Plywood Catamaran

[petee]

Greetings fellow sailors! I am new to this forum and look forward to
finding input on my first ever construction project.
I am retired and had to let my Hunter 280 go due to lack of funds.
My budget is quite small, but I would like to build a catamaran using the stitch and glue method.(sailboat that is).
My objective is to end up with a boat capable of coastal cruising, perhaps
28 to 30 feet in length with possible crossings from Florida to the Bahamas.
Has anyone experience building such a boat or Jim Brown Trimarans?
I live on 4 acres in North Florida so space is not a problem, in fact if you want room to build your sailing vessel contact me.
I would be building kind of piecemeal, that is, small amounts of plywood each month as budget permits(ouch! could be buried before I finish!).
Thanks for your input and ideas. Pete

[nero]

Look at Kurt Hugh's catalog. His designs might be exactly what you want. There is a "low" priced seller of marine ply in the bottom of florida. If you save your pennies and then place a big order the price per sheet will drop.

happy building

[petee]

Appreciate the input and have sent for info from Kurt Hughes.
It's a little intimidating as I have never built a boat before and don't want
to overstep my abilities! Pete

[nero]

If you can read a blue print, mix epoxy, use a jig saw, tolerate sanding ... you will have the same problems as the rest of us. smile

[gonzo]

Probably the first thing to do is to write down a realistic budget. If you can't affford that Hunter, building a boat may be even more expensive.

[petee]

I do appreciate the input from you all.
In checking out Clarkcraft.com I found a Lively 28 with frame kit etc.
which may be the best way to go for my limited budget.
We'll see after I check out all the info I can find. petee

[Andy]

Do a Google search for a design called Gypsy by Richard Woods. He built the first one for £5000 in the early 90's, and it had rave reviews in a number of boating magazines!

Andy

[cyclops]

Go with Gonzo's idea. Maintaining a boat IS cheaper than building with no experience. Or, buy a small good boat and go out on the water with it whenever you please. A boat moving on water, is better than one upside down in a garage.

[Armada]

Dear Petee,
I have started a Didi 26 and to complete boat at tip top condition will cost me around 15 grand