Restoring A Classic Boat
Part 1 of 2
by Lee Wangstad
October 29, 2007
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!