One Tiny Hamster. One Huge Boat. One Serious Conversion Project.

Follow the real-world transformation of a neglected 1980s steel trawler into a 60ft UK liveaboard cruiser — while exploring seamanship, coastal Britain, maritime folklore, practical boating knowledge, and the occasional questionable midnight decision.

Built by a former Royal Navy seaman, RYA Day Skipper, boat builder, and project manager.

Choose Your Route Through HamstersAHOY!

This is more than a boat project. HamstersAHOY combines real-world marine restoration, practical seamanship, UK coastal operating guidance, maritime culture, and humour into one evolving coastal reference project.

🔴 The Conversion Project

Follow the full rebuild of a neglected steel trawler...

Start the Project Journey →

🔵 The Seamanship Knowledge Base

Explore hundreds of practical articles...

Explore the Knowledge Base →

🟢 UK Coastal Operating Guide

A structured guide to the UK coastline...

Explore UK Coastal Waters →

🟣 Coastal Myths & Legends

Explore folklore of Britain’s coastlines...

Enter the Legends →

🟠 Maritime Traditions & Coastal Culture

Fishing heritage, pilotage traditions...

Discover Coastal Traditions →

⚪ Middle Watch Musings

Late-night reflections, humour, caffeine-fuelled thinking...

Stand the Middle Watch →

Current Project Status

Season Two underway.
Structural steelwork progressing.
Stern deck restoration ongoing.
Systems planning continues.
Hamsters remain operational.

Begin Exploring

Project Logs | Knowledge Base | Coastal Guide | Middle Watch