I Bought A Neglected 70 Foot Luxury Yacht 

I’m a retired US Coast Guard Machinery Technician Chief and initially thought that you might be mental, but the deeper I got into this video, it looks like you’ve got this. Deep respect man best of luck.

I wish it wasn't so dangerous to exchange contact info on the web. Ive been doing what you're doing since the 1980s. Here is an important thing to check while you are hauled out / dry docked. I love aluminum yachts, as long as they are taken care of properly. Most Chris Craft Roamers, Browards, etc aluminum yachts , have a system on the hull called Capack Systems. They monitor any voltage coursing thru the hull, and introduce the reverse polarity of that voltage preventing electrolysis on the aluminum hull. Make sure all the bonding straps are in good shape with clean connections. That hull will last forever if taken care of properly. Take care. Safe travels. Semper Paratus

Notice to all would be sailors : See how slow the captain steers his boat during the whole procedure of entering the harbor. This is the only way to go. Doesn't leave any wake. The most important is that he can always correct his course and maneuver. The mooring is perfect too : even if he had touch the pole he wouldn't moved it. Good work. Im not a fan of motor boat, but this guys deserves all the cheers. He learned on a small boat then went step by step on a higher level. And he has the ability to fix it. Hope you will make this boat live again and fulfill all you dreams of livind on the water.

Known Gus for a number of years, long before his yachting ventures. Nothing short of a gentleman, a genius and one of the kindest souls I've had the pleasure of knowing. Very happy to see the fruits of your labor and your well deserved success Gus.

Mate. You're a bloody legend. My dear wife and I have been enjoying your videos since day one. She would talk as if you were her own son. Sadly I lost her this year and watching your exploits has helped me immensely. Keep up the great work and good luck with this fabulous new project. It makes our 30ft cruiser seem very small.

As a 70 year old who’s spent a lot of time in marine engine rooms and now need hearing aids…..wear ear protection when in the ER with those DDs running.

I've been watching an englishman rebuild a 100 year old, 50' foot racing yacht (Tally Ho) for the past 5 years and he has finally got her in great shape again. Guess I'll hang out here for a while for a little vicarious adventure. Beautiful boat BTW

I am a retired double "E" - Disel Electric Locomotive Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer. Thanks for the show. If you were a stock, I'd buy it. Keep your attitude and love for life. You will go far. Take care.

I'm 900 years old and usually spend my time training Jedi, but I like these videos.

I'm 67. I'm living vicariously through you. I think you are simply an amazing human being and I am so much better off having accidentally found your channel. Set up a give/send/go.... I'll front you a few bucks!

You got yourself a good friend for life. Not a guy that shows up to enjoy the labors of your work, but coming out and joining in the dirty work with you. It's good to see.

1. Diagnoses all manners of diagnostic, mechanical, electrical, and physical problems on $million dollar yacht. 2. Fixes all of it himself - with genius level knowledge! 3. USES DRY ERASER ON OWN FACE - BECAUSE THOUGHT "HE WOULD GET CLEANER" - PEELING LAYERS OF SKIN OFF! (You sir have earned my Subscription AND Like!)

There are two groups of people that I find to be genuinely friendly and helpful - Full-time boaters and full-time campers. The nomadic lifestyle just causes people to be a little kinder.

Gus, I noticed you are using Delo 400 oil, I am a Detroit owner and have done much research regarding oil usage. You should be using Delo 100 for Detroit’s which is specifically designed for Detroit 2 Stroke engines. I think if you do your own research you will find the same information.

It has been written that youth is wasted on the young, but I'd say you're making optimal use of your youthful energy and enthusiasm. As someone from a tiny landlocked country who realises that 75% of Earth is covered in ocean I'm amazed at your courage in undertaking this project. Thanks for doing what you're doing. I've done similar things as you, only with land-based things like apartment buildings.

I’m a newly employed bridge tender in New Bedford Harbor in Massachusetts and have taken an interest in everything boating as of late…I just turned 40 and i must say-a 26yr old Captain/ Owner of a 70’ vessel is 1 of the most impressive things I’ve seen yet. Best of luck to you on what’s sure to be a journey of a lifetime and I think I found my new favorite YT channel. Go get’em Gus.

