Restoring Your Boat
If you enjoy spending time on the open water, it can be hard to see your favorite boat age or get damaged. Luckily, restoration is often an option to bring your old boat back to its original glory. However, this is a rigorous process and not one to undertake lightly. Whether you’re bringing your own boat back to its youth or flipping a fixer-upper to sell it, you want to make sure the process will be worth it in the long run.
We here at New Jersey Outboards have put together a brief guide to get your restoration journey started! If you want more boating advice, or you’re looking for a new vessel to captain, stop by our store in Bayville, New Jersey. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready and waiting to get you what you need at the prices you want!
Will It Be Worth It?
Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure the boat you’re looking at is worth restoring. If the boat’s structure is unsound, you’d be better off buying a new boat than sinking extra funds into the current one. If repairing the damage will cost more than you can sell the boat for, or if the repairs will take too big a chunk out of your budgeting, it’s potentially a lost cause. Any boat that you even think you might sell down the line needs to be a wise investment, so make sure the cost of the restoration isn’t greater than the cost of the boat itself in new condition.
Inspect And Prep
Any maintenance or repair process should begin with a thorough inspection. This will tell you the basics of the boat’s condition. Additionally, if you’re buying the boat from someone else in order to restore it, make sure to ask as many questions as you can about the boat’s history and current condition. If the boat has been poorly maintained, you might be veering back into “lost cause” territory. Steer away from any craft that displays significant rot or mildew, electrical issues, or major engine problems. Never take on more than you’re able or willing to handle.
When possible, we recommend seeking out a second opinion from a professional. Someone trained in boat maintenance will be able to give you an accurate picture of the boat’s condition. While this might cost a bit extra, it can save you thousands of dollars down the line by preventing you from taking on too big a project.
Make a thorough list of all repairs that need to be done, focusing on function rather than aesthetics. A boat that looks good isn’t worth much if it can’t actually handle the water. Leave cosmetic repairs for the end once everything is in good working order.
Build Or Find A Workspace
Boat restoration can be a lengthy process, so make sure to set aside a dedicated space so you can work on your boat at your convenience—especially if there are long gaps in between work sessions, or if you expect the repairs to take months or longer. Ideally, work in a sheltered workspace that has protection from the elements. Otherwise, you might find yourself repairing one problem while letting water build up and damage other parts of the boat. Never work in circles if you can avoid it!
Do your best to keep your workspace close to home to avoid too much travel time. This isn’t just convenient, it’s cost-effective, preventing you from wasting gas or wearing down your car to build up your boat. Make sure your workspace is well-lit, and that there’s a water source and reliable power supply within reach of both the bow and stern of your boat. Try to leave enough room in the space to store all your tools and supplies, and to make sure you have room to walk around it comfortably.
Get The Right Tools
Once you know what repairs your boat needs and where you’ll be making them, it’s time to gear up. While the repairs your specific boat needs will dictate some of the tools you’ll need, there are some general ones that are always good to have when working on your craft. These include:
- A tall ladder
- Goggles, gloves, and a face mask
- Nuts, bolts, and screws
- Hose and wire clamps
- Electrical components
- Pipe fittings
- Power tools (sander, saw, drill, et cetera)
- Sandpaper
- Fasteners
- A hammer
Even with all the right ingredients, a boat restoration is a taxing journey. If you’re looking for professional advice or assistance, look no further than New Jersey Outboards. We proudly serve the people of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and of New York and Connecticut—let us serve you today!