Buying a wooden boat can be fun. But there are many considerations you need to make before you go out and purchase one. For instance, you need to consider what size and style of boat you want. Then you need to decide where you want to store it. You can have a wet or dry boat house, or store it in a slip or lift. If you live aboard, you might even hire a caretaker.
Buying a boat is like marriage, in that it is a commitment. So, if you are thinking about buying a classic boat, you should take the time to research and ask lots of questions. Hopefully, the answers to your questions will help you make the best decision.
Buying a wooden boat may be easier than you think. A number of brokerage companies will list wooden boats. In addition, you can search online for boats that match your criteria. Just be sure you’re looking for a boat that is in good condition. There are plenty of boats that were poorly built, so you don’t want to get your hopes up only to be disappointed.
Choosing the right wooden boat is like choosing a spouse. You need to be comfortable with the person you’re buying from, and you need to have enough information to decide whether the vessel is worth your time. To determine this, you should take the time to read the ad, check out the boat, and have someone with you to look it over.
While it’s possible to find a good, functional old wooden boat for a good price, it’s also possible to buy something mediocre. However, if you’re willing to spend a little time and money, you can own a beautiful, classic vessel that isn’t overpriced.
The most obvious way to go about this is to visit a boat yard. Fortunately, there are several excellent boat yards in the region. Menchions Boat Yard in Seattle and Coal Harbor, BC, are just a couple of the locations. These yards are run by experienced, knowledgeable, and courteous boaters.
Buying a new replica of an old wooden boat may be the smartest move you can make, but it’s not the cheapest. Although a wooden boat may be cheaper, a new construction may have the advantage of better insurance. On the other hand, a properly restored older boat may have a higher resale value.
Another nifty idea is to restore a replica of an old classic. This will not only give you the satisfaction of owning a unique boat, but it will also be easier to finance. Depending on the model, a replica might be made from modern materials, such as fiberglass. Alternatively, you can have your own restoration expert do the work for you.
One thing to keep in mind when comparing different wooden boats is that some are built from better wood than others. For instance, a wood boat that’s built from thick mahogany planks won’t be prone to rot. Other factors such as the quality of workmanship and the protective barriers in the wooden hull can also make a difference.