You can spend money on the boat or time on the boat
If you own a boat, you can make many needed repairs or modifications yourself. This empowering statement comes with a warning, though. Be aware of the warranties on your boat's systems. Keep copies of the receipts when you purchase parts or equipment. If you attempt a repair on a system or part that is under warranty, your warranty will probably be voided by your efforts. A free warranty repair is cheaper than the cost of the gas you'll burn to buy parts to fix it yourself. Otherwise, you are only as limited as your imagination and skills.
Hull Repairs
Repair hull damage first. Structural repairs are your top priority. Cosmetic repairs can wait until the major work is done. Even if they are cosmetic, an understanding of the process of applying fiberglass and the internal structure of your boat will prove helpful. If you have never undertaken fiberglass repairs, it might help if you apply the epoxy and fiberglass to a piece of scrap wood and begin to develop the skills necessary by practice.
Wooden boats require carpentry skills. Metal hulls--whether steel or aluminum--require the skills of a metalworker--welding and burning, cutting and fitting--to make hull repairs that are watertight and strong enough to withstand regular use.
Interior Repairs and Modifications
Make your interior repairs and modifications in much the same way as you would make repairs to your home. Lighting, both navigational lights--your red and green bow lamp and your stern lamp--and interior lighting are no different from those in your house, except that they are generally lower voltage. Since reading and cabin lighting has largely gone to LED lighting in recreational boats, installation is more about running the wiring than installing the light.
Seating is another area you can undertake with a level of confidence. Vinyl repair kits mean that repairing torn vinyl seat covers now takes hours, rather than weeks, and you can make the repairs in your driveway instead of going to an upholstery shop.
Marine entertainment systems are another area that many boat owners tackle for themselves. Most marine suppliers offer a wide variety of audio-visual systems designed specifically for the boater. They are water and moisture resistant and can be installed quickly. Plastic wiring channels mean that it is no longer necessary to "dig into" the walls and deck to run your speaker wire and power cables, and specially designed dish antennas with an automatic satellite tracking function mean that you can still watch your favorite shows while you enjoy your boat.
Glass and glazing is another repair you can effect; modern boat windows are easily removed with a screwdriver and patience.
Most control systems, like electronic throttles or even pedestal captain's chairs with the throttle and steering controls built into the armrests--think Star Trek--can be installed in less than a weekend. GPS and other navigational systems are plug-and-play systems.
Rigging, Engine and Power Systems
Engine repairs, whether for boat or car, are strikingly similar. The engine might even be the same if you drive a Ford, Chevy or Chrysler. You may find that you have more room to work on your boat's engine than on your cars.
Sailmaking is a special craft. Minor sail repairs, though, are a few hours' work with kits available from most marine suppliers. Mast and spar repair may be a weekend's work, depending on the type of damage and whether or not you have the metalworking skills. If you have an mechanized sail-furling system, repair should be undertaken by trained technicians.
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