Touching Up Teulu's Interior: The Refit Begins

This week we’d like to welcome aboard Teulu Tribe to the TotalBoat blog! Becka and Zach, the dynamic duo behind the YouTube channel Teulu Tribe, have turned their wild dream of sailing the world into an inspiring reality. What began as a far-fetched idea in a small student house in Swansea has now become a full-blown adventure aboard their 1987 Colvic Victor ketch. Despite starting with just dinghy sailing experience and a student budget, they dedicated themselves to the dream—working tirelessly, finishing their degrees, and saving every penny. In March 2022, they finally purchased their very own sailboat and have been navigating the challenges of life at sea ever since.

In their latest video, we get to witness the beginning of an ambitious interior makeover of their 1987 sailing boat. After spending years upgrading critical systems like rigging and engine services, they’ve turned their attention to the boat’s interior, giving it a much-needed facelift. This project, affectionately named “TA’s Touch-Ups,” showcases how a little bit of planning and the right products can make a difference.

The refit begins with a deep dive into refinishing the woodwork throughout the boat’s interior. Many of the surfaces had varnish that was peeling or uneven in color. To tackle this, they started by using TotalStrip, a powerful varnish remover, to strip away the old layers. This allowed them to get a clean slate for refinishing. After carefully sanding and prepping the surfaces, they applied TotalBoat Gleam Varnish. For the interior, they opted for a satin finish to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. In contrast, the exterior woodwork was finished with a gloss varnish to provide robust protection against the elements. The transformation was dramatic, giving the boat’s woodwork a fresh, vibrant look.

Next on the list was the companionway, which had taken a beating from harsh weather conditions and years of use. The equatorial sun had been particularly harsh on their teak, leading to noticeable wear and tear. Using TotalStrip again, they carefully removed the deteriorated varnish. After sanding, they applied several coats of Gleam Varnish, rejuvenating the wood and restoring its natural beauty. The difference was night and day, with the companionway looking almost brand new.

The crew didn’t stop there. With the woodwork complete, they turned their attention to the saloon walls, which had become stained and worn over time. They chose to use TotalBilge to prep the surfaces, which is a durable, wipeable paint. This product choice was deliberate, as it allows them to easily clean the walls, a crucial feature in a space that sees as much use as a boat’s interior. After a few coats of primer and paint, the saloon looked brighter and more modern, making the space feel much larger and more welcoming.

The galley received a complete overhaul as well. The countertops and cabinets had seen better days, with mismatched colors and a worn finish detracting from the space. They started by using TotalStrip to remove the old finishes, then carefully applied a matching wood stain to unify the look. To protect their hard work, they sealed the surfaces with several coats of TotalBoat Gleam Varnish, ensuring durability and a beautiful, long-lasting finish. This update not only improved the aesthetics but also made the surfaces more resistant to the wear and tear of daily use.

Above: TotalStrip in action

In addition to these cosmetic improvements, the team also addressed some practical issues that come with living aboard. One of the biggest challenges was securing their storage. With each sail, their food storage bins would slide around, creating chaos in the galley. To solve this, they custom-built shelves to fit their storage needs perfectly. Once constructed, the new shelves were primed using TotalBoat Topside Primer before receiving a top coat of paint to match the rest of the galley. This clever solution has made their storage more secure and functional.

The Teulu Tribe’s refit project (or Ta’s Touch Up’s) is a great example of the power of patience and using the right materials. With TotalBoat products like Gleam Varnish, TotalBilge, TotalStrip, and Topside Primer, they’ve been able to breathe new life into the interior of their sailboat. The transformation not only enhances the boat’s appearance but also makes their living space more comfortable and practical, setting the stage for many more adventures to come.