a noob question

is it possible to convert a set of boat plans from fiberglass to wood or would to much get lost?

 

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, these types of conversions are done all the time, though often some adjustments need to be made for the material weights and build methods.

Is there a particular design you have in mind? This is a process you can perform yourself, but you'll need a book or two, to nurse you through it or pay to have it done professionally.

 

Nothing of the attributes would be lost if the hull was the same weight and strength. This is the challenge of the designer who draws the construction drawings. Often a wood boat can be built more light and strong than fiberglass and then there are the many combinations of carbon fiber or Kevlar or other fiber with a wood or foam core.
A lot of people have taken a mold off of a wood boat to build a fiberglass boat that looks identical. The success of such a boat becomes a matter of good construction techniques and design. The problem is, to do so requires you to become a designer as the specific construction isn't normally shown on any plan, including the plan used to build the original wood boat.
Therefore to attempt to build a wood design in fiberglass is probably not something a beginner ought to try. It is really a complete redesign and while you could probably end up with a reasonably light and strong craft, it's doubtful most first time builders could get it right without a lot of help from an experienced designer/builder.

 

If you go to the Glenn-L marine website and look for a similar boat in size and shape they show all the lumber and plywood necessary to build that boat which would give you a handle on approximate cost of materials.

 

It's like changing a piece of music written for one instrument to another.
It can be done, and it can be quite beautiful.

 

thanks for all the reply's everyone, for anyone wondering the boat i was looking at was the glen l eureka http://www.boatdesigns.com/26-Eureka-fiberglass-work-boat/products/537/ , i think it would make a great trawler.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8QWMatuiWw


Like making a Quadrocopter out of a dead cat, maybe not?

 

Yes the Eureka can be converted to wood, though there are lots of these round bilge displacement mode work boat hulls available, without the need for a conversion. Look at the Atkins "Lap Wing" design as a round bilge of similar length, in wood. The cabin and accommodations details can change to suit your needs.

 

thanks, i emailed them and asked some questions.

 

John and Billy Atkins are both dead, so I'm not sure what questions Pat (john's wife) might be able to provide.