Table of Contents
Boat Renovation
Whether you are bringing a wreck from the bottom of the ocean or restoring an old relic that has had a few years of neglect boat renovation people are here to help. Thousands of boats are sitting there cold, lonely, wet and in need of help. There are many factors to think about before you take the plunge into a new project and here are some to consider.
The Golden Steps
-
Time – Without years of experience, you’ll never know exactly how long a boat renovation project is going to take. Be prepared to double or tripple the amount of time you first think you will spend on your project! Time should really be the first and foremost rule. If you’re unsure, ask someone who knows. There is always someone who’s willing to help and plenty of “forumites” to give you the advice you need. YBW is a great way to find the answers http://www.ybw.com/ they’re always someone that knows and there are plenty more forums with boat renovation experts.
-
Size Does Matter – Don’t take on a 60ft fishing boat if you’ve only ever painted your dads shed. Perfect your skill with a smaller craft and work your way up to a larger boat over time. Everything doesn’t always go to plan and when you’ve painted a boat with a crap paint that’s now flaking off after a week, it’s better to have to strip a 16ft boat than a cruise liner big enough for the queen.
-
The Right place – People always say working on a boat in the water is extremely hard; well it’s just as hard working on a boat landlocked. In the water, you have to contend with sound complaints from locals, suitable electric supply, fresh water, pollution, nosey passes by and not damaging or marking your neighbour boat. Trust me you don’t want to splatter paint over John’s 30 grand pleasure cruiser! On land, you have other factors to contend with thieves, rain, wind, scaffolding , mud , supports , trailers, heavy engines and rabid squirrels. The both have their pros and cons but being in a unit or dry temperature controlled area is always the most effective condition to work in.
-
Finance – Seriously consider all your costs such as amenities and storage. When I looked around at my local hard standings the cost of storage and facilities, alongside materials and rent, was enough to bankrupt me after 6 months! It can be expensive to work on boats especially in the peak times of summer. Look for your cheapest option – mine was a field in the arse end of nowhere with a very friendly guy and a dog for company. This frees up your cash to spend on more useful things such as a solar powered paint brush or custom keel stickers.
-
Don’t give up – Honestly what’s the worst can happen? You have to turn to a life of crime to pay your fees where you are eventually jailed in a foreign country serving your time as coco the ex-cartel she-male. You might even enjoy it. Life’s too short to not do things you’re passionate about; whilst many have failed, don’t let your enthusiasm be stomped – you won’t appreciate triumphs without getting it wrong at some point.