A man who spent the two years transforming a derelict oil rig lifeboat into a liveable home has shared how the now-completed project has transformed his life.
Johnny Sturgeon began work on Orla in 2023, despite having zero prior building experience, but is now the proud proprietor of a fully operational floating home which he completed earlier this year. “678 days later, she is finally finished,” Johnny declared in a TikTok clip. “So for the very first time, welcome to the tour of Orla.”
An excited Johnny first displayed his vessel’s exterior, explaining he had breathed new life into it by filling gaps, applying fresh paint and fitting 1,100 watts of solar panels. He’s also incorporated CCTV systems, replacement windows, safety rails and signage.
Moving indoors, Johnny detailed how he had cleared several decades of grime and fuel spillages, plus countless seatbelts to “make way for a modern home”. He presented his bathroom featuring a composting loo, “steamy shower” and plenty of storage capacity, before proceeding to the lounge space.
Completely kitted out with dining furniture and seating zone, work tops and a hob, Johnny explained: “Where the engine once sat is now my kitchen – decorated with tiles I hand-pressed from recyclable materials. My sink is positioned by a sliding window which I custom built so I can watch the world go by as I’m washing up.”
Exploring deeper, Johnny revealed the comfortable benches on both sides of the lifeboat served as guest beds, whilst his personal bedroom – a snug, sage green sanctuary – provided all the comfort he desired.
He explained that he’d transformed the lifeboat’s original control panel into light switches, whilst he’d given his childhood dining table a new lease of life by mounting it on a rotating leg for storage ease.
“It’s been two years of blood, sweat and many tears,” he declared at the conclusion of his tour.
“Yes, Orla is a million miles from the shell I bought. But so too am I! I wasn’t a particularly well young man when I started the boat and watching the smile on my face at seeing her complete is the achievement I am most proud of.”
Johnny concluded: “Though construction on Orla has largely come to an end, it’s made me realise that I get the greatest joy doing something practical and hands on. The first 21 years of my life, I thought I was best suited to traditional education and writing from behind a desk – yet Orla has fundamentally shifted my mindset. Indeed, the project has fundamentally changed what it is that I now want from life.”
While Johnny doesn’t have an official valuation for his converted lifeboat, according to Auto Evolution, the property was valued at £47,000 by insurers.
Johnny’s clip soon went viral, with over 3.2 million TikTok viewers watching for a peek at the finished masterpiece.
“Can’t believe it’s been two years and the finale has shown up in my feed,” one viewer commented.
“Congratulations on your success! Now go enjoy Orla!” One person said: “Congratulations, followed your journey from the start. Awesome achievement, enjoy.” Another added: “The transformation is crazy! Spent a lot of time in those boats doing drills and whatnot offshore.”
Another said: “What a amazing journey for you, Orla, and us following along from home. So glad to hear this is not the end goal video, but a major milestone. Here’s to setting the course for the future.”
However, one cynic simply responded to the clip: “Step one. Have money.”
Johnny was quick to correct them: “Sorry to disappoint but not quite the case! No money from friends/family, just all hard graft, the generosity of followers, and lots of marketing/brand partnerships. Worked hard for it all.”