Hi Gus, I’m a 68yr old former welder from the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 UK 🇬🇧. I used to sail my 18’ Hardy Navigator in and around our local waters. I have nothing but the utmost respect for your courage in giving up your successful Motor Shop business to take such a blind leap of faith and take the journey into boating that you have. I love watching your adventures, your practical engineering skills and the fun you have. I wish you safe travels. Rich

That's sooo cool...you got a Broward. I had a 81 foot 1958 wooden Broward. I spent two years in a San Francisco Bay boatyard restoring her. 23 new frames and I replanked 52 foot of hull from dry rot. We had 2 kids and lived aboard for 7 more years. In 2011 I down sized to a 69 footer...So I sold her to a friend of mine and he has finished the restoration and the boat is so amazing. I had Payed many captains to pilot her until one day the guy was a no show so I single handed her to the boatyard and I had the time of my life. I wasn't nervous like when I hired someone else so after that I was always at the helm having a blast. She has pair of big Cummins 6 cylinder turbos and a 30kw generator with 42 inch props. She was a dinner cruise boat at San Franciscos famous "Pier 39" for decades. Her name was the "Pacific Spirit" now she is called "No Regrets" she was originally purchased in Florida by a woman that needed a charter yacht for corporate charter so her and her kids motored it through the Panama Canal to San Francisco in the 1980s. It helped evacuate stranded people off of Treasure Island after the big 1989 earthquake. I met many people while in the boatyard that had been on her as a booze cruise/dinner/wedding yacht. She was coastguard certified for 80 passengers. After retirement she fell into disrepair and was sold in a lien sale to a non profit then I bought her off them on eBay for $7300. I would tell people I don't own a 81 foot wooden yacht it owns me.

I feel the old girl is pleased that you have chosen her, looking forward to the work to be done.

Good on YOU. I watched this as a shade tree mechanic and a day boat owner. When i saw all those older systems, I thought, "Man, I'm glad that is him and not me that has to maintain all those systems, diagnose them and fix them when they break."

Hire Pat as a full time camera man-hes got better angles and stability than any other videos-hes a savant. Pat's THE MAN!

What a funny young guy, first time viewing this channel. Positivity & brains plus a little hard work, he would make it anywhere in the world with those attributes. Anyone complaining about young Americans should watch this video cause it’s not what I am seeing.

At one time i had never driven anything bigger than 25ft. Then one day I was assigned the task to bring a 62ft wooden stephens to dry dock and back. It was a bit nerve wrecking, but in the end I docked it all by myself without any assistance. Didn't even touch the dock and I had to jump off the boat while it sat untied to tie it off myself. I was quite proud since I never driven anything so big before.

20 years ago I picked up a long range cruiser that was perfect for the waters of the pacific northwest. This one had been damaged in one of the big lakes down in Nevada, then baked in the desert for 20 years, then brought back up to Tacoma, WA and left with the drain plugs in it where it filled with water and was rotting out from the inside. The hull was fiberglass and I ended up carefully tearing it apart down to the hull, then using the parts as templates and remade it with teak plywood and Mohogany. Took 5 years, but was a great learning experience. There is an old saying about boats - "A boat is a hole in the water that you fill with money." That is absolutely true! If you use the boat nearly constantly, the cost/benefit will probably be high. If you rebuild it, then leave it on the trailer or "on the hard", it will deteriorate, causing you constant maintenance for no benefit... Literally dedicate your near future to enjoying the boat, orient most of your recreation time to the boat life, then when you are done with it, don't get sentimental, but sell it immediately. IF you don't, it will deteriorate and will require a huge amount of work to get it in any form good enough to sell, or will need to be sold at a serious financial loss... Yes, I'm speaking from experience...

Watching Gus buying a frickin' ship and just running around giggling at all the things that needs fixing is just too good, love it! I'm sure I wasn't the only one watching the entire one and a half hour with a constant smile.

