Building My Own Boat

[66hemi]

Hello,

I am new to this web site.

I hope that this is the place to get the answers to these questions or if not that someone can steer me in the right direction.

I have been kicking around the idea of building a housboat for some time now and I have many questions. Let me first explain what my intentions are.

I have been thinking of building a large pontoon type houseboat that I can live on and operate a scuba diving business on from one of the Hawaiian Islands. I would want something that is three or four bedrooms, living area, kitchen, 3 baths, large partially covered deck with a front and rear lower deck. I am thinking probably 2 G.M. V-8 engines.

I am looking for the following information for the preliminary stages.

1. where can I find a formula that will tell me about the size pontoons I need?

A. What size will float how much weight?

B. Should I oversize the pontoons so it sits higher in the water or is there a rule of thumb for how much water they should draft for safety and efficency?

2. When building your own houseboat with the intentions of living on it and operating a business from, what agencies do I need to comply with regarding the building and or certifing the construction of this venture?

3. Since this will be a salt water vessel, what are the recommended building materials? I am thinking aluminum pontoons and framework for weight saving, but don't know how the salt water and air will effect this from a corrosion stand point?

4. How do you go about finding yard building space to construct and launch a boat like this?

5. Does anyone have any idea of what kind of cost is involved with dock space for a large boat like this for overnight docking and utilities?

I am sure that there are many things that I will need answers to later, and there are probably some intital things that I have overlooked and will appreciate anyone chimming in with suggestions.

I am aware of what kind of an undertaking this is.

I ran a company called Specialty Vehicles and Equipment for 11 years who's parent company was a wholesaler, retailer of RV parts and accessories and large service facility for RVs. In addition to mechanical repairs it had a huge collision repair facility. I am quite familiar with the constuction of these units that will translate somewhat to a pontoon/cat type boat for the "house" portion. I would probably build an aluminum frame with fiberglass exterior skin.

I am also familiar with space planning, layout and RV type electrical, plumbing, water systems etc. as we built all types of rolling office, radio, TV, law enforcement units with very complex wiring needs. I do however need advise on marine applications for these things.

My main concerns are who the agencies are that I will need to satisfy and what the constuction/certification codes are for this type of application.

I would also like to know the pros and cons of building a wider than "normal" boat. Most of the larger boats I see advertised (70"L+) are only about 17'W at the most. I am thinking more like 25" X 100".



Thanks in advance.

Darryl

[cyclops]

Put a double wide modular on a commerical work barge, new or used. Then you have a marine base to build and customize the daylights out of. Power for moving around is a as needed tug or the new Volvo thru the hull drives. A marine designer could easily size up a good sized keel, or 2 of them, ( shallow draft version ) for windy days. All off the shelf according to your budget.