Boat Restoration Prep Guide
Restoring an old worn-out boat can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, before you get to experience the joy of taking the restored vessel out on the water, you’ll have to spend many grueling hours working on the boat to bring it back to its former glory. The restoration process takes up a lot of time and energy, so you’ll need to make sure that you know what you’re doing and that you have a boat that’s worth the lengthy repair duration. We’ve gathered some useful tips to help you get started with the restoration process. Read on to learn more!
Is It Worthwhile?
Before you begin, you should make sure that restoring the boat is worth your time and effort. You should restore a vessel only if its structure is sound because if it’s too damaged and worn out, it won’t be worthwhile. You’ll want to restore a boat that has good resale value and is still valuable if you choose to sell it. Otherwise, you’re pouring money down the drain. Make sure that the estimated cost of restoring your boat doesn’t outweigh its actual value.
Inspect and Prepare
Your initial inspection should start with as much information gathering as possible. Find out as much as you can about the history of the boat, including what repairs and maintenance have been done, how often it was used, and if it has sustained any damage. Some of the issues you’ll want to avoid include rot and mold, major electrical issues, and engine problems. It’s a good idea to allow your skill level to guide you in the right direction. You should never take on anything that you can’t handle.
Set Up Your Workspace
A clean and functional workspace is extremely important if you live in a region that experiences frequent weather changes. If you plan to work on your boat over the course of several months, you may find yourself working in the rain or snow. A garage or shed that offers some sort of overhead protection from the elements is ideal.
Choose the Right Tools
Once you’ve established your workspace, you’ll want to gather all the right tools. If this is your first time restoring a boat, there are some essential tools you’ll need to invest in. Keep in mind that this can eat up a good chunk of your budget, so you should include this in your financial planning.
A useful restoration tool kit will consist of:
- Gloves and goggles
- Bolts, screws, nuts, and fasteners
- Hose clamps and wire clamps
- Electrical components
- Pipe fittings
- Sandpaper
- Power tools
- Flexible hoses
- A tall ladder
One way to ensure a smooth restoration process is to have everything you’ll need in one place before you get started. When you keep all the must-have items at your fingertips, it will make a significant difference in how easily the process flows from beginning to end.
We hope that you’ll be able to successfully restore your boat by following these tips. If you’re looking for boats for sale in Sanford, NC, visit Chatlee Boat & Marine today! We proudly serve all those in Raleigh and Greensboro.