AWESOME! I worked as transport crew on a 92' 112' Broward named Independence 2. unbelievable how similar the layout is. every year we would transport from fort Lauderdale to Old saybrook Connecticut, then back after hurricane season. I think she has been sold off and renamed since. we towed a 40 ft center console Ocean Master as tender. the Detroit's never left us hanging ever, I believe she had John Deere generators. could be wrong. every year aluminum bubbling required paint repair, but that was always farmed out. she eventually got a complete repaint. I've been in some pretty nasty seas in her, nothing like that hull shuddering when touching back down.. I don't think I would have felt any safer in anything but a Broward. I'm impressed man! congratulations !

I can't belive you just hopped in and docked it that smoothly. You're amazing.

Crazy I spent 7 years in Special ops. Got out at 42 years old with 3 back surgeries thought getting married was the next step. Boy was that a shit show. So now 52 and the last 5 years I've spent looking online at boats dreaming of buying one and living on it parked off of some beautiful white sandy beach island in the middle of nowhere. Mentawais. Wherever. Crazy. Good for you. I'll see you soon. RLTW 3/75

I am a 63 year old retired Marine Engineer, I am an Australian, and I have worked and skippered on everything known to man, including sailboats. I found your channel by chance. What you are doing makes me wish RU-vid was around when I was your age, because I have some incredible stories to tell. You remind me of an old friend of mine, a German guy who knew a lot about boats and I would bring him with me on my delivery’s all over the world. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next, keep up the enthusiasm, its what makes your channel , in my eyes

Wow…9am not a boater and I’m have no technical or mechanical background. I’m a newly retired psychologist and I just spent an hour and 1/2 watching your video. Amazing. I was struck by your 1. Contagious Joy , 2. Attention to detail and 3. Your attitude. You reminded of a quote , “ work is love made visible” .what I saw in your video was love. Thank you. GRG, your new subscriber !

Gusta! You were given a gift for engine's, and you can fix anything once you put your mind to it! Congratulations on your new Project, and yes Mikea, is a true blue friend! He's always been there for you when you need him. And yes! Your name fits you Perfectly! IN TOO DEEP! HA HA HA ! BUT YOU GOT THIS!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😅😅😅😅😅😂😂😂🎉🎉

Dude! You got it goin on! I'm turning 60 next month. I live in an RV and will travel! I will work for you for CHEEP. I'm an X-Coasty that loved "bright work" and wood. I'd be a GREAT "go-for" guy. AND I NEED A FRISKY MERMAID too. So if you love great stories, I would be proud to be your OLDER FIRST MATE! 😅... I had a 43' houseboat 100 years ago. I want my youth back!😊

The whole first part of this video was like "But wait there's more" ... Such an awesome boat... There is no better person to bring it fully back to life than you!

You docked that thing like a CHAMP BRO! I was on the edge of my seat!

I love boating and it is expensive. In sure a yatch is even more expensive. Simply the gas and fluids alone will run your pockets. Thanks for filming it all. Had a great time watching.

This was one of the best RU-vid videos I’ve ever seen. I’ve rented small boats plenty of times and use to live on a carrier back in my navy days. Never been on a yacht but was super entertained and interested the whole video. Well done!

Josh is about to become family LOL... Kudos to Josh for giving our man, Gus, a hand. It means the world to have that extra set of hands!

At 24 years old i look up to people like gus because he has a dream and makes it happen and a lot faster than most ever could, you've givin me new goals in my life and a new mentality while working. Hope to run into you one day and have the same knowledge on boats, i now plan to buy a boat in a couple years to live on and share with my dad 😊

Although the only boat I’ve owned was a 34’ sailboat from 1979 which I bought more or less unseen I can relate to the feeling of in to deep. I also love the feeling of discover problems and sort shit out as you go. I owned it for 4 years and I learned a ton of new stuff that I didn’t know before. I spent a lot of hours on it and some cash but I actually turned it around for a profit and it was in 50% better shape when I sold it. This shit is fun!

Man, I'll bet the former owner is sooo happy!

As a senior, I'm glad to see young people living a purposeful life! These memories will last you a life time and the strong bond of forming male relationships are critical for men.

