Wood Boat Restoration Basics
Wood boat restoration can be a lengthy, labor intensive task
. Depending on the condition of your boat and who is doing the restoration, it is a project that can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. Without at least a rudimentary understanding of boats and motors, restoring a wooden boat yourself can be incredibly difficult.Wooden boat construction is started with a wood frame to which planks are attached to create the body of the boat and then sealed to make them waterproof. If the vessel being restored has rotted planks or a rotted frame, the rotten boards will need to be replaced before the boat will be worthy of the water. Replacing planks means that the planks must be cut and bent into the appropriate shape to fit the boat. Unless you have the proper tools to do this and the time to dedicate to the task, this may be a task better left to professionals.
If there are any electrical problems, you will either need to know what the problems are or hire someone to find out. Electrical problems may be anything from broken or shorted wires to missing components or wires. You will probably need an electrical schematic of your boat's wiring in order to fix these problems. Again, this is one of those problems that, unless you know what you are doing, you may want to leave to professionals to resolve.
Replacing or recovering boat seats is relatively easy. This is one thing that, if you are looking to save money, you can do yourself and complete it in a day or two. Depending on the condition of the seats, you can purchase new seats from a supplier or simply recover the old seats. Recovering the seats can be fun and allow you many options. You can purchase the waterproof vinyl fabric from most fabric stores and marina suppliers. Simply remove the old vinyl and, using a staple gun, staple the new vinyl into place. Depending on the shape of the seats, some sewing may be required.
Replacing lights, motors and other components of the boat are usually quite simple. Large parts like motors may require a motor stand or other equipment to move and position properly. However, for the most part, it is something that can be done without paying someone to do it.
If your boat is a vintage boat or particularly valuable you may want to consider hiring a professional wood boat restoration service. If your only concern is to make it float, many minor restoration tasks can be completed yourself for a fraction of the cost.
Wood Boat Restoration Basics
By: Greg St.Clair Boat Storage - Options That You May Consider Brunton Boatyard- Where The Old World Beauty Meets The New Age Comforts KCTC KERALA TOUR P LTD- KERALA HOUSEBOAT PACKAGES Claiming Newport Beach boat slips in Newport Beach Harbor How To Build A Wooden Boat - Getting Started Top 8 Boat Storage Tips (For The Winter) Fishing Boat Rentals: Things To Consider Before Hiring Which design of hull shape will you be using when building a wood boat? Building A Wooden Boat Yourself - The Basics Boating And Recreation On Canadian Waterways Enhance Your Fishing Experience With An Inflatable Pontoon Boat Build A Houseboat - The Basics Houseboats Plans - Essential Stuff You Need To Know