The love for fishing comes from the need to be one with nature. According to FishingBooker, this hobby can help get you some exercise, combat stress, and teach you patience. It’s also a great way to boost a sense of self-fulfillment.
On average, 54.5 million people across the country went fishing as a recreational activity in 2022. Among them, 46% used their boat for this. Statista reports that Florida ranked #1 in fishing boat ownership, with over 922,000 registered vessels in 2023.
Do you also own a fishing boat? Then, you probably want to enhance its appeal without breaking the bank. In that case, you’ll need some resourceful and creative upgrades. Be it DIY projects or strategic upgrades—you’ll need them all.
In this blog post, we’ll list some affordable ones that will help boost the aesthetics and functionality of the vessel.
#1. Clean and Polish Your Boat
Oftentimes, people only focus on revamping the boat’s interior and forget about its exterior. However, giving attention to the vessel’s body can make it ‘look good’ from the outside.
Regular polishing and cleaning can prolong the boat’s lifespan, besides improving its appearance. For instance, you can clean up the hull and deck using a scrubber with a suitable cleaner. Thoroughly wash these areas to remove any dirt, grime, or salt. You can also use high-quality marine polish to protect it from UV damage and restore its shine.
Remember to pay attention to hardware and steel fittings. Try using a metal polish in these areas to prevent corrosion. Other than these, you should also clean and lightly polish the vinyl surface and upholstery with the right cleaners to make them look fresh.
If the dirt buildup is extreme, you can get your boat professionally cleaned. According to Entrepreneur, a boat cleaning service will only cost between USD 20 and USD 30 per hour.
#2. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Once you’re done cleaning the boat, it’s time to repaint the surface if it looks worn out or chipped. Fresh paint can revitalize your boat and keep it protected against harsh elements.
For a DIY project, you can follow these steps:
- Remove all hardware.
- Sand and clean the surface.
- Repair chips and gouges.
- Choose marine-grade paint.
- Apply a primer.
- Start painting multiple thin layers using a brush or a roller.
- Wax the stem and stern to protect the new paint.
If you don’t want a DIY paint job, you can hire someone. On average, professional hull painting for a fishing boat can cost between USD 25 and USD 29 per linear foot. These charges are for boats ranging between 29 feet and 36 feet.
#3. Get Carpet for Your Boat
Once you’ve cleaned, polished, and painted the vessel, it’s time to install a good-quality boat carpet. These are usually affordable and durable. For example, an 18-ounce marine carpet with an 8.5-foot width can cost USD 80.24.
Adding carpets to your boat’s interiors can enhance aesthetics and comfort while reducing noise and offering insulation. Marine-grade carpeting can help with UV protection, mildew prevention, and water resistance.
Once bought, you can measure and cut the carpet to ensure a secure and snug installation. Remember to use snaps and adhesives to secure it. Moreover, keep the carpet clean to ensure functionality and enhance its appearance.
Guess What?
Sprucing up your fishing boat shouldn’t be constrained within the decks. Let’s talk about the bunk carpets used on boat trailers that help you reduce friction when transporting the vessel.
Every boat owner will say changing bunk carpets is their worst nightmare. According to ‘Cuda
Powersports, without the right quality products, you’ll have to change them every few years, reducing the time you spend on water. That’s why you need a durable bunk carpet made from recycled plastic to handle repeated abrasion between the boat and the trailer.
#4. Upgrade Your Boat
Once you’ve done everything to enhance the boat’s appearance, it’s time to add upgrades. Be it a trawler, longliner, or crabber—the following upgrades can help enhance the fishing boat’s functionality:
- Install cell phone cradles.
- Get better fishing rod holders.
- Add cup holders and upgrade storage.
- Install charging ports.
- Get a rear-view mirror.
- Upgrade your fishfinder or sonar technology.
- Add more seat cushions.
- Install a trash can near the cabinet door.
These modern amenities will help enhance the efficiency, navigation, and comfort of your fishing adventures. The upgrades mentioned can transform the boat’s look without breaking the bank.
Going fishing on a boat makes your experience enjoyable because the waters become easy to navigate. There’ll also be increased visibility and enough space to take your family or friends with you.
According to the National Boat Owners Association, a recreational fishing boat can cost between USD 18,000 and USD 45,000 or more. Once you’ve spent that much, you’d probably want budget-friendly tips to transform the vessel into an efficient asset.
This article highlights how you can improve its functionality, comfort, and appearance with simple upgrades. Examples include fresh paint, boat carpets, technical upgrades, etc.
