Got the inspiration now I need the info.

[Gorvein]

Im looking to take up sail boat building as a hobby of mine to replace another hobby that was turning into an addiction (online games). I have done some research and im learning alot about different modles and what not. How ever I am not sure of a good starting point. Me and 2 others have decided to build this boat and we are just gona put the money into it as we build it. Does anyone have any information or links of good design sites for plans or sites that would help me with all of the stuff that i dont know. Any information would be great. We have come to the conclusion that we would like to build a smaller sail boat to start so we can get used to sailing and what not then start on a bigger one around 35 feet. If any expierenced sail boat builder out there could help me with some questions that would be great.

[Polarity]

I assume you have seen http://www.virtualskipper2.com/ you could combine the two!

Where to start... Personally I would start looking around for a wreck, buy that (sometimes they give them away!), do it up and sail.. Wanting to sail and wanting to build a boat are 2 different things.

However if you do want to build, unless one of you happens to be a welder or have similar strong skills, why not build one of the many "stitch and glue" dinghys that are around? All you would need is a garage, get someone to show you the basics ( http://www.westsystem.com/ is a great place to start - they make the glue! and they have bunch of experiences from people who have done it) The material is cheap and easy to come by. If you do a good job - and with care and good advice there is no reason why not, you will have something you can sell to give you a leg up to the next project...

Free plans here http://boatdesign.net/directory/Boat...ee_Boat_Plans/

Remember It will cost 2-3 times as much as you think and take 2-3 times as long - but you will learn a lot!

Good luck!

[Gorvein]

Well i am 22 years old and my friends are about the same (you may think thats little to young) however what kinda schooling or training would i need to become a proficient welder? The main reason that i came up with this idea was that i wanted to fill up my free time before i filled it up with games again so building a boat sounds up my ally. I have done 3 years of construction. I have built a guest house (for my self) which probably has nothing to do with the skill that i need for building a sail boat that floats however I am diffinatly inclined to learn new things and I wanted to have a project for a year or 2. DO you think that somone like me could learn the skills needed from just reading? or is that somthing that i need to have been building boats for the past 30 years to do.

[Polarity]

Hey I am not a boat builder - but if you check out the site above you will see that many other people have built great boats that were not boatbuilders either!

Welding = nightclasses I would say. I only meant IF you were already a welder then you would build a metal boat if not...

But check out the stich and glue method (wood, epoxy glue, copper wire! - no expensive kit to buy, quick learning, no huge electric bills or annoyed neighbours!

"DO you think that someone like me could learn the skills needed from just reading?"...... Nope - you will need to screw up a few times actually doing it!

So go check out the sites and get to it!

Paul

[snapper340]

You seem to have the interest, I would go for it and start looking for a set of plans. for a first boat, I would suggest the stitch and glue method of construction:it's easier than most other methods and, with your construction background would probably be the quickest and easiest. Plus there are TONS of plans on the web for this type of boat. Good luck and happy sailing.
snapper340

[Polarity]

Here ya go, free download of the how to, and then 50$ for the plans if you want to build it - you can build the most sailed dinghy in the world! http://www.optiworld.org/

Great resale value too.

Ok thanks for the information man. Im actually looking twords fiberglass or wood at the moment which ever is less expensive. I have heard that wood is lighter and cheaper then fiber glass but thats on little research. Thanks for the reply i didnt think id get one for a couple days =D.