Sail Life - Should we buy this hurricane damaged catamaran? 

Oh the memories!

Here we go! 5+ years of glorious sanding! 😄

2 weeks of cleaning up the mess, one week of scrubbing and washing, one week of setting up shop and we are on our way to a 2 year grinding and sanding extravaganza!

Don’t run away. One of the reasons I started watching you was the quality rebuilding. This keeps me going with you guys.

Exactly what you need to keep these vlogs interesting. There are already enough sailing couples. A normal person wouldn't think about it, but in your case, go for it!

I remember when Brian's channel started, someone more critical of his expertise in boat repair department said on sailing RU-vid forum (I'm not mentioning which one) that "he's no Mads, and doesn't appreciate that catamarans are more difficult structurally". And now Mads is buying that very same catamaran of him.

You have more experience rebuilding boats than most people. I have absolute trust that the two of you will figure out if this boat is what you want to make your next home. Do what feels right, and don't worry about naysayers.

THIS IS exactly what you need to keep YOUR VIDEOS interesting. There are already more enough sailing couples ON YOU TUBE. GO WITH THIS PROJECT OR SOMETHING SIMILIAR , AND GOOD LUCK BOTH OF YOU .

Mads you are the only person I know that can make sanding and watching paint dry interesting go for it you've got me hooked ye ha

I’m 66. If the team buys the boat I hope to be alive when they finish the rebuild. Go with your feeling Athenians. Will be fun to watch the magic spin once again.

Ava’s smiles …..worth a millions sheets of sandpaper! So happy to see this projects over the next few years . 👍🇨🇦

Brian is such an interesting guy - - absent minded professor comes to mind. We were all cheering for him to finish. You and Ava are the perfect candidates to finish out this project

I loved how Bryan worked to get that boat to its current state… I wish he would have finished it. It would be awesome to see you finish it!

Watching Mads shopping for catalmarens is sort of like watching an old horror movie about a cabin in the woods. All the protagonist needs to do to survive the flick is to NOT GO DOWN IN THE BASEMENT! Meanwhile Mads is heading straight for the stairs and I am covering my eyes. Well at least we are likely going to learn a whole lot more Danish swear words soon.

I would highly recommend you rent a storage pod to store and secure stuff outside that is also wind and weather tight. It will help a ton over the entire project. Also, Setting up a portable solar generator like an Ecoflow or similar would be great for power tool battery charging and lights if you work into the evenings. Working late or working early in Florida is really refreshing versus mid-day temps in Florida. Also, I hope you accept people that are willing to volunteer for a week or a weekend. That would be really cool! I think you would be really surprised people would be willing to volunteer to just help. Maybe consider putting out a google form for people to apply?

Good for you. Bryan did a first rate job on the earlier repairs. He also has all the CAD drawings for the interior bulkheads and woodwork. Good luck and good luck Bryan.

Ava - you need to make Mads finish the headlining on Athena before he starts any work on a new project. :D

If anyone on the planet can take on such a project, I think it's you Mads. You seem to enjoy boat work more than sailing, so this is a perfect opportunity!

Go for it! You look happier in a boat yard than cruising.

I’m convinced you enjoy rebuilding old boats more than sailing them. Nothing wrong with that.👍

I don't have a horse in this race so my advice, such as it is, would be to follow your heart. I love watching boat repair DYI stuff, that is what brought me to your channel in the first place. I was impressed with your willingness to take on a challenge, try new solutions and the quality of your work on Athena. No matter what I'll be here watching and cheering you on.

I loved watching Bryan and was sad when he threw in the towel on his dream boat. I couldn't be more happy to see you all pick up where he left off. I think this boat great opportunity to become something magnificent once again. Can't wait see all the hard work well done.

Well, all I'm going to say is that at the same point in my marriage as you are, my wife and I bought a massive fixer-upper house. She had no real experience with that kind of work, but more importantly the disruption it causes. I did, and we were sure that we could do it and have a fabulous home in just three years. Ten years later, with stuff still to do, we sold it, made a bundle, but I'd give it all up to have not made those the circumstances of the firnt decade of our life together. And yes, we broke up, not a small amount because of it. The takeaway: long term, demanding fixing up projects are not usually a good basis to let a marriage thrive and grow.

Well you are right about one thing: the price. A quick search of Yachtworld showed similar models and age in the $700-800,000 range. Insane. You should have a lot of margin to work but do not forget the ancillary costs like yard fees, insurance, tax, and a place to live. They all add up and affect the bottom line. Good luck.

