Sailing Doodles Podcast

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 Abo