6 Years Later-DeFever 44 Trawler Tour: The Good, The Bad, and The Upgraded! Part 1-Interior
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- čas přidán 28. 03. 2022
- I have now owned and lived aboard my 1989 DeFever 44 Offshore Cruiser, aka Trawler, for 6 years. This is part 1 of a 3 part tour of the vessel. In this part, I will walk you through the interior and show you what I love about the boat, dislike about the boat, and what I have done to upgrade to make the boat more comfortable, safe, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing. I also share with you what the associated costs are with the repairs, replacements, and upgrades to date. Parts 2 and 3 will cover the exterior (part 2), and the engine room, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing components (part 3). So stay tuned and subscribe so that you can catch those videos in the next couple of weeks.
Upgraded items mentioned in the video:
-Lovesac Sofa: www.lovesac.com/
-Tecma Toilets: www.thetford.com/product/sile...
-Marinaire Air Conditioner: www.marinaire.com/
-Irocker Inflatable Paddleboards: www.irockersup.com/
Phillips LED Bulbs G4 Base- www.bulbs.com/product/2T3-LED...
Follow me on Instagram: / aqua_cultured
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I wish more boat tours were like this: comprehensive, straight to the point and drawing from experience. Very informative!
I greatly appreciate that Brian. There is a fine line when providing thorough information and not getting in to the weeds and losing everyone's attention. Thank you so much for that feedback!
@@AquaCultured How does one afford a boat....
@@deathbunny3048 well, there is a boat for every budget. So it just depends on what boat you want! I was able to afford my boat because I had a burning passion to get where I am. It was not an easy or short road. If you want something bad enough, you will figure out how to get there. It also helps when it is your home
Now I'm haggling with the owner to buy the same boat! Thank you for your detailed review!
You’re very welcome, thanks so much for watching
3 things that kill the boat life #1 Marina & Dock fees! These people nickel and dime you into poverty. You usually pay by the foot of your boat bow pulpit and swim platform included. Most of them will charge extra if you live aboard and you’ll get booted out or fined if they catch you working on your own boat. #2 Your Head. If you don’t go out over 2 miles you’ve gotta pay to get pumped out. Remember your not hooked up to water or sewer so you’ve gotta time it right! No long showers and when land lovers come on board you gotta make sure they don’t run your water out and fill your black water tank. #3 Gas price’s. You will pay at least a dollar more a gallon than on land and most marinas will stop you from bringing your own. Other than these 3 things it’s an amazing life.
For me, the good parts of boat life outweigh the cons of boat life. You are right, fees and costs can be a hinderance. And every marina is different, I have been in some that didn’t charge liveaboard fees and didn’t charge for Pumpouts, and I have been any many that charge you for every little thing. For gasoline, yeah you typically pay more at the dock, for diesel however, you are typically getting off-road diesel which is not taxed, so it is regularly less cost on the water, and if you get a fuel truck delivery, that can yield even better cost amazingly. Dealing with guests that are not used to boat life can definitely be a challenge for many reasons. But it’s all worth it to me! Thanks so much for watching and contributing, I do appreciate it
Best boat tour I think I have ever watched!
Wow! Thank you so much for watching and providing that wonderful compliment!
I been living on a 36ft Grand Bank's woodie 4 years love it
Yeah buddy!
Outstanding tour Butch! So many enhancements since we first saw her!
Thank you so much as always, Ken! She has definitely come a long way
Thank you for taking the time. Great video!!
Thanks so much for watching!
Glad to see you’re back . I just happened upon this video , but watched the older ones a few times and also your insta-gram stuff too .
William, thanks so much for hanging in there with me!
FANTASTIC vid. I plan to go full-time RV next year for 3 or 4 years and then convert to full-time boat life. Thanks for this vid. Packed with great info.
