Good Old Boat

Is restoring a boat all that it’s made out to be?

- Stuart Reichardt

If you’re thinking about buying an old boat to restore it, think again. Unless you have unlimited funds, lots and lots of time and the technical know how, you should not be considering a restoration. It might seem like you’re getting a bargain. The price might be dirt cheap, but that still, small voice in your head should be telling you otherwise. Boat owners often have this idyllic idea of a beautifully restored boat in their head, yet getting the boat to that pristine condition is no easy feat. Good intention is not nearly enough for a boat restoration.

If you do decide to take the plunge, excuse the pun, you will need to be properly prepared for what is to come.

The basic structure of the boat should be intact.

The boat needs to have certain appeal for buyers if you decide to sell.

The cost of the restoration needs to be carefully calculated with a complete end cost.

The cost of the resale value needs to be mirrored against the restoration costs.

You need to factor in how many hours the restoration the job is going to take (if you only have six hours a week free, it might take 20 years to complete the job).

Jobs always take a lot longer than they are planned for on paper.

You need to have the ability and the tools to do the job.