Is it worth it??

[tengals123]

As my above post! To totally restore a boat, inside and out. Money wise and trouble, or should i just sell it and buy a new boat. cheers

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Is it worth it??

working on old boats is a labor of love, its only worth it if YOU think it is. I know where you are going here, when I bought/started mine, and got down to the bare hull stage, I was ready to sell the thing for parts, now that I have gotten this far, i wouldn't have it any other way, I will know the boat from top to bottom, inside and out. and I will know how to take care of a boat, so I won't have the same kind of problems in the future. <br /><br />I will NEVER get out of my boat what I got into it if I ever decided to sell it. Which I won't for a while anyways. Restoring for financial gain doesn't work I don't think. <br /><br />The feeling of accomplishment is awsome!!!<br /><br />My lighter than air wallet isn't, but I love my boat, and would do it again, when I am ready to move up I probably will. <br /><br />I want a Bertram 32<br /><br />I have read your other post as well. I have done ALL my work outside and on the trailer. <br /><br />Even very old Gel Coat can be restored to a VERY reasonably good finish with nothing more than a cheap polisher, some chemicals, and elbow grease. Painting is an option too. Both of which can be done outside with good results, if done right.<br /><br />Look around these message boards. You will have to decide for yurself, but in the end it's worth it I think, especially if its your 1st boat.<br /> <br />Even brand new boats can have serious problems, if you take your time, and not plan on fixing everything in one weekend you will do fine. I have been working on mine for months and months, but its getting close now and I am getting real excited. <br /><br />somehow I think I will be having a much better time out on the water than the guys in thier new boats that think mines a piece of junk, I built mine myself and don't owe a dime on it <br /> Not having a boat payment is good incentive to fix what you have IMHO <br /><br />by the way what kind of boat do you have? And if you can post pics, please do.<br />Peace

 

[tengals123]

Re: Is it worth it??

yeah, hey thanks for the reply. I think im going to do it. I have no problem stripping the hardware, and really i can do the sanding where i am, it's just the painting. So what do I do, cover it with a tarp each time when i finish to protect it from the weather? also how do you sand and paint a boat on a trailer? thanks again.<br />i cant post pic, but i will email you one, what's your address? and by the way....NICE BOAT MATE! cheers

 

[fireman57]

Re: Is it worth it??

There was a post some time back that gave two or three options for repairing/painting a boat on a trailer. Do a search.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Is it worth it??

I have more into my boat than I could sell it for. But more than half of the cost is the motor, which seems to not be too unusual when you put newer motors on older boats. And in the end, you know exactly what you have, the good and the bad. Plus the enjoyment you get from doing it yourself, the learning experience, the fun you have meeting other boaters, and the time you get to spend boating with your family.<br /><br />I don't plan on selling it, at least not any time soon. Just going to use it and enjoy it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is it worth it??

Is it worth it??

No Way in He!!.................<br /><br />I paid $2500.00 for a boat that I've Dumped over $10,000.00 into.............<br />It'll Always be worth the $2500.00 I paid for it..........<br /><br />I figure the Other $7500.00 is the Cost of My Therapy..........................

 

[JohnRuff]

Re: Is it worth it??

I got my boat for free (Nice Neighbor). Needed new upholstery and carpet and motor tune up. Final investment $4000 and I will have a nice 20' Sea Ray bowrider.<br /><br />Got my wife for free also. Total investment in her after being married over 34 years ......... well, you get the idea.<br /><br />The boat is always cheaper!!!!!!!!

 

[tengals123]

Re: Is it worth it??

thanks for the replies. I only asked the question, coz the guy at the boat shop, told me it was a bad idea. I guess he just want's to sell me a new one. cheers

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is it worth it??

I guess he just want's to sell me a new one. cheers

No Doubt About It.....................

 

[Realgun]

Re: Is it worth it??

I guess he just want's to sell me a new one. cheers

I don't know about him "putting it to ya" as the saying goes.<br />I got mine from a dealer. It was $995 and to me worth every penny. I will put a few dollars in it and use it. The dealer never tried to push me into a new boat and boy was I tempted. Of course he knew he was sellin me a boat that I traveled 1400 miles for! And I made him wait a month for the $895. Had the get time off to go get it.<br />I love to drive thats for sure!

 

[tengals123]

Re: Is it worth it??

i have a 16ft fiberglass quite deep hull, how much primer and topcoat you think i'll need? approx in litres? thanks all,

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Is it worth it??

From a shear monetary standpoint, especially regarding resale, boat rebuilding/restoration is not a good idea. That being said, most people can afford a cheap beat up boat, and if they are patient, they can afford to spiff it up to whatever level they want over time. They get a lot of personal satisfaction from it as well. Buying a new boat can be just as bad an idea, because depreciation is a brutal thing. Either way you end up with a boat that is not worth as much as you paid.<br /><br />Now, when you factor in all the use you get out of it and the joy it brings, then the value goes up. Me, I would love to be able to afford a new boat, but that won't be happening anytime soon. My boat is getting the job done just fine, and cost a lot less than a new rig.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Is it worth it??

^^^ well said. When I find a place to do it, im going to start to strip the baby. cheers

 

[Indymike]

Re: Is it worth it??

Absolutely worth it. To me anyway. I'm pretty much a buy it used kind of guy. I let the other guy take the beating on the new stuff. To me the is so much enjoyment in making something old, new again. I like the piece of mind I get from intimately knowing the things I work on. The way I look at it any swinging joe can buy something new but it takes some ingenuity and a little skill and patients to bring something back to life. And when you get to admiration day there is a real satisfaction in knowing you earned every bit of it.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Is it worth it??

Wow..Mike you have done a GREAT job. I'm probably a year late saying it, but thats the first time I've seen your pics. Well done.....bookmarked your site for future reference.<br /><br />I too have a project underway, but I was having too much fun using it in the summer to do anything about restoring it...so I'm in the "planning phase" ... or at least thats what I tell the wife. It'll be worth it in the end (I hope).