How to Restore That Old Boat

Fix it up and hope for the best...

Editor’s note: This is a follow-up to our recent Shallow Draft column, “Ready for Some Dark-Side Classics?” (July 25). – Marty

We confess that we’ve dragged home a lot of projects that were submerged in blackberries, but it’s not a practice we can recommend to others. Walk away, while you can, and do not look back! (Marty Loken photo)

Let’s assume you’re like me: You’re addicted to smaller camp-cruising boats, but can’t afford anything new. So your main option—other than building from scratch—is to find a cheap old thing, fix it up and hope for the best.

We know, from past Small Craft Advisor surveys, that the stereotypical SCA reader does, indeed, own an older production sailboat—maybe a Montgomery, Com-Pac, Catalina, Potter, Drascombe, Dovekie, Nordica, O’Day, San Juan, Santana or some other familiar model from the 1970s or ‘80s.

So, today, let’s imagine you’re tempted to buy an old, used fiberglass boat, maybe one that’s been neglected for awhile and needs the kind of loving attention you’re ready to supply. You’ve got just enough spare cash to buy the thing, but not a big budget for restoration—or the fortitude, patience or interest in a show-quality restoration. You just want a nice-looking, solid boat that’ll get you on the water and back, in safety and relative comfort.

No problem! Let’s start with the boat-buying process…

Before plunging directly into restoration subjects, we need to strenuously recommend that you avoid buying anything that looks like the photo below. While it’s possible to restore just about any rotten old boat, we urge you to hold out for a boat that is already functional—maybe not pretty when it comes to cosmetics, but not full of rainwater, with mold everywhere along with rotted canvas, badly corroded deck hardware, bent mast or other serious issues.

Do not buy this boat! Do not accept this boat if it is free! Do not drag this boat home if the owner PAYS YOU to haul it away. Do not accept this boat under ANY CIRCUMSTANCE if you want to remain in a relationship with your wife, partner or close relatives. Sure, it could be restored, but why bother? (Marty Loken photo)

What you’re ideally looking for is a vintage boat whose gelcoat is oxidized (needs buffing but maybe not a  total refinish); that has a functional kicker motor, usable if not perfect sails, a trailer that hasn’t rusted into the ground, and a boat that might actually be capable of launching and sailing today. So, not too perfect (high asking price), but not a total rotter that’ll cost way too much—in time and treasury—to restore.

When you shop for such a used trailersailer, here are some key things to look for, since you’re unlikely to be accompanied by a licensed marine surveyor: