The kids are back to school, the holiday bustle looms in the near future, and the nights are beginning to get cooler. As you’re waiting for the perfect opportunity to get back out on the water, a good way to get some time with your boat during the off-season is to work on some projects.

Here are our Top Five DIY Boating Projects for you to tackle this Fall. But remember, if there is a project that requires the help of a professional, contact our office for vendor recommendations and requirements.

1. Apply Vinyl Graphics

You might have noticed that vinyl graphics can give an ordinary-looking boat a bit of custom flair. With vinyl graphics, a boat can be transformed with an entirely different look in a short amount of time! According to Boating Magazine, after the design of your custom vinyl, this DIY project can be done in less than two hours, which makes it a quick and easy project for any boater. When applying your vinyl, it is important that your boat be out of the water, either on a trailer or in a boat yard, to avoid any water-related mistakes. Visit Boating Magazine for a full step-by-step guide on applying your own vinyl.

2. Prep Your Boat for Bottom Paint

When prepping your boat for bottom paint, it is important to know the current state of your boat, as methods can change for previously painted boats. Although prepping for bottom paint is not the most simple DIY boating task, it can be a rewarding decision in regards to long-term maintenance. Protecting your boat from barnacles, plant growth, and other water-related damage can save you money and time on future repairs.

Did you know that Harbortown Marina’s brackish water environment helps to reduce bottom growth on your boat?

3. Install Flush-Mount Marine Speakers

Got time for a larger project? Installing Flush-Mount Marine Speakers can be a great way to prep your boat for the next boating season. This project is estimated to take around five hours, so it will be important that you have all the necessary tools you need and a proper work space, like a DIY boat yard before starting. According to Boating Magazine, most deck boats and runarounds have room for one to three speakers. When buying your speakers, make sure to look specifically for marine speakers to avoid water related damage, and once they are installed, the next time you are out on the water you can crank up the tunes!

4. Install LED Side Nav Lights

You might know that even though the initial price of LED lights can be quite expensive, in the long run they can save you money. So, why not add them to your boat? By installing LED Side Nav Lights you are guaranteeing a longer time between replacements, and with an installation time of only two hours, it can be quite an easy DIY boating project. Of course, when dealing with any kind of electrical work on a marine vessel it can be beneficial to do so out of the water, which makes this DIY job a perfect task to do while your boat is stored for a longer project.

5. Install a Boat Heater

Ok, so perhaps the DIY projects just aren’t cutting it, and you’ve decided that prolonging your boat season on the water is the only way to maintain your happiness. Luckily, there’s one DIY project that can keep you on the water and out of the yard, and it’s installing a boat heater. This is the longest project yet and its six-hour installation will take patience and some time at a DIY boat yard. Despite the extra time involved, the dedicated boater will benefit from toasty warm air in the cooler weeks to come. This DIY project is not for the faint of heart, requiring plenty of electrical work by professionals, but for those willing to take the plunge, we ask…

“Fall weather? What’s that?”

So there you have it, our Top Five DIY Boating Projects for Fall. Whether you want to Apply Vinyl Graphics, Prep Your Boat for Bottom Paint, Install Flush Mount Marine Speakers, Add LED Side Nav Lights, or Install a Boat Heater, Boating Magazine has plenty of DIY projects for you to undertake while out of the water. Keep in mind that Harbortown’s marina store stocks a large variety of boating supplies and gear, with next day delivery available for specialty items.

*Always consult your marina for requirements of certain projects that are taking place on the property for approval and safety regulations. Outside vendors coming on the property to do work must put their occupational license and proof of insurance on file in the office.