Couple Found a 78-Foot Superyacht Abandoned and Rotting in Alaska and Bought It to Become Their Family Home

In the quiet coastal town of Wrangell, Alaska, a massive yacht sat hidden beneath a weathered tarp, forgotten by time and tethered to the seafloor. To most, it was a relic of decay—a far cry from its former glory. But for Blaine and Janis, a couple with a deep love for the sea, it was the spark of a new adventure.

What began as an ordinary search for a family boat soon led to an extraordinary challenge, one that would test their creativity, resilience, and sheer determination. This wasn’t just about restoring a yacht—it was about reviving a dream, turning a crumbling vessel into a vibrant home, and proving what’s possible when you take a leap of faith.

The story of how they breathed life back into this neglected marvel is filled with twists, challenges, and triumphs that inspire. But what exactly did they uncover beneath the peeling paint and rotting decks? And how did they transform this abandoned wreck into a floating masterpiece?

The Discovery: A Forgotten Giant Beneath the Tarp

In the quaint town of Wrangell, Alaska, Blaine and Janis stumbled upon a hidden treasure—a 78-foot superyacht, concealed under a weathered tarp and firmly stuck to the seafloor. The vessel, built in 1969, had been abandoned and left to rot, presenting a daunting sight with its peeling paint, rotting decks, and damp, dull interior.

The couple, who had spent over a year searching for a boat to call home, were initially taken aback by the yacht’s dilapidated condition. Despite the extensive disrepair, they saw potential where others saw decay. Their love for the sea and experience with yachts fueled their determination to take on the challenge. As Janis reflected, they had “spent over a year searching for something they could call home.”

After thorough inspection and contemplation, Blaine and Janis decided to purchase the vessel, making an offer of CA$200,000 (approximately US$141,000). They knew the journey ahead would be arduous, but their shared passion and vision for transforming the forgotten giant into a family haven propelled them forward.

Breathing Life into a Superyacht

Transforming a neglected 78-foot vessel into a livable family home was no small feat. Blaine and Janis took on the massive challenge of restoring their 1969 aluminum trawler, meticulously documenting every step on their YouTube channel, Onboard Tangaroa – The Neverending Sea Trial. The yacht’s initial state was dire—peeling paint, rotting decks, and an interior plagued by dampness. But the couple’s determination to revive the superyacht outweighed its flaws.

Their efforts began with critical structural and mechanical upgrades. They replaced the aging Detroit Diesel engines with newer Cummins models and revamped the fuel system to modern standards. The couple also prioritized sustainability, installing lithium batteries and solar panels to make the yacht more energy-efficient. As their channel description proudly states, they were “completely refitting [the] 1969 aluminum trawler…all by ourselves.”

The interior presented its own challenges. Years of neglect had left it moldy and uninhabitable, requiring the couple to strip it down and rebuild it piece by piece. From repairing water damage to redesigning the living spaces, each task was a painstaking labor of love. In one of their videos, Janis shared the emotional toll of the project: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but seeing how far we’ve come keeps us going.”

This restoration was as much a test of their technical skills as it was of their perseverance. Blaine and Janis worked tirelessly to breathe life back into the yacht, transforming it from a forgotten relic into a modern, functional home that reflected their love for life on the water.

Challenges of the Restoration

Embarking on the restoration of a 1969 aluminum trawler is no small feat, and Blaine and Janis encountered numerous challenges that tested their resolve and ingenuity. From structural issues to unforeseen complications, the journey was fraught with obstacles that required both technical skill and unwavering determination.

Structural Deterioration

The yacht’s prolonged exposure to harsh Alaskan elements had led to significant structural deterioration. Peeling paint and rotting decks were just the surface issues; beneath lay corroded aluminum that compromised the vessel’s integrity. Addressing these problems demanded meticulous attention and labor-intensive work. The couple discovered that water had seeped beneath the yacht’s paint, leading to aluminum decay. Faced with the choice of spending $125,000 on a professional paint job or undertaking the labor-intensive task themselves, they opted for the latter. This decision involved chiseling off the compromised paint, followed by a grueling 10-day sandblasting process to strip the hull down to its bare aluminum. Subsequent days were spent meticulously buffing the surface with sandpaper to remove corrosion and achieve a smooth finish.

Financial Constraints

Operating within a budget added another layer of complexity. The initial purchase of the yacht for CA$200,000 (approximately US$141,000) was just the beginning. Allocating funds for necessary repairs, upgrades, and unforeseen expenses required careful financial planning and, at times, difficult decisions about where to invest their resources.