Great tour Captain Butch. Glad to see you back with the videos. When I was on the hunt the DeFever 44 was one of two models on my A list largely in part to your detailed series. We looked for over three years and found our Unicorn. The other A list model. We have a 44 Tollycraft CPMY (1991) and love it. Planning on the Great Loop and many trips to the Bahamas from our home port in NJ
Thanks for your great videos and hope we cross wakes one day.
Andy Stratton
Sweet Equity
Andy, thanks so much for the message! It makes me feel great to hear that I helped you hone in on the type of boat that was right for you. Those Tolly’s are wonderful boats, glad it worked out for you. The right boat seems to always present itself for you. Thanks again for the kind words, and I definitely hope to see you out there sometime!
Welcome back, your first set of videos influenced me to by my Carver 44, hope to see more.
Leonardo, that is so wonderful! Thanks so much for letting me know that. I hope you are enjoying your vessel. More to come!
Thank You! Extremely helpful.
Very nicely done. I really appreciate your attention to detail.
Thanks so much Deb! Really appreciate you
Sweet boat! Love the layout, and the couch is perfect!
Thanks Jim! I completely agree!
appreciate this type of video. Thanks again.
Great informative video Cap'n Butch. You have made some worthy improvements to an already great boat. I have always loved Arthur DeFever designed vessels. Your 44' was always one of my favorites. My late wife and I owned a 43' Albin trunk cabin trawler which I bought when it was only six months old and like you, made many upgrades to her. Our plan was to purchase a DeFever 49' pilothouse trawler but unfortunately that never happened as she passed on. As I am now alone, I recently treated myself and bought a new Ranger Tug R-31 CB which I really love. I look forward to viewing more of your videos. Thanks again for sharing!
Thanks so much for the nice message, I really appreciate it! It's hard to not like the 44, and 49 RPH as well. And I do love an ol' Albin. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, but am very happy that you kept pursuing being on the water. That's a great little setup. Hope to cross wakes with you sometime. Looking forward to having you along here.
Thanks for the tour. Looking forward to seeing it in person one day. 😊
Why thank you kind sir! And I am looking forward to that as well 😁
Found a couple that has a very similar boat, might be the same boat just a different year can’t remember but they did a ton of work inside and painting everything white which looks good.. but I just say the wood and all the original components you kept just upgraded like the lights just give it so much character and it’s a nice interior
Was that Tula’s Endless Summer by chance? They did a fantastic job with their boat, which was a DeFever 43.
Really appreciate that, I am pretty happy with things thus far! Thanks so much
Great tour, and very instructive!
Thanks Jero!
That’s a hell of a great job you’ve done on your boat. I have a Lien Hwa (same as a de fever) 50 footer that I have just spent the last 10 months refitting. And you and I think alike. I wish I could have found your video sooner for that couch. I ended up getting one but it was hell trying to find one that fit.
Right on Jean! Glad you found my channel! Love having fellow trawler-folk along with me, especially ones that appreciate things the way I do
Enjoyed your boat tour and candor. Neat boat and home you have there.
Thanks so much for watching!
Really enjoy these kind of vids Thanks for your effort. Just liked and subscribed. Thanks again
Much appreciated! Glad to have you along!
You're living the dream dude you're living the dream very good job with the boat also I do like the larger portholes also
Doing my best Bruce, thank you! It's hard to believe they built any of these vessels without those portlights!
Butch - Thanks for the tour. Interesting to see the minor tweaks made between the DF43 to the DF44.
Thank you, glad I could share! It is definitely cool to see the little differences between those models, and even between 44’s over the years.
Great stuff buddy. 💪💪👏👏
Thanks brother!! 😎
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure! Thanks for hanging with me
Great job Butch…she looks beautiful! Got a few questions on the tv mount, Phillips LED bulbs and the love seat but will DM you. Looking forward to part 2!
Thanks very much Tom! Roger that, I will be on the lookout for the message
Just subbed.. like your vessel gonna binge watch to catch up!! Hey from Baltimore MD✌🏼💗😊❣️
Hey Baltimore Donna! Thanks so much for joining in! Welcome aboard
Hello from Largo! Beautiful boat!
