I am thinking about buying a boat but it needs sone work. It needs new paint and carpeting. Is this something that I can do myself or should I take it to a boat shop? And if I take it in would it cost a lot? I think I can get the boat cheap so really don't want to put too much money into it. Any ideas would be great.
Thank you in advance.

The only advice I can give is this: When you buy a boat, only 2 things really matter, the hull and engine. If those 2 things are in really good shape, then everything else is up to you. Cosmetics is a personal preference. Myself, I like my boat to be neat and clean, with no cosmetic flaws. My neighbors boat, cosmetically is falling apart, but the engine runs perfect and the hull is sound, so he doesnt care.
Carpet and paint doesn't seem like a hard task. Plan a budget, and try not go over. There are many resources out there to learn how to paint and carpet your boat. You got the Fall, Winter and Spring to do the work. Good luck

bought 93 pro craft a year ago, spent that time making sure motor and everthing is right. it needed carpet and seat covers and some gel coat work it sat out in the arizona sun for 2 years. i can still fish in it while i save up for carpet and seat cover boat shop wants 1500 for both, main thing is to be able to fish and worry about others when you can do it

Hi -  I bought a boat that looked really nice and was told was in excellent condition. Before ever getting it in the water I spent $2000 to have the motor completely overhauled. The motor is a 1967 Evinrude Starflite 80. Runs like a champ now.  After a few fishing trips on the lakes around here I noticed an ever worsening crunching sound under foot in 2 areas of the deck. The boat is a 1977 Glastron Sportster, 15'. I pulled up the carpet in those areas expecting to replace a little plywood and be done with it. WRONG. The plywood was so rotten I could just rip out chunks with my hands. My mechanic told me to replace the deck and stringers. Never tackled a job anything like this before, but at this point I was committed. I cut out the fiberglass all around the inside perimeter with pneumatic cutting tool and removed all plywood. I left the old stringers in place (1 down the keel, 1 on either side 1/2 way between keel and side of hull) as they weren't totally rotted out. The original stringers were pine, and plywood deck was 1/2" plywood. I bought red oak to make new stringers and 3/4" marine grade plywood for new deck. After cutting and shaping stringers to fit in place I treated all the new wood to waterproof it before installation. Mixed fiberglass resin, then diluted it 50% with acetone to allow it to penetrate into the new wood, and treated the old stringers as well .I applied 4 coats to completely seal and coat wood. Pulled out all the old open cell foam from the hull (it was all waterlogged and weighed a ton ), bought twice as much new foam, closed cell to prevent waterlogging. Installed the foam, and bolted new stringers to old ones, sandwiching the old ones with new on either side, using stainless steel bolts. Screwed down new decking with brass screws. Applied new fiberglass cloth and resin to seal down new deck and form it to the hull. Bought new high quality outdoor carpeting and glued it to the new deck, using a roller to get it smooth and even. Then installed new high end pedestal seats from Cabela's to replace the original back to back lounge seats. Since then I have also added a new bimini top, Minkota Edge 50# thrust trolling motor, VHF marine band radio, Sirius satellite radio, Eagle 320c depth/fish finder, compass, tachometer, submersible fishing lights, dual batteries on a 1/both/off switch, fishing rod storage tubes for 10 rods, motorcycle headlights for night time operation, interior cabin lights on both sides of boat, and a solar battery charger to keep batteries full charged at all times. I did all the work myself (except the motor overhaul ) over a period of about 5 months. I love the end result . I get constant compliments on the boat. It was a lot of work, but for me it was well worth it. Don't hesitate to ask me for any advise or help you would need should you decide to rebuild your "good bones" boat.       Happy fishing.

Allen

 

~N.A.F.C.~B.A.S.S.~BoatU.S.~N.R.A.~A.M.A.~

 

might not work that well in Michigan, but tell me about the solar battery chargers

I got the solar charger from Harbor Freight Tools. It measures @ 15" by 12". I have it permanently wired to my battery switch so it constantly charges my batteries while the boat sits in the driveway. I never have to put a battery charger on it. But then this is Phoenix Arizona. As you said, it may not be that helpful in Michigan.     Happy fishing.

Allen did a great job, some people has the gift to do this type of work and hardly ask anyone anything, not saying Allen was that type. But here is 2 web sites that can help out for free information. You will have to sign up but great info from both. > www.themarinedoctor.com - www.tinboats.net
I signed up for both and gave me plenty of information.
Good Luck.
Dennis

I've been doing a whole house remodel for several years now, getting help only for pouring concrete and main electrical box wiring . I also used to build custom chopper motorcycles so I do have a natural tallent for solving perplexing problems. I do however need to refer to experts occasionally for advice.

BASS OR BASS THANKS FOR THE INFO ON SOLAR CHARGER, DOES IN WORK WITH TWO MAIN BATTERIES, MY BOAT SITS WHERE IT GETS SUN ALL DAY IN CASA GRANDE,AZ

Posted By dstevens on 29 Oct 2010 07:22 PM
BASS OR BASS THANKS FOR THE INFO ON SOLAR CHARGER, DOES IN WORK WITH TWO MAIN BATTERIES, MY BOAT SITS WHERE IT GETS SUN ALL DAY IN CASA GRANDE,AZ

I have my batteries connected to a 1-2-both-off switch. I keep the switch in the "both" position so the charger charges both at the same time. Works very well at keeping the batteries charged. I like to put them on a charger after a fishing trip just to get them back to full charge quickly, then just let them stay charged by the solar unit, ready to go for the next trip.