I'm new, looking to find plans or help

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Kevcann3, Apr 19, 2016.

  1. Kevcann3
    Joined: Apr 2016
    Posts: 7
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Wilmington nc

    Kevcann3 Junior Member

    18ft ladybug is something in thinking about or have in mind
     

  2. 1blueheron
    Joined: May 2016
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: VA

    1blueheron New Member

    Kevcann,

    What you are looking to do can be done very easily and affordably. There are lots of homebuilt Skiffs in eastern NC that were built by eye in backyards without a formal set of plans. You aren't looking for anything fancy, just a basic workboat built to workboat standards.

    If you really want to do this on a budget, you can upscale the boat built in this video.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHvyUkTTsLM

    You will want to make a few modifications.
    1. Put a little more angle on the front so it more closely resembles the fiberglass Carolina Skiff boats.
    2. Use stainless decking screws rather than the steel deck screws they used since you will be in salt/brackish water. If you widen the boat, you will need to put some frames or stringers in the bottom to stiffen the plywood panels and some seats or thwarts that will support the sides. You can build them out of Juniper which is locally available in NC. to keep it lightweight and it is relatively rot resistant as well.
    3. If you are not concerned about longevity, you can just paint the wood with a good shellac based primer as a sealer and several good heavy coats of latex house paint. Keep it touched up and it will likely last 10-12 years and you can replace parts that need to be replaced as needed. If want it to last longer than that, you can use Epoxy and fiberglass over the plywood.

    It really is pretty simple.

    If you want a more proper boat, there are a couple things that come to mind. I would take a good look at the Simmons Sea Skiff, the Tolman Standard Skiff, and the Harker's Island Skiff. Plans for all three can be obtained for less than $50.00 All have proven themselves over the years as hard working skiffs for exactly what you plan on doing and can be built and maintained affordably. They can be built with or without motor wells. Two of the three are native to your area and can be looked at and photographed if you have any questions about the details or modifications. There are numerous examples in museums within a few hours drive of Wilmington.

    My personal favorite for what you are planning to do would be the Tolman standard or widebody skiff. It offers a good combination of shallow draft, decent ride in a short chop, and very good load carrying capacity. It is very versatile and will handle modifications and weight variations well. You can buy a book which tells you exactly how to build it, materials list, plans etc. for less than 50.00 and there is a website where all the Tolman builders hang out and post their present builds. They are a very helpful bunch and will support you through the build.

    I know this post is a little stale but hopefully you haven't given up your dream and are still out there.

    Feel free to PM or email with questions.
     
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