How to Prepare to Restore A Boat
Whether you’re looking to restore a boat so you can enjoy it on the water or sell it so you can make some money, there are many ways to go about it. At Germaine Marine, we want to make sure you’re well educated on the boat restoration process before you get started. After all, this can be a fairly lengthy and involved process, so be sure to pack your patience for this journey. We suggest doing plenty of research in order to learn more. We’ve gathered some useful tips below to help you get started, but for more information or to check out our inventory, visit one of our dealerships in Arizona and Utah today!
Inspection and Preparation
Your initial boat inspection should begin with getting as much information as possible from the previous owner. Discuss the history as far as what maintenance and repairs have been done, how often it was used, and if there’s been any damage. Remember that restoring a boat is no walk in the park, so you want to know exactly what you’re getting into before putting money down. Some common issues that you should steer away from include rot and mold, major electrical issues, problems with the engine, and so on. Allow your skill level to guide you in the right direction. Do not take on anything you’re not equipped to handle.
If at any time during your inspection you feel unsure about the quality of the boat, it’s best to get a second opinion from a professional. The condition of the boat should be your first priority. This might cost you, but it’s worth it in the long run to have confidence in your investment. Once the boat has been thoroughly inspected, you can prepare a list of everything that you need to fix and prioritize it accordingly. A common mistake is attending solely to the boat’s cosmetic repairs before addressing the more important systems. These systems not only make the boat run, but can be quite costly to repair, so you should not neglect them. You can’t enjoy a boat that doesn’t run nor will it sell for very much.
Create a Workspace
A clean and functional workspace is key to a successful boat restoration. This can be especially important if you live in an area that experiences frequent weather changes. For example, if this is a part-time project you plan to work on over the course of several months, you may very well end up working in the rain or snow. The ideal workspace will have some sort of coverage overhead so that you can work no matter the weather.
It’s also a good idea for your workspace to be located close to your home so you don’t waste too much time traveling back and forth. You’ll definitely need access to a power source at either end of the boat, too. Other necessities include access to lighting and a water supply.
Use the Right Tools
After you’ve established an appropriate workspace, you’ll need to make sure it’s equipped with the tools you’ll need to restore a boat. If you’re new to this process and still need to invest in the proper tools, be aware this can eat up quite a bit of your budget so don’t forget to include that in your cost planning. Your tools will depend on the type of repairs your boat needs.
A useful boat restoration tool kit will include the following:
Goggles and gloves
Nuts, bolts, and screws
Hose clamps and wire clamps
Electrical components
Pipe fittings
Sandpaper
Fasteners
Convenience is essential to making your boat restoration as smooth and simple as possible, so be sure to also have a ladder, all the necessary power tools, and flexible hoses. Restoring a boat is a commitment in both time and effort, so having the right tools to see it through will make all the difference.
If you’d like to check out our inventory before you start restoring your boat, give us a call or stop by Germaine Marine today. We have locations in Arizona and Utah to serve our customers. Our friendly staff would be happy to assist you with all your boating needs.