Gus you may well be a lunatic but you’re my kind of lunatic love this new boat and look forward to how in too deep you get. 🇨🇦👍

Crazy, I did something similar. Started with a 32' Carver Aft Cabin I got for $1,000 and fixed up for about $12,000 (over a year). Sold it for $19,000 and immediately bought a 48' 1930s commuter yacht. Fixed that for about $15,000 while sailing her. Probably my favorite boat ever. Sold that, went into a 40' 1980s sail cat. Then a 42' trawler. Then for some reason into a 68' 1950s Chriscraft motor yacht. Been ashore for a few years now and building my own home. But I'll never stop dreaming of the sea, and the closer I get to retirement the more I think about living it out on anchor. I've heard many old sailors say the same thing- once the salt is in your blood, it will never go away.

As a former surface warfare officer, I would feel so much better if you wore hearing protection when you went into the engine room while the engines/generators were running. Hearing loss is no joke.

The guest who joined you did a great job calling out distances and pertinent info. Nice job getting her in and out of the slip!

This kid is like energizer bunny. And that’s a compliment.

I am a retired heavy jet A&P mechanic who loves boats. This is a cool video. I am adding it up as a project and can work on anything. Maybe I'll do a boat restoration. New subscriber. Oh and maybe you could take it to some Asian port where the whole project can be done on budget.

Holy Sh*t you docked that Beast like it was nothing!! Absolutely incredible! You are Amazing Gus, so intelligent and fun, you can make pressure washing interesting! 😂. Keep up the great work and thank you for bringing us aboard in all your travels.

My daughter lives in Port Charlotte Florida! How cool! I stayed with from July 2023, until June 2024. I love Florida, and will return. Spending the summer with my oldest daughter in Illinois, where I was born and raised until 2018. Many happy safe adventures to you!

Oh yeah. You did it. I'm the guy who met you in Hamilton Marine store. My boat is Legacy right next to the fuel sign at Sunset Marina. I'd say stop by whwn you have a spare minute but i dont think you will until 2026! 😂

bro your gonna make it. You energy is off the charts

I was a boat captain once, and we had LCM with Detroit Marine Diesels and they never gave me a problem. Engines always light up. Make sure they warm up before placing a load on them. Again never an issue, with proper maintenance.

Gus, You have impressed me to no end. I'm 77, do all my own work on my '67 Vette for the last 50 years by learning as I go, just like you. You did so well on your last two boats, you'll do the same on this one. Although it is quite a handful, I think you get a live aboard member to help.

That boat has so much character in it, and by watching your videos, I know you are going to add even more to it. Good to see you giving more life to older boats. Love watching your videos.

It is so cool to see a young guy taking an interest in these older motor yachts. Always wondered what might become of them otherwise? Love old Detroit Diesels. If the Normandy invasion had an official engine it would be Detroit Diesel.

Totally amazed at how you just move so easily from a 50 ft to 70 ft. Looks like that craft is the about the best condition you could expect for 50+ years. Can’t get over the interior condition.

I know you read this in here often, maybe it even gets old but I'm 52 years old and live vicariously through your videos (love these long ones BTW). You are such an inspirational and smart young man and your parents must be so proud. As the late Casey Kasem used to say "keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars". I also hope you still talk to Cam ands he's doing alright. Never stop chasing those sunsets.

I think you kid when you say "in too deep". Your well researched and motivated. I was going to mention a few things about the Detroit two stroke engines and to not use modern day engine oil because of the additives, but you already knew to use straight 40 weight. They are bulletproof and easy and inexpensive to rebuild and work on. And you eased it in and out of that slip like a knife through warm butter. This will be a fun watch. Congrats.

Gus, I have been living aboard a boat for 8 1/2 years, been boating since I was 6 years old, and that includes a tour of duty in the US Navy. Suffice to say I have been around boats a lot! For that having been your first time parking that boat doing it in the wind, that was nothing short of amazing, that was some mighty fine boat driving. I have seen people who have owned boats 30 years not able to do what you did there. Good on ya man! You're a smooth operator!

It may have issues, but it having another chance, and to live a longer life to be used for the purpose it was meant to be used for, that's amazing! Beautiful!

"At least I can say I did it." Love your positive attitude. Bravo!

