If you enjoy fishing and want to turn a hobby into a side job or small business, consider restoring an old boat instead of buying new equipment. Not only will it be more cost-effective in the long run, but it can be extremely rewarding as well. If you consider beginning your own restoration business, some essential things need to be considered before leaping.
Who Can Help?
You may need multiple people to help you, depending on the size of the job and how skilled you are with different painting techniques or woodworking tools. You also may need someone who has experience with fishing boat restoration that can advise you if something should be fixed or not and if any hidden areas should be dealt with before working on other areas. If you do end up having to take part in a larger project, such as sanding and re-varnishing an old cabin floor, make sure that at least one person stays behind to watch over the boat at all times.
What Supplies Do You Need?
As with any project, you will need supplies that may not necessarily be required but are needed for your work to go smoothly and efficiently without wasting time or materials. You need sandpaper in varying grits, quality filler if there are large holes, a primer before painting over new material to prevent chipping or rusting through paint, wood glue for repairing areas of wood that have been damaged from water exposure or other environmental factors, a high-quality exterior paint in several different colors depending on your preference and skill level when it comes to painting surfaces that aren’t perfectly flat, and lots of good-quality brushes in several sizes.
Set Your Goals Accordingly
There is nothing wrong with wanting to make money from your hobby or passion, but this may not be the best way to go about it if you are looking for something to keep busy with during your retirement years. Before starting a business venture, ensure that there is enough demand in your area for boat restorations so that you will have both the time and resources available should repairs be needed. Try asking around local retailers who sell boats or fishing equipment if they know anyone locally looking for restoration services first.
Lastly, remember to have fun. If you enjoy what you are doing, it will show in your work, and customers will appreciate it.
