Our Boat Renovation

At the heart of Anchors Up Island Adventures is our pontoon boat, but its journey from worn to wonderful wasn't a smooth voyage. Our efforts to overhaul the vessel and shape it into the sturdy companion that carries us through our adventures today is quite the tale.

It all began one day when Nick stumbled upon an interesting listing for a pontoon boat on Facebook Marketplace: a new Yamaha engine but a boat in disarray, with a trailer ravaged by saltwater and flooring that had seen better days. Despite the mess, there was something about it that spoke to him. Having grown up around the water with boats Nick knew firsthand the magic of spending time on the water, and wanted to pass on the experiences of sunny days exploring the local islands with his wife and children. After some contemplation and taking a closer look in person he struck a deal with the seller and became the owner of his very own pontoon boat.

The Renovation Process

Nick’s background in renovating houses and his carpentry skills were a valuable asset to getting started on the project. With the help of his wife, Nicole, their first step was to completely gut the boat. This involved removing everything between the flooring and old furniture, painstakingly sanding down the hull, and repainting from top to bottom.

They installed new, comfortable couches, tables, and flooring to rejuvenate the boat's deck. With the final effort of cleaning and shining the pontoons by hand and adding a sleek new navigation console, the boat’s restoration was nearing completion!

After months of hard work and dedication obsessing over every detail the final touches were put in place to ensure the boat was in perfect condition. The Terrell family stepped back to admire their handiwork with a sense of pride and satisfaction. This wasn't just a renovated boat – it was a vessel for creating memories and embarking on new adventures.

Before

After

With the newly renovated spacious pontoon boat capable of holding up to 6 guests, Nicole and Nick were inspired to share their love for the water with others. And so, Anchors Up Island Adventures was officially born. With a US Coast Guard Captain’s license, Anchors Up Island Adventures is now offering family-friendly tours around Topsail, Lea Island, and the surrounding waterways in North Carolina!

Anchors Up Island Adventures welcomes everyone to experience what their hometown has to offer. Whether it's a leisurely cruise or an afternoon of exploration, there's plenty of room for everyone to come aboard and experience the magic of life on the water. Book a tour on our newly renovated boat and experience the beauty of the local islands for yourself. The water is calling, and we can't wait to share it with you.

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Nicole & Nick: The Hearts Behind Anchors Up Island Adventures