Whether buying a preowned yacht or looking to refresh and modernize your existing one, refitting a yacht is the perfect chance to get the feeling of a new yacht without the actual buying of a new build.
A well planned and successfully executed refit can add aesthetic value to the yacht and at the same time satisfy the owner’s wish for a change. The first step is to determine what you want and how much you are willing to spend. Just about anything is possible. A yacht design refit can range from minimal to massive, so figuring out what you want is the base line.
Interior fabrics, colours & lights
Probably the fastest and most affordable way to modernize your yacht is playing with various aspects of interior design like fabrics, texture, colours and light. Adding decorative pillows, freestanding furniture and upholstering surfaces have a huge impact on the feel of a yacht. One or more pieces of fine art can also give a special touch to the interior. Adding or removing carpets can change the complete look of the yacht.
New lighting technologies can be added and even connected to the music system, adjustable according your mood.
Further changes can be made to bathroom furniture, sink and shower fittings, decorative wall tiles, shower cabins, wash basins and flooring.
Technology upgrade
Beside aesthetic value, you can add also functional value to your yacht by upgrading navigation and entertainment technology. This will not only look good, but you will have more up-to-date comfort while using your yacht.
Structural changes
A major refit includes structural and/or big interior and/or exterior procedures like removing or adding walls, changing of teak decking, change of hull colour, change of a yacht’s structure – for example by adding a hard top to a sports fly yacht, or even extending the hull length with a platform.
The key to a successful refit is detailed and effective planning and a reliable partner for the correct execution of the plan.
We at Merk & Merk have refitted numerous yachts at our shipyard. Our own in-house team of experts is covering all refit areas, from minimal to major requirements.
Our job is to help owners to structure their ideas into a plan and advising them on the best options tailored to their needs. This guarantees a smooth project.
The designer, shipyard, captain/owner have to act like a team and prioritize goals, identify a course of action and create a plan that considers any potential unforeseen events that may arise. As work starts, unexpected surprises will need to be handled promptly and methodically to avoid bigger impacts on the project.
When is the best time for a yacht to undergo a refit? Well, it depends on how big the project is and what the jobs are, but generally said fall is the best time to start.
Thinking about customize and modernize your yacht? Tell us your ideas and wishes and we will make a design proposal including plan and budget for you!