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Steps to a High-Quality Yacht Restoration Project

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It may sound surprising, but old yachts are in high demand. Why’s that, you may be asking. Well, it’s the same as with vintage cars: a few things can beat the pleasure of owning a piece of history.

However, before you can take it out in the water and sail along the mainland, the yacht must go through a thorough refinishing process. After all, you need to ensure that your precious possession won’t fail at the first gust of wind.

In comes yacht restoration, a service that can put a new face to old boats and make them look like new again.

Here’s everything you need to know about the fundamentals of yacht refinishing.

 

The Preliminaries: The Right Boat, Resources and Plenty of Patience

A lot of owners dive into yacht restoration headfirst, without considering whether their boat is suitable for such a delicate operation. Even if taking an old but well-built vessel and reconditioning it to its former glory may be one of the most cost-effective ways to afford a yacht in the first place, not every bargain you find can withstand this process. For starters, you need to ensure that the vessel has no structural problems. Otherwise, you will just waste time and money on a yacht restoration process that is almost pointless.

Another crucial point is the cost such a project implies. If you think that you can get away with cheap materials or by doing everything yourself, then you have another thing coming. Yacht refinishing is extremely complex, and it requires years of experience and the right skills to tackle the job successfully. Not to mention, you need to purchase high-quality parts and equipment to ensure that your boat won’t sink at the first tour.

Another thing that you need to consider is that boat restoration requires careful planning and patience. You must start from the inside out, taking care of the worn out system first and only then moving onto the frame and the cosmetic parts. Functionality is fundamental.

 

From Functionality to Cosmetics

After considering the preliminaries, any yacht restoration project will begin with changing or repairing the engines and generator. More often than not, these components need detailing, such as removing rust and corrosion and cleaning them thoroughly.

If no structural element is faulty and the engine and its chamber are in good functional and aesthetic shape, then the restoration continues with the major electrical systems.

You also need to consider the fuel tank. If the yacht has a removable deck plate, the costs for the tank will not be so high, but if the deck has to be cut out and rebuilt, then you can expect to pay a lot of money. You will also need to check the fuel lines, filters and vent hoses.

Reconditioning the interior of a yacht is perhaps the easiest job, but it still depends on existing materials. Same as with the engine chamber, you must check the interior thoroughly for water leaks to prevent rendering the restoration efforts null. If there are no leaks, then the redesign doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a fortune, especially if you get a little creative.

After all of these steps, it’s time for some cosmetic detailing, such as sanding and adding a new fresh coat of paint. The exterior appearance carries much of the resale value, so you need to ensure that your yacht has a glossy finish.

 

Conclusion

These are, in a few words, the fundamentals of a yacht restoration project. If you prefer old masterpieces to newer boats, then you must consider all these points before investing. But, if your heart is set on a boat, then at Chi Yacht Refinishing you will find a team of professionals specialized in yacht refinishing and restoration projects. Our yacht services cover everything your boat may need, from careful prior planning to final exterior finishing.

 

 

 

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