New to this forum, interested in wooden boats

[Netdewt]

I'm not sure where to start. I don't think I'd be interested in building one from scratch, but perhaps restoring one. Can I get some beginner tips? I'd be most interested in 14ish foot boats with a transom, so I could put a motor on it. Suggestions on years/brands to look for?

[PAR]

The biggest tip you can get is not to start with a basket case. You can usually build new cheaper and faster then restore a well beat boat.

Stick with the major brands (Chris Craft, etc.) as the parts will be available and a market established. Joe Blow's runabout may look cool, but you will not be able to find out anything about it, how it was original built, no available parts or network of similarly inclined folks, who's experience and expertise to fall back on when you get stuck or need something.

Personally, The best advise I can offer is to see a doctor and get cured of this ailment for old wooden boats. Having owned and worked on many, I can assure you that you've no idea of the pain you're opening yourself up to.

Also, welcome aboard . . .

[artemis]

Originally Posted by PAR

...Personally, The best advise I can offer is to see a doctor and get cured of this ailment for old wooden boats. Having owned and worked on many, I can assure you that you've no idea of the pain you're opening yourself up to.

Also, welcome aboard . . .

For shame PAR, giving a newbie false hope. There is no known cure, medical or otherwise, for the "wooden boat bug" (although I understand that there is a new "12 step program" ). Netdewt should inform his family, friends, and employers (he'll probably need at least two now) of his malady and ask them to bear with him in the early stages of the disease (after a few years it becomes less virulent).

Seriously, welcome to what can be a very enjoyable hobby - just remember to keep it as such!

[PAR]

That twelve step program takes place at night on a poorly lit pier, into deep, cold water, that happens to be 11 steps long.

[Ike]

I echo that. There is no known cure. I know, I have it.

Randy Wayne White: The Mangrove Coast

"People with the boat bug are never happier than when they are poking around marinas, fantasizing about owning other people's boats. It's a disease that costs more to cure than any other single common learning disablility."

[longliner45]

ive been building mine for 4 yrs ,,he can buy a new one ,,,,and just keep fixing it ,,,,,,just kidding man ,,hang on,longliner

[AuxiliaryComms]

This one from Glen-L may fit the bill, 14-ish foot skiff and it is stich and glue which, I'm told is easier to do. https://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=350

[paradox_4]

I'm no master boat builder but I can tell you the best thing I did when I started was hit my local library and borrowed every book I could find. The Shapie Book, Instant Boat Building - Dynamite Payson, and Buehlers Backyard building were some of my personal favorites.

Good Luck,
Paradox

[ancient kayaker]

The important thing is the shape of the hole. Once you've got a nice shaped hole dug in the water you can start shovelling the money in. But first spend lots of money on books, by all means. Later you can add a boat house or a subscription at the local marina. No local marina? No problem, just move or buy a cottage on a lake. You have taken the first step in a whole new and wonderful life. Congratulations.

[Butch .H]

Yup ! just finished 12 hrs on my hole I must have dug it over size caus it's not filling up

[thudpucker]

I was in it for years, from childhood to (almost) deathbed.
I sold a pile of books and tools when I breathed my last whiff of sawdust.
I miss it. I learned so much, met so many great folks, had so many experiences and suffered only a little bit.
I had the best, most usable boats, and they cost so little to own and were almost weather proof. Fish on!
This story goes on and on and on...

If there was ever a productive and enjoyable way to waste your life, it's the wooden boat environment.

So look around, ask around, and be ready when you start that first Skiff to go at it from start to finish in less than two weeks. Git in there and git er' did!