Flipping Ships

Flipping Ships, a six-part television series aired in 2015, is not your typical renovation show. It stands out from the crowd with its unique focus on the maritime. Produced by Animal Planet, this series takes the home renovation concept to a whole new level, by focusing on restoring, customizing, and selling vintage boats instead of houses.

The show is set in the heartland of South Carolina, where boats are key to daily life. The man at the helm of the ship (and the show) is none other than Edwin McCain, a successful chart-topping musician by night and a passionate boat enthusiast by day. McCain's lifelong passion for boats began in his youthful summers spent on the Palmetto State waterfront, where he developed a deep love for the sea and nautical vessels.

The show revolves around McCain and his team at Boats Have Souls workshop, where they breathe new life into forgotten, decrepit boats. Their passion for restoring these magnificent seafaring vessels is palpable in every project they undertake. The catchphrase "We find 'em, fix 'em, flip 'em" effectively encapsulates the essence of the show.

The workshop, "Boats Have Souls," is a treasure trove of vintage boats of all shapes and sizes. The team takes on the daunting task of transforming these abandoned vessels into stunning customized creations that not only appeal to boat enthusiasts but also catch the attention of those who appreciate good design. From speedboats to cabin cruisers, the vessels are restored with a careful balance of tradition and creativity, maintaining their original charm while adding contemporary elements to upgrade their outdated designs.

McCain's team consists of a dynamic and colorful crew, who are shown not only for their top tier craftsmanship and technical skills but also for their unique personalities. The crew includes McCain's right-hand man and restoration whiz Elijah, whose lightning-fast hands and keen attention to detail have been instrumental to the workshop's success, and his childhood friend Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish, who often drops by for gregarious guest appearances.

The group also includes comedy relief in larger-than-life characters like Andrew and Big Shed, who are function shakers, playfully disrupting the otherwise serious work environment with their comedic banter.

In each hour-long episode, Flipping Ships takes viewers on a nautical journey, following the exhausting process of searching for, restoring, and selling these exclusive vintage boats. They take sagging old boats that seem useless, and through sweat, determination, and a good dose of humor, transform them into something truly remarkable.

Each restoration project comes with its own set of unique challenges, sparking curiosity about what they will tackle next. Stunning before-and-after reveals keep viewers hooked until the end of each episode. The transformations aren't just surface level, either. The crew takes pride in restoring the full functionality of these boats, ensuring that they're truly seaworthy before they hit the market.

Flipping Ships is not just about the boats. It's about people who have passion, skill, and perseverance. During the renovation process, a variety of life philosophies and personal stories are unveiled, adding a strong personal and emotional appeal to the show.

Besides the pressure to deliver superior quality products, McCain's team also has to deal with tight deadlines, limited budgets, and unpredictable weather conditions. The show provides a genuine insight into the real-world challenges that come with the boat flipping business, making it a thrilling roller coaster ride for its viewers.

The viewers of Flipping Ships get more than remarkable before-and-after revelations; they also experience a slice of local South Carolina culture. With the team exploring local waterways, and McCain's frequent performances of his signature tunes, the sea, the community, and the music form an essential backdrop to the boat transformation stories, enriching the viewing experience.

Flipping Ships is indeed much more than a home renovation spin-off; it's an unexpected combination of passion, craftsmanship, culture, comedy, and maritime adventure. This charming series gives us an intriguing look at the art of restoring boats, and at the same time, pulls at our heartstrings with the crew's camaraderie and relentless passion for their craft. It's a show that will surely have you hooked, whether you're a boat enthusiast or just have a penchant for great transformations and captivating characters.