I've been following Bryans restoration process, and I was a bit bummed when he decided to throw in the towel on the project. Seeing *this* possibly happening though, I did not expect - and I must say that I'm eagerly crossing my fingers and hoping for an EPIC continuation of the saga, with man glitter and lots of oh glorious sanding! :D

Watched Bryan get it this far. Subbed to see the completion!

My true interest is boat work. I remember you being a bit stressed when moving from boat work to cruising content. I figured I would drift away from the channel. But I didn’t. You kept it interesting. Ava was a bit of a magic bullet, together you guys are the definition of “ nerdy cute”. Ava is the only “ travel guide” I find entertaining. That Cat is a true WRECK, it’s awesome. Hope it works out, 2-3 years to fix?

Hey I was a follower of Brian’s and was sad to hear that he was not going to be able to finish the vessel but was quite pleased with his work and rebuilding skills, I think he was a good builder and hopefully he will sell it to you both 🤞

I enjoyed watching Brian’s videos…..I think you definitely have the skill set and Know-how to bring her back to full glory.

I'm really excited to see you guys start a new project- rebuilding Athena is what got me hooked on your channel years ago. You guys keep me motivated on my project! Can't wait!!

New subscriber here...I followed Brian working on fixing a hurricane damaged catamaran...and very happy to see you guys continuing the project. Big thank you. I am a retired seafarer and I have done some sailing...like being a crew member for 3 months on a tall ship. I have followed some youtubers fixing their boat too. Actually I prefer those channels.

I watch Bryan from the beginning, this is a great project for you , I think you will excel at this project

If the objective is to maximize fun and diy then this is a top contender for the next decade.

You rebuilt Athena, and you enjoy the work, so that's a plus, the big negative is that it's easily 2-3 times the work you did on Athena, and far, far more cost.

Bryan did a good job with his repairs. Hope you can finish it.

After listening to you I absolutely believe you deserve that boat. You are the new Bryan for sure.

Yesssss! Mads & Ava back in action! :) That boat really does need a good clearout to see exactly how to proceed, plus it's hazardous working in an area that cluttered.

It is a proper round of work, but definitely also a proper boat when you are done. I believe in both of you.

I have watched Bryan's journey with that boat from the beginning, I was more than a little disappointed when he stopped posting videos about working on it. I don't think he was as particular about perfection as Mads is, but he did a pretty good job on the stuff he was working on. This is great news!

We watched Brian's rebuild start. Looks much better than it did when he bought it. Hello from Siesta Key Florida

Peter from Sailing Into Freedom spent a good deal of time discussing the importance of weight based on the design of the cat- those cats not designed to be a heavy floating palace require a minimalist lifestyle. Much depends of the design.

Florida is going to be a hot place to work on a boat - ask matt and jessica when they worked on their aluminum mono-hull.

Happy for you guys. You are the right person to complete Bryan’s project.

Visited the Antarres boatyard in Buenos Aires last spring. Nice folks. Their boats are few and precious and absolutely safe and comfortable world cruisers. The boat needs your unique offering of skills and care. It will emerge better than ever and return the favour for a long time.

A catamaran is just up your alley, you can put way more gadgets in here ;-)

Bryan did a good job fixing what he did. The next things left to do you are well aware of and no doubt capable of handling it. You know what you can afford and what you are willing to do. Best of luck for the purchase and if you buy it working on it.

that's a lot of work, but i know you are not the type of guy who is afraid of work. looking forward to the project ! missed the sanding videos hahaha

Construction and engineering of Antares is top tier, perhaps the best. Excellent resale value too. After watching you restore Athena, your next boat can appear just fine and I am convinced you would still take it down to its core and restore or upgrade everything. Everything! Go for it, if the price is right for a hull and deck.

The way your rubbing your hands together, gives it away. Go for it.

I saw Brian’s channel years ago when I first slipped down the sailing rabbit hole and was blown away at the condition of the boat and doubly so when he towed it back to the states. I don’t think he would have invested the money to buy and tow it if he couldn’t repair it, and after watching Colin resurrect Parle Revival at least I know it’s not impossible if you know what you’re doing. I hope that you and Ava get the boat 🤞🏽Boat project You Tube is fascinating and right now Sailing Uma is the only channel up to their necks in it. I would never attempt any of it myself but it’s a great learning experience watching talent and determination bring a poor old boat back to life. Y’all got this 😉👍🏽 🍀

Mads may be the only person who would see all these issues and keep saying, "it's no be deal". His ability to not be overwhelmed by the required work is amazing!

Figure out your offer. Then halve that. He either says no or negotiates up. Thats a ton of work, always blows out in cost as you know well.

