There are as many reasons for buying a classic boat as there are classic boats. Whether you're looking for those simpler times when things just weren't so stressful or just want an inexpensive way to get out on the water, a classic boat can take you there. Buying a "project boat" can be a great way to introduce and familiarize you and your family to boating. The time spent restoring or just fixing it up will provide many hours of quality time together, teaching valuable lessons about craftsmanship, patience and finishing what you start. When you're done, you'll have something more valuable than just an old boat.

Figuring Out The Details

When looking for that dream boat, take into consideration the condition, style and end use of the boat. Certain models may present extra challenges, depending on your handyman skills. Wood boats, in particular, are a problem for most. It's not just the skill required to work with the material, but the fact that usually the deeper you dig into the wood, the more work you'll find. A lot of this work should be left to professionals. But, for more experienced do-it-yourselfers, a wooden boat might be the ideal project with spectacular results.

Try not to narrow your scope to a particular make and model. Many great boats are overlooked because they're not exactly what someone is looking for. Unless you're trying to recapture a childhood boat, that time spent searching could be time spent on the water.

How are you going to use your boat? If you're heading into big waters, look for a boat that's large enough, perhaps one with a cuddy or cabin for protection. Family use may require that the boat be able to handle a variety of tasks. Find a boat that matches your needs. Not every classic will have the styling flair of a Lone Star Meteor or a Larson Thunderhawk. Not many will have the quirky, retro look of a Herter's Flying Fish either, but each has its place on  the water. Since the market was huge  in the '50s and '60s, there's something out there for everyone nowadays; you just need to find it.

Searching Near and Nearer

Start out with the classified ads. Search eBay. People have even placed "wanted" ads in local shoppers and been successful. If you'd rather go about it through the Internet, start by sifting through eBay, but be sure to specify exactly what you want. You'll be surprised at the number of boat descriptions that will turn up if you don't. For instance, trying to pinpoint classics online with fins will bring up a bevy of boats with different interpretations of just what a fin is. Another good spot to find classics is your neighborhood. There are many old boats sitting in garages just waiting to hit the water, many with an incredibly low number of hours.

Try to find a boat with all of its original parts and pieces. A cracked windshield can be used as a template for a glass shop to fabricate a new one. Even  if the hardware is in rough condition, it'll give a visual on how to restore it once you're ready to upgrade. Some manufacturers have made a lot of     custom pieces particular to a model. Glasspar was famous for customizing, and it's because of these details that its boats are still collectibles today. Most marine hardware came from   large manufacturers like Attwood Brass Works, Kainer, Wilcox-Crittenden and Vollrath, which can still be found on the used-parts market.

Inspecting The Woodwork

A major precaution to watch for is the condition of the wood. Even in fiberglass and metal boats, a fair amount of wood was used. When these boats are left exposed to the weather, the wood  is prone to rot. Check for weak transoms and spongy floors. Again, depending on your level of skill, you may want to avoid an overwhelming project. If you're willing to learn and aren't afraid to get dirty, you can do these repairs yourself. A lot of people just tear into them and are quite successful. Just remember that you're doing structural repairs. If a structural piece is coming out, there should be a structural piece going back in. That new structural assembly should be at least as strong or stronger to give it the integrity of the original piece.

Gelcoat, acrylic, or epoxy? For every person that has refinished a boat, there are personal preferences, and strong ones, with which route to take. Do the research, and remember your skill level. If you're going to have a boat that will  be judged in a competition, and this is important to you, stick with the finish that was on the original boat.

The Way Things Were

Are you going to restore the boat to its original state or personalize it? Restoring to original form is difficult without the necessary research to really authenticate a restoration. Many boats become over-restored in the process. These boats never looked as good coming off the showroom, but they look awesome in their new version.

Florida restorer Gary Mac Norius coined the term "lake rod" to describe boats that are highly modified for performance while retaining their retro look. If a high-quality job is done using the right parts, these boats can be satisfying  to the owner and still show well. There are even '50s automotive pieces turning up on some custom boats at the shows.

There were many accessories on the market when your old boat was new. Will you add period accessories to your restoration, or are you planning on brand-new, off-the-shelf items? Do you want new seat configurations or perhaps a different windshield? It's up to you. The boat is yours, so make yourself happy. While it may seem that it's all about the boat, it's really about you and what you want to get out of the boat.

What's It Worth?

Think about your boat's value, especially  if you could see reselling it later on down the line. At this point, buying   and restoring a classic fiberglass or metal boat on speculation is just that: speculation. Nobody is making a killing  at it yet. Will an original hold its value better than a custom? Time and market will tell. With wood boats, original preserved boats are selling at a premium.  An old item is only original once. Once modified, that originality is gone forever. Set up a budget and stick to it. Invest only as much time and money as you're willing to. However, the payback shouldn't be in the sale but in the enjoyment that you extract from the use of the boat.

Getting The Job Done

Are you planning a professional or amateur restoration? Professional restorations can be costly. What is your time worth? If you have neither the time nor the inclination to do the work yourself, find a good restorer, and if you need reassurance that the restorer can get the job done right and on time, check with their past clients. The work should be done correctly if the restorer has done their research.
Believe it or not, amateur restorations can have better results than professional ones. A good example is the kit boats that flourished in the '50s. Back then, people built their own boats not only because it saved money, but also because these guys believed they could do it better. Again, these results will depend on skill level, patience, and in many cases, a long attention span.

Finishing Touches

Powering your classic will bring a whole new set of issues. If you choose an outboard-powered boat, this will be especially challenging. New vs. old is a continual argument. The old motors do look better on a classic boat, but are they dependable? They can be overhauled to be dependable, but parts can be difficult to find. Locating a dependable mechanic that's willing to work on an older engine isn't always easy. If you'll be using your classic boat in waters where losing power could put you and your family in danger, opting for modern power becomes an easy choice.

No matter your reason for getting involved in classic boating, remember to enjoy the process. Every step - finding, buying, restoring, and ultimately, using - can be an adventure unto itself. There's no boat that will give as much satisfaction as one that you have a deep personal involvement with and an attachment to. It's all about the experience and the enjoyment the boat will give you.

Boating World will tackle the two most common problems found in classic fiberglass boats - transoms and floor/stringer systems - in Part 2 of this story in the December issue. Stay tuned!