Boat Restoration – Work Or Play
One would think owning a classic boat is a lot of work. At least that’s what you’re told all the time. But is it really work if you enjoy it?
I’ve always believed there’s a simple difference: if you get paid to do it, it’s work. If you do it for yourself, it’s play. The funny thing is, you’re often doing the exact same thing. I could pay someone to mow my lawn, but I actually enjoy doing it, so it doesn’t feel like work.
The same goes for restoring or simply owning a classic boat. If every hour spent maintaining it feels like a chore, you probably won’t stay in the hobby for long. You have to enjoy the process—the restoring, preserving, repairing, and maintaining or you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
I’ve found that messing around with the boats can be every bit as enjoyable as using them. That’s one of the coolest parts of this passion. Brushing on a perfect coat of varnish is an art form. Watching the wood come alive is satisfying. Crawling under your boat to scrape the bottom isn’t work. Doing it under someone else’s boat, eight hours a day, is.
Now, with all that said, remember this when you’re working with a restoration shop. To you, this is your hobby. To them, it’s their job.
But here’s the interesting part.
For the best restorers, it isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. It’s their passion, too. That’s where you meet. Your common ground isn’t the invoice or the schedule. It’s the shared desire to save a boat that deserves another life. If you don’t feel that passion from the person restoring your boat, keep looking. The best restorers care as much about the boat’s story as you do. Passion is the common bond.
The only difference is that one of you found a way to make a living from that passion, while the other found a passion that makes life richer.
Okay this officially ends restoration week. It’s becoming work to write and rewrite these. I miss the toilet seat stories.
I remember one time when I was doing a re-fresh on Yorktown and Mom called to ask what I had been up to. My response was that I had been in the boat barn “playing with Yorktown”. It thrilled her no end that I considered it “playing” and she never forgot that.
The Creed!
Ok,…………. so When are you going to pickup Hamma Lama ?
HAHAHAH, no way, its about 5500 too much, gonna let it sit for a while.
You are sure waxing philosophical today! I did like your series though. You did a great job, I feel. I wasn’t ready for it to end! The toilet seat stories are always enjoyable, but on a different level…lower! I agree with the lawn mowing, it’s therapeutic! Have a good day all!
My father always said, “Don’t make your hobby your business – takes the fun out of it”. That’s why I give professional restorers so much credit in that they do what they do, put up with us, and still find the passion to do it. Now back to repacking my trailer bearings and telling myself how much fun I’m having.
Hessel in 4 days!!!
OK – Heres the plug
I feel your pain. I’m getting ready. Also there will be some beautiful boats there. See you at Hessel.
Bo looks very intent in that picture!!
Scraping and sanding a bottom (especially with the boat rightside up) may not fit the definition of work, but it sure the hell is a “chore”!
Could not help but notice the beautiful Minett Shields triple cockpit as todays lead photo; Nobody builds better boats than those Old Muskoka boats by Minett Shields, Earl Barnes, Ditchburn and those Greavette Streamliners; that boat deserves a 2nd viewing;
I’ve owned a Minneapolis home and a north woods cabin for 48 years. The upkeep in Minneapolis is work. Any cabin project is a joy. It can be the exact same project – fix that window that keeps sticking……………….
Same goes for non-stinkpots.