A $1,700 abandoned yacht in Fort Lauderdale was meticulously restored by a determined hobbyist into a fully functional luxury vessel, transforming rust and decay into stunning craftsmanship and inspiring awe for the power of vision and perseverance.

In June 2025, Alex Harper, a 32-year-old marine enthusiast and DIY expert from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, stumbled upon an abandoned yacht moored at a small, neglected marina.

The 1980s-built vessel, once a symbol of leisure and sophistication, had long been forgotten.

Its hull was covered in rust, the teak decks warped and splintered, and the interior cabins were soaked with mold and decay.

The marina owner was eager to clear the space and sold the yacht for just $1,700 — a price Harper describes as “almost laughably low.

” Despite its dilapidated condition, Harper saw opportunity where others saw trash.

“I looked at it and thought, this could be something incredible,” Harper said.

“Most people would have walked away, but I could see the bones of something beautiful under all that rot.”

Harper immediately began planning what would become a months-long restoration project.

The goal was ambitious: to transform a rusted, abandoned boat into a fully functional luxury yacht while retaining its original charm.

Harper, who has a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for maritime restoration, sketched detailed plans, sourced vintage materials, and researched the original design of the yacht to maintain authenticity while incorporating modern upgrades.

“I wanted it to feel like it belonged in the 1980s, but also meet today’s standards for safety and comfort,” Harper explained.

The exterior renovation began with the hull, which required extensive sanding, rust treatment, and repainting with high-grade marine coatings to withstand saltwater exposure.

Harper worked tirelessly, often spending 12-hour days under the Florida sun.

The teak decks were stripped, repaired, and refinished to restore their natural luster.

Every detail, from handrails to anchor fixtures, was inspected and refurbished.

“It was hard work, and at times I wondered if it was worth it,” Harper admitted.

“But step by step, I could see it coming back to life.”

The interior posed even greater challenges.

Years of neglect had left mold and water damage throughout the cabins.

Harper removed every compromised surface, including carpets, wall panels, and old furniture.

Where possible, he restored original pieces; otherwise, he replaced them with carefully sourced materials.

Modern amenities were discretely integrated — a fully functional galley, LED lighting, and updated navigation systems — without compromising the yacht’s vintage appeal.

“It was about balance,” Harper said.

“I didn’t want it to feel like a museum, but I also wanted it to honor the original design.”

Perhaps the most challenging task was restoring the yacht’s twin inboard engines.

After years of disuse, the engines had seized completely.

Harper spent weeks dismantling, cleaning, and replacing parts, fabricating components when replacements were unavailable.

Local marine engineers who consulted on the project were astonished by Harper’s dedication and technical skill.

“We see abandoned boats all the time, but few people have the patience and know-how to bring one back from this state,” said Ricardo Mendes, a marine engineer who assisted with the project.

By March 2026, the transformation was complete.

The once-rusty vessel now gleamed under the Florida sun.

Polished teak decks reflected light like new, the hull was pristine, and the interior cabins rivaled modern luxury yachts.

Harper shared the reveal on social media, and the response was overwhelming.

Boating enthusiasts, DIY fans, and casual viewers alike marveled at the dramatic turnaround, with many expressing disbelief that a $1,700 purchase could result in such a stunning vessel.

Beyond the aesthetic transformation, the project has sparked discussion about sustainable practices in maritime hobbies.

By restoring a neglected yacht, Harper prevented it from being scrapped, reducing waste while preserving a piece of nautical history.

“Every vessel has a story,” Harper said.

“I like the idea that this one gets a second chance at life.”

Today, the yacht is fully operational, sailing Florida waters as both a personal recreational vessel and a demonstration of what can be achieved with vision, skill, and determination.

Harper occasionally hosts tours, showing enthusiasts the meticulous work done on engines, decks, and interiors.

The project stands as a testament to how dedication and creativity can turn decay into beauty, inspiring others to look at abandoned or neglected projects with fresh eyes.

From a $1,700 derelict to a fully restored luxury yacht, Harper’s journey demonstrates that with patience, resourcefulness, and a passion for transformation, even the most neglected objects can be revived into extraordinary works of craftsmanship.