Looks rough but it would give you content for the next decade. I say go for it!

your optimism is a grand tonic - also glad its YOUR project (not one I'd tackle)

In 15 years Mats will have a whole charter fleet of project boats! 🎉😊 Nice business concept. 😊

To an average person, I'd say RUN! But knowing your abilities and more importantly, your perseverance, I have no doubt you can do it.

You are going to want more opening windows in the front of that greenhouse. Also from experience. You may want to plan how those curved fixed windows can be best replaced.

I've watched Bryan from the beginning, amazing workmanship and using cnc table he made to do bulkheads. Unfortunately life kicks you in the butt as it did Bryan felt really bad for him.Im glad your taking on this project along with your skills , wishing you all the best. Get a huge white tarp to shield against that florida sun.Bryan was working mostly at night under lights due to heat

I loved watching Brian sailing

If you do, that would be an amazing project to follow 👍🏻

For all the no-danish viewers: this is called a HÅNDVÆRKERTILBUD 😅 But Mads and Ava can do it. And Saillife is a DIY project! Good speed

Go for it! At a pretty low price hopefully! Can’t wait for the rebuild!

I can't imagine anyone else taking on that project and Bryan has a new boat and a lot of overhead with this boat. Taking it off his hands is a deal. If it were my boat I would give it to you and thank you for cleaning up the mess and storage cost. Good luck!

You are now married, happily so it appears. You will need 100% buy in from Ava. You have learned so much from previous rebuilds, but you’d be putting both of your lives on hold for an extended period of time. You were spot on with the comment happy wife happy life. You will tackle your next project as a couple, and your relationship is far more valuable than a boat. Good luck.

I'm all for another protracted session of 'oh glorious sanding' though I'm not a big fan of cats... in a perfect world there is a lonely 60' Swan that needs some Sail Life

Oh great! A “handyman special!” Would recommend it for no-one else but you, Mads! 😀

How exciting! I hope things work out well for you two and for Bryan for this purchase. I was following him during his restoration and his unfortunate turn of events that stopped the restoration. I look forward to following you two. This is a ton of work, but the rewards will be huge!

Looks good! Ava needs a bigger space.

I am very happy for you two, Mads and Ava! The DIY theme of your channel will evolve into a male/female oriented DIY catamaran project. Wish the video didn’t end, but now I have to wait another week for an update.

I can't think of anyone better to take up the torch from Bryan and complete this revival. You and he are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of style but, as far as I can tell from Bryan's videos, completely aligned on quality of the finished product. I'm rooting for you!

First thought was you’re nuts, even if you get it for free it’s bound to cost well over $100k for supplies alone let alone labor to get her back in shape. Then I checked prices - a 2017 Antares PDQ recently sold with asking price of $850,000… so maybe not so nuts?

Yes!!!!!

Hi Mads. You are absolutely the right man for this 🙂 You have got the skill and the experience needed for such a big project. You know what it will take regarding work, time and money and you also have the stamina to see it through! I really look forward to years of good project videos 🙂 Regards from Thorstein (the norwegian guy that visited you onbord Athena when it stood on land in Skive marina).

I used to watch Bryan Sailing. He stopped work and videos, so I wondered what happened to the boat. Thanks for the update.

If I were in your shoes, and if a “damaged” boat is an acceptable starting point, then I would be looking at putting my effort into something with intrinsic value like a decent size Swan from the 90’s. Your REALITY is that you project is your passion (sailing) but also your business - and your business is CONTENT. Whilst this cat project might well deliver better content (?) will it deliver on the passion? Nobody ever lay in their deathbed saying “wish I’d owned a catamaran” but some may well have said “I’m happy I owned a Swan” 😂

You must enjoy sanding.

It also keep making you RU-vid for the next 10 years.. so buy it. Happy to watch another 10 years of sanding 🎉

Having worked in the marine industry for just shy of 40 years, I've known all kinds of boaters. Racers,cruisers,charter boats,etc. Some would do the bare minimum to get "out there" while others seemed to be more into the vessel preparation, installing gizmos,etc. You seem to be of the latter. Nothing against it mind you but you're young and have the time and the skills so please carry on and I'll be watching.

Every time he talks about doing another boat I get flashbacks of him tearing off Athena's toe rail...

WOW, better you than me but then again you are Mad(s). I would think you should get the boat for $1.00 That is about the value. Nobody (very very few) will touch that boat as is. It is destined to be scrapped after it sits for a bunch more years. Re-built submerged saltwater engines....little value in the big picture. - We know you can do it, but get into it right. Or just head south after the next hurricane & have your choice of projects. I think I will buy stock in 3M (sandpaper) & Makita.

