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...

Follow The Project →

🟠 Knowledge Base

Find hundreds of practical seamanship articles...

Explore Seamanship →

🟡 Coastal Operating Guide

A structured guide to the entire UK coastline...

Explore UK Shores →

🟢 Coastal Myths & Legends

Explore folklore of Britain’s coastlines...

Enter the Legends →

🔵 Traditions & Culture

Fishing heritage, pilotage traditions...

Discover Tradition →

🟣 Ship's Office Directory

Specialists in 64 Categories and 75 Coastal Regions ...

Find Local Experts →

🟤 Coastal Fellowship

Coastal Guardians & Custodians ...

Caring For Coasts →

⚫ Matelot Sea Stories

Royal Navy, HMS Ganges & The Fleet ...

Where It All Began →

⚪ Middle Watch Musings

Late-night reflections & caffeine-fuelled thinking...

Stand A 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