Novice to Boat Building

Hello everyone. I am new to this site and I am interested in learning how to build a fiberglass boat, what are the best materials etc. Does anyone have any idea where to start?

 

Jerry hi what are you planning to do Mold a boat in a female mold, or use one of the mold less systems?

 

Novice.

War,
When I said I was novice. I wasn't kindding. LOL I just finished my first book on fiberglass boat building and the author discussed, male mold and female mold. My ulitmate goal is to build a large catamaran for cruising.

 

Said you wanted to learn:

If you want to learn get a book on lofting like the one by Viatses start with something "Small" Build on a male jig there are a lot of ways there but look at bead and cove it is a solid way to go...the glass again do not get oversold on resin and glass fabric be economical !!Learn to make your own fairing putties and long boards for sanding You will enjoy the process .. Remember Ask when in doubt.

 

Jerry, Alan Vaitses published a book "One off in fiberglass". That is a must read. Also good advise start small. "The New Instant boats " by H.H. Peyson is not a bad choice. There are as many methods as there are builders out there. Fit your project to your available space to start.
Ross in Bel Air

 

Jerry,
If you are going to learn how to build a cataraman then you need to concentrate on the methods of building light and strong. There is a lot on the web from Ketsal's KSS to Farriers Tris and Cat.( http://www.f-boat.com/index.html
Light and strong entails some form of light weight core with laminates on both sides.
Start small- well it is not necessary but might be smart. My first and only boat so far is an F-9A , a31 " tri that is still going strong as it approaches its 11 th birthday.
Good luck- the building process is fun but the sailing is even more fun.
Rod