newbie question

[steves47]

I found this forum in my hairbrained idea to build my own boat rather than buying someones project boat only to spend twice the amount it seems like it will take to do it myself from scratch. Now I am sure I am in for a lot of trial and error but I know how to use wood working tools and I have a cabinet shop at my disposal so I dont think I am going to have a lack of tooling.

So on with the questions.....
Stich and glue seems to be the way to go if I am after a painted boat, although I am very fond of Chris craft style wooden boats that show off the beauty of wood grain panels. I am thinking of using exotic wood throughout where I can find the budget to allow. I really like zebra wood grain. My question is how does one attach the planks of the wood to the next plank and so on if not using s & g method?

Thanks.

[tunnels]

Hi
Just before you get involved with building any kind of boat ,what size are you looking at ?,and what kinda boat ?? You need to read , read and read some more to at least get some sort of idea what you are meant to be doing and be prefectly clear what its all about . If you are not a hands on practical type person you are in for some steep hard learning straight away !.

[eyschulman]

Your question is in the same catagory as the guy who wants to buy a sailboat and sail around cape horn. He has never been on a sailboat. So what he wants to do is not impossible but he is truely clueless and would do best to get educated and some simple first hand experience at sailing before commiting to anything. You may be deathly allergic to wood-epoxy- and glue

[tunnels]

Sailing and being in a boat is not just like a computer game where you can press pause when you go make a cup of coffee and come back sit in you comfortable arm chair and then push resume and carry on !!. !!
This is life and all nature can and will throw at you . go stand in the crashing surf with just a pair of boots on during middle of winter stark naked for a couple of hours will sort of give you that cold freezing fuzzy feeling !trouble is you cant get away from it you must stay there till you are round the corner and then heading to shelter or what ever. Just remember if you make any mistaked i will cost you your life ! No could cost it will cost !!

[CatBuilder]

Your logic is faulty. A used boat, which is then repaired always costs less than new.

[Stumble]

Cat,

I would agree that a reasonably decent used boat is a better deal than a new build, but not all boats that need work are worth the trouble.

[CatBuilder]

Originally Posted by Stumble

Cat,

I would agree that a reasonably decent used boat is a better deal than a new build, but not all boats that need work are worth the trouble.

I would agree with that. You have to be very careful shopping for a used boat.

[FMS]

My advice:

Start small. Mistakes on a small boat you can learn from. Mistakes on a large boat can break you financially.

Read all you can.
Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction free pdf online now from West System
What is your favorite book on boatbuilding?

Find some small boats you like, ask about them, and get a good set of plans from a living designer for your first. It's in the details as they say.

As for exotic materials, consider strength, weight, rot resistance, workability, and then aesthetics before substituting.

[sean-nós]

Hi steves47 have a look at my builds below,these are my first builds and I have only basic woodworking skills and no money so the dream is possible if you put in the work and like said above a lot of reading.
MY plans are from http://www.glen-l.com/boat-plans-cat...you-can-build/ and the forum is a great help if you have any questions.

Best of luck.

[michael pierzga]

Originally Posted by steves47

I found this forum in my hairbrained idea to build my own boat rather than buying someones project boat only to spend twice the amount it seems like it will take to do it myself from scratch. Now I am sure I am in for a lot of trial and error but I know how to use wood working tools and I have a cabinet shop at my disposal so I dont think I am going to have a lack of tooling.

So on with the questions.....
Stich and glue seems to be the way to go if I am after a painted boat, although I am very fond of Chris craft style wooden boats that show off the beauty of wood grain panels. I am thinking of using exotic wood throughout where I can find the budget to allow. I really like zebra wood grain. My question is how does one attach the planks of the wood to the next plank and so on if not using s & g method?

Thanks.

Building boats is fun and not difficult.. First, right now..purchase a good book on wooden boat building. Read it and evevything from wood selection to fastening will be explained. then purchase a set of plans for very small, professionally designed boat and build it. Go small and use this project as your learning experience for better and bigger projects.

[steves47]

I am a hands on type of person not an armchair quarterback so to say. In Arizona where I live I am a licensed contractor. Everyday I am building something or repairing something at someones house. Please dont think I am walking into this sport/hobby with high school woodshop experiance trying to build the Uss Constitution or something. I will be looking for a 14'-18' fishing boat that I can also just cruise around on the lake with and enjoy because I built it. I am currently in the process of restoring a 1947 Chevrolet 1/2 ton truck now so this boat building will definatly come after much needed reading and education has been aquired. I thank all for the leads in the right direction but is it possible to build a boat without buying plans? Why cany I take measurements off of a boat that I want to replicate and just use wood and technique?

[michael pierzga]

You can ! But it will be inferior to the real thing. When you purchase a pro design, inside the plans will be a lifetime...generations.... of boat building detail. Very difficult for you...as a competent craftsman...to duplicate this knowledge on your first build.

This designer draws beautiful, finely detailed, small wooden boats. Have a look to see if anything interests you. It will be money well spent. http://www.gartsideboats.com/

[steves47]

Thanks Michael I do intend to use plans after browsing that website. There are some very nice ideas on there and very reasonable too.

[michael pierzga]

And get a good boatbuilding book. Many unique terms and techniques in boatbuilding.

Greg Rossell writes a good one I think its called "building small boats" ? or boatbuilders apprentice ?

[michael pierzga]

and Gartsides plans are now FREE...check out the website...I think Watercraft Magazine publishes them each month