped everything that came after. In part two, we’ll answer the question everyone asks us — was buying an abandoned yacht like this actually worth it?
If you’re considering an older boat, a big project, or a major lifestyle change, this is the honest side of the story.
⚓ Join the Crew Onboard Tangaroa
If you want the full story — not just the YouTube edit — joining our Online Crew is the best way to support what we do and be part of what’s coming next.
You can join our crew three ways:
🔹 Through our website at www.onboardtangaroa.com
(Fourthwall)
🔹 On Patreon
🔹 Or right here on YouTube by clicking Join
Our website and Patreon offer the most perks, but all crew members get closer access to the journey.
Crew perks include:
🎥 Early and ad-free access to videos
🧭 Weekly Wheelhouse Weekly real-time updates
📓 Our monthly Captain’s Log newsletter
🧢 Crew-only merch discounts
💬 A private crew Discord where we’re active and present
🚨 First access to big announcements and major projects
Your support directly helps us document a full hybrid-electric conversion and long-range cruising aboard our 1969 aluminum yacht, Tangaroa.
🌍 Stay Connected Beyond YouTube
📰 Join our free monthly newsletter on our website for updates, stories, and project news you won’t always see on YouTube.
📍 We also share live tracking so you can see where Tangaroa is in real time.
Visit: www.onboardtangaroa.com
🔧 Trusted Gear & Partners
We only work with companies we genuinely use and trust onboard Tangaroa.
🧭 TIMEZERO Navigation – Our primary navigation system
➡️ Get 10% off with code TANGAROA
🧥 Helly Hansen – Gear we rely on in real conditions
👀 BoatEye360 – Extra eyes and safety around the boat
If we promote it, it’s because we believe in it.
🎬 Also check out our other channel:
Exploring the World Onboard Tangaroa
📧 Questions or business inquiries:
crew@onboardtangaroa.com
🤣 Do you know what BOAT stands for?
Bring On Another Thousand.
(It’s funny because it’s true.)
