Glen-L or Clark Craft

[indyillini]

I am a beginning boatbuilder and was wondering about whose plans are better Glen-L or Clark Craft. I was looking to build a 16 ft plywood powerboat.

[lewisboats]

Glen L has mostly his own, plus the addition of Ken Hankinson's...clark craft is a clearing house of different designs and designers. The plans are as the designers drew them...meaning that various designers are more detailed than others. I haven't heard much against either place and plenty for. I would not hesitate to use either if you find a plan that is to your liking. Comparing two plans that are similar is concept would entail a study of both...probably the purchase of both plans to compare them side by side. The cost of the plans is only a tiny fraction of the total cost of getting on the water so investing in 2 or 3 different sets shouldn't be a hardship. You can always re-sell the unused plans at a later time and recoup some of your money back.

[guzzis3]

I bought my Hartley trimaran plans form clarke craft after an unpleasant experience with hartley and brooks. CC did what they said they would and I am a happy customer, but it was made clear from the start the plans are unsupported.

As said either would be a good choice, depending on the design you choose.

[thudpucker]

26 or so years ago I built a Clark Craft Drift boat. It was pretty easy, as I'd built Drift boats in the past.
I now belong to the Glen-L forum.
I would recommend Glen-L for the experience and support on that forum for all thier products.

I would add that I'm pretty happy with the Lewis boat design of a small boat he did for me.

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by guzzis3

I bought my Hartley trimaran plans form clarke craft after an unpleasant experience with hartley and brooks. CC did what they said they would and I am a happy customer, but it was made clear from the start the plans are unsupported.

As said either would be a good choice, depending on the design you choose.

Sad to hear that about Hartley plans.

When Richard was alive , the back up was very good.

[guzzis3]

Yes, from what I have heard Mr hartley was a true gentleman, but whoever is running that business now needs a lesson in customer service, particularly since the website promises backup.

I wasn't asking for much, the study plans I bought arrived sans materials list and I asked if one should have been included. I got abuse for my trouble. I bought the full set from CC and lo! the materials list was there.