ABOUT SV ANIMA (in Latin – Spirit/Soul)

Gib’Sea 402 | Built in 1990 | Reborn in 2025 for a new life at sea

SV Anima is a 40-foot Gib’Sea 402 from 1990 — a sturdy, ocean-ready cruiser with a long history under the Caribbean sun. Once a day-charter boat in Bonaire (under the name: Bowalie), she spent years taking guests on island trips before being left abandoned for over two years.

When I found her, she was tired and neglected — but I could still see her spirit beneath the layers of dust, corrosion, and decay. That spark became my mission: to bring Anima back to life and make her seaworthy once more.

I bought the boat for just $8,000 — and of course, you can’t expect a ready-to-sail vessel for that price. Over time, I’ve invested more than $22,000 in upgrades, repairs, and countless small fixes. A big part of that went straight into marina fees, but every cent brought me closer to turning this dream into reality. It’s been a long, challenging journey — but also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

If you’d like to join me on this adventure and help me keep sailing toward new horizons, you can support the journey through YouTube, Patreon, or PayPal. Every bit of encouragement keeps the wind in my sails.

The Refit Journey

Bonaire — The Discovery

When I bought Anima, nearly everything was broken:

• All electronics were dead
• The wiring a total chaos
• The engine wouldn’t start
• The rigging was worn and unsafe
• The anchor was a tiny, symbolic leftover — barely functional

With little more than hope and a few tools, I replaced the starter battery, bought some ropes, and a few dock lines. After countless attempts (and prayers), the engine coughed back to life — just enough to get me moving.

With no working instruments, I relied on Google Maps on my phone to cross from Bonaire to Curaçao under engine power alone — a nerve-racking but unforgettable crossing with winds above 25 knots and seas of 6 feet. 

Countless prayers went up to heaven for my engine not to fail me in these conditions.

Curaçao — Haulout & Hull Repairs

Once safely in Curaçao, I hauled Anima out for a fresh coat of antifouling. That’s when I discovered multiple osmosis blisters across the hull.

What followed was 75 days on the hard, grinding, sanding, and rebuilding the hull layer by layer until she was ready to return to the sea — smooth, strong, and renewed.

Back in the Water — Systems & Surprises

After relaunching, I started testing her systems — now with working electronics and a new autopilot. My first sail didn’t last long: the backstay broke, and several shroud terminals cracked. Miraculously, the mast stayed upright.

That incident led to a full rigging overhaul with brand-new Sta-Lok terminals, installed while at anchor.

I upgraded my Internet connection and installed Starlink, which helps drastically to be connected with this world.

If you are thinking about getting Starlink, you can use my referal link. You will get 1 month for free.

Structural & Comfort Upgrades

As the work continued, I tackled project after project — each one breathing new life into Anima:

• Installed a new 25kg Rocna anchor and 200 feet of 10mm chain for safe anchoring
• Bought and installed a new electric windlass — rebuilding the anchor locker and mounting structure to fit it properly. Even though the windlass is not completely functioning yet, due to missing wiring and powersupply
• Sealed and repaired leaking hatches and windows, and replaced several plexiglass (Lexan) panels
• Removed the broken fridge system and installed a small domestic fridge running on 110V through an inverter
• Installed a new Raymarine chartplotter in the cockpit, fixed the electronic systems
• Improved interior woodwork and added sprayhood that i was able to repair and a bimini
• Fixed the battery power bank and improved the electrical wiring

Despite progress, some systems still await their turn — my old radar is dead, and the VHF radio, a chunk from 1800s or so, awaits be replaced with a modern VHF + AIS combo.

Join the Journey

Restoring Anima and living off-grid at anchor is more than just a personal project — it’s a life rebuilt around simplicity, freedom, and persistence. Every bolt turned, every sunrise at anchor, and every challenge overcome is part of this ongoing adventure.

Through my YouTube channel, I share the raw, unfiltered story — from daily boat projects and island life to moments of solitude and sailing through the Caribbean seas. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always real.

If you enjoy following this journey and want to help keep Anima sailing, there are a few ways to get involved:

⚓ Subscribe on YouTube – Follow the adventure, share the videos, and help the channel grow.
💖 Support on Patreon – Become part of Anima’s Crew and help fund ongoing repairs, gear, and upgrades while getting exclusive behind-the-scenes updates.
💰 One-time Donations via PayPal – Every contribution helps cover materials, tools, and the endless list of boat essentials that keep life afloat.

Your support — whether it’s a comment, a share, or a small donation — helps turn this dream into reality.

Fair winds,
Paul – SV ANIMA