Meet Jack Allen — Project Manager, Builder, and Sea-Wise Hamster Wrangler

Jack Allen is the driving force behind HamstersAHOY!—the former Royal Navy seamanship rating, professional boat skipper, boat builder, and Project Manager who decided that a neglected 1980s steel trawler was the perfect candidate for a 60ft liveaboard conversion.

Every decision Jack makes is grounded in practical experience, risk awareness, and applied marine science. From hull repairs to onboard systems, he brings structure and discipline to a project that occasionally looks like chaos from the outside.

A Little About Jack

♦   Extensive experience in marine operations, project management, and construction site management

♦   Formal Natural Sciences education (Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science)

♦   RYA Day Skipper, SMSTS, Electrician, Alarms Systems Engineer, Scaffolder, Heavy Plant and Telehandler Operator

♦   Prolific writer and documenter of hands-on boating and liveaboard conversion experience

Jack and Pedro

Pedro, the slightly bewildered hamster, provides moral support and occasional perspective on the conversion project. While he cannot operate a diesel engine, Jack values the calm example Pedro sets—proof that even in a rolling anchorage, keeping perspective is critical.

Together, Jack and the team tackle the boat in stages, documenting successes, mistakes, and lessons learned. This approach ensures the project remains practical, safe, and ultimately achievable, even if the occasional absurdity creeps in.

Next in the Series

Meet the rest of the crew—some slightly more eccentric than others. Next: Esmeralda Gonzales