The hull refurbishment represents one of the most significant investments made during the refit and demonstrates a long-term commitment to maintaining the vessel to a high standard. Following completion of all hull repairs, modifications and fabrication work, the vessel underwent a complete abrasive blast to bare steel, providing the ideal foundation for a professional marine coating system.
The hull was subsequently coated using a premium Carboline protective coating system comprising Carboguard 635 two-pack epoxy primer followed by Carbothane 134 and 135 two-pack polyurethane topcoats. All surface preparation, coating application and curing requirements were carried out strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications to ensure maximum adhesion, durability and long-term corrosion protection. Numerous hull modifications and improvements were also completed throughout the refit, reflecting a practical engineering approach focused on strength, functionality and long-term serviceability.
The interior of SV Lotte has been equally transformed. Timber surfaces throughout the vessel have been carefully restored and refinished, with new varnish applied to interior joinery to enhance both appearance and durability while preserving the vessel's character. The most significant interior improvement has been the complete refurbishment of the aft cabin, which has been redesigned and upgraded into a spacious owner's stateroom featuring a private ensuite head and toilet. This transformation has created a comfortable and practical master cabin ideally suited to extended cruising or liveaboard use.
Further improvements have been made to the vessel's amenities, including upgrades to the forward shower and head compartment through the installation of a 12-volt macerator toilet system. These enhancements improve convenience and functionality while contributing to a more modern onboard living environment.
Together, the exterior and interior refurbishment works have significantly enhanced both the structural integrity and comfort of the vessel. The result is a yacht that combines the strength and security of a professionally refurbished steel hull with the warmth, practicality and liveability expected of a capable offshore cruising yacht.
One of the most significant improvements undertaken during the refit was the complete redesign and enhancement of the cockpit. The original cockpit was relatively small, with seating for only five people and limited comfort for extended cruising or entertaining. Through a comprehensive redesign, the cockpit was enlarged and reconfigured into a spacious horseshoe-shaped layout that now comfortably accommodates up to eight people, creating a far more social and functional outdoor living space.
The original painted steel seating was transformed through the addition of custom-crafted marine joinery featuring elegant caulked-panel detailing to both the seats and backrests. These handcrafted timber panels not only improve comfort but also bring the warmth and character of traditional yacht joinery to the cockpit. A bespoke folding cockpit table was designed and built specifically for the space, providing a practical dining and entertaining area while retaining flexibility when underway.
A custom helm control pod, designed specifically for SV Lotte, was fabricated and installed to improve ergonomics and provide a modern, professional appearance at the steering position. Access to the saloon was also greatly improved by replacing the original small oval hatch arrangement with a redesigned companionway featuring a sliding hatch cover, dedicated hatch garage, and a new grey-tinted acrylic sliding hatch. These modifications make entry and exit significantly easier while enhancing both ventilation and natural light.
Completing the transformation is a custom-designed soft spray dodger and folding bimini system that provides excellent protection from the elements while folding neatly out of the way when not required. Together, these modifications have created a cockpit that is more comfortable, practical and visually appealing, making SV Lotte exceptionally well suited to both offshore passagemaking and entertaining at anchor.
The deck fittings and hardware on SV Lotte were extensively upgraded as part of the refit, with a focus on strength, durability, functionality and ease of operation. Drawing upon extensive fabrication, engineering and 3D design experience, numerous original fittings were redesigned, replaced or enhanced to better suit the vessel's offshore cruising role.
Major improvements included the installation of new Vetus Sampson posts and horn cleats, together with custom-designed mast base line-diversion plates, saloon-top running rigging line-diversion systems, Aries wind vane deck fittings, custom toe rails, dedicated cable entry plates and staysail club boom deck hardware. The main deck hatches were also modified to incorporate stainless steel gas struts, significantly improving access, ventilation and day-to-day usability.
Additional upgrades included a custom radar and instrument support structure integrated into the stern arch, improved deck ventilation and exhaust systems, and redesigned forward hawse fittings to enhance anchoring and mooring operations. To ensure long-term durability and proper load distribution, all major deck fittings were reinforced with custom-fabricated 316 stainless steel backing and wear plates, providing exceptional strength and protection to the deck structure.
Collectively, these improvements have produced a robust and thoughtfully engineered deck layout that is both highly functional and well suited to the demands of extended offshore cruising. Many of these modifications are not immediately obvious, yet they represent the type of practical engineering improvements that significantly enhance the vessel's strength, safety and long-term reliability.
