Can someone link me to the easiest posible and cheapest possible runabout designs

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by macpatt265, Aug 21, 2018.

  1. macpatt265
    Joined: Aug 2018
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    Location: charlotte, NC

    macpatt265 New Member

    I want to get into boat building but I dont have much budget or experience so the build needs to be simple and affordable. A power outboard/rowboat design might work as well but I love the look of runabout
     
  2. Wayne Grabow
    Joined: Aug 2003
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    Location: Colorado

    Wayne Grabow Senior Member

    Most everyone likes the look of a runabout, but it is not a good "first boat" to build. Start with a rowboat design that you can put a small outboard on. That will get you on the water and let you decide whether you want to learn and invest more of your time and treasure.
     
  3. AnthonyW
    Joined: Oct 2012
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    Location: Cape Town, South Africa

    AnthonyW Senior Member

    Motor Canoes http://www.selway-fisher.com/Mcanoe.htm#BOARD

    15' OUTBOARD MOTOR CANOE

    Stitch and tape - very easy to build. Especially if a CNC company will cut the plywood for you. Stitch with cable ties or wire, and then use resin and tape. Plenty of information on the web on how to do this. Same process (essentially) as stitch and glue kayaks.

    Others on this page that are slightly smaller, but probably not much less work - but you may as well build one where you can take someone else.

    I have no affiliation with this designer. Have simply build one of his row boats - Windrush.



     
  4. kaamaman
    Joined: Jan 2009
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    Location: new york

    kaamaman Junior Member

  5. Matt Gent
    Joined: Feb 2012
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    Location: Treasure Coast, FL

    Matt Gent Junior Member

    Experience & skill can be gained, small boat is a perfect way to do it. I'd suggest to be realistic about your budget. Build a spreadsheet of all the stuff needed to make the boat, including tools & consumables, rigging hardware, engine and see how that works for you. If you build slow cost can be spread over time.

    For a very basic "runabout", check out Minimax HydroPlanes minimax http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=HydroPlanes/minimax . Google "minimax hydroplane" (though it isn't a hydro), tons of results. A few different ways or materials to build. Can be done super cheap: plans are free. Building these is a multi-generation family tradition for us.

    For a good performing, effective power/rowing boat check out Fleet Fleet - Ross Lillistone http://baysidewoodenboats.com.au/designs/fleet/

    As a general rule I prefer to use good marine plywood and epoxy resin. It costs more up front, but easier to work with and the boat can last decades vs. years.
     
  6. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    As opposed to bad marine ply?
     
  7. Matt Gent
    Joined: Feb 2012
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    Location: Treasure Coast, FL

    Matt Gent Junior Member

    Do you care to contribute to the thread, or just add snark?

    I generally use Meranti per BS6566 or Okoume per BS1088 depending on the application, bought from a vendor that can verify its source. Occasionally treated fir.
     
  8. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    No, I got nothing, but thanks for asking.

    Tell us more about bad marine ply, I've never encountered it.

    Thanks
     
  9. Squidly-Diddly
    Joined: Sep 2007
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    Location: SF bay

    Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

  10. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    So you are actually experienced building ply boats ?
     
  11. IronPrice
    Joined: Jul 2017
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    Location: NZ

    IronPrice Senior Member

    People who build Mark Bowdidge's designs rave about them. His designs range from small and simple to large and complex. For most designs, there are photos and video of the finished products. There is a forum for those that buy his plans, where builders post detailed progress reports of their builds.
     
  12. JamesG123
    Joined: Mar 2015
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    Location: Columbus, GA

    JamesG123 Senior Member

    Visit a big box hardware store's lumber section...
     
  13. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    They don't carry marine plywood.
     
  14. JamesG123
    Joined: Mar 2015
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    Location: Columbus, GA

    JamesG123 Senior Member

    They carry exterior grade plywood, which is about as bad as you can get.
     

  15. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 2,684
    Likes: 959, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    They still don't carry marine grade ply.
     
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