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Step 1
Decide what your purpose is in restoring a sailboat. If you'd like to restore the boat for personal sailing or if you'd rather restore the boat for historical accuracy or to sell for a profit impacts the restoration process.
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Step 2
Create a budget to adhere to while you restore your sailboat. Depending on the shape and size of the boat, you need to factor in enough money for parts, labor (if you hire outside help to restore the boat) and storing costs.
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Step 3
Find a place to house the sailboat while you work to restore it. A large sailboat requires a marina to house it due to its size. This might make restorations difficult as you'll have to travel to the boat often to do the work. A small sailboat allows you to store the sailboat at your home or another convenient location close to your home for easy access while you restore. Factor in the expense of housing the boat when you figure out a budget for the restoration.
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Step 4
Assess the sailboat for needs the impact how seaworthy the boat is and the appearance of the boat. If you want the boat for personal use and don't care about aesthetics, focus on the necessities. Accessories not necessary for actual sailing can be addressed later.
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Step 5
Seek out parts for your sailboat. Take out an advertisement in the local newspaper requesting specific parts for your boat. Contact sailing clubs in the area, seeking out fellow sailboat enthusiasts who might have a sailboat or parts they'd like to get rid of. Go down to the local marina and ask around to see if anyone has parts to sell or trade. You can also look on the internet for specific parts or find a person who makes customized sailboat parts.
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Step 6
Expect it to take a lot of time to restore your sailboat. Sailboat restoration is generally a hobby, so any spare time you have aside from your job is divided between the sailboat and other commitments. If you want to take your time to ensure the boat is restored properly, set aside more time than you think you'll need.