I'm so hyped by the catamaran ! Hope the paperwork will be fixed soon ! Good luck !

Your unwavering optimism and ability to see potential in every situation are truly inspiring. Your adventurous spirit and thoughtful approach enrich every journey you undertake. Your positivity is infectious, uplifting those around you. And I am Floating Village Life

Is that Bryan's cat? I called it in the last videos comments 😅

One thing to remember keeping the cat on the hard in Florida is definitely not the same as in Denmark...you will need deep pockets to pay the yard fees.....in my opinion the cat is absolutely worth nothing.. ..the only value is the two engines maybe a couple of thousand dollars each......Bryan .( I used to like his videos very much).....something else to think about .... Bryan will have to pay several thousands of dollars to have the cat broken up and disposed of .....please don't make the same mistake as last time when you paid far to much for your last boat from Scotland.........Mads this cat is worth nothing....only the two engines bring some value........

Good luck you guys. If you get it, I know you will end up with an awesome new home.

Bryan has done legit work on that Antari. I was hoping he would finish it. The last video he posted on it he said he was on the fence. I left message telling him to rock it. H was doing a good job fix the cat. It seems indeed for sale legit. If you get this I will be a happy camper! Do watch Bryan’s videos and watch his progress. He did do solid work on it and did look forward to his progress. Stay safe you two!

You spent eight years rebuilding Athena into a very capable S/V, you will do no less with a cat!! If you & the Misses will be happy with it, make it so!!! 😁🤙

No...focus on monohulls. Maybe a Bob Perry, Alden, Ted Hood, Walter Schulz, Ted Brewer, or Chuck Paine design. Or a Stevens 49. Possibly a Kelly-Peterson KP44. Stick with solid bluewater hulls.

You are one of the kings of fiberglass refit. All the other great boat refits are done. It would be awesome to see you back at what you do best.

Wow, you must be very confident if you take on this boat, wish you all the best

If you want to cruise, walk away. If you want to just rebuild boats, this one could be the next one. Remember, you can make more money but you can't make more time.

I'll put down my hot take (and this is based purely on knowledge, with a very, very small personal feeling into it - mostly because it's worth a watch regardless of what you pin down). 1. unless you somehow go into the future and get Ross' (life on the hulls) cat... you're going to dive in a world of absolute scams. I have yet to see a brand of cat, that put out a boat that's not had some kind of corners cut. And we're talking big dough territory here, so if they have the marbles to con big money, imagine what's done on lower price point units. All in all, they can be disasters. Either in their past (hence the block out) or waiting to happen. There's an entire community built around the refit of these things. 2. complication. twin hulls, twin engines, twin rudders, twin headaches. Both in fixing, maintaining and "other shoe drops" situations where Murphy shows up and always has it for you (royal you). 3. They seem bigger, they aren't bigger, unless the entire boat is considerably bigger, where one hull is about the size of a standard common variety boat (i'd say garden variety... but what's a garden on the sea??) 4. this circles back to 1, because they're poorly made, the repairs end up being boatholes. In closing, i have every bit of confidence you can fix any boat that would ever come your way, in your abilities, my trust is absolute, been following since picture format. It's the time vs crap shoveling that needs to be assessed. IMO, before YT's purpose is discussed, you should asses your (both of yours) point of view in this. I'm looking at Ross and his missus, and they're feeling the burn. I can tell. Luckily for them, they've gone past the point of the horizon and have the end in sight, but there's sooo many who have gone and touched the cat sands and .... just couldn't do it. I do feel YT's format has created a bit of a motivational push, but the reality is this, what's on YT is just the creme of the crop. You know how statistics work. Dunno, i just don't want to see you guys dive into something you might regret. That said, the decision should be yours and yours alone. Between the two of you. For myself, i have no horse in it, there's sanding regardless of what boat you're digging in. ;)

I hope that you are following the duracell project, there are some great ideas that would be interesting to watch you implement ....

Wow, that looks like years of work. But, if you are willing, I'm willing to watch. Stay safe.

Quick chat with the Wynns needed.....

Never buy a catamaran with curved glass windows. The Wynns.

Good luck for the refit. I’m glad we’ll get more boat sanding content

I watched Brian recover this boat on his channel until he stopped posting. I would love to see you take on this project and this would be great content. I love your channel been watching your videos for a very long time Good luck and sand on!

Unless you can get it for less than $10k, pass.

The answer is no. No doubt you can fix it, but catamarans are meh. EDIT: after watching the video this particular cat is toast.