J.
Kelly McCoy's Boat Restoration and Rebuilding Links
Discussion Forums:
Forums can be a great
way to share information. Many times you can find answers for specific questions
that aren't available anywhere else. There are often experts participating
on discussion forums who can provide great advice. Be aware, not everyone
who participates is a qualified expert.
Boat
US forums - I enjoy these forums. They cover a broad range of topics and
are slanted towards boating (rather than restoring boats), but there is lots
of good information about maintenance, repair, and comparisons among brands.
Boat
Design forums - Although these forums are slanted towards building boats
and there is much discussion of boat design, there's a lot of good information
for someone who wants to restore an old boat.
Suppliers of
parts and marine supplies: I
buy a lot of stuff on Ebay, but you will eventually need to resort to a more
complete supplier...
Basic
Power Industries - A really complete catalog of parts for marine engines,
transmissions, etc. on a well designed web page. I have bought parts from
them. Their prices are generally reasonable and the service is great.
West
Marine - No list would be complete without this one. The really BIG supplier
of marine parts and supplies. They have good service and good prices on most
items.
Overton's
- I've never bought anything from them, but they have a nice catalog and seem
to have really good prices on many items.
Jamestown
Distributors - Really extensive catalog of marine supplies. The catalog
also has a lot of tech tips and information.
Marine
Part Depot - Smaller distributor of stainless fittings. Not an extensive
catalog, but outstanding prices and great service on the parts they do have.
I have bought parts from them.
John
Greer Epoxy - Supplies great quality epoxy resins and related projects
at great prices. Very nice guy (John Greer). The owner REALLY does answer
the phone (and he's very nice about answering questions).
Bluewater
Marine Paint - Good service. Great prices! I've been happy with their
paint. I've also called a couple of times and talked to a tech. They've been
very helpful and pleasant.
Boat Restoration Pages:
Some of them are personal pages about the restoration of a boat (or two).
Some are more professional discussions of what it takes to restore an old
boat. There really isn't anything quite like first-hand experience.
Chinewalker
- Personal page describing the restoration of a couple of small classic fiberglass
boats. Not a lot of detail, but useful info.
Boat
Floor Replacement - The title is actually descriptive. Not a complete
restoration but does show the replacement of the cabin sole in a small fiberglass
runabout.
Glissando
- It's the restoration of a sailboat, but it's a really nice page about the
restoration.
Greg's
Boat Restoration - Again, not a lot of detail but it's nice to see someone
restore a nice older boat.
The
Pleasures and Pitfalls of Boat Restoration - Not a personal boat restoration,
but gives a lot of good information to consider if you're thinking about buying
and restoring an old boat.
Miss
Rebecca - It's actually a boat building page, not a boat restoration page
but remarkably detailed and useful. Explains the construction of a 26' down-east
style lobster boat. It's a beautiful boat.
I hope you've found my
web page useful (or at least amusing). If you're also restoring an old fiberglass
boat I'd like to hear from you.
Please remember that
I'm not advocating or recommending that you take any course of action. I'm
just describing my experiences. I will not accept any responsibility or liability
if you injure yourself (or someone else) working on a similar project. I'm
not a professional boat restorer. I have no affiliation with any company mentioned
on this web page except as a satisfied customer.