Need help on how to design a boat

One of my favorite small sailboats is the Adelie 16 designed or adapted by Jacques Mertens.

The boat is well suited for offshore use and is highly unstable upside down which means it can self right. Probably the mast condition type/condition is a factor there..as an aluminum mast is not going to help.

Anyhow, I encourage you to take a look at it. Skip design Sam. If you want to design boats; start by doing a lot of reading and then plan for a few failures or less than great boats along the way.

Adelie 16 (AD16) - Study Plans https://bateau.com/studyplans/AD16_study.php?prod=AD16

 

Another boat I have been on that is really just a sailboat, different build method (I prefer s&g).

This is a fun and easy to sail small sailboat, but not really close to the AD16 imo.

Building would be a bit harder; despite this boat being smaller. This is not offshore boat imo.

Windward 15 - Daysailer/Beach Cruiser - Boat Plans - Boat Designs https://www.cmdboats.com/w15.htm

 

Also, check out Saylon.

Sailing Catamarans - Saylon 20 inshore bridgedeck cabin trailable cruiser http://www.sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/designs-2/2-catamarans-under-25ft/434-saylon-20

 

Thanks for sharing these plans. The Adelie 16 seems to have what I want, although I'll still look at other plans before making any final decision. Also I just found out that any boat I would build in my workshop would have to be 36" or less in beam. Is building outside an option?

 

Building outside is always tougher.

Epoxies are subject to amine blush; so you will need to watch for it.

A lot depends on where you are located.

There is a guy in Florida building the AD now outside.

 

The dayboat Maraudeur, L 4,83 m, a highly proven design, recently revisited to fit for amateur buildings by experimented architect Francois Vivier :
Maraudeur CI - François Vivier, naval architect http://www.vivierboats.com/en/product/maraudeur-ci-en/

 

Experimented or experienced or both?

 

I live in Georgia State where the weather is usually warm and the winters are mild. It does rain alot especially in the winter. My primary concern is protecting my project from absorbing moisture

 

I recommend you do the pre-glassing work during a drier time.

Once glassed, there are minimal ongoing moisture ingress concerns.

Glassing in high heat is very difficult as well.

 

"Experienced", sorry for my approximate English , but yes a lot (inc. non French) have experimented since long his designs and construction plans and are happy with it I think, e.g. O' Connor wooden boats :
O'Connor Wooden Boats http://www.oconnorwoodenboats.com/

 

If you are restricted to a 36 inch beam you could build a catamaran, trimaran or proa and assemble the hulls outside to their cross beams: if you are open to the idea of multihull designs.