Stop Wasting Money on These Boat Fixes!

What upgrades are actually worth the money on an older sailboat… and which ones you should avoid? In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down the most valuable upgrades I’ve done across all the boats I’ve owned — from my classic CT-56 to the newer catamarans and charter boats we’ve sailed. I cover which improvements truly make your boat safer, easier to sail, and more enjoyable… and which “fancy” upgrades usually end up being a waste of money. If you’re shopping for an older cruising boat or planning a refit, this episode will save you thousands. Topics Covered Why buying a boat already upgraded is often cheaper Rigging, sails, and critical safety upgrades Ground tackle & anchoring systems worth investing in Autopilots, instruments & navigation upgrades Electrical systems, lithium, solar & charging Refrigeration: why it’s usually a later priority Comfort upgrades: electric winches, watermakers & more What to skip… and what will absolutely transform your cruising About the Channel I’m Bobby from Sailing Doodles. I sail, travel, and document the adventure while running my YouTube channels from around the world — from the Caribbean and the Bahamas to the Mediterranean and beyond. If you enjoy the episode, hit

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Stop Wasting Money on These Boat Fixes! is an episode from Sailing Doodles Podcast by Sailing Doodles.

This episode is 0:15:08 long.

This episode was published on Nov 13, 2025.

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