Your Boat Restoration Prep Guide

Is your beloved boat looking a little worse for wear these days? Or did you inherit a very cool vintage boat from a relative that needs some work? Never fear! Restoring a boat is a rigorous process, but it can be done. You can extend the life of an older boat by properly restoring it so that it’s seaworthy once again. Here’s what you need to know before you begin the restoration process.

Should I Bother?

This is a common question that many boat owners have when they’re looking over an old boat that’s seen better days. It’s true that some very old or very damaged boats may be beyond repair and are best scrapped. In order to be restored, your boat must have a sound hull and it should still be functional. It’s also important to restore a boat that has good resale value so that you’re not throwing your money into a hole if you plan to sell the boat later on.

What Needs Doing?

If you’ve decided your boat is restorable, you should now walk around it and take notes on what parts need restoration so that you can locate the supplies you’ll need to make those repairs. If you’re restoring an old boat you’ve just purchased, you should have the maintenance records from the previous owner so you can determine how well the boat was cared for. It can be helpful to get a second opinion from an experienced boater as to what you’ll have to do and what materials you’ll need to fix up your boat.

Where Will You Do the Work?

Boat restoration is not a task you can complete in a day or even a weekend, so you need to have a suitably safe and convenient place to store your boat while it’s being restored. A garage or shed can serve as this, provided you don’t need the space to store anything else. Your workspace should be well-ventilated since you’ll be working with a lot of chemicals, and it should be comfortable and equipped with electricity and water, along with plenty of space for you to maneuver around the boat.

Seeking boats for sale in Missouri? Visit our Harrisonville location today to view our full stock of new and used boats for sale. Talk to one of our sales team members about our financing options if you’d like to use them. Midwest Marine Boat Company is proud to serve our customers in nearby Raymore, MO.