Out With the Old in With the New WHS147

Recycling Wood for Boat Shelves: Transforming Old into New on Your Yacht

Last week, we bid farewell to Gecko’s chart table in the pursuit of creating additional storage space on our 27 ft yacht. Now, we’re taking it one step further by recycling the wood from that very chart table into innovative and practical shelves and a flip-up table for the galley.With Dan aboard for the next eight months of adventure, it’s crucial to optimize storage space in our home on water. For someone who has been sailing solo for almost five years, adapting to shared spaces was initially met with mixed feelings. However, through this series of boat improvement projects, we’ve found not only a new way forward but also strengthened the bond between us and Gecko, making it feel like a project home tailored to our unique needs.

A Cruise to J Mel’s Workshop

Rich and Mel, friends with a heart for generosity, have just the tools we need – their leftover bottom paint, epoxy, and sanding kit. Their willingness not only cuts costs but also significantly lightens our load as we prepare to haul Gecko out for re-bottom painting.

Dry-Fitting a Project

Before any gluing, sanding, or varnishing could commence, it was crucial to conduct a dry fit. This step ensures everything aligns perfectly within the limited space found aboard a boat, where nothing is square or flat.
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Super Glue and Sandpaper – A Marriage of Convenience

Through trial and error (and thanks to a quick Google search), we discovered that Super Glue proved more effective than traditional wood glue for certain applications, leading us into uncharted territories in boat maintenance.
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Building for Functionality and Style

From creating a flip-up table to adding spice shelves and coffee nooks in the sleeping quarters, each project was designed with functionality and style at its core. Recycling wood not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability but also adds character to Gecko’s interior, making every space feel uniquely ours.
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Working Together in Harmony

As we embark on these carpentry projects together, it’s not just the boat that’s being transformed but also our understanding of shared space, trust, and collaboration. Teaching Dan new skills has been a rewarding experience, highlighting the importance of patience, persistence, and teamwork.
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Organizing for Two

With more people on board comes an increased need for organization. After identifying areas where our initial solo storage methods fell short, we reorganized the galley from top to bottom. By labeling jars, installing hooks, and optimizing hidden spaces like floorboards, we’ve created a harmonious living environment that serves both our tastes equally.
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Conclusion

This journey has been about much more than simply creating storage solutions. It’s been about embracing the challenges of sharing space, learning from each other, and crafting a home that reflects our shared vision for the future. As we continue to recycle old materials into new treasures aboard Gecko, one thing remains clear: the spirit of adventure runs deep within us all.
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