Cost of building runabout?

[old750]

So I've got the bug to build a runabout someday. Can someone take a guess at the cost of materials (minus engine) for building some of these Glen L designs? Here are the ones I really like:

http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=212

http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=238

http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=261 (my favorite)

http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=784

http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=242 (I know this one's expensive)

Utlimately I may end up with this one because outboard seems alot easier:

http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=324


So any good guesses are welcome!

[KnottyBuoyz]

That's a question that gets asked of Dave Grason the moderator of the Glen-L forums. He posted this last week in response to another request. It might provide some insight into what you want to know.

http://glen-l.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.p...ghlight=#26427

Sorry for posting links to other BBSs Admin types. If it's not Kosher just delete.

[Poida]

Why would you need to guess?

Last time I was in the glen-l site all their designs had the list of material required.

Ring suppliers and ask them the cost as materials cost change depending where you live.

Poida

[old750]

I understand what your saying but I don't want to bother anyone for a quote on something I'm not prepared to buy in the near future. This is a project for next year maybe. These things take time. IE. My local lumber yard took 4 days to price a 1/4 sheet of marine ply. I tried to guestimate with my dad and we figured about $8000 CAN for the Thunderbolt project.

That being said, I know that I sometimes make mistakes on projects which produces scrap Also the actual cost VS estimated cost is always higher. That's why I'm asking people who have actually done it. They would know best.

Originally Posted by Poida

Why would you need to guess?

Last time I was in the glen-l site all their designs had the list of material required.

Ring suppliers and ask them the cost as materials cost change depending where you live.

Poida

[KnottyBuoyz]

I think if you do a little research you'll get yourself to a rough estimate. Say $5K for the boat. Then you have to mentally prepare yourself for two things. The best case scenario and the worst case scenario. Best case maybe $4K and worst case maybe $10K. I know it doesn't sound logical but everyone I've talked to says that building your own boat will cost you twice as much as you expected and take twice as long as you planned.

On the other hand if you're thrifty and want to invest the time in the research you can find deals on equipment and hardware for your project before you begin. That's what we're doing and just saved about $600 on 4 portlights we got off of e-Bay! Also have 3000 board feet of NA black cherry seasoning in my brothers woodshop that I picked up for a song!

Dunno if that'll help.

Rick

[old750]

I always multiply my time estimates by 3 no matter what project, and for some reason in always works. One my my dad's tips. I think it runs in the family

[marshmat]

know it doesn't sound logical but everyone I've talked to says that building your own boat will cost you twice as much as you expected and take twice as long as you planned.

Yup, sounds about right.

Material prices do tend to be pretty variable (ie, they go UP on a regular basis). But I've found most local suppliers are happy to quote just about anything provided there's a good chance you'll end up ordering from them, eventually, sometime. Some, like fibreglass cloth, don't change much. Others, like carbon fibre or nice woods, swing all over the place (carbon fibre costs shot up like a rocket when Boeing started tendering supply contracts for the Dreamliner).
A lot of Ontario-based suppliers, even small local ones, now publish their price lists online. This can be a handy way to get the information you want.