November 16th, 2025
When I decided to buy a neglected sailboat in Bonaire, people thought I had lost my mind. Maybe they were right. But sometimes, the best adventures begin exactly where everyone else sees a mistake. What started as a spontaneous dream to return a forgotten boat to life has now turned into a months-long refit project on Curaçao—one that constantly challenges, frustrates, and inspires me. And today, I’m sharing my story and giving you an honest tour of my floating home: a 1990 GibSea 402.
Whether you’re dreaming of buying your own boat, curious about the reality behind YouTube sailing channels, or simply want a peek into the chaos of boat life, this tour will take you through every corner of my vessel—warts, projects, triumphs and all.
How It All Started: Buying a Boat That Needed More Than Love
Like many sailing stories, mine began with the dream of freedom on the sea, remote islands, and sunsets at anchor. The boat itself? Well… that was more of a compromise.
The GibSea 402 I found in Bonaire had great bones. Strong hull, solid design, good layout. But she had been neglected for far too long. Nothing was truly broken, but nothing was truly working either. Think of it as buying a house where everything is almost fine—except it isn’t.
When I bought her, the idea was simple:
- get the boat from Bonaire to Curaçao
- do a quick refit
- start exploring the Caribbean
That was the plan.
Fast forward seven months, and here I still am: fixing, chasing electrical gremlins, repairing things previous owners “fixed” creatively, and discovering new surprises every week.
But no regrets. Because every day, the boat looks a little better, feels a little stronger, and becomes a little more mine.
Life in Curaçao: When a Quick Refit Turns Into a Full Overhaul
Curaçao is an amazing island—beautiful waters, friendly people, great boat community. But it’s also where time disappears. Anyone who has ever worked on a boat here knows: if something takes one hour in normal life, it takes four hours on a boat.
You remove one panel → you find a leak.
You fix a leak → you find rotten wood.
You replace rotten wood → you discover the previous wiring job was done by someone who apparently feared color-coding.
Suddenly, your “quick refit” becomes a interior rebuild, electrical system upgrade, deck hardware replacement, and endless cleaning of things that never should have gotten dirty.
Still, Curaçao has been a good place for this chapter, except that imports cost a lot of taxes. Protected anchorages, access to marine shops, and a community of sailors who understand the madness of boat projects. Without this island, this boat might not have stood a chance.
The Full Boat Tour: Welcome Aboard My GibSea 402
Despite all the challenges, I’m proud of this boat. And in my new video, I walk you through every part of her. Here’s an overview of what you’ll see on the tour.
Cockpit & Deck
The cockpit is surprisingly spacious for a 40-footer, and the helm area offers great visibility. The deck hardware still works well, but some winches and lines are due for replacement. The teak in the cockpit screams for replacement.
There’s still sanding, painting, and re-sealing to do. But it already feels like a space where I’ll enjoy many sunsets.
Saloon
Stepping inside, the first thing you notice is the size. The GibSea 402 has a wide beam, giving it a bright, roomy saloon. There’s a decent dining table, comfortable seating, and storage everywhere (because on a boat, you can never have too much storage).
Galley (Kitchen)
The galley is surprisingly functional:
- double sink
- three-burner stove
- oven
- decent counter space
Some upgrades are on the list, including a new fridge system and better lighting. But even now, it’s a comfortable place to cook after long days of refitting.
Cabins
The boat has two cabins—a spacious aft cabin and a V-berth in the bow. Both still need attention: new mattresses, better ventilation, and some cosmetic improvements. But they already feel like real, livable spaces.
Heads (Bathrooms)
Like on many older boats, the heads are compact but functional, this one has a separate shower, which is very convenient.
Engine Room
Like everything else, it works—but it needs love. New filters, new mounts, and a cleanup are already underway. The easy access from the front and from behind, makes maintenance a bit easier.
Why I’m Sharing This Journey
Boat life looks glamorous on social media, but the reality is much more raw and unpredictable. That’s exactly why I want to document it—from the first moment I saw this neglected boat to the day she finally cuts through the Caribbean waters again.
This project is about:
- learning
- failing
- fixing
- adapting
- and keeping the dream alive
If you’re reading this blog or watching the video, you’re part of this adventure. And for that, I genuinely thank you.
What Comes Next
The refit continues. Every week brings a new challenge, a new lesson, and a new milestone. Soon, I’ll be sharing updates on:
- deck repairs
- electrical upgrades
- solar system upgrade
- first test sails
- and the long-awaited Caribbean explorations
For now, I hope you enjoy the full boat tour video and get a real look at the state of the boat—because this is where the story truly begins.
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Cheers
Paul – SY ANIMA