Hey neighbor! Thanks so much!!
Awesome video man! Just subscribed!
Thank you thank you! 🙏
Great tour Captain Butch. I also have the same model DeFever 44 (1999) . You are right about the forward head. The shower was removed by the prior owner on my boat. One difference as to my boat, is the engines, mine being the Perkins Saber 135 HP six cylinder , normally aspirated engines which are great engines. Your improvements are to be commended and I await the next chapter.
Thanks so much fellow DF 44 buddy! I am glad, although not shocked, that you can relate! Those Perks are certainly rockstars as well. Where abouts are you moored?
@Tarpon Springs Sunsets yeah I may have to follow suit with that!
I love your boat! Haven't seen you in awhile.
Thank you so very much, she is lovely. Yes sir, happy to be back in the mix
Great job! Your boat looks fantastic.
Thank you so very much Loree! 🙌
@@AquaCultured, living the life! Love it😃
Enjoying the tour... thanks for putting this out. BUT, one comment: The most likely place to have a fire in the galley is the stove top, due to cooking gone awry .... and yet you have the fire extinguisher mounted above the stove top... so you might have to be reaching through flames to get to the fire extinguisher. Please consider moving your fire extinguisher literally ANYWHERE else in the galley.
Hi Allen, thanks very much for watching and providing that input. You make a good point, thanks for catching that. I will see if there is a better spot for it.
Great details…. Thanks
Thank you so much for tuning in!
Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, thanks for tuning in!
I was a merchant seaman. I was in several major storms. I prefer doors I can " DOG " down like the Nordhavn 😮
Just found your channel. Great work. Subscribing!
Fantastic! Welcome aboard!
Great video
Thanks so much, thank you for watching!
beautiful...You have a lot ot be proud of.....
Thank you, I sure do!
Great live aboard boat
I completely agree! Thanks for watching
Great vid cool living
Thanks very much! And you know it!
Thanks for all the advice and information. Now if I could motivate my 72 year old neglected body! Hahaha
You can do it!! 😅
Great video. I am just north of you in Tarpon Springs. I also have the Marinaire 16K BTU unit that has been flawless for several years. I think many of the complaints actually come from people confusing the old Marine Air company with the new MarinAire company. Subbed.
Hey their neighbor! Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks so much for tuning in, and I just subbed to you as well!
Those security cameras are a brilliant idea. If you had a catastrophic oil leak you might spot it before you engine breaks apart.
You bet! Definitely gives a piece of mind!
Great vid love the boat.. could you touch on your overhead cost , insurance, fuel etc
Really appreciate it, Ross! Good timing, I will actually be putting a video out on that topic within the next few weeks. Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks for the overview. I am just starting my search and the 44 is at the top of my list. I haven’t actually been on one yet. My question is how tall are you? I am 6’4” so need to be comfortable on it. The engine room size is a big plus to all me room for maintenance than many other boats I have looked at. Thanks!
I am 5’11. The engine room is about 5’4, and the main cabin is around 6’6. It is definitely hard to find a boat in this size with an engine room that big.
Woohoo!
Yeah buddy!!! 🤙
At least you see the positive of the floor being messed up on a trash can call like that gave me a laugh.
Hey Butch, would you happen to have a link for that exact loveseat? I have a little modular couch on my Mainship 390, but yours is MUCH better! Thanks.
So I pretty much have this configuration in the link below, but without the backs since it is up against a wall, I just have the pillows for the back rests. It is best to go in to one of their stores if there is one near you. The sales reps are really great in helping you build the right configuration. Oh , and I have the tan chenille fabric, obviously not the navy blue in the link. And it is the down blend fill for the cushions. www.lovesac.com/2-seats-4-sides-sactional-sapphire-navy-corded-velvet.html
@@AquaCultured Aweome man! I think they have a store in Annapolis which is close so I’ll check that out. I appreciate it!
@@hcac36 anytime!
Would you mind sharing the make of your camera system want to install one on my sea ray.
