first boat a restoration?

[gextyr1]

First off, I have never owned a boat, or maintained anything more complicated than a jon boat with a 5hp motor. I want to get into the world of boating, but every one of my friends who has owned a boat tells me about the horrors and expenses involved.<br /><br />Most of what I know about boats is what I've read (a lot of which has been from this forum.) The thing is, I'm the kind of person who insists on fixing things myself, and I'm pretty good with carpentry, mechanics, etc. <br /><br />My idea is to buy a used/broken down boat at a good price (ebay or locally), and put the time and money into restoring it myself. I feel this is the best way to get a complete understanding of everything involving the structure, electrical and mechanics of my boat. (Also, I'd prefer a unique looking classic boat to a modern "looks like everyone else's" boat.)<br /><br />I guess the question I need to ask is, is this idea entirely stupid? Do any of you have any caveats for me? (other than the standard: its gonna cost a lot of time and money.)<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[G DANE]

Re: first boat a restoration?

That depends of the point of wiew. If you buy one that aint broke, you'l go boating tomorrow. Besides from motor problems, most boat problems takes more money and work to fix than you get back afterwards. I'd say you either have to love the boat or love fixing it. If you have a good time doing things and feels good afterwards by the fact that you did it and know its better than factory stuff, go for it. Find yourself one you'l be proud to own afterwards. I experienced it took more that double the time and money I espected, but learned a lot and had lots of fun.

 

[BF]

Re: first boat a restoration?

Hiya,<br /><br />I'd suggest you might want to go 1/2 way... fine to buy something that needs some work, but buying a wreck of a boat and an outboard that needs major work could easily be a very expensive project that is measured in years, not months. You say you already know the time and money arguement, but I'm not sure that you realize that doing major work to boat and motor would cost you a lot more in the long run than buying something in a bit better shape at the start. (like rebuilding a lower unit for a big OB or I/O outdrive is usually in the thousands of $$$)<br /><br />My guess is that if you look at some boats that the seller calls "good condition", it'll have more than enough to keep you busy for weeks/months. E.g. refresh interior (if so inclined), new accessories or fix those that are broken, catch up on neglected maintenance on motor, wet sand or otherwise restore exterior, replace or at least repack wheel bearings, probably replace tires, maybe re-wire trailer... <br /><br />that doesn't include anything like rotten floor or stringers, or surprise issues with the motor (which there could well be).<br /><br />I think buying sight unseen from ebay is just beggin' for trouble.<br /><br />Another issue is that since you haven't owned a boat before, how do you know that the boat you choose for your project will be "the one" to best suit your boating needs? It'd be a shame to put countless hours rebuilding a boat and then find out it doesn't handle chop as well as you'd like, or that you should've really bought a bigger/faster boat or a cuddy cabin/center console/ bow rider or whatever from the start. Lots of the project boats are done by people knowing exactly what they want.<br /><br />If you buy something that gets you on the water sooner, you can figure out what your "dream boat" is and make that your next boat (the project). Maybe you could affort to keep boat #1 around so you can still boat during the project.<br /><br />anyway, that's my $.02

 

[gextyr1]

Re: first boat a restoration?

Thanks for the feedback BF. I guess I was thinking more about how cool a classic boat would look. I wasn't planning on buying a boat sight-unseen... I figure if I am going to invest time and money into it, I might as well invest the time and effort to drive as far as I need to to inspect it. I think you are right though, I do want to get into the water in months rather than years.

 

[jmatteo1]

Re: first boat a restoration?

I can second the opinion, that the satisfaction you get from doing it yourself is well worth the time and effort. You have to be realistic about your abilities and your goals & timelines, but not afraid to try things. Great deals are out there because others are unwilling or unable to take on certain projects. Since it is normal to want to "move up" after a year or two in a boat, starting with a smaller boat, is a good way to go. If you bought it right, when you sell, you may profit enough to give you seed money for the next one. Good luck!

