Plywood Narrowboat Idea

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I really know nothing about boat design or building, howver, I am enthusiastic and believe I can build a boat if I try.

My idea is to build a narrowboat built mostly from plywood and epoxy with perhaps a little steel reinforcing steel in vulnerable places.

I have loads of questions, but I will ask a few for now.

Should the bottom of a narrowboat's hull be completely flat or have a slight v shape?

What thickness of marine ply should I use for the bottom?

Could I achieve any extra strength on the bottom for not much more money by using thinner marine ply laminated with a thin grade of steel and would it be worth it?

Am I likely to save much money by building in ply rather than steel, bearing in mind that I cannot work metal myself and would have to pay for the steel and the labour?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

Depending on the LOA, Beam, Displacement or planing. More than likley for every one question you have for these gentlemen they will have 3 questions for you. What I can tell you is that wood and steel don't mix.

 

As I said, I really know less than nothing! The steel was just an idea, but I think it probably complicates things. The max beam, would be in compliance with narrowboat specs ie: 6'10" - the draught would be around 1'10" and I'm thinking of a LOA around 32'

 

You are off track if you think that plywood is cheaper than steel - if you say I cannot handle steel and it is cheaoer for me to build in ply, that is another chapter. Just build in steel, easier, stronger and less maintainance.