Gus, Allow me to Thank You "Sincerely", for allowing an old Maritime Salt like myself, to relive the adventures of my youth, working aboard different vessels throughout the Gulf Of Alaska, the North Pacific, and the Bearing Sea, in the capacity as an onboard Chef/Steward, and deckhand, doing the one thing I love most of all, which is traversing the open ocean, putting as many miles as possible on my resume, and across my very soul! You're an inspiration to me, and thousands just like me, and I "for one", feel a tremendous amount of pride, just being able to follow along in your adventures! Kudos Young Man, May You Find Calm Seas, Fair Weather, And Blessings Wherever You May Roam! God Speed Gus

I am 45 and it has been a dream of mine to own a boat and tour a large portion of the earth. Hopefully, some day. What an amazing boat. Nice size and comfortable!

Beautiful driving backing that girl in. Damn man, that is impressive.

Gus, Thank you for sharing your experiences and allowing us to come along. CHEERS!!!

Gus, I am so impressed with your knowledge, skills and positivity. Good people surround themselves with good people. I stumbled on your Bella build and have been hooked ever since. Keep up the amazing videos.

I’m hoping someday soon to be as excited about something as Gus is about his boat

I follow a lot of people living their life on boat with all that comes with it, but I have to say this… today I’m glad the algorithm gave my this video. I was at work but this was the best 1,5 hour video I have seen in a long time. I’m a part time sailor myself and this was just what I needed on my first day back at work (it’s a slow day here). Gus, you’re awesome, I like your spirit and please please please continue to let us in on all of the work you will face with this beauty 🎉

Congratulations to you Brother and your skills are 200 years ahead of your time.

Gus, your spirit, drive and wonder are boundless and infectious. Here’s hoping your endeavors never truly get you “in TOO deep” as we would really miss witnessing more of your adventures!

You showed up on my feed and I know absolutely 0 about boats or you and yet IDK why I’m so happy for you and living your best life! Congratulations sir and safe and healthy travels 🎉

I’m a boat transport and I love watching boats dream come true I just haul the dreams sea to sea from scenic scene to Denice scene. The challenges are the adventures keep it up

CONGRATS Gus!!! Been watching your videos and really enjoying watching your progress and enthusiasm. I did the exact same stuff when I was your age! Started with a 1959 Chris Craft 35ft Constellation wooden boat with gas engines right out of school because I had a yacht desire but a dinghy budget, so I bought a wooden "yacht" with my dinghy budget, and started fixing boats up and selling at a profit ofer 20+ years to work my way up to my dream boat whish we are still cruising on. My first "real" boat was a 1969 36ft Hatteras, then a 1967 41ft Hatteras, then a Hatteras 58ft Yachtfish (same as your 53 but the cockpit version) that I fully restored. I got married on the flybridge of an old Broward in the Bahamas that belonged to a family member in the 1990's! I was never brave enough to buy an aluminum boat, too scared of maintaining the corrosion and paint blisters that show up every few years no matter how good your paint prep is, so I sincerely wish you the very best of luck with that. ALL my previous Hatteras had Detroit Diesels! They will run and get you home with 27 different things wrong with them as long as they stay running cool, have oil in them and have a good supply of semi-clean fuel. A couple of points about Detroits: a good compression test is if they smoke on cold startup. If they don't blue smoke on cold start, compression is good!! A little white smoke is okay until they warm up. Black smoke not under heavy load can be a stuck injector. Detroits pull WAY more fuel than they burn so if they pull 4 gallons, they will burn 1 and return 3 gallons so remember that when moving your tank supply and return valves. This means you can use the engines as a transfer pump easily as well! Arguably the most important thing I have learned from buying old boats that have been sitting is PLEASE IMMEDIATELY change the raw water impellers and both primary AND secondary fuel filters on BOTH engines and BOTH generators before you take a trip! If you have time, it is best to have all the heat exchangers cleaned and tested as well. I have bought and sold many old boats that have been sitting and impellers and all fuel filters are an ABSOLUTE MUST! Buy a case of Racor 1000 series for the mains and a case of (probably) Racor 500's for the gens. Hopefully you won't need them, but this is a must to take a trip. Diesel engine issues almost always are fuel starvation or overheating, so this bit of preventative maintenance can save you! Also, the 92 series Detroits are not nearly as tolerant of running hot like 71 series or 53 series, so be careful if your temps get above the 180-185 mark. 195 is big trouble for 92 series so keep your handy temp gun (you DO have one, right??) at the ready and use it to shoot the coolant tank and pipes, oil filters, shaft logs, gear cases, etc. during every engine room check while underway. Sorry for the long post and as a mechanic you probably know most if not all of this but this is just my $.02! GO GUS GO!!!

