Fiberglass boat-cost per pound

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by svfrolic, Jan 7, 2013.

  1. svfrolic
    Joined: Mar 2007
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    Location: Annapolis, MD USA

    svfrolic Junior Member

    I am planning to build a small fiberglass boat in female mold and wonder if somebody could tell me what is the average cost of materials (polyester resin, e-glass, gelcoat) per pound of boat. I heard number $3/lb so if the boat weighs 100 lb materials would cost $300 but I am not sure how close this number is. Thanks for advice.
     
  2. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    Yes, that is not far off in MATERIAL costs alone, we used to build at $5kg, so lbs are half that.
    Simply go to your local fibreglass supplier and ask them, locally it will be different everywhere.
     
  3. midnitmike
    Joined: Apr 2012
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    midnitmike Senior Member

    Another way to calculate your costs would be by the sq ft which in some cases is easier.

    MM
     
  4. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    I have never quoted a boat by the square foot, I do it from the weight of materials required, simply x $5 and there ya go.
    Glass and resin are sold by weight in bulk, not in yardage, so I find it very quick and extremely accurate.

    I do see though that you could do it by the yard, but it complicates it to me.
     
  5. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    It will depend on the glass/resin ratio, type of resin and fabric, gelcoat, core and other reinforcements, etc. Price per weight is not accurate at all.
     
  6. midnitmike
    Joined: Apr 2012
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    midnitmike Senior Member

    I agree that in your instance it might be easier by the pound or kg, but for the average joe doing a small one off he might find it more convenient to do his calculations based on sq ft. Once he's decided on his resin and material the numbers should be fairly easy to determine.

    MM
     
  7. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Landlubber Senior Member

    Yeah, small boats are easy to do the area, agree.
     
  8. messabout
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    messabout Senior Member

    A cruel truth is that the boat will cost more than your original arithmetic estimate. Probably a lot more. When you factor in the sum of all those insignifigant costs the price is not easily assigned a dollar per pound ratio. Lost resin, scrap fabric, acetone, rags, sandpaper, wax, mold release, rental space, dust masks, ice for the beer cooler, visits to your dermatologist, divorce proceedings, and such, are all part of the real cost.
     

  9. midnitmike
    Joined: Apr 2012
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    Location: Haines and Juneau

    midnitmike Senior Member

    Ain't that the truth...lol.

    MM
     
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