One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. We’ve all heard that phrase, but it can take on a whole new meaning when it comes to wooden boats. You can get a great deal buying a used boat and save hundreds of dollars over the cost of buying a new one. Especially when you take into account the fact that buying a new dory often means shipping it across the country or continent. But if you’re buying a used boat, you’d better take a good look at what you’re buying before spending your cash. What you see on the surface might not be what you’ll get under all that paint.
Many people simply neglect their possessions. It is a fact. They must have them, then once they wear them a few times they quickly “forget” to care for them. Nowhere is this more the case than with small wooden boats. I have known many people in my time who fall in love with a wooden boat only to let it sit in any weather and never think twice until they use it again and wonder why the planks have cracked or she now all of a sudden escape. A wooden boat needs regular maintenance. Without it, it will very quickly go the way of the dinosaur.
Now, a well maintained and cared for wooden boat is something to behold. A beautiful creature like no other. There is something about a wooden boat that is elegant both on and off the water. Unfortunately, that is what leads to the boat being bought by people who have no intention of giving it the regular maintenance it deserves.
After a few years of being exposed to the sun, cold or a combination of both without any type of maintenance, the owner decides to sell. A good look at it clearly indicates that it needs some touch-ups before the sale. The homeowner, previously unbothered, now decides to apply liberal amounts of wood filler to the cracks, nicks, dents, and rot, give it a liberal coat of paint, and put up the for-sale sign. And an unsuspecting person like you arrives who can’t believe the great price of this attractive dory. If you suddenly find yourself with a big purchase like that, be sure to take a closer look before proceeding.
Take a close look at the stern of the ship. Does it feel soft and fluffy under that paint? It could be an indication of rot and neglect. Are there all kinds of humps and bumps so the stem doesn’t look smooth and straight anymore? This could be an indication that the homeowner filled it with wood filler and did a poor job of sanding it. If the boat is upside down, ask the owner to turn it over so you can see the boat. Look for cracks or gaps or dark, spongy wood. Run your hand over the cardboard board and feel how it is secured to the bottom. And ask as many questions as you can of the owner about how often the boat was used, where it was used, how often it was painted (it should be painted annually), how many days a year it was on the water, etc.
When buying a used dory, information is key. Make sure you get as much as you can from the current owner and don’t just take their word for it. Take a look at the boat for yourself inside and out, both top and bottom. Feel for soft or spongy wood or excess wood filler. When you find a well-maintained used boat, you’ll know it, and you’ve found a treasure that can give you many hours of joy on the water.