Captain's Log
Welcome aboard the Captain’s Log, where every entry dives deeper into the ongoing refit of Scalawag. Here you’ll find full write-ups and behind-the-scenes breakdowns of each episode in the Tales of Scalawag series ; detailing the projects, progress, and lessons learned along the way. I’ll also share the tools, materials, and products that helped get the job done right. While you can catch more short videos and updates on social media, this is the place where I document the full story of Scalawag’s transformation, episode by episode.
Tales of scalawag - episode 1
Trip to Purchase Scalawag
This episode of Tales of Scalawag documents the journey south to the Florida Keys and the process behind purchasing a 1977 Formosa Sea Tiger. It covers the month-long negotiations, inspections, and evaluations that led up to the final decision. The focus is on what to look for when buying a classic vessel and the essential checklist used during the purchase phase.
Tales of scalawag - episode 2
Supply Run
This episode highlights the first major step after purchase, gathering tools, gear, and materials for the move aboard. It covers the process of sourcing supplies, organizing early renovations, and setting up living essentials. The breakdown focuses on the importance of preparation and what goes into equipping a sailboat for a long-term refit.
Tales of scalawag - episode 3
Deck Day
Deck Day focuses on the first full work session aboard Scalawag, clearing away the previous owner’s setup and beginning the initial cleanup. It shows the process of organizing, scrubbing, and removing old gear to reveal the condition of the deck. The episode provides a realistic look at the early stages of hands-on restoration.
Tales of scalawag - episode 4
Sail Removal
This episode focuses on one of the larger jobs during early restoration—removing Scalawag’s damaged sails after years of wear and storm exposure. It also covers additional interior cleanup, including wire removal and decluttering. The breakdown details the process of stripping away what’s no longer usable to prepare for upgrades ahead.
Tales of scalawag - episode 5
Time to Get a Dinghy
This episode follows the search for and acquisition of a new dinghy to support Scalawag’s renovation and daily operations. It details what to consider when choosing the right tender, from materials to intended use. The focus is on practicality, transport, and preparation for the work ahead.
Tales of scalawag - episode 6
Pump Out Day
Pump Out Day highlights one of the more routine but necessary parts of liveaboard maintenance. The episode covers cleaning systems, performing a full pump-out, and assessing the boat’s functionality after storms and early use. It provides insight into the maintenance schedule required to keep a restoration project in motion.
Tales of scalawag - episode 7
Afternoon on Scalawag
This episode captures a typical afternoon aboard during the first phase of renovation; sanding, cleaning, and prepping surfaces for primer. It offers a look at the steady work involved in bringing an older vessel back to life. The focus is on the daily rhythm of progress during early restoration.
Tales of scalawag - episode 8
Sanding the Office
This episode highlights the preparation work for the onboard office area, including sanding, surface cleaning, and primer testing. It covers the steps taken to ready the space for painting and finishing. The breakdown focuses on methods, materials, and early lessons learned in the priming process.
Tales of scalawag - episode 9
Starting my Office & Bedroom
This episode marks visible progress within Scalawag’s interior, focusing on the initial renovation of the office and bedroom areas. It documents the prep, sanding, and cleaning stages leading up to priming. The segment serves as a test phase for the full-scale interior restoration.
Tales of scalawag - episode 10
How to Travel to Scalawag
This episode covers the logistics of travel to the project site in the Florida Keys, showing how different crews, friends, and family coordinated trips to assist in the renovation. It highlights the importance of teamwork and planning during an off-site restoration. The focus is on the behind-the-scenes movement that supports the main project.
Tales of scalawag - episode 11
Bed Frame Build
This episode focuses on the removal of the old sleeping setup and the construction of a new, larger bed frame aboard Scalawag. It provides insight into the materials, layout, and design decisions behind improving cabin comfort. The process represents a shift from demolition to custom rebuilding.
Tales of scalawag - episode 12
Follow Our Process to Prime
This episode walks through the full priming phase, from scraping and cleaning to the first coats of primer. It highlights techniques, materials, and preparation methods developed throughout the renovation. The breakdown focuses on how a detailed approach leads to a professional finish inside a classic sailboat.
Tales of scalawag - episode 13
Appliances Onboard
This episode explores the installation and functionality of cooking appliances aboard Scalawag during the renovation period. It covers the equipment needed for living aboard while maintaining the workspace. The focus is on how small upgrades make life onboard efficient and sustainable during long-term projects.
Tales of scalawag - episode 14
Let's Build a Couch
This episode showcases the replacement of the original couch and cushions with a redesigned, custom-built seating area. It follows the process from teardown to rebuild, including measurements, materials, and new cushion creation. The segment demonstrates how comfort and craftsmanship merge in the living area refit.
Tales of scalawag - episode 15
Some More Work
This episode continues the sanding and paint prep stages within Scalawag’s dinette and galley areas. It focuses on finishing the detailed groundwork before moving forward with final coatings. The segment serves as a close to the intensive surface preparation phase of the renovation.
Tales of scalawag - episode 16
Mounting the TV
This episode marks the beginning of phase two of the renovation, introducing upgrades beyond basic restoration. It covers the process of installing and securing a flat-screen TV to make it seaworthy and functional. The focus is on integrating comfort and technology into the classic vessel’s design.
Tales of scalawag - episode 17
Sanding Floors
This episode highlights one of the most transformative stages of the entire project, the sanding and restoration of Scalawag’s teak floors. It covers grit selection, tools, and finishing products used to bring the wood back to life. The process showcases the dramatic improvement achieved through attention to detail and craftsmanship.