Technical Hurdles

The restoration process involved complex technical challenges, including:

• Engine Replacement: Swapping out the outdated Detroit Diesel engines for new Cummins models required precise engineering and adaptation to the yacht’s existing framework.
• Fuel System Installation: Designing and implementing a custom fuel system to meet modern standards and ensure safety.
• Electrical Overhaul: Setting up lithium batteries and solar panels to provide sustainable energy solutions, necessitating a comprehensive reworking of the yacht’s electrical systems.\

Emotional and Physical Toll

Beyond the tangible challenges, the restoration took a significant emotional and physical toll. Long hours of labor, coupled with the stress of managing such an extensive project, tested their endurance and commitment. Maintaining morale and motivation became as crucial as the physical repairs themselves.

The Unveiling: A Floating Family Home

Image Credits: Youtube @OnboardTangaroa

After months of relentless labor and unwavering dedication, Blaine and Janis transformed the once-abandoned 78-foot superyacht into a comfortable family home. Their meticulous restoration breathed new life into the vessel, seamlessly blending modern amenities with the yacht’s classic charm.

The couple’s hands-on approach was evident in every aspect of the restoration. From chiseling off compromised paint to installing new engines, their commitment to quality and craftsmanship shone through. Their YouTube channel, Onboard Tangaroa – The Neverending Sea Trial, documents this journey, offering viewers an intimate look into the challenges and triumphs they faced.

The refurbished yacht now boasts a range of features designed for comfortable living and sustainable voyaging:

• Modern Living Quarters: The interior has been revamped to include cozy sleeping areas, a functional kitchen, and inviting communal spaces, making it a true home on the water.
• Sustainable Energy Solutions: Equipped with lithium batteries and solar panels, the yacht reflects Blaine and Janis’s commitment to eco-friendly living.
• Advanced Navigation and Safety Systems: Upgraded technology ensures safe and efficient travels as the family embarks on new adventures.

The couple’s journey has resonated with a wide audience, inspiring many to pursue their own dreams of restoration and adventure. Their transparency in sharing both the challenges and rewards of their project has fostered a supportive community of followers and fellow enthusiasts.

As Blaine and Janis prepare to set sail, their floating family home stands as a testament to their vision, hard work, and the boundless possibilities that come with embracing a challenge.

Lessons from the Deck: Inspiration for Dreamers

Blaine and Janis’s ambitious restoration of a derelict superyacht offers valuable insights for those contemplating their own large-scale DIY endeavors. Their journey underscores several key lessons:

1. Embrace Challenges to Foster Growth

Taking on demanding projects can significantly enhance personal skills and resilience. Engaging in complex DIY activities has been shown to boost problem-solving abilities and creativity. A study published in Occupational Therapy International found that participants involved in creative projects experienced improved mood and a sense of accomplishment.

2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Approaching obstacles as opportunities for learning is crucial. Blaine and Janis’s willingness to tackle unfamiliar tasks, such as installing new engines and custom fuel systems, exemplifies the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Their hands-on approach not only revitalized the superyacht but also transformed it into a testament to their resilience and ingenuity.

3. Build a Supportive Community

Sharing experiences can inspire and guide others. By documenting their restoration process on their YouTube channel, Onboard Tangaroa – The Neverending Sea Trial, Blaine and Janis have fostered a community of enthusiasts who learn from and support their journey. Their transparency in sharing both the challenges and rewards of their project has fostered a supportive community of followers and fellow enthusiasts.

4. Prioritize Sustainability

Incorporating eco-friendly solutions, such as installing solar panels and lithium batteries, reflects a commitment to sustainable living. This approach not only benefits the environment but also promotes self-sufficiency. Their dedication to sustainable energy solutions is evident in their efforts to equip the yacht with modern, eco-friendly technologies.

5. Experience the Therapeutic Benefits of DIY Projects

Engaging in hands-on projects can have positive effects on mental health. A recent study published in Frontiers of Public Health reveals that participating in arts and crafts activities is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and a sense of purpose.

Sailing into the Future

Blaine and Janis’s journey of transforming a derelict superyacht into a floating family home is more than a tale of restoration—it’s a story of perseverance, passion, and the power of shared dreams. From peeling paint to a polished masterpiece, their dedication brought a forgotten relic back to life and made it a vessel of new possibilities.

The couple’s vision transcends the boundaries of a single project. Their labor of love has inspired countless others to pursue ambitious goals, demonstrating that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with resilience and teamwork. As Blaine and Janis prepare to set sail, their yacht is not just a home but a testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to adventure.

For dreamers and doers alike, their story is a call to action: seize opportunities, embrace challenges, and transform the impossible into reality. Whether it’s a crumbling vessel or a long-held ambition, the journey to fulfillment begins with the courage to start.

Featured Image via @OnboardTangaroa on YouTube