 

[dakk1]

Re: first boat a restoration?

gextyr1<br /><br />Reading your post reminds me of myself a couple of years ago. I bought a 1985 Merc 150hp on a 18' Stratos Fish and Ski from my neighbor for $700. Boat had been sitting outside, uncovered for about 5 years. Needless to say interior was completely shot. And the exterior gel coat was just a faint memory. But he told me the boat was running when he parked it. Now, 2 years later, I am still working on it. I believe the motor to be basically sound but not without issues. I knew it was going to be a "project" when I started. I have spent about $2000 so far. New carpet,seats,floor,paint,steering,carb kits, fuel kit,plug wires,switch boxes,impeller, manuals,test equipment,tools, etc. I would do it again! It has been a trip worth taking. I know way more about outboard motors and boats in general than I ever thought I would. LOL. I would suggest trying to find a motor that doesn't require a rebuild unless your an accomplished mechanic. I'm not. Other than that, determination will get you through the rest. It has been an education and worth every penny.. or should I say dollar, I've paid for it. Good Luck!<br /><br />Dave..

 

[gextyr1]

Re: first boat a restoration?

Can anyone suggest good reading/educational material covering common topics in restoration? As great as this forum is, there aren't enough pictures

 

[Mark42]

Re: first boat a restoration?

People do what you want to do here all the time. Check out shareaproject.com and all the links in posters signatures, especially in this forum. That will give you an idea of how extensive a complete rebuild can be.<br /><br />Look for boats that are in mechanically sound condition (no stringer/floor/transom rot) and then recondition it will probably be a very economical way of building a nice classic boat.<br /><br />Lots of old boats out there that have solid hulls with no motor or old worthless motor that need wiring, seats, paint, upholstry, etc that might be up your alley. Then you can go hunt up the motor of your choice after you get the boat in tip top shape.<br /><br />I think there is a lot of economy and reliability in the long run to researching motors. Determine what make/model is the most robust and economical for your application rather than taking what ever came on the boat. Sinking money into an off brand or old motor that is hard to get parts for is not the best situation.

 

[BF]

Re: first boat a restoration?

hey, no problem... I'm not sure what you mean by "classic"? That means different things to different people. To some it could be a nicely restored 70's or 80's fiberglass runabout... to others it means a 20's or 30's cedar strip inboard.<br /><br />I think there are some good bargains on older boats out there, and also some that are rotted out and would require a big investment of time and cash. In the rotten form, they're only worth much to the niave. Many times around here the seller will sell the trailer and motor separately (they're worth something), and try and sell the (rotten) boat alone for a couple hundred or whatever they can get. The problem is to figure out what you're dealing with when you're shopping. The sellers often don't know. (often genuinely think it's in good/great shape... just a couple soft spots on the floor). But if a boat is being sold as "a project" it probably needs a complete refurb.<br /><br />I don't mean to completely turn off you doing a project... just that first boats (used ones, especially those on the inexpensive side) tend to end up being some degree of project at the best of times. My point is that if you aim for something with at least decent structural condition (that doesn't necessarily mean "newest"... it can still be "a classic"), you'll still have some sweat equity to put in, but you'll get to decide how much and get goin' sooner (and probably cheaper).<br /><br />If possible, ask some of your boat owning friends to go look with you. They may see things that you miss.

 

[p12]

Re: first boat a restoration?

for what it's worth, i got a used boat for a good price.. free dollars and 0 cents.<br /><br />Got free boat, worked on it, got tired of working on it, wife had me buy working boat, worked on the working boat, now use the working boat while i rebuild the free boat.<br /><br />The free boat sat outside uncovered for 5 years, it has a cracked block, shot interior, heavily oxidized gel coat, a soft spot in the floor (i just going to assume its especialy well padded there ), teak that needs complete refinishing, and a rusty, rotten bunked trailer.... i hope the outdrive is okay. <br /><br />I will spend at least $3000 and 6 months on getting it working and restored to the standard i'd like it to be in, and it will be worth between $2500-$3500. <br /><br />I probably could have sold the boat for $1500 claiming it needed wax and some vinyl to someone who didn't know better. Be careful getting something that isn't in at least decent condition.<br /><br />Of course with all this being said, if done correctly you will have a newly refurbished/restored boat for a mere fraction of a new boat cost, so if you keep it, no problem with a small finacial lose, versus the high depriciation of a newer boat.<br /><br />Good luck, <br />Mike

 

[ErikDC]

Re: first boat a restoration?

gextyr1, I'm getting started on a project exactly like you described. We're basically rebuilding from the hull up, including the engine. I've figured that after all is said and done we'll have about $3,000 in it but it will be an old, cool boat and I'll be on the water. Just depends on how much of your freakin life you want to devote to the bottomless hole!

