home built small catamaran

I am new to building boats but have always wanted to build my own sailboat. I want to make it out of wood then fiberglass over it I do not know much about building boat and there design any and all ideas will be helpful

I am looking basing the design off of the Hobie cat 16 but I want this boat to be the best it can be. I plan to use what I think is called the stitch and glue method to make the hulls I found some plans on making a wooden mast but if I can find one cheap id rather buy it.

I want to use the cedar stripping method for the tops of the pontoons or at least part of them and have a trident design on it

thank you for any help you may be able to give

 

-Buy specific plans that fit your needs the best.
-Follow them.

This way you will waste the least amount of time and spend the least amount of money.

2 questions related to your choice:
-What is your sailing experience?
-are you aware that even efficient home building cannot save you any money compared to a good used boat?

 

Oh yeah, I cannot help you with plan choices but from your build methods you should probably read this book:

The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction: Wood and WEST System Materials

 

Try checking out this one.

Sailing Catamarans - Quattro 16ft twin trapeze beach catamaran http://sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/designs-2/46-beach-cats-and-dinghies/7-quattro-16

 

I am building a Woods Skoota 32DM. After checking out the Quattro; email Richard and see if the quattro is the best fit.

 

As my sailing experience goes I wouldn't say I have much I pretty much I became the instructor for the sailing merit badge at boy scout camp I work on the waterfront
I have done that for two summers and find myself to be pretty good but I do know there is a lot more to learn

I am aware of the money

 

this was very helpful

 

FYI

Another option for a small wooden a-symetric (like the hobie 16) catamaran could be the Duo 425 or sc 435 from Bernd Kohler.

425to550 http://ikarus342000.com/425to550.htm


Cheers, Hans

 

"Best" when applied invites a lot of opinion.

My 2cents.

Don't try to build Hobie 16 shaped hulls.
Hulls that use a centerboard or daggerboard perform better. They go into the wind faster and at a closer angle to the wind.
Then when you are off wind, they can be retracted and that is faster on that point of sail.
Personally I don't like boats with no boards, but with deep sharp keel lines. They can actually work pretty well but overall are just a bit slower.

If you build a one off boat for your area you will not really care about the very last bit of performance, cause you probably will not be racing anyone.
So my opinion might not matter too much to you.

There are plans available for an A-class catamaran. Here is and article on building. This is a "tortured ply" design (described in the Gougeon's book) of 18' intended for one person with only a main sail.
It might be too racing oriented for you. Build your own A Class catamaran! :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com https://www.thebeachcats.com/news/49/build-your-own-a-class-catamaran?Article49.html

 

I didn't know about the daggerboard I can put that into my design once I get everything drawn up to spec I will post them on here

 

Wood's Quattro has a skeg to address your point, but Richard might take issue with the word slower. He has other catamarans op might find interesting, but I think this is the 'best' RW s&g method in this size. OP-send him an email and ask. Richard really loves sailing the small cats, if I may speak for him. He'd be good to talk with even should you use a different plan. All this sailing business is way outta my league, I was just trying to make sure the OP knew about Wood's Designs; nothing more. I am unqualified to say 'best'.

Another thing you ought to consider is a sor or mission statement first; to try and get the 'best' fit.

 

Donald,

If you don't know about daggerboards you probably ought to buy a catamaran and sail for a while before designing something.
To not know about something so basic indicates you need some more knowledge.

 

I worded that statement poorly I know about dagger boards I did not know that they made a difference in catamarans and I want to design one myself just because that is what I enjoys doing and I am here asking questions to find out as much as i can

 

I'm probably just overlooking something but who is Richard and what is his email

 

Richard Woods is a world known designer of sailing cats. He likes the sail the beach cats and goes to the Bahamas each year to teach and race small cats n beachers. I don't think designing your own boat is wise when you can get plans from him for a bit over a hundred bucks.

His email is woodsdesigns @ gmail dot moc. Moc is backwards. Purposely modified a bit to save him spambots. No spaces and the dot is a dot. I can't seem to converse with you privately.

But write a mission statement; you'll be glad you did. It will help you get the right boat for you.

i.e.
Single or double trapeze
Racing class, if desired
Weight/trailerability
Sail setup
Etc.