Boatbuilding Price Question

[ohare]

Im in the process of finding someone to hire to build a boat for me.The boat Im wanting built is a 40 foot fishing boat.All of the quotes Ive gotten have been well over $200K One yard told me they charge an average rate of $2500 per foot plus labor.Does a price of well over $200K sound about correct for a 40 foot custom design fully loaded and functional wooden (or possibly fiberglass.Havnt decided yet) fishing boat?

Thanks

[alan white]

The price sounds right to me. If i were in your shoes, however, I'd look for someone who would lead a crew who has the talent and reputation to carry the job through. Pay him by the hour or by salary, rent the space, and keep the profit. At worst youi'll still get off cheaper than a total hands-off contract.
Nowadays there are a lot of out-of-work or pretty hungry guys with enough knowhow to efficiently run such a project.
You'll likely save a third by being involved this way.
I'd also hire a surveyor to inspect the construction in stages.

[Ad Hoc]

normally priced on 'per tonne' of ally, not per foot...unless the yard if familiar with building only one type of vessel.

[McFarlane]

I would say that sounds to cheap to build a 40 ft fishing boat is this price finished, 2 new engines will cost you 40 to 50k each, I would have thought double it and add another 100k, would be better to buy a second hand 40 footer with a nice deep V hull and spend 100k on it making it how you want it, at least you already have the hull and engines, and a structure to build off. I would say this is the smarter option.
Cheers
Macka

[apex1]

I would like to agree with Ad Hoc (as usual) it sounds strange to make a price per length, we (boatbuilders) usually give a quotation per weight.
A 40´fisherboat with (usually) one engine built in US seems to be about right at 200k for me though. I could make it in wood epoxy (much stronger than wood or glass) for a bit less than that, abroad. say 15% to 20%, `cos usually we are about that marge under the US builders (incl. transport to US port).

Macka your calculation is relly a joy to read, where did you learn that? And who told you that a conversion is cheaper than a newbuild?

Regards
Richard

[McFarlane]

Gday apex

[ohare]

I want to thank everyone for the replies.Ive called several different folks and it seems the prices do vary greatly depending on the builder.I got a quote today from a yard saying could run as high as $300K+ with a new motor and other quoted mid to high two hundreds.As far as per foot vs per tonage they seem to be slip about half and half.I think I may just take McFarlanes advice and buy a used boat and do whatever work if any work is needed myself.

[apex1]

Originally Posted by ohare

I want to thank everyone for the replies.Ive called several different folks and it seems the prices do vary greatly depending on the builder.I got a quote today from a yard saying could run as high as $300K+ with a new motor and other quoted mid to high two hundreds.As far as per foot vs per tonage they seem to be slip about half and half.I think I may just take McFarlanes advice and buy a used boat and do whatever work if any work is needed myself.

Naturally could run above 300k$ and above 550k$ too, depending on the yard and equipment.
But 200k$ is about fair, assuming the boat is not "Yacht" furnished and equipped.

Take care, buying, converting and refurbishing a boat!
It sounds nice and sensible at a first glimpse. But usually it is´nt. Ask PAR, one of the most experienced members here in boat restoration and repairs, he will tell you the plain truth behind the idea of conversions and refurbishing!

Anyway all the best for your task.

Regards
Richard

[Ad Hoc]

Don't forget, employ a professional to survey the boat first before you even consider buying a second hand boat. Spending $100k's is not small beer!

[rasorinc]

Go with a Wood/epoxy build or re-build. Stay away from fiberglass. You have rough water off your coast and wood done right is far stronger and requires less flotation. I do not see 40-50 K per engine though. I think you can find decent diesel engines for that size boat at around $20,000.00 each plus trannys, shafts and props.

[apex1]

Originally Posted by rasorinc

Go with a Wood/epoxy build or re-build. Stay away from fiberglass. You have rough water off your coast and wood done right is far stronger and requires less flotation. I do not see 40-50 K per engine though. I think you can find decent diesel engines for that size boat at around $20,000.00 each plus trannys, shafts and props.

Stan, nobody sees 40-50k per engine (accept one), you´re about right at 20k for a good one if twins are the question. I would say the usual single (a bigger one at M1 rating) should be about 40k$ incl all the pomp and whistle.

Ad Hoc, nobody said 100.00 (accept one), and that was a statement based on



.
nothing

we do not know what he is going to install on that boat!?

Regards
Richard

[Ad Hoc]

Apex1
"....we do not know what he is going to install on that boat...."

er.. yes, quiet right, and most obvious really!

[rasorinc]

I would go with a high quality single diesel engine and use one of these Hi Thrust engines as a kicker engine to get home. I saw a 30-32' fishing boat at Newport Oregon with a 9.9 hp yamaha hi thrust on the transom and he told me "that sucker will push me at 10 mph, pushes me right up the river"
From 8 hp to 60 hp Yamaha is the only one I know of that makes the Hi Thrust engines.http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard...s/4/specs.aspx This would save you $$$$$$$$

[apex1]

Originally Posted by Ad Hoc

Apex1
"....we do not know what he is going to install on that boat...."

er.. yes, quiet right, and most obvious really!

Jahh, most obvious, but we are here to learn, to fail, and sometimes to enjoy each other.

But as long as we are focussed on the enjoyable side I did (all of your posts by so far) more than I deserve.
Regards
Richard

[ohare]

It seems the $300-$500K is a safe bet on price,so with that said I think Im just gonna go with a used boat I do believe.Just out of curiosity does anybody know an average yard fee for storage and working on your own boat?Ive heard some yards charge a daily fee per foot for working on your own boat as well as a monthly fee.