A Ten-Point Guide to Wood Boat Restoration

If you have the patience, skill, tools, budget, time, and passion, wood boat restoration can be a very rewarding endeavor. That’s a lot of “ifs,” and not everyone is up to the challenge. But if you are, the joy of boating with and/or displaying your finished project will be immense.

As with any large undertaking, getting a handle on what you need to do and establishing a plan, perhaps also a timeline, will serve your boat restoration efforts well. The size of the boat, its condition, and the extent of restoration necessary determine how complex the boat restoration effort will be. Here’s a guide to what you should consider.

1. Soak Up Knowledge. Assuming that you’ve never done wood boat restoration before, begin by learning from those who have. Get a book and watch a video on the subject, talk to anyone who has done boat restoration, and search online for sources of information. Consider joining The Antique and Classic Boat Society, which conducts boat restoration workshops and whose members have access to over a hundred how-to videos on this topic.

2. Make an Assessment. Fully inspect the wooden boat to be restored, checking for damage, rot, and wear, and listing (perhaps also photographing) what needs to be addressed. Assess what skills are needed for the various work.

3. Make a Plan and Estimate Costs. Create a work-order plan and perhaps a restoration timeline. Estimate costs for materials, tools, supplies, and labor (if outside help is needed).

4. Make Ready. Prepare a dedicated work area and clear everything out of the boat. Strip old paint, varnish, or other materials from all locations, and remove anything that is damaged.

5. Complete Structural Repairs. This includes repair or replacement of components of the hull, frame, and deck, as well as caulking and applying protective coatings to the seams.

6. Complete Interior Repairs. This includes repair or replacement of components of bulkheads, benches, flooring, cabinets, and seating.

7. Complete Mechanical and Electrical Repairs. This includes repair or replacement of engine, battery, steering, wiring, lighting, and plumbing components.

8. Refinish Wood Surfaces. Sand smooth all wood surfaces, then apply whatever preservatives, stains, and varnishes are necessary. Apply marine-grade paint where needed.

9. Fitting and Rigging. Polish and install fittings and hardware; repair or replace masts, booms, sails, and rigging components as needed. Install new or refurbished windows, hatches, cabinets, and upgrades (including electronics).

10. Clean, Polish, and Inspect the Whole Boat. Then thoroughly check all systems.

You’re now ready to put the restored boat in the water and see how it holds up. Pull the boat out of the water to dry and make any repairs or modifications. Beam widely as you garner accolades from other boaters, and develop a maintenance schedule to keep this old boat in its newly restored top shape.