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yacht rebuilding as a business

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by c3c4r1, Aug 21, 2012.

  1. c3c4r1, Aug 21, 2012
    #1
    c3c4r1

    c3c4r1 New Member

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    Hello,
    I work as an architect , never worked on boats before, a friend asked me to work on a project sunray 300 1977 boat he has.
    i had a look at the boat and i would like to rebuild all the interior of the boat to give it a modern style like the 20** yachts.

    The question here is what do you think about doing this as a side business, i mean buying old boats like this one for about $1000 and spend about $*000 more then resell it ??

    is that a good idea? any one tried or doing that already in here?

    also how much would a boat like this one( sunray 300 1977 ) be sold if rebuild to its original state, and if rebuild to a modern look?
  2. Pascal, Aug 21, 2012
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I m not sure what you can do to make a 35 year old cheap entry level boat attractive... Sure you can spice up the interior a bit but there is nothing you can donaboutvthe dated exterior styling or the likely structural issues like rotten wood in the transom, stingers, etc


    Lipstick on a pig comes to mind...


    Refurbishing an older boat can work for an owner assuming you re starting with a quality boat (Bertram, hatteras, Tolly,grand banks etc) but to turn a profit will not be easy at least in the big markets. I just noticed your home port is listed as Cairo,maybe it can work there with cheap labor and a remote market.
  3. c3c4r1, Aug 21, 2012
    #3
    c3c4r1

    c3c4r1 New Member

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    yacht rebuilding

    Will replace all old interior, all old cabinets/tables/beds even the bed mattress, no use from them, they are just ugly, what i have in mind is rebuilding everything from the ceiling to the floor.

    i have office in cairo/alex/portsaid labor is cheap and we already have the equipments, workshops, paint booth etc..

    How much do you think a boat like this should be sold for in its original state and if rebuild to a modern look?
    like $8000 if rebuild to original and $9000 if rebuild to a fully modern look?
  4. c3c4r1, Aug 21, 2012
    #4
    c3c4r1

    c3c4r1 New Member

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    about the exterior can't do nothing than polish , wax or repaint, it will sure look the same from out side.
    the 1977 300 searay is fiber hull i guess, is that right?
  5. Capt J, Aug 21, 2012
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I think given your location, you could probably do well with timeless boats from a good manufacturer. The 31' Bertram comes to mind, for example. You have to determine what the resale market would be there and how much money you'd have to sink into them to get them there.....A few people make very good money at it. Most people lose lots of money trying.
  6. Capt Bill11, Aug 22, 2012
    #6
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    +1 to what CaptJ said. And good luck.

    And a PS, if you do this, just keep in mind, there is a vast difference between remodeling a boat and house.
  7. RVN-BR, Aug 22, 2012
    #7
    RVN-BR

    RVN-BR Senior Member

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    The market is incredibly slow right now... it will pick up obviously, but the market is extremely slow everywhere.... i'd be careful with this venture right now unless you do it "on-demand"... i think that stocking boats right now isnt the best idea...
  8. chuckb, Aug 22, 2012
    #8
    chuckb

    chuckb Senior Member

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    Making a small fortune

    I think you could make small fortune rebuilding boats... assuming you start with a large one!:eek:

    Seriously, unless its really a classic and unique situation it has to be a labor of love, the numbers basically never add up once all is complete...
  9. carelm, Aug 22, 2012
    #9
    carelm

    carelm Senior Member

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    You might have better luck with using what is considered a classic or antique yacht as a starting point. Even then, you're looking at more of a labor of love than a business IMHO. I don't think Sunrays are particularly collectible regardless of condition.
  10. Pascal, Aug 22, 2012
    #10
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Yes it is a fiberglass boat, problem is that back then many entry level fiberglass boats relied a lot of plywood in stringers, bulkhead, transom; all structural componenents. In most cases the plywood was simply covered up with gelcoat or chop glass, and to rot

    New cabinet, counter top and mattress? Ok what about the dash, outside seats, electrical, plumbing, etc?

    Let me try to explain it differently... You re talking about taking an old Peugeot 404 redoing the interior and paint then hoping to come ahead. You d be better off doing this on a more expensive and desirable car, say a BMW 2000 a similar vintage.
  11. c3c4r1, Aug 22, 2012
    #11
    c3c4r1

    c3c4r1 New Member

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    guess you are right, the boat look old fashion from outside also engines 30 years old won't come back to life, guess boating thing is only build on love :D,buying a boat for 1M and selling after few years for 500k :D sure is pure love