rebuilding novice

[huntermike32]

I know alot about woodworking and construction stuff. I also know how to fiberglass. I am 16 and conside myself a novice to boats. I was wondering if you guys think I would be able to use my money to buy and fix up some older boats. I would like a hobby that i could later sell for a profit

[Bergalia]

The old cliche - how long is a piece of string (my specialist knowledge)

How big the boats; what type; what materials; and how much repair work needed ?

Easy enough to 'botch up' a repair so that it looks cosmetically sound - but remember, some poor bugger's life may depend on the true quality of work.
I suggest you grab a couple of good boat repair manuals and study them; then try your hand at simple repairs before 'launching' yourself into a 'used boat' career.

[huntermike32]

i have repaired a very large hole on a fiberglass canoe before. It came out very well. Quite frankly i do nothing after school and i need a hobby that will keep me working hard.

[Bergalia]

Well done, Huntermike 32, but patching up a glass canoe is a long way from 'repairing' and reselling 'elderly' boats. (unless you specialise in holed canoes).
There's a lot to learn, mainly from experience, (By eye and by God, is the old term). Though some decent book learning goes a long way. If you have a friendly boatbuilder nearby, hang around their yard - but don't get underfoot. Explain your interest, and usually they'll be flattered and show you the odd wrinkle.
It sounds as though you are taking on more than a 'hobby'. And that's to be encouraged. But don't just jump into it without getting a grasp of what you're taking on - it could prove both disasterous for your prosepective clients - and to your pocket. However, once you've completed your first successful 'repair', you'll find it addictive. Good luck - now get to those books.

[sal's Dad]

There are thousands of older fiberglass boats, available VERY cheap. Many just need a good cleaning, replacement of lines, and the like.

If I were you, I would look for an older fiberglass sailboat, in good condition, but dirty. All the rigging and sails should be in place, and functional. Any fiberglass repairs should be only the most minor, cosmetic type. Find an understanding seller, who hasn't used it in years, and just wants it out of his yard - try offering $500 to 1,000, to be paid in 6 months, or when you sell the boat, whichever comes first (If you can't sell it, he gets it back, in better shape). Or offer to split the proceeds...

The boat should be mid-quality (e.g. O'Day) or better (e.g. Bristol), 12 to 24', trailerable. Count on buying soap, paint, sandpaper, running rigging. If it needs ANYTHING else, it will cost you out of pocket, and a new set of sails or trailer will be far more than the boat is worth. Forget about hardware or engines, you can't afford them, and they definitely will not pay for themselves.

Whip the boat into shape, get it into the water, and offer it for sale, with in-water trials available. If you (or a friend) have good sales skills, you can double or triple your money, easily.

Stay away from powerboats, they will tend to require lots more money to get them operational (unless you have good mechanical skills )

Good luck!
Sal's Dad