Re: No one lists the cost of there restoration why??
This thread is popular lol ok so lets go back to the beginning the cost is not important to me just really curious how much people spend on restoring a boat and want to know as much as possible in how to restore the boats thats all thats it.
Spend some time in the restoration forum. All the info you could ever want on boat restoration there.
I'm also talking about the basic things that seems to be replaced or fixed on all restorations and not the extra toys that you have added to the boat hence the material list so one could cross out what he would not want or need.
Well, it's not hard to figure, really. But it varies a lot. Take a look at your boat, or one you'd like to buy if you don't have one yet. Then let us know what it needs and you can get a general expense. For instance, a new floor is pretty common in a restoration. But are you looking for an aluminum boat, or a glass one? The price of floor replacement is vastly different between the 2. Does your boat need a new transom? Stringers? Foam? There are so many variables.
I'm sure it's really nice to have deep pockets, but I don't and that's why I fix, build, or restore the things I want. It's fun, and it's a hobby.
I'm in the same boat, so to speak. I don't have unlimited funds, by choice. I have more than I spend, but I prefer to do restorations on a budget. It forces me to be resourceful and do more of my own work. To a point. Some things need done right regardless of price.
I think it's awesome that some one buys a crappy boat and turns it into a brand new looking beauty and then tell the world that it only cost you 300 bucks for the boat and 2000 dollars to restore it nothing to be embarrassed about; that's awesome.
That's the myth of boat restoration. Depending on the size of boat in question. If you buy a boat for $300, $2000 isn't going to turn it into a beauty. Unless we're talking about a small aluminum boat. If you buy a mid to large sized fiberglass boat, you can blow a grand easy just doing the floor up right. Another grand can easily go into an engine. And we haven't even covered seats and fiberglass repair. Plus whatever the trailer may need. It's not always cheaper to buy a boat that needs restored. When I'm done with my 67 Johnson, I'll have spent an amount I could have easily spent on a used runabout of similar size in running condition. The severe downside, in my opinion, is that old boats, with few exceptions aren't really worth anything when restored. There isn't a lot of 1967 Johnson Surfers left. And mine has to be in a small group of nicer ones in existence. If I had almost any model car of the same year, in similar condition, and as rare, it would be worth 10 or 20 times what my Johnson is worth. I'll never be able to sell my Johnson for what I'll have into it. (Not that I care) And no one will ever stop me on the river to marvel at how good my Johnson looks. (This is sounding pornographic) In the boating world, old boats are just old boats. They don't get the respect of cars. It's just an old boat. Most folks won't call it a "classic" like they would if I had a restored 67 car or truck. Sure, if you manage to find an old wooden Chris Craft and restore it (which I'm in the market for), you have something people will call a classic. But you want to talk about high restoration costs? Sheesh.
Oh well really no reason to talk about this anymore maybe some one will own up and do a full evaluation of there restore hell maybe that person will be me!!
It will have to be someone other than me. I just haven't kept good enough track. And my current boat would be a bad example anyhow. It didn't really need a full restoration. I'm just prettying it up. It was in pretty good shape when I got it. I can tell you this, it didn't need a floor, or transom or any major engine work. But I have at least $1000 and lots of hours into just making it reliable. Carb rebuilt, all fluids changed, some wiring, odds and ends stuff like that. It's all small stuff, but it adds up.
And this is all assuming you have the tools. I'm an ex-mechanic, so I have a full complement of tools in my garage. If I had to buy the tools I need.... WAY more money.
