Restoring a boat can take over 1000 hours depending on the size and complexity of the project. It also requires sufficient space, technical skills, and the right tools and resources. If you are taking on the older boat or any type of marine restoration there are plenty of shops and services to assist you with all or some of the work. In this article, I will share where to find a qualified boat restoration service, what to expect from them, and other related services you can outsource. I will also share my experience with the boat restoration near me.
Find Boat Restoration Near Me…
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Restoring any old boats or marine vehicle whether it’s a small fishing boat, sailboat, catamaran, yacht, jet ski, wave runner, etc. there is a requirement of skill, money, and time. In addition to those, there is the need for equipment, tools, a place to work (near water), the ability to find or fabricate parts, and troubleshooting.
Any marine resto project usually also entails some kind of help, which can also be an extra set of hands for lifting a heavy motor. Then there is also the point in your project where you realize you just don’t have the expertise or right materials or tools to execute a task successfully. This is usually the point I reach, when I think about outsourcing some work…
How the Boat Restoration Near Me Works
Marine restoration boats and services differ, from a marine parts and repair shop. A boat restoration service is a place that can fully restore a marine vessel from stern to bow.
A boat restoration shop is usually a collective of maritime enthusiasts that specialize in various disciplines of restoration. That includes upholstery, engine mechanics, fiberglass specialists, welders, marine electricians, naval engineers and architects, and more.
At the boat restoration near me, you can literally drop off a salvage boat and get it back rebuilt. Now of course that is not cheap and not something I am suggesting you do. What I am recommending is that you seek these services out for specific pain points on your restoration. For example, if you don’t have the ability to fix soft spots in a fiberglass hull or a fiberglass See Doo deck body, seek a restoration service. They have the tools and experience.
Why Get Help On Your Marine Restoration Project?…
When I was younger I refused to outsource anything. It was a mix of insufficient funds and too much pride to ask for help. Everything was DIY or bust. As I have more years of restoration experience I have learned a few things:
- Outsourcing tasks you hate doing, means you get to focus on the parts of restoration you like.
- Hiring someone with the right tools and skills means better overall results.
- Buying a tool for a one-time use and spending hours to get good at it, is a waste of time and money. More efficient and cost-effective to outsource the work.
Here are some tasks to consider outsourcing for a small boat or restoration project:
- Hull repair (Critical to the overall balance and stability of the boat)
- Gelcoat repairs on old fiberglass hulls
- Rust removal, metal work, welding
- Rigging work
- Rot on old wood hulls
- Saturated foam core
- Paintwork (especially on larger vessels)
- Engine rebuild or remanufacturing for inboard or outboard motors
- Electrical work and diagnostics
- Performance upgrades
- Upgrades (Adding new technology)
- Upholstery work
Doing it all yourself can result in wasted time and money.
Word of Advice Before You Start a Boat Restoration
Before you decide to take on a boat resto you need to know what you are getting into. If you have not purchased the vessel yet, then you are in a good position to plan and budget before deciding if it is worth it. If the hull needs major repairs, that is a huge undertaking.
Engines that need a lot of work, replacement, rebuild, or remanufacture could cost more than the vessel itself. Generally, when I identify repair costs that I don’t have the skills or resources to handle I typically pass on the project.
The other thing I like to do is contact the boat restoration near me, before I make a purchase. I can get them to price me out on certain aspects that I may need to hire them for. Another good option is contacting a marine surveyor. These folks can help an owner determine a vessel’s value and can determine what repairs or upgrades may be necessary to get a boat into safe operating condition.
When You Call a Shop Be Specific About The Type of Restoration
There are different trains of thought when doing a restoration. Some folks are purists who want to keep everything original. Others are okay with keeping a project close to the original and will use parts from the same time period. Then others do what’s called a rest mod, where they completely replace and customize a restoration.
When you seek help from a marine restoration service, you need to be upfront about what you want. All of these types of restorations impact the overall value of the vessel. A quality restoration project that captures/resembles the original manufacturing will always get the most cash at resale.
The choice is yours on what you want to do with it though guys. Don’t let anyone convince you what you want to do with your project is wrong.
Choosing the Best Boat Restoration Service
You can find various shops that specialize in all or certain aspects of restoration. For example, one shop may do complete tear downs and rebuilds, while another may be specialized in upholstery or you may go to someone for an engine rebuild. When you want the best for your resto, it’s best to recognize your limitations, save, and outsource.
When I am an old boat or considering help on a boat, here is how I evaluate local shops and services.
- Call several places and get several quotes. Talk shop, pick their brain, canvass their ideas.
- Ask for before and after photos of their work. If they are an engine tuning shop, get before and after performance specs.
