Plywood Narrowboat Idea

[Trywithply]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I really know nothing about boat design or building, howver, I am enthusiastic and believe I can build a boat if I try.

My idea is to build a narrowboat built mostly from plywood and epoxy with perhaps a little steel reinforcing steel in vulnerable places.

I have loads of questions, but I will ask a few for now.

Should the bottom of a narrowboat's hull be completely flat or have a slight v shape?

What thickness of marine ply should I use for the bottom?

Could I achieve any extra strength on the bottom for not much more money by using thinner marine ply laminated with a thin grade of steel and would it be worth it?

Am I likely to save much money by building in ply rather than steel, bearing in mind that I cannot work metal myself and would have to pay for the steel and the labour?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

[wdnboatbuilder]

Depending on the LOA, Beam, Displacement or planing. More than likley for every one question you have for these gentlemen they will have 3 questions for you. What I can tell you is that wood and steel don't mix.

[Trywithply]

As I said, I really know less than nothing! The steel was just an idea, but I think it probably complicates things. The max beam, would be in compliance with narrowboat specs ie: 6'10" - the draught would be around 1'10" and I'm thinking of a LOA around 32'

[D'ARTOIS]

You are off track if you think that plywood is cheaper than steel - if you say I cannot handle steel and it is cheaoer for me to build in ply, that is another chapter. Just build in steel, easier, stronger and less maintainance.