Boat Restoration Guide

Restoring a boat can be a rewarding experience that allows you to feel the pride of a job well done as you painstakingly bring an old boat back to its former glory. However, it’s also not a task you want to undertake lightly. Whether you’re restoring a boat to sell it or to keep it as your own vessel, you don’t want to start this process without knowing whether it’s worthwhile.

The Harbor in Branson is your Missouri boat dealer. Read on to learn more about what you’ll want to consider when you’re thinking about restoring a boat.

Is It a Worthy Endeavor?

First off, it doesn’t make much sense to restore a boat that’s too far gone. The boat’s structure needs to be sound or else you’re going to waste far too much time, money and energy trying to make it seaworthy. Choose a boat that has good resale value when restoring it so that if you decide to sell it down the road, you can recoup some of your investment. And make sure that the cost of restoring the boat isn’t more than the boat is actually worth.

Inspecting & Preparing

Inspecting your boat thoroughly will give you the information you need. If you’re buying a boat from someone else with the intent to restore it, then ask them as many questions as possible to determine the boat’s history and current condition. Trying to restore a boat that was poorly maintained is a fool’s errand. Steer away from any craft that displays significant rot or mildew, electrical issues or major engine problems. Never take on more than you’re able to handle.

You can also seek out a secondary opinion from a professional, who can accurately gauge what the condition of your boat is. This does cost a bit extra, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run if it spares you from restoring a boat that isn’t worth it.

Make a list of all the repairs that need to be done, and focus on functionality over aesthetics. Cosmetic repairs can be done at the end, but major repairs to the boat’s working parts need to be your priority, since a boat that doesn’t run won’t sell.

Build a Workspace

You’ll want to have some space set aside where you can work on your boat at your leisure, especially if you aren’t working on it all the time and anticipate that it will take some months to complete the restoration. A sheltered workspace is best, since rain, sun and snow can all make working outside impractical.

Try to locate your workspace closer to home so that you don’t have to travel too much to work on your boat. Make sure the workspace has adequate lighting, a water source and a reliable power supply at the bow and stern of your boat. You should also have enough space for your tools and enough room around the boat to walk around it comfortably. 

Obtain The Right Tools

Finally, you’ll need to assemble a tool kit with all the items you need to restore your boat. You’ll want to make working on your boat convenient and easy. Here are some of the items we recommend you gather:

• A tall ladder
• Goggles, gloves and a face mask
• Nuts, bolts and screws
• Hose and wire clamps
• Electrical components
• Pipe fittings
• Power tools (sander, saw, drill, et cetera)
• Sandpaper
• Fasteners
• A hammer

If you need some professional assistance or have any questions, you can contact our service department. Ready to check out boats for sale? Browse our website to see the vast selection of new and used boats at our Branson, MO, dealership. The Harbor proudly serves both Kansas City and Springfield, MO.