Customize Your Boat

You did the research, invested shoe leather at numerous boat shows, combed the brokerage websites, and finally purchased the boat of your dreams! But now that it’s in your driveway or slip, your dream boat seems lacking and looks distressingly like your dock neighbors. Here are seven upgrade ideas to enhance performance, improve usability, and make your boat stand out while reflecting your own unique personality.

1. Hull wraps and graphics

No other upgrade delivers the “wow” factor quite like a custom vinyl graphic or graphic hull wrap. Accent graphics can be had for less than $400, while a full hull wrap for a 20-foot boat ranges from $1,500 to over $8,000 (depending on boat size, installation complexity, custom designs and material quality). While DIY options can save on labor costs, professional installation is recommended for larger, more complex projects to ensure a higher quality finish.

2. Install a hardtop

Hardtop installations are the “gateway drug” of upgrades. Not only do they generate immediate benefits (shade, protection from the elements, etc.), they also provide a springboard for even more upgrades. With a hardtop in place, you can install that new electronics box above the helm or add a full canvas enclosure, so you’ll be even more protected from the elements year-round. A hardtop can change the look and feel of a boat and may also provide additional deck space for lounging and sunning — another benefit that increases both usable space and resale value.

3. Try a new propeller

Propeller upgrades are a relatively inexpensive way to enhance your boat’s performance. Selecting the right propeller can help improve almost any aspect of boat operation, from increased pickup and higher top-end speeds to fuel efficiency and better load-carrying performance. Keep in mind that a propeller that maximizes one desirable attribute typically does so at the expense of other ones. This means you’ll want to find a happy medium, where a propeller improves the characteristic you want, but also delivers good overall performance.

4. Consider a bow thruster

Installation of a bow thruster is a desirable upgrade, particularly for boaters who must deal with gusty winds, strong currents or crowded docking spaces. Thrusters often come as standard equipment on many newer pleasure boats over 45 feet, but most any midsized vessel can be retrofitted.

Traditional bow thrusters typically require that a tube or tunnel be installed through the hull below the waterline (which adds significantly to installation costs). Externally mounted bow thrusters are another option for smaller boats or larger boat owners who cringe at cutting holes in the hull. These allow boat owners to retrofit a bow thruster without cutting or drilling holes below the water line. When it’s time to sell, having a bow thruster may make your boat more attractive than similar boats on the market.

5. Upgrade your soft goods

Simple upgrades can go a long way toward making an old interior look like new, while improving your time on the water. New upholstery and high-density foam cushions (or maybe even a custom mattress) can both modernize your interior and provide a better night’s sleep. Heck, take it to the next level by investing in some good quality bedding, rather than the cast-off sheets, blankets and mismatched pillows from home that typically find their way onboard.

6. Modernize your electronics

Few equipment upgrades provide the “bling factor” of a new electronics suite. The downside is that few things change and evolve more rapidly than marine electronics. Manufacturers continue to improve their products at an alarming rate, meaning today’s must-have electronic doo-dad can quickly become tomorrow’s 8-track tape.

This doesn’t mean you should be afraid to enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge electronics, but it does show that you should purchase wisely to get the most from your investment. One key feature to keep in mind is future compatibility. For example, all major players in the marine electronics field manufacture NMEA-certified products to ensure the various components of your electronics suite can “talk” to each other (even if from a different manufacturer). It also means the electronics you purchase today will have a better chance of being compatible with future models.

7. Air conditioning/heating

Nothing improves your time on the water like being able to stay warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. Installing an air conditioning system provides welcome relief from those hot summer days, while a heater lets you start boating earlier in the spring and keeps you toasty while extending the boating season into the fall. Heating and cooling units add value to your boat, while making a huge difference comfort-wise.