This is my setup, although mine does not have the capability to store the footage unless I actively hit record. I believe you can get a setup that will store the footage to a cloud. www.amazon.com/Wireless-Heim-Vision-Waterproof-Detection/dp/B09BCW2G5J/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=heimvision&qid=1649598052&sr=8-3
She is beautiful, I love all the wood. I hate wet heads, our old boat had one and hated it Drying it after use made me end another shower.
I’m curious do have n land transportation (car motorcycle, etc)??
Thanks for all the info.
Thank you, I do love the style and interior of her, and was lucky that the wood was in such great shape. And yeah, never have been fan of a wet head either. I do have a pickup truck for my transportation. And an electric longboard skateboard! 🤙
Yes a question. How good are your stabilisers ? Would you recommend the one you have? Does it really take the roll out of the boat? Which conditions does it not work. I would be going from a cat to a boat like yours so its a big consideration. André in Sydney
Hey there André, good questions. The stabilizers are great and make a huge difference in reducing the roll of the boat, it’s like night and day. They of course do not work in a head sea, they work whenever you are taking waves at whatever angle on the beam. Even when you are coastal cruising or running in a channel, if a large boat overtakes and wakes you, the stabilizers will help keep all of your valuables and loose items on your counters and in cabinets and fridges from flying. The brand I have are discontinued, they are called Wilcox Seabrace. All of their main components can mostly be found off the shelf from auto parts stores and such. Naiad and ABT Trac are great systems that are currently offered today. But of course you have to consider extra components to maintain and repair when they have an issue. You have to replace seals every few years as well which has to be done out of the water. And of course cost, they add around $20-40k to the vessels value. And you could pay $40-50k, probably more now, I believe to add them new. They are not a safety feature, although you could say they could help prevent someone from falling and hurting themselves, and they can prevent fatigue to the captain and crew which can lead to a higher level of safety on board. So many things to consider. I am happy I have mine. I will be talking more about my stabilizers in the Part 3 tour of the boat, which will come out in the next 2-3 weeks.
I f****** love this boat I want this boat this is the best part I've ever seen it's perfect I'll put in the backyard just have me in my two cats in there we could totally live in the backyard on this boat
Wow! I love the enthusiasm! Can’t say I blame you 😁. Thanks for tuning in!
What kind of camera system do you have? I like it and would like more information it.
Here is a link to pretty much the same system.
www.amazon.com/Wireless-Heim-Vision-Waterproof-Detection/dp/B09BCW2G5J/ref=asc_df_B09BCW2G5J/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=532264129191&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12233119766296558586&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012121&hvtargid=pla-1404712442806&psc=1
The two happiest days in a boat owner's life, the day you get it, and the day you finally get rid of it?
For many, you betcha. For me, the only reason the sale of the boat is a happy day is when I am upgrading to the next vessel. 🤙
Awesome video!! Question how much would a boat that size and year go for? Thanks for sharing
Thank you so very much! Depending on the condition, they typically range between $110,000-$200,000. That is based on DeFever 44’s, they hold value pretty well. You can find other trawlers in similar size and and vintage for less or more, a lot of that depends on the make and of course care by the previous owner(s).
Cool I’ve always wanted to buy a boat to live on full time but I don’t know what to look for and the maintenance.
consider and electirc unicycle for space saving means of commuting/shopping
Very nice boat! Defever pilothouse in your future?
Thanks so much! Oh man, I sure would love that to be in my future 😁
Do you know the safe working load on your davit I have a defever 48 and have had a hell of time finding this out?
So, unfortunately I only have the rating of my winch on the davit. My winch has a limit of 3,000 lbs for a vertical lift. I have no idea what the safe working load is for the actual davit arm, however.
nice thanks,,what kind fo panel was that looked great
Thank you! What panel are you referring to? The electrical panel?
@@AquaCultured the one on ceiling
@@lesterwicklein717 oh I see, that was just Beadbord from Home Depot.
is this a good starter boat /live onboard? to start off with?
