How much epoxy?

Anyone wanting to build a big boat should first build the dingy. If you build the dingy you will learn many techniques and get an idea of the costs involved. Most people figure out that even building a small 12' boat is a lot more work than they figure. A 12' meter boat is 100 times bigger. Building a boat is like building an airplane mistakes can cost you lots of money and perhaps someones life.

 

building boats can also be rewarding too, each to their own...

cruiserbill, I designed my own 35ft Powercat to build first as it's simpler and I've only just started building. I'm honing my boat building skills with this one, then once my newborn grows up a bit, I plan to build a larger sailing cat , sell the house, quit the job and take the family cruising I'm not sure which design I would choose or whether I would try to design it myself again. whatever it may be, it would have to be a fast and lightweight .

I think one would be wise to consider the build method and material carefully as the labour in building a cruising cat is by far the largest part of the entire investment.... the shell material price difference is fairly insignificant by comparison...

 

I talked to the 1st mate this morning and we decided to build a dinghy. I haven't settled on a plan yet, but I would like it to be able to sail and have a motor. I won't necessarily use it for the tender on the cat, but who knows.

 

We chose the V10 for a dingy. Started building the big boat first though!

http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=V10

 

Yep. Same here big boat first. It takes way too much energy and time to build the big boat to waste any of it practicing, imo.

I am still considering building a dinghy I am designing, but only if I have enough energy left. Otherwise, i'll just buy a rib and be done with it.

 

I have some time before I can start the big project. Building a little one right now is doable, but the big one? Can't start it for a while do to geographics and work. Might as well be doing something that works towards the goal!

 

Cruiserbill,
I'm in a somewhat similar situation and need to hold off building the big one for a few years. I'm also enjoing myself building smaller boats until then. I suggest that you use the same method for whatever small boat you build as you intend to use for the big one. It took me some time to learn the disciplin needed for working with epoxy. Epoxy sticks to everything and has a tendency to migrate to wherever you don't want it, and you don't want uncured epoxy on your skin. Scarfing also needs practicing.

Currently I believe that wood strips and epoxy, and not plywood/epoxy, is the method I want to use, but need to practice on a smaller boat first. I will probably build a canoe with that method because my wife wants one and I want to ensnare her in my boatbuilding activities.

It's been said in numerous threads on this forum. Boat building isn't a way to get a boat as quickly and as cheaply as possible. Build your boat because you enjoy building and enjoy creating something with your own hands. A 12 m boat is a sizeable project that you shouldn't take on unless you enjoy it. Building a small boat first is also a way to find out if this is what you want to do with your free time for a many years to come.

Erik

 

I do have a lot of time before I can start a big project. I think a little one is right in my case. If I could start right away with something bigger I am not sure what I would do. But, alas, that is not my case. So, I will start little and who knows, maybe there is a boy scout troop or something somewhere that could use the thing.

I was kind a thinkin' like Erik, ensare the 1st Mate!

That V10 does look intriguing.

Groper - Just curious - I have been reading about lofting - How hard was it to design your own boat? I think that is way out of my league right now, but it does sound cool.

CB

 

good software makes it's slot easier... but there's slot in it for sure, even more so for a sailing yacht...
depends on your personal aptitude for this sort of thing I guess, and we shall have to wait and see how well mine comes out before spruiking too much

 

good software makes it's slot easier... but there's slot in it for sure, even more so for a sailing yacht...
depends on your personal aptitude for this sort of thing I guess, and we shall have to wait and see how well mine comes out before spruiking too much