QUICK YACHT REFITS
April 13, 2025
Design Tips
- Tags: Interior Design, Refit, Yacht Charter
Lauren and Cindy lend their advice on maximizing a fast-tracked refit when time is of the essence.
Begin With a Clear Scope of Work
When timelines are tight, the key is clarity. After all, one of the biggest time sinks in any refit is scope creep. Define your budget, layout constraints, priority spaces, and aesthetic goals before any design decisions are made. Lauren and Cindy recommend getting everyone aligned on the must-haves vs. nice-to-haves right from the beginning. This gives the design team, vendors, and shipyard a stable runway to work from—and saves valuable time down the line.
Quick Decisions are Critical
A fast project needs fast thinking. Lauren and Cindy often credit the success of projects like the 143’ Feadship TRUE NORTH to clients who are clear and confident in their selections. Efficient decision-making not only keeps the project moving, but also reduces last-minute scrambling and costly changes.
“The True North clients enabled us to complete the interior refit efficiently and within the allotted timeframe,” says Lauren. “They had great taste, trusted the process, and made firm selections early on. That kind of decisiveness is priceless on a short timeline.”
Select In-Stock Materials and Furnishings
A crucial rule in a tight refit schedule: don’t consider anything with a lead time. That perfect sofa with a 12-week delivery window? It’s a no-go. Instead, choose from readily available materials, furnishings, and accessories. Think of it like shopping off-the-rack—there are still great pieces out there, but the filter is availability.
Lauren and Cindy have a curated network of suppliers who consistently stock high-quality items with short turnarounds. By starting with what’s already in inventory, the team can focus on design and installation rather than chasing vendors or praying for customs clearance.
Build an Organized Schedule From Day One
Once the scope is set and selections are locked in, the next important move is scheduling. In a time-sensitive refit, there’s no room for guesswork. Every vendor, delivery, and installation must be accounted for. Lauren and Cindy recommend a clearly defined schedule to manage the project, with all vendors being privy to the timeline prior to contract.
Avoid Major Structural Changes
Quick refits aren’t the time for moving walls or reshaping decks. Structural changes not only increase cost and complexity—they also open up potential delays in engineering, inspections, and shipyard approvals. Instead, focus on visual and functional updates that have a big impact without needing a big demo.
“When the existing pieces have good bones, it’s often smarter to re-upholster than to replace. Not only is it faster, but it helps maintain the yacht’s identity.”
CINDY GUNTHER
Repurpose What You Already Have
A well-placed reupholstery job can breathe new life into a space without adding time or cost. On the 151’ Delta PISCES, Lauren and Cindy reupholstered the skylounge sectional and two swivel chairs, along with all of the exterior furniture. The transformation was elegant—and it preserved the yacht’s original layout while updating its look and feel.
“When the existing pieces have good bones, it’s often smarter to re-upholster than to replace,” says Cindy. “Not only is it faster, but it helps maintain the yacht’s identity.”
Update the Hardware for a Quick Modern Touch
Sometimes, a simple change can make the biggest difference. Swapping outdated cabinet pulls and door handles for more contemporary or transitional hardware is a fast and cost-effective way to modernize interiors. The studio is currently doing exactly that in the skylounge of the 146’ Trinity SUMMERDANCE, updating cabinetry hardware for a sleek, refreshed look that doesn’t require major alterations.
Refinish (or Cover) Existing Woodwork
Woodwork is often the signature of a yacht’s interior, but it can also feel dated or worn over time. Refinishing wood surfaces can dramatically brighten and refresh a space—especially when done strategically. In SUMMERDANCE, much of the original woodwork is being refinished to restore it to its original beauty.
In cases where refinishing isn’t time-feasible, wallcoverings are a smart workaround. On TRUE NORTH, wallcoverings were used over older wood panels to bring in light and texture without the downtime of a full refinish. The result? A brighter, more inviting interior without the mess or delay.
Choose the Right Shipyard and Vendor Partners
Even the best design can’t succeed without the right team. When time is limited, you need partners who understand urgency and can deliver with precision. Bonville Associates has long enjoyed its successful relationship with Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center.
“We can’t overstate the importance of choosing a shipyard that’s aligned with the schedule,” says Lauren. “When everyone’s moving in sync, that’s when the magic happens.”
A quick yacht refit doesn’t mean compromising on style or quality. With the right mindset, materials, and team, it’s absolutely possible to transform a yacht in record time. The secret is in the planning: clear scope, decisive choices, smart sourcing, and efficient partners.