It depends on what features are most important to you, and what you plan to do with the boat. It is a very comfortable, capable, and reputable boat. It is indeed one of the best liveaboard friendly boats in its size class.
Why not put sandpaper on the bottom of the trashcan, then move it all over until you find the best spot and the floors are sanded?
Edit: Great review, thank you for all the info!
Lol that is a fantastic idea! And thank you very much!
You've got so much space compared to many 44 sailboats I've seen. ..
She definitely has a lot of volume, even compared to many other power boats of similar LOA
The Red Green “yachet” upgrading program. No duct tape?
That you can see…
What's it like being cooped up in a boat?
Will this be your final vessel?
Several Questions: 1.) Would you take this vessel to high latitude sailing ? 2.) Whats her best speed ? 3.) Whats her best range. Thanks.
Hi there. Yes, you could take this vessel to high latitudes for cruising, although I would want to install a diesel heater on board since this boat is equipped more for tropical climate in regard to air conditioning. With no current or wind, she can get up to around 9 knots. The range is around 1,000-1,500 nautical miles dependent on what RPM you are pushing her along at and weather factors, and how much reserve you are comfortable with.
I tried to contact Thetford but they seem to be hermits--no way to leave a message. All the local dealers (in San Francisco) were either out of business or had no idea what the silent toilet was. Any suggestions?
Ah geez! I hope they did not go out of business. I think I actually purchase mine through Amazon, but it looks like they are out too. I did just an internet search, and it looks like they may be in stock here: www.camperid.com/thetford/tecma-silence-plus-2g-white-porcelain-12v-low-profile-built-in-toilet-mpn-98265.html?view=178886&gclid=CjwKCAjw6dmSBhBkEiwA_W-EoEXg7mbxiqg5YBTGlRNa4WP9OspbGDrKTDm6wItjaDx1ef7s3SNXoxoCIbAQAvD_BwE
Can you cruise boats like these around the world? Like across the Atlantic and stuff?
My boat doesn’t quite have the range to cross the Atlantic. But there are other trawlers near this size that can make it happen.
So you've had this boat @ least 5+years (didn't hear exactly how long) so without a functional gas tank does that mean u have never had the boat out or started?
That tank is only a third of my total fuel capacity. There are two more tanks that are in service, and I have had the boat out many many times. I talk about it in further detail in Part 3, the engine room tour.
Our carver had the galley down by the v-birth. I like you galley up better.
Great video and boat. West Marine and relatively inexpensive do not coincide. Lol
Thank you sir! Ha, yes indeed an oxymoron!
Wouldn't a blackwater holding tank potentially have an odor?
If you’re not careful with the plumbing!
@@AquaCultured Ok. So not a guaranteed thing.
How tall are you?
5’11”
Beautiful boat. I love it. But that might be one of the worst wet heads I have ever seen. That shower might as well be in the saloon.
100 percent agreed on all of the above! Thanks for tuning in!
Do you need a captain's license to own and drive the yatch?
You do not. You only need a license if you are going to charge passengers money.
"its pretty tight in here".............. that's what she said (never)... haha
🤣
i laugh whenever i see a Oven in a Boat as a freind of mines Uncle who is a Greek immigrant that loves boating and has a older Egg Harbour he restored and maintains on the Chesapeake Bay pulled out the ven to install a Stereo System in its place becuse a he tells in his Greek Accent What am I going To Do? Bake A Cake ?
No scotch
You are mad to get rid of a double sink, my ex did that in the house, a double to a single was a nightmare even she agreed it was mistake.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t like a double sink, it’s that I don’t like the double sink that was put on so many of the boats it in the 70’s and 80’s. They are an awkward size that don’t work well with normal size dishes. I would love to have a double basin sink if it was a proper size. I just don’t have the room for one, so a single basin sink to maximize the space was the way to go
I don't get it, it isn't comfortable to steer from the down steering station, don't you have an auto pilot? I never steer except when entering or leaving the marina, boring as heck.
