Due to the Coronavirus pandemic that already lasted for more than a year now, people are looking for different ways to make a living. Although online businesses are booming due to the fact that people can’t leave their homes and rely only on deliveries, there are also traditional businesses that are getting much attention. These businesses are mostly done from home. From DIY to assembling something, people are resorting to creative ideas to make extra cash.
Antique furniture restoration has been popular ever since forever but before, only big companies are offering these professional services. Carpenters and upholsterers are looking to cash in their skills and talents while staying at home and that is what makes this business becoming popular again.
Matt Combs, an antique furniture restoration expert who lost his 12-year job last July 2020, started restoring furniture in his Detroit garage the following month and so far his business has been doing good.
“I’ve been in this industry as far as I can remember and due to this crisis, I had no choice but to do it on my own. I never expected that I could do well without a brand. I started buying old and broken furniture from garage sales, restoring them and reselling them. So far the result is promising. My fear of not supporting my family is gone and I now employ two of my friends,” Mr. Combs said.
He added that he is restoring not only furniture but everything that includes wood and upholstery.
“A guy from Reading, PA brought his 1973 Land Rover and asked me to do the upholstery. He came back 3 months later with his Celebrity 230 Cuddy Cabin boat. It took us 4 months to finish and he was very happy,” he added.
Since then, Mr. Combs purchased two old boats: the 1973 Century Sabre, and Mercury Concord 1982, out of his life savings. Both vessels were restored. The Century 230 was sold just last month giving him 120% net profit and the Century Sabre is still in completion.
“I never thought of this idea in my more than 20 years of being an employee. I thought I just wanted to restore antique and old furniture but now I’m in the buy, restore, and sell business. It’s quite fun and rewarding”, he said. Although his two employees are focusing on furniture restoration, he said that he is planning to buy more watercraft and he is targeting some of the best older speedboats to buy to make more profit.
Matt is kind enough to tell me what types of vessels he plans to buy, restore, and sell. As an avid voter himself, he never thought he could end up having such promising business.
The best 10 speedboats to buy, restore, and sell for the money according to Matt Combs.
- 1960-70s Phantom Venom
The Phantom Venoms were very popular speed boats during the ’60 and ’70s and could be seen in any boating scene. This beautiful classic power craft is in high demand recently after the manufacturer announced a comeback in 2016. Many people want to buy the old models instead of the new ones.
- Boston Whaler NAUSET 17
The Boston Whaler NAUSET 17 is one of the favorite restoration projects for many boaters and restorers alike. Apparently, there is something special about these vessels. Boston Whaler is one of the most popular and highly-respected boat makers and no wonder why the Boston Whaler NAUSET 17 is among its priced products.
- Chris-Craft 28 Sportsman
The 1964 Chris-Craft 28 Sportsman according to Matt is a great boat and has a reputation of being durable with a large interior. A fully-restored Chris-Craft 28 Sportsman could cost around $34,500 to $36,000 depending on the added features and could create a good amount of money for the restorer.
- 1973 Donzi X-18
The 1973 Donzi X-18 is one of the most popular speedboats during its time and is a combination of power, beauty, and elegance. At first glance, it looks like a modern cigarette boat but it’s not. The 1973 Donzi X-18 ’78 is still one of the most sought-after vessels even by modern enthusiasts.
- 1974 Riva Aquarama Special
One of the most popular powerboats in Europe, the Riva Aquarama Special is a symbol of luxury, power, and elegance. One of the best classic powerboats still available today. This line of models is one of the earliest models built by Riva during the first decade of Aquarama Special production.
- 1959 Chris-Craft Continental
These vintage vessels are very popular because they are the last full wood deck boats but are powered by Chris Craft 283 Chevrolet-based engines. There are only a few remaining models of this kind and mostly damaged or abandoned in a barn or garage. “It costs some money to restore this kind of vessel but it could also make a good profit”, Matt said.
- 1950s Chris-Craft Racing Runabout
Some of the most powerful and fastest water crafts ever made during the ’50s and the ’60s, the Chris-Craft Racing Runabout is beautiful, light, and easy to maneuver. The simplicity of this vessel makes it a favorite for restorers.
- 1973 Stamas V-24 Aegean
The Stamas V-24 Aegean is not just a powerboat but also an all-around ride due to its complex design making the vessel one of the favorites during its time. Restorers are salivating to find a Stamas V-24 Aegean. The craft recently attracted much attention among boaters.
- 1966 Century Coronado
The 1966 Century Coronado is one of the favorites by collectors and only a few remain in operation today. One of the most stylized earlier designs, the power craft is usually powered by a Chrysler Imperial 426/290hp Max Wedge (unless refitted with a different engine).
- 1977 Sleekcraft Ambassador 26
The Sleekcraft Ambassador 26 is a high-performance classic with 1970s style which simply cannot be matched. The Ambassador was built with living-room-style comfort and racing power and performance. The interior of this boar is just amazing.