Sanamiru Refit Case Study

The Marine Group Director, Christopher Odling-Smee, has been a boat owner all his life. When his children were younger, he had a motorboat which the family kept in Cardiff Marina to enjoy days out to the beaches of West Wales and sometimes a little beyond.

As his children grew older, they developed a keen interest in sailing and after a few long-distance passages, Christopher decided it was time to invest in a yacht that would nurture this passion and would make family adventures further afield a joy.

Christopher bought Sanamiru, a Beneteau Oceanis 461 built in 1999, which fitted the bill. The Marine Services team then worked with Christopher to plan a refit that would put her in top condition for many happy years at sea with the family.

 

Sanamiru On Arrival

 

 

Work Carried Out

Hull Topsides

The team set to work on various GRP repairs followed by high build primer and 545 finishing primer.

  

The team then used Awlcraft SE for the base colour, lines and stencilled logos. The paint job was completed with Awlgrip HDT Clear, delivering a high gloss finish that is durable, micro-scratch resistant and retains the colour beneath.

  

Deck

The port side deck and cockpit had wet core so was replaced with Gurit Corecell, a high-performance foam that is durable and impact resistant. This was then laminated and faired.

  

The old teak deck and toe rail was replaced with Flexiteek, a synthetic panelling that with not fade, split or crack and requires minimal maintenance. It is 100% recyclable, non-slip and looks just like real wood.

    

Extensive GRP and gelcoat repairs and restoration were carried out, new Lewmar hatches fitted throughout, and all hardware was re-bedded.

New fenders and mooring lines from Seago Yachting provided the finishing touches to the exterior.

 

Electrics

Sanamiru had a full navigation electronics upgrade using Raymarine products. A new VHF aerial, Windex Indicator and Tricolour navigation light with anchor were also fitted along with new batteries, shelf and lash downs.

 

Engine

Her engine had a full service by the Power Systems Marine Leisure team.

 

Interior

Just as much attention was given to her interior. There was a repair to the forward bulkhead and various areas repaired with white Formica to lighten the appearance down below. Work was done to the navigation area and a new cooker, gas lines, regulator and bottle fitted.

All upholstery covers were replaced throughout the interior of the vessel.

  

 

Rigging

All rigging was checked and serviced with a new forestay and top bearing fitted and as well as running rigging renewed.

All covers and sails were sent off to be valeted.

 

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Commenting on the quality of the work Christopher said “Sanamiru is a well-known boat in Cardiff and out of respect to the boat and her previous owners as well as being my dream boat, I knew that handing her over to the marine services team would deliver beautiful results. Boaters will know what it feels like to finally see land behind you. Doing so on Sanamiru will be special. There is no doubt the refit is of fantastic quality”

If you are considering a refit on a boat you own or are considering purchasing, our Marine Services team would be happy to talk you through the options available.