If you’re considering remodeling boat interiors yourself, you’ve likely already done your research. The internet is full of websites and articles written by people who have done this themselves, or by the handful of companies that cater to the homeowner boat remodel trade. It’s all a confusing mess.
First things first: What do you want from a company? Are you looking for a do-it-yourself guide that will help you decide what you like and don’t like about your boat and then give you a few pointers on how to make it look better? Or are you looking for a company that will come in and do the “heavy lifting” for you so that you just have to sit back and let them take care of the rest? Both?
Different companies offer different packages. Some are strictly do-it-yourself. Others will give you pre-made charts and plans and walk you through every step of the project. Still others will give you a ready-made blueprint and give you the green light to go build your own. Which direction would you prefer to take?
An Overview
Personally, I’d suggest sticking with the do-it-yourself route. Unless you’ve spent years in boating and know every little thing about boats, installing everything yourself can save you a ton of money and give you a very high level of satisfaction. Plus, if you run into any problems along the way, you’ve got someone there to fix it for you, as long as you have access to parts and service.
Of course, if you’re the type who prefers working with the professionals, many companies also offer remodeling boat interiors. If you know what you’re doing, this isn’t too hard. But if you’re new to boat designing, or just feel like diving in, it is a good idea to hire someone to come in and do the work for you. They’ll save you time and let you focus on improving your boat’s features, rather than trying to figure out how to remodel the whole boat interior.
Remodeling your boat doesn’t have to be expensive, but it certainly can be. Think about the cost of all those different materials. Paint, linseed oil, sealer, door panels, windows, ramps, slip-ons, carpet, and the list goes on. And that doesn’t even include the cost of hiring a designer to come up with a brand new look for you. How much are you willing to spend? You can do a lot with just a few simple tools and some elbow grease.
Remodeling Boat Interiors
When it comes to remodeling boat interiors, you should think about your budget first and then start thinking about what would look best. Think about the style of your boat, the size, and most importantly, the age of your boat. If you are planning to sell your boat in the near future, look into reupholstering the seats and backseats. Do you need to replace worn out fabrics and rips in the floor? Think about how you want your boat interiors to appear, and what you can afford to spend on them.
If you are not an experienced DIY kind of person, try enlisting the help of a friend who has experience in do-it-yourself projects. You may find that you need more than just a few hands to complete your remodeling boat interiors. Your friends and family may also be able to help you if they have some extra cash that they would be happy to donate. There are many sources of help out there for those who are willing to learn how to do it themselves.
Of course, if you’re looking to hire someone to remodel your boat interiors, make sure that you find one with a lot of experience. Most reputable builders will have pictures of their finished work and will even have a gallery of photos that you can look at. Do not let cost be your only deciding factor. Make sure that the person that you hire is going to be honest and provide you with good quality work once the job is done. There is nothing worse than a poor quality job done on remodeling boat interiors.
Another thing that you’ll want to consider before you start to remodel your boat interiors is the type of materials that you are going to use. Some people choose to go with natural wood as an option, but if you are like most others, you’ll want something that will last longer. You’ll also want a color that will contrast well with the boat. A light color is probably a good choice, as darker colors will probably make your boat look smaller.
These are just some of the things that you should keep in mind when you are remodeling boat interiors. Make sure that you hire a professional that has a lot of experience with this kind of project, and that you are getting a great deal on the materials that you need. You don’t want to pay more than you have to, so always compare prices online to save yourself some money. These things should all be taken care of before you get started on your project.