I'm 60 and with Brian -67 and the 68 yo Aussie. Absolutely love your determination. Set up a fund, I'll help and others will too. Super excited to eatch this massive adventure.

I've never watched your channel before but man, I'm so impressed by you and your drive. Reallllllly rooting for you. Most kids your age don't have this drive or willingness to learn and educate themselves. Keep at it.

Just came across your channel, this is epic! Can’t wait for the next episode!

Good job!!! Follow your dreams. 20 years ago I did the same thing, 48' Pacemaker Sportfisher a complete wreck. After 2 years of working every weekend I finally made her seaworthy. I wish I was younger because I would step up to a 70 footer just like you. Good luck and never give up!!!

Man what a boat. It needs someone like you thats brave enough to bring her back to life. Cant wait to see the haul out.

You can see the boat is really starting to come together now. Maybe you don’t see it because you’re there in the thick of it but I think you’ll have a beautiful boat in the not too distant future. Now you just need some babes onboard and you’re all set!

Not normally watch videos like these. But I have just loved watching the story of the Broward. Cheers.

I love the fact that you had a NAVY guy on board on your sea trials 👍👍👍👍👍👍

I cant believe you dropped that boat back into the slip first try in the wind. Nailed it.

I think people need to remember that this guy seems to have had a successful business prior to getting into boats and he seems to live on them. When you think about it, even with all the work he did on Bella he only ended up selling it for 120k. Good luck buying a house for that. Seems like a pretty amazing way to live and I have a feeling Gus is going to end up living on a superyacht someday if he just keeps upgrading, never mind that his channel seems to be in the process of taking off.

That thing is UNREAL. Its like a floating apartment!! SO COOL!! YOU GOT ME HYPED TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS DUDE!!!

I know less than zero about boat driving, but man that reversing job was something else!

If anyone can do it, it's you Captain Gus. Just relax and enjoy the process. You got this! You will need a crew. Just put the word out to you subs.

im 3 years old and usually spend my time with colors and shapes, but this channel made me like boats too

I love your looong video. So much better then waiting for a bunch of shorter videos. Plus less YT ads. Great job.

Couldn't stop laughing first 20 minutes! "Every system I've tested in this boat seems to be at least partially operable." Ha! Congrats and definitely In Too Deep!!! Love the channel. Glad you're living too the fullest! #nextlevel

For a young guy ... you are very knowledgeable on a wide array of systems. You're well suited for this project. 👍

You got lucky that someone updated it a bit. That saved you a Ton lol. And also the interior is in amazing shape for being 45 years old. I can literally smell the inside as you walk through, reminds me of my grandma lol. She is a beauty though, wow.. That would be my new home bahahaha. Turning 50 soon and I've been itching to lose my mind lol, might have to buy an rv and hit the road. Life is too short to wait

You got VERY lucky with how well the previous owners took care of their baby. She's in superb condition considering all things. What a great find!

the way you docked that boat was incredible to watch. I have a 281 mako and i still struggle to dock it after 3 years. I start to panic and even watching you i was having a bit of a panic lol thats awesome man enjoy it!!

That’s a real friend tracking you down and staying to help instead of encouraging you to mess around

There’s something about watching you bring that awesome boat back into mooring. Great video, thank you!

I’m a mars mech airline ocean pilot and I love your videos. Keep up the good work soldier

Don't knock those Detroit's. One of the single most dependable motors ever made, even though they are thirsty. 8V92 is a monster. That is a giant boat, you are definitely in to deep! Major score for a metal boat. Even though it's very dated looking, what a sweet live aboard.

What A Beaut, Gus! Dang Son You've Got Balls! Million Hats Off To You From South Africa!😎

The look of joy on your face when those two engines started was priceless. And, you docked that thing like a pro. Nice job.

Im 12 years old and sold my auto repair business too. I rehab private jets and travel to space.