If you own an antique wooden boat, you understand how exhilarating it can be to take to the water in one of these timeless vessels. When properly cared for or restored professionally, a wooden boat can turn every head on the lake, which is part of the reason why we’re so passionate about classic wooden boats.

While wooden boats are stunning, they also require a great deal of care and skill to maintain and repair properly. As a leading provider of wooden boat repair, service, and restoration, we take great pride in helping people in Lake Tahoe and beyond keep their boats in pristine condition.

At every point in an antique wooden boat’s lifespan, a repair will be necessary. In this article, we will discuss some warning signs of hull issues which we see often. If you own a wooden boat, read on to learn what to watch for regarding hull issues, and gain insight into how we can help fix these problems.

Missing or Damaged Wood

The most obvious sign of the necessity of hull replacement is missing or damaged wood. Wooden boats can become damaged by a collision with another boat or a dock, through exposure to severe weather, or when wood rots away over time. While missing or damaged wood on the hull of a boat might seem like a difficult repair, we can take on the challenge and provide expert results. Since we’re master carpenters, the replacement we craft will be a perfect fit and true to the original wood and design of the boat.

Bare Wood with No Varnish

In order to stay functional for the long haul, a wooden boat has to be regularly varnished. Varnishing is a tedious process for those who aren’t experienced, but our team performs varnishing and finishing services very often, and we can help take care of your boat. Bare wood is a sign of a problem because the section without varnish is exposed to the elements. When wood isn’t protected, it can weaken, rot, or lose its structural integrity, and this can happen fairly quickly. If you notice bare spots on your boat, bring it in and we can determine the right course of action.

Soft Spots

Another issue which is typically related to bare wood is soft spots in a boat’s hull. If wood has become exposed to water, it can become spongy as it rots. Soft spots in the hull might be discolored, have a dented or bowed appearance, or could be hard to spot without a physical inspection. If you have soft wood anywhere on the boat, it likely needs to be replaced. However, as we discussed before, we can perform this service with skill and care.

Expert Service Available

We are passionate about wooden boats, and if you have any of the issues listed above, we would like to provide assistance. To ask questions about your boat, learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment for your boat, please give us a call today.