I do have autopilot, but even with autopilot you want a comfy spot to sit and have a proper view to take evasive action when needed, queue the crab pots
🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂 I’m never gonna financially recover from this…… that’s not why we do it is it?
You got that right!
I would dismantle a thrift store couch...$2K....but tea i hate typical builtin boat furniture
So uncomfortable
Update…as I respond to this while relaxing on my couch, I am still really really happy with my purchase, this thing is so damn comfortable and worth every cent. But I hear ya, and I appreciate you watching and dropping the message!
I'm looking to live as you do...not nearly as handy or mechanically inclined. Fear its too big a project for me but its been a life ling drram to live full-time on a yacht. Budget dictates it will need to be a used old one but hey recently went through some tours of a 2021 carver and a 1982 carver. Yes the 2021 was beautiful and fully loaded byt it was the same exact setup inside...
The couch looks comfortable but when you said youvouldnt get normal sized furniture through the door, coupled with the price tag i thought why didnt he try to buy an old couch and just rebuild it to fit his needs? Im sure the answer is that you wanted a nice piece of furniture and not something that would fall apart or look bad.
Evrry boat i see my first thoughts are show me the cabin. What does the couch look like?
I too need something worthy of becoming a potato on and most boats have very crappy couches ime.
@@tricktaylor1983 I hope you make it happen! There are lots of great old boats out there that rival the comfort of a new yacht. And hey, watch enough CZcams videos and you will learn plenty on what to look out for and how to go about fixing and maintaining things.
As for the couch, I did think about it for a long time and seriously considered taking apart and putting back together a standard piece of furniture. However, it was more than just getting it in the door. The space it would go in my salon is a peculiar size and the vast majority of standard furniture would not fit the space lengthwise and/or would stick way to far out in to the salon space. I looked far and wide for something that would fit. Also since I was removing a bench seat that had storage, I wanted to replace it with something that also had storage capacity. The LoveSac ended up checking all of the boxes to make it work altogether, and ended up being incredibly comfortable.
Or a futon...
Sorry but 2 grand? For a loveseat...lol
Trust me, I know. If you have a weird space dimensionally, you get forced in to spending much more than you should have to because there are no other good options that are standard products. The love seats that are specifically made for and marketed for a boat that are the same size, start at $4,000-6,000. I looked for months online, in furniture stores, and boat shows, and you better believe I tried to find something more reasonable. But to find something that A) can fit through my 22” wide door, B) not be too deep that it sticks half way out in to my salon (that is 99.9% of household loveseats or sofas) c)not be cheap crap, you don’t get much of a choice. I know there are some other modular setups out there that are less costly, but they lacked the quality I was looking for, and they still were tough to get to fit my space properly.
At 16 min. In sound like he need nu boat hey stop the suffering get rid of it
🧐
I had to stop watching when I saw he paid 2500 for a love seat. Like wtf
Ah man don’t knock it unless you have tried it! I still don’t regret that purchase. The quality of my naps have increased exponentially.
@@AquaCultured haha glad you are enjoying the love seat. But that price would stain the love part as it stained your credibility in mariner acquisitions. Regardless, all the best to you and thanks for the upload anyway :)
@@weslegna appreciate you watching
It's a boat. What does it go like, how does it handle the rough stuff. Who cares what it's like in a marina. Buy a caravan.
Thanks Michael for the comment. Apparently, based on the statistics I am seeing, plenty of people care. You’re right, it’s a boat, and I will be getting to how it handles out away from the marina. But if you want to watch someone that is out cruising all of the time, there is no shortage of that on CZcams. There is something for everyone. I cannot just go at this time, so
I have decided to live and work on my boat until the point comes that I can throw the lines for longer periods of time.
Thank you for the walk thru. I enjoyed that. You got my subscription and I’ll hit you up on instagram.
I sincerely appreciate that Jason!
I'm sorry, man, but my 5P sexual with 3 electric recliners was $2000. You got ripped off on that couch man