Lotte's anchoring system underwent a comprehensive refurbishment and upgrade aimed at improving reliability, ease of operation, and long-term cruising capability. The original hydraulic windlass was removed, disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, and refurbished before being reinstalled.
As part of the project, the windlass was reconfigured and rotated 90 degrees to operate as an efficient capstan, providing greater versatility for anchoring and line-handling operations. The original manual hydraulic controls were replaced with a modern 12-volt solenoid-actuated control system, allowing powered operation in both directions. For convenience and safety, both deck-mounted foot switches and a remote pendant control were installed, enabling operation from multiple positions on deck.
To support the upgraded installation, a custom-fabricated 316 stainless steel reinforcement plate was designed and fitted on top of the foredeck, significantly increasing structural support in this high-load area.
The ground tackle was also substantially upgraded with the installation of a Rocna 33 anchor, widely regarded as one of the most effective modern cruising anchors. Complementing the anchor is 100 metres of new 10 mm short-link anchor chain and approximately 150 metres of 20 mm nylon rode, providing exceptional flexibility for a wide range of anchoring conditions.
The result is a robust, dependable, and easy-to-operate anchoring system designed to provide confidence and security whether coastal cruising, spending extended periods at anchor, or undertaking offshore voyages.
The steering and helm systems aboard SV Lotte were extensively redesigned and upgraded to improve functionality, safety and offshore capability. Particular attention was given to creating a steering arrangement that incorporates multiple levels of redundancy while maintaining a practical and comfortable helm position.
A major component of the refit was the redesign of the steering quadrant and deck assembly. This custom-engineered solution integrates the vessel's three critical steering requirements into a single cohesive system: operation of the Raymarine autopilot, connection to the Aries wind vane self-steering system via tiller control, and provision for a readily deployable emergency tiller. The result is a versatile and robust steering arrangement that provides multiple independent steering options for offshore cruising.
As part of the cockpit redesign, the helm position was relocated further aft, contributing to the significant increase in usable cockpit space while improving visibility and helm ergonomics. To complement these changes, a bespoke engine control pod was designed and fabricated specifically for SV Lotte. The custom pod provides a practical and professional helm layout, with controls and instrumentation positioned for convenient operation while maintaining a clean and uncluttered cockpit environment.
Together, these modifications have transformed the steering and helm arrangement into a highly functional system that enhances safety, improves single-handed and short-handed sailing capability, and provides the redundancy and reliability expected of a serious offshore cruising yacht.
The mast and boom underwent a comprehensive refurbishment as part of the refit, with the objective of restoring both appearance and long-term reliability. The work commenced with the complete stripping of the mast and boom back to bare metal, followed by professional surface preparation and repainting. This process restored the spars to an excellent cosmetic standard while providing long-term protection against the harsh marine environment.
As part of the refurbishment, all internal sheaves, fittings and associated hardware were removed, inspected, serviced and refitted in accordance with accepted marine engineering practices. Particular care was taken to minimise the risk of galvanic corrosion between stainless steel and aluminium components through the use of appropriate isolation and assembly techniques, helping to maximise the service life of the spars and fittings.
The mast was completely rewired, with all electrical cabling replaced, including the wind instrument wiring, VHF antenna cable and 12-volt power supplies serving the masthead and spreader lighting systems. New LED spreader lights and a new LED anchor light were installed, improving reliability while significantly reducing power consumption.
Additional upgrades included the installation of a new VHF antenna and a new masthead wind indicator, ensuring dependable communications and accurate wind reference information.
In practical terms, the mast and boom were fully refurbished rather than simply serviced. The result is a spar package that combines excellent presentation with renewed electrical systems, refurbished hardware and improved long-term corrosion protection, providing confidence for both coastal and offshore cruising.
SV Lotte is powered by the highly regarded Ford Lehman 2712E 80HP naturally aspirated diesel engine coupled to a Borg Warner Velvet Drive reduction gearbox. Renowned throughout the cruising community for reliability, simplicity and longevity, this proven propulsion package is ideally suited to the Adams 45's displacement hull and offshore cruising role.
An additional benefit is the vessel's generously sized engine room, which provides excellent access around the engine and associated systems, making routine servicing, inspection and maintenance considerably easier than on many yachts of comparable size.
