Why Do So Many Boats Get Abandoned? My Journey Finishing a James Wharram Catamaran

Have you ever wondered why so many boats end up abandoned in boatyards, left to rot and decay? In this video, I take you through my personal journey of restoring a 51ft James Wharram Tehini catamaran, sharing the highs and lows of boat ownership and restoration.

From the cold and rainy days in Florida’s boatyards to the inspiration of seeing completed builds, this video captures the reality of tackling a massive boat project. Along the way, I meet incredible people, like Bennit—who sold me the catamaran—and Brent, an electronics wizard who helped diagnose some tricky problems. We’ll also explore abandoned sailboat projects and reflect on the challenges of keeping dreams afloat.

Follow me as I navigate the process of measuring my boat for a CAD design, picking up supplies, helping Bennit with his 14ft fishing boat, and finding motivation in the midst of the boatyard chaos. This journey is about more than just fixing up a boat—it’s about determination, community, and bringing a vision to life.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a boat restoration enthusiast, or just someone curious about the process of reviving a classic wooden catamaran, this video has something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on my journey!

If you’d like to support the project, you can join me on Patreon!

JOIN US ON PATREON: patreon.com/fatherblue

Subscribe and follow along as we bring this boat to life and set sail for an incredible mission!

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ABOUT EDDY:

Hi, I’m Eddy Gara, but you can call me Father Blue! Over the next few years, I’ll be working on restoring and outfitting a 51-foot James Wharram Tehini catamaran. This incredible project is more than just a passion—it’s the foundation for a mission to protect and study endangered blue tree monitors and other unique species in Indonesia.

Our Mission

This catamaran isn’t just a boat—it’s a sustainable vessel that will allow me to:

-Travel freely through the stunning and biodiverse regions of Indonesia, including Batanta and the Raja Ampat islands.

-Carry out conservation work to protect the critically endangered blue tree monitor and other native species.

Document and share the incredible stories of wildlife and conservation through film and photography.

Build connections with local communities, scientists, and eco-tourism initiatives to promote sustainable solutions.

Why This Boat?

Initially, I explored other traditional wooden boats, but maintaining them in tropical climates posed too many challenges. After much thought, I chose this composite-material James Wharram catamaran—built by the talented David TheBoatSmith—for its durability and sustainability. It’s a big project, but one with even bigger potential for making a difference.