 

[tengals123]

Re: first boat a restoration?

really depends on how much time and money your going to put into it. Then what your going to get out of it. Find a balance between, condition, time, money and quality of life. If you can find common ground, then by all means go for it.<br />You'll need to do alot of research on what to look for in a old boat first. Be prepared to sacrifice cosmetics for a solid transom or a good floor for surface colour. I think you get the picture.<br />Learn and read on all aspects of rebuilds. And don't to anything expecially structual 'half ***', if you know what I mean.<br />Good luck, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.<br /><br />cheers

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: first boat a restoration?

The one thing that I might suggest is if you do find a boat that you do like and you think would make a good project for yourself, is to not start on it right away. The one thing I did that helped quite a bit was I honed up my drafting skills with CAD and actually planned out all the work with that first. It took a month or two to do, but once I was done I had a plan of all the modifications I was going to make with a really good idea of all the material I was going to need to finish it. Stuff like resin and cloth and foam and such I was able to do all the calculations of the square footage and volume right on the computer. If I had any doubts I used all the great minds kicking around this forum to confirm stuff.<br /><br />Even if you don't have any CAD skills, you can still do rough sketches and drafting on regular paper. If you think about the steps involved during the restoration, and keep replaying them in your mind also really helps. For me the biggest part was the before hand planning and having all the materials at hand. Oh yeah, having some beer a buddy to help out is a good thing too, not to mention this forum and all the experience it holds

 

[tengals123]

Re: first boat a restoration?

The CAD thing is a great idea, if ya know how to use all those 'buttons' <br /><br />cheers

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: first boat a restoration?

I started out simple, this was my first boat. I have less than a grand in it including motors. I did put a few long weekends into it when I got it as it was pretty junky looking and needed a new trailer. It gets me out there and is no fuss. I have two motors for it so I don't have any excuses!<br /><br />

<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[alden135]

Re: first boat a restoration?

Here's an idea. Why not build a boat. There are lots of kit boats out there that you could build yourself. Your gonna spend plenty fixing an old boat so why not just build one? You would get the benefit of satisfaction from doing the work, and also have a brand new boat at the same time. I've seen lots of stitch and glue kits out there for reasonable $. Do some research on "stitch & glue boat plans"

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: first boat a restoration?

Originally posted by tengals123:<br /> The CAD thing is a great idea, if ya know how to use all those 'buttons' <br />

Yeah they certainly don't make it easy to get your foot in the door with those programs Once you get going though it really is easier then most people think. <br /><br />The only reason I did the CAD thing was because I'm designing bike parts in my spare time that get run off on a CNC machine, and it was a good refresher to get my mind back in it. A pencil, ruler and paper will help too, may just have to search for the math formulas to calculate everything.

 

[tengals123]

Re: first boat a restoration?

it was like me learning coreldraw. Only took me 5 years!<br /> <br /><br />cheers

 

[JasonJ]

Re: first boat a restoration?

First, you have to be honest about how skillful you are mechanically, as well as the ability to perform fiberglass work. You also want to have a working knowledge of the different hull designs, and the drawbacks/advantages each type of boat has. You have to decide what you think you will want to use the boat for most of the time. It makes no sense to buy a 1962 14 foot boat with a 30 horse Johnson if you plan on wakeboarding, as well as it makes no sense to buy a 20 foot inboard cuddy cabin if you plan on bass fishing.<br /><br />I did my project as a compromise between what I do the most (fish), and the secondary purpose of cruising with the wife. I don't take people out on boat rides, so I felt no need to have a boat that accomodates more than a few people. I will say though, I spent a bunch of cash on my project, and there are things I would have done differently if I could go back. In fact, I am working on picking up an 18 foot hull on a trailer I found with a "make offer" sign. The floor feels sounnd, and it is a ripe candidate for a center console conversion.<br /><br />If I get this hull, it will be a slower process. I will do more planning, kick more ideas around and see how others did it before laying glass. Even if it ends up another full rebuild, that is fine. All I am trying to say is know what you will use it for, and plan for it to cost three times what you figure and take at least twice as long. Good luck...

 

[tengals123]

Re: first boat a restoration?

well said JasonJ.<br /><br />'All I am trying to say is know what you will use it for, and plan for it to cost three times what you figure and take at least twice as long.'<br /><br />cheers