As part of the refit, the engine was removed, thoroughly prepared and sandblasted back to bare metal before being refinished with a professional two-pack polyurethane coating specifically designed for marine engine applications. This process not only restored the engine's appearance but also provided long-term corrosion protection within the engine compartment.
A major upgrade was undertaken to convert the original dry exhaust arrangement to a modern wet exhaust system. The system was designed in consultation with Vetus technical specialists, who reviewed and endorsed the final configuration. New Vetus components were installed throughout, including exhaust hose, waterlock, gooseneck and hull outlet fittings, resulting in a quieter, more efficient and modern exhaust installation.
The propulsion system was further upgraded with new engine mounts, shaft coupling and flexible drive coupling supplied by R & D Marine. Engine and transmission oil coolers were replaced with new Bowman units, while all engine hoses, fuel lines and oil lines were renewed. A PSS dripless shaft seal was installed, providing a modern and reliable shaft sealing solution with reduced maintenance requirements.
While the fuel system itself required no modification, the fuel tanks were thoroughly cleaned as part of the refurbishment program. The cutlass bearing was inspected during the vessel's 2022 survey and found to be in excellent condition.
Collectively, these upgrades represent a comprehensive refurbishment of the vessel's propulsion system, providing confidence in the reliability, efficiency and serviceability of one of the most important systems aboard an offshore cruising yacht.
The electrical and electronics systems aboard SV Lotte were comprehensively upgraded as part of the refit, with a strong focus on reliability, safety and integration. A complete vessel rewire was undertaken using marine-grade tinned copper cabling throughout, replacing aging wiring and bringing the electrical system to a modern standard.
Particular attention was given to cable protection and long-term durability. Main service runs throughout the vessel were enclosed within flexible PVC conduit, while branch circuits supplying lighting and auxiliary equipment were protected using split conduit. This approach provides excellent mechanical protection, simplifies future maintenance and minimises the risk of stray current issues commonly associated with older vessel wiring installations.
The navigation and instrumentation systems were also extensively modernised. New Raymarine depth, speed, sea temperature and wind sensors were installed, together with a Raymarine i70 multifunction instrument display and a Raymarine e95 multifunction display. All instruments are integrated through a Raymarine SeaTalk NG network, providing a fully connected navigation platform.
The mast was completely rewired, with all VHF, wind instrument and power cabling replaced. New LED navigation lights and LED spreader lights were installed, while all cabin lighting fixtures were upgraded to efficient LED lamps, reducing power consumption and improving onboard lighting quality.
To improve vessel monitoring, fuel, fresh water and waste tanks were fitted with electronic level sensors, providing accurate tank status information from the vessel's instrumentation system.
A sophisticated Raymarine autopilot system was also installed, comprising an S3 Course Computer, external gyro sensor, hydraulic pump unit and a Type 3 linear drive. The system can be controlled from either the Raymarine e95 multifunction display or the dedicated ST6002 control head, delivering accurate and reliable steering performance for both coastal and offshore passages.
While much of this work remains hidden behind panels and within cable runs, it represents one of the most significant investments made during the refit, providing the vessel with a modern, reliable and fully integrated electrical and navigation system suitable for extended cruising.
The onboard systems aboard SV Lotte were comprehensively renewed and rationalised as part of the refit, with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability and long-term serviceability. All critical plumbing systems were replaced using marine-grade hose and fittings throughout, including dedicated systems for potable water, waste and bilge drainage. This ensures compliance with modern marine standards while significantly improving durability and resistance to ageing and fatigue.
A major focus of the refit was upgrading and rationalising the vessel’s bilge pumping capacity. Three independent bilge systems are now in place: an engine-driven bilge pump for high-capacity emergency dewatering, a manual bilge pump for redundancy and direct operator control, and separate automatic electric bilge pumps serving both the forward and aft bilge compartments. This layered approach provides multiple levels of protection and redundancy, essential for offshore safety.
Additional improvements include the installation of a new bilge blower system with updated ducting, improving engine space ventilation and vapour extraction. A BEP gas detection system was installed in conjunction with new marine-grade gas piping, fitted by a certified gas fitter to ensure full compliance and operational safety.
All plumbing and electrical services are organised around a dedicated internal routing and support structure, providing a clear “backbone” system throughout the vessel. This design approach ensures that systems are not only robust and reliable, but also fully accessible and serviceable—an important consideration for long-term maintenance and offshore operability.
Collectively, these upgrades deliver a modernised and well-structured systems installation where safety, redundancy and maintainability have been prioritised at every level.
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