Boat Building: Life Aboard Speranza
Meet Glenn and Debbie, a devoted couple who have been sharing the joys of matrimony for 32 years. Nestled in the heart of Jimboomba, Queensland, they reside on a picturesque 5-acre rural property. Their passion for the sea is evident in their daily hour-long journey to their pride and joy, Speranza, a majestic 43-foot bridge deck cruiser. While they have always been boat owners, Speranza holds a special place in their hearts as their first timber boat.
Running a trucking business means we are always on the move, constantly adapting to changing demands and challenges. Given this reality, that’s why we chose to invest in Speranza. She was more than just a purchase for us – she was a commitment to enjoy a slower, more peaceful rhythm during our rare moments of leisure. Interestingly, sailing at 7 knots, we don’t care about the destination, only the journey. Moreover, the best part? We get to share this experience with our future generations. In fact, our grandson had his first birthday on the boat four years ago.
Speranza has been a catalyst for us, prompting us to create memorable experiences for our family. Around two years ago, we initiated a renovation project to upgrade her to a seaworthy condition. We envisioned cruising to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays, two of the world’s most spectacular destinations. We made a strategic choice to divest our truck business, so we could devote our attention to completing the project. I have always admired the grace of a vintage boat, one that has lasted for generations and will hopefully persist for many more.
What interesting project have you been working on?/ What is the expected finish date?
We are wholeheartedly dedicating ourselves to our 1960 timber cruiser, and we hope to finish it by March 2024. When she’s ready, we would have refurbished her from outside and inside, bottom to top. Our objective is to create simplicity. A boat that you can look after with ease. We have modernised all the electronics and plumbing, additional to a full refit inside.
What materials and tools did you use to create your project and why did you choose them?
We employed nearly every tool in the tool box. Sanders, scrapers, electric saws, drills, blow torch and more. Materials we used WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin®, G/Flex® and corresponding fillers. Glenn chose WEST SYSTEM products after examining many alternatives for our desired function.
Were there any unexpected challenges or setbacks during the making process?
Our decision to paint the boat’s sides with two-pack paint led to an unexpected delay, keeping the boat out of the water for longer than we had anticipated. This unforeseen circumstance was a result of a severe accident involving Glenn. While riding his motorbike, he tragically fell down a cliff, resulting in the loss of function in his right hand and arm.
Following a period of surgery and rehabilitation, Glenn was able to regain some functionality in his arm. The process of rebuilding the boat proved to be beneficial for him. It necessitated the use of his muscles, which significantly improved the condition of his arm. The seams on the top will need to be redone due to them opening and causing the two-pack paint to crack. We plan to use WEST SYSTEM Epoxy for the seams and International Toplac plus for the sides.
This setback was disappointing, but necessary to ensure the job is done correctly. It’s a lesson learned for us.
Do you have any other exciting upcoming projects you are planning to work on in the future?
This project while immense in scale, has been a significant achievement for us. We take great pride in having completed it entirely through DIY efforts. It involved extensive research into various project and techniques.
What advice would you give to anyone else looking to build/restore a boat?
Investing the additional time to ensure tasks are done correctly will yield long-term benefits and durability. Avoid taking shortcuts, as they may compromise the quality of the work.
To follow Glenn and Debb’s boat building journey, please see their Instagram handle below:
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