Spec. Boat

Hello,

I am a builder trying to get started in the business of building boats. OK, stop laughing. I've heard all the stories...

I've built several small wooden sailing dinghys and I am trying to choose a design that might have a broad appeal. I am considering building a Catspaw Dinghy which is a 12'-8" round bottomed sailing dinghy designed by Joel White. It will be done on spec and will sell for $8,000.

Seems like a practical design to be used either as a yacht tender or a small daysailer to mess around in. Construction will be rivet and rove with white cedar over white oak frames. Craftsmanship will be above perfection.

Any suggestions on other designs are welcome as well as ideas on how to advertise and/or market my work.

Thanks

 

I have seen a few people that are successful at the type of business you describe. It can be done.

I would make sure you have a good website and spend some time/money making sure people are able to find it when searching for a custom built boat of the type you are building. Other than that, word of mouth is going to get you more customers than anything else. Proud owners will be your best salesmen.

I have been planning a page at our site for our custom builders, you can email me if you are interested. Good luck.

Joel
Boatbuildercentral.com

 

The Simmons Sea Skiff is always a marketable boat.So is the Whitehall-based sailing and rowing craft.The Herreshof 12 1/2 commands fantastic prices.A good duck boat design never fails to draw money,most plans can be had for free.An electric sneak-boat will sell,North Carolina style.All else for a fledgling boat builder may be speculation.