- Read testimonials and reviews on Yelp and Google. These are independent.
- Get an estimate on how long they think the work will take.
- Ask about what guarantees and assurances do you have.
- Ask about transport. Are they coming to you or do you need to get the boat to them?
- For hull work, ask about their testing process.
Seeking Expert Help and Understanding Boatyard Fees
Seeking Expert Help for Boat Restoration
When undertaking the restoration of old boats or an older boat, it’s crucial to recognize the value of specialized expert help. Restoring a boat involves various complex tasks, from repairing through hull fittings to revamping the engine. These tasks often require a level of expertise that goes beyond the average DIY skills. Seeking professionals not only ensures quality work but also helps to protect your boat in the long run.
Experts in boat restoration can offer services that save money and time. They have the necessary experience to identify necessary repairs and replace worn-out boat parts efficiently. This is especially important for older boats where finding the right replacement parts can be challenging. Moreover, experts can provide valuable tips and insights on maintaining your boat, which can save you dollars in future costs.
Understanding Boatyard Fees
The total cost of boat restoration isn’t just about the materials and labor. If you don’t have space at home, you’ll likely need to visit a boatyard for the restoration work. Boatyard storage fees are an essential factor to consider in your budget. These fees can vary based on the size of your boat; smaller boats usually incur lower costs compared to many boats or larger ones.
Boatyard fees cover the space your boat occupies and may include services like security, access to power, and use of certain facilities. If your restoration job takes longer than expected, these costs can add up, impacting the total cost of the project. It’s a pretty good idea to search for boatyards in advance and compare their fees and services. This way, you can find a place that offers the best value for your needs.
Additionally, while your boat is in the yard, you might want to watch some videos on YouTube or visit forums for DIY restoration tips. These resources can be amazing for getting ideas and understanding how much work is involved in certain tasks. They can also help you decide whether to sell the boat post-restoration or keep it for its sentimental value.
In conclusion, understanding the costs associated with expert help and boatyard storage is crucial for a successful restoration. It ensures that you can complete the project without unexpected financial surprises and enjoy the life of your boat with peace of mind.
Continuing Costs of Boat Ownership
Maintenance Costs Post-Restoration
After the restoration of a boat is complete, ongoing maintenance becomes a key aspect of ensuring its longevity and preserving its resale value. Boats, especially older boats or used boats, require regular upkeep to stay in good condition. This maintenance can range from simple cleaning to more complex tasks like engine servicing.
One of the primary post-restoration costs is the regular service of the boat’s engine. This is crucial to keep the boat running smoothly and to protect it from major breakdowns. Regular engine checks typically involve changing the oil, inspecting the fuel system, and replacing any worn-out parts. The cost of these services can vary, but setting aside a few hundred dollars annually is a pretty good estimate for standard maintenance.
Another significant expense is the upkeep of the boat’s exterior, particularly the deck and hull. This might include painting, varnishing, and dealing with any minor repairs that crop up. The materials and labor for these tasks can add to the costs, especially if you opt for high-quality finishes to protect the boat against harsh marine environments.
Long-Term Financial Considerations
When considering the long-term financial aspects of boat ownership, it’s important to factor in not just the maintenance costs but also the costs associated with storage, insurance, and potential upgrades. Storage costs can vary greatly depending on whether you keep your boat in a marina, a boatyard, or at your property. Marinas typically charge more, but they offer more services and convenience.
Insurance is another ongoing cost that boat owners must consider. The cost of insuring a boat can depend on its size, value, and how it’s used. For instance, boats used for frequent sailing or in rough waters might have higher insurance premiums than those used occasionally in calm waters.
Lastly, over time, you might decide to upgrade various parts of your boat. Whether it’s installing new navigation equipment, upgrading the sails, or enhancing the interior, these upgrades can significantly impact the total cost of ownership. While they can improve your experience and the boat’s functionality, it’s essential to budget these expenses wisely.
In summary, the continuing costs of boat ownership extend far beyond the initial purchase and restoration. Regular maintenance, storage fees, insurance, and potential upgrades all play a part in the long-run financial commitment of owning a boat. Being aware of these expenses helps in planning and ensures that you can enjoy your boat without undue financial strain.
Boat Restoration Near Me – Conclusion
Taking on a marine restoration, you must be prepared for surprises. If you are restoring an old wood boat and don’t recognize there is rot in the hull, you are in for a bigger task than you thought. Any boat restoration requires time, skills, and money.
Sometimes that money is best spent getting some qualified help. Restoring a boat is fun, but it is only fun when you put it in the water and it stays afloat. Know your limitations and get help, tips and advice when you need it. That is what I have learned from the boat restoration near me.