New Guy post, is this a good way to proceed?

[Equium Duo]

Hi guys o/

So i want to build my own catamaran, about 7m total length, a kind of weekend cruiser, maybe go a lil smaller so i can tow it about.

I have never built a boat in my life, ever! So i know what you're thinking, 'oh god not another one /o\'

But alas, i know this is a rather silly first attempt so me (and my mate who is doing it with me) are gonna attempt something a little smaller to begin with. But we didnt want to waste time/money on something ultimately none of us wanted!

So the brief:

-Must be capable of carrying 2x adults.
-Must be rowable
-Will have a small outboard
-Must be made out of fibreglass and in keeping with what we plan for our catamaran.
-Small enough to be attached to the catamaran as some sort of life raft / thing for our catamaran.

Essentially, thoughts/ideas? Pointers? tips?

We are looking at this as a practical excercise to teach us a little about boat building, and boats in general.

Our final test is to sail (lol?) it down a local river about 5m in length, if it makes it and doesn't sink (it gets quite shallow in places and may bottom out plus a few rapids) then victory is ours!

[alan white]

Well, sailboats are not too useful on rivers, but you'll find a place to go.
Good advice, be humble. Don't attempt to design your first boat! A lot of people do this. They know nothing, but seek advice regarding their totally original ideas (ideas that are seldom if ever worthwhile, but take a lot of explanation to dispell.
Anyway, your attitude ("I want to build my first boat!") is completely WELCOME here. That's why the forum exists. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. People here love to guide complete novices---- and they go on to build some great boats.

[Equium Duo]

Thanks,

Yes i agree that sail boats aren't great for the river

But the plan is to make a small boat with an outboard and 'sail' (i dont know the motorised version of this word ha!) it down a river nearby, if it makes it then we are on to a winner!

And not to worry, our designs are drawn very heavily from those available on the internet!

[Oyster]

Actually Alan you have not been to the Norfolk Broads.

[alan white]

Originally Posted by Oyster

Actually Alan you have not been to the Norfolk Broads.

I've heard about them, the women of the north. But what do they have to do with river sailing?

[alan white]

Originally Posted by Equium Duo

Thanks,

Yes i agree that sail boats aren't great for the river

But the plan is to make a small boat with an outboard and 'sail' (i dont know the motorised version of this word ha!) it down a river nearby, if it makes it then we are on to a winner!

And not to worry, our designs are drawn very heavily from those available on the internet!

You could say "Motor down the river",

[Oyster]

The poster mentioned sailing in rivers and there is river sailing all the time in the UK area.



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