Tips for Upgrading Your Boat

If you have previously purchased a boat for pleasure or fishing, you are probably comfortable with it, and yet may consider the purchase of a newer boat with more updated features. Before you spend the money on a new boat, consider boat upgrades on your current model, to get all the features you’re looking for. It will definitely be less expensive.

For example, if you are looking for increased storage, or other features, check into having such upgrades done on your own boat, to save money, rather than buying a new boat. Shop around and see what features are available that could be retro-fitted on your own boat. You may find that even the newest boats don’t all have exactly what you want. Take a minute and just think about what you want to have on your boat that you don’t have now, and see if that can be remedied with upgrades, or does it require the purchase of a newer boat.

More Storage for a Fishing Boat

Working on the Boat

Many people who ponder this issue end up keeping and improving their present boat. Your first goal may be to open up more space for storage, to keep things out of the way when you’re on the water. You can raise the back floor of a fishing boat so that it’s level with the front, and this can keep the gas can and excess fishing gear stowed more neatly. A plastic pallet works well for a waterproof storage flooring choice, and the holes will allow you to stow your gas cans without worrying about gas or battery fumes.

You can also upgrade the seat of your fishing boat by bolting it to the newly-raised floor. This will allow you to store extra batteries, fishing gear, anchor, minnow bucket and extra tackle boxes. You can mount rod holders on your boat, so that you can stow your rods away when you’re not fishing. PVC works well for this purpose. To store your dip net and life jackets, a piece of netting in the small area beside your console will be a handy place. This will also allow you quick access to your life jackets if you need them.

Other Boating Enhancements

If your boat doesn’t already have a GPS depth finder, you will probably want to have one installed, or purchase a portable handheld GPS model. You may also wish to upgrade your trolling motor. These are upgrades that will be very beneficial for you. They will help you to control your boat and find a good fishing area on blustery days. You might want to install an on-board three-bank battery charger, so you can plug in all three batteries and charge them at the same time. A battery switch will give you the option of which battery to be used. You can add plastic tool-holders in the back and front of your boat – these aren’t expensive upgrades, and they’re quite handy.

If you are frugal and patient, you can get a lot more features on your own boat than you can by upgrading to a newer model. You may wait on some items until they are on sale, which can be a good strategy if you’re working on your boat improvements over a period of months. The enhancements to your boat can be exactly what you want, since you are effectively designing them yourself. If you’re not handy, you can do the designing and let someone else do the work.

Cosmetic Changes for Your Boat

Changing the look of the exterior is one of the most effective boat upgrades you can make. There are cosmetic changes that will make your boat feel and look like new. A fresh wax coat and a sharp-looking decal set can have your boat drawing eyes at the marina. These decals can give your boat an excellent face lift, and they aren’t that expensive to purchase. You may opt to add the name of your boat to the graphics. Be sure to include the registration numbers, if your state or locality requires them.

Stylish pinstripes work as well on boats as they do for cars and motorcycles. You can use vinyl pinstripes that you do yourself, or have custom striping done. The custom jobs are more expensive, of course. You can have patterns drawn on freehand, or you can use vinyl patterns. Done correctly, either of them will enhance the look of your boat. Your boat can look different than the rest, without going “overboard,” so to speak.

So take some time to research what additional items you want for your boat, shop around, and then enjoy the process of upgrading your boat. It will be an investment that will breathe new life into your vessel, and make your boat more appealing to you.

About the Author

Jane Warren is an avid outdoor water enthusiast who enjoys boating, scuba diving, swimming, and any other water sport activities. Jane is the publisher of the website www.TowableTubesDirect.com, which includes information and reviews on water sports equipment from brands that include Sportsstuff and Airhead, both owned by KwikTek. The site also provides tips and reviews for other related topics, such as tips on water sports safety, and boating accessories like the Garmin GPSMAP 76.