Boat Refurbishing Techniques

Refurbishing your boat will add years to its useful life.

Refurbishing your boat can take on any of four methods of restoration. You might opt to simply get the boat running again, not worrying about its appearance or mechanical components. Alternatively, you might opt for a full restoration, popular on rare or vintage boats. Mechanical restoration and cosmetic restoration should be considered as well, depending on the mechanical and cosmetic condition of the boat.

Full Restoration

Full restorations typically undertaken by boat owners are performed on dry land. All the paint is stripped from the hull or thoroughly cleaned, the interior is removed and replaced, and all the mechanical components of the boat are either rebuilt to their original specifications or replaced with new parts. Full restorations are the most expensive method of refurbishment to undertake.

Mechanical Restoration

A mechanical restoration of a boat includes repairing or replacing such components as the engine, electrical components or the steering components. These restorations are usually performed on boats which have few, if any cosmetic flaws. The boat simply may have been stored too long and had rusted or corroded components which did not affect the boat's hull. Mechanical restorations can be expensive if the engine and other components cannot be fixed, but must be replaced.

Cosmetic Restoration

Cosmetic restorations are undertaken on boats which are mechanically sound, but have weathered badly. The paint may be removed or thoroughly cleaned, and the interior is generally replaced, including the seats, carpet and stainless steel or aluminum trim. Cosmetic restorations can be quite inexpensive to perform, depending on how in-depth the refurbishment is.

Basic Rebuild

To refurbish your boat to the level of a basic rebuild, the only tasks which must be seen to are providing the maintenance on the engine, such as changing the spark plugs, oil or battery, and ensuring that the boat is in safe, seaworthy condition. This is by far the least expensive form of refurbishment, and the quickest way to get your boat back out onto the water again.

References

• "Runabout Renovation: How to Find and Fix Up an Old Fiberglass Speedboat"; Jim Anderson; 1992
• "This Old Boat, Second Edition"; Don Casey; 2009
• "The Complete Wooden Runabout Restoration Guide"; Don Danenburg; 2008