starting out in boat building

Hello Forum,

I am just planning to start a very small boat building business and I am seeking advice. I have a degree in Industrial Design and I spent some time working for a small wooden boat designer in Annapolis so the design is not a problem. What I am wondering is, what are the regulations, liabilities and so forth that I should be concerned about if I am building say 10 boats a year. These boats would be 17' - 25' long wooden fishing boats. What should I consider, where should I source outboard motors?

Thanks

 

Check OSHA, state regulations, local regulations and get a manufacturer's certificate from the USCG(they give you a manufacturer letter code for the HIN)
I can provide you with outboards delivered to your door.

 

I'm pretty sure you will have to conform to the USCG level flotation requirements. The ABYC has lots of recommendations, whether they are manditory or not, I don't know, but all their stuff is based on experience.
http://www.abycinc.org/
As far as liabilities, #1. I believe you will be liable for anything you make until the thing no longer exists. #2. You can't afford liability insurance. Sam

 

Take a business course.

Don't do it!!!!(unless you have wad of money and then I would say, patronize the arts and have it built for you by one of the many starving builders) Having just gotton on my feet from an illfated boat building venture - and yes, considering going into another one...why am I so #$%$ stupid...

Its a tough racket cowboy. Get the point. If not, I wil be happy to share my pain.

 

I have a web site just for people who want to get started in boat building. Take a look and you should find the answers to most of your questions about regulations, standards, etc. http://newboatbuilders.com. You also need to contact the Coast Guard. Call Mr. Rick Gipe at 202-372-1074 or Mr. Richard Blackman at 202-372-1077.

 

I enjoyed this one
http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/business.html

 

lol
hey that was like a refresher coarse thanks

 

Raggim Scott, Glad you liked it. I have spent years working with beginning boatbuilders and that page is based on a lot of horror stories, and success stories. I hope it keeps a few out of bankruptcy court.

 

Thanks for these responses, they are very helpful. I'm obviously in good company wanted to build boats for a living.

 

yea ive done some of those things before
but more of the good things so far
with no real formal training on business i did have business law in high school thats it really just common sence
and the school of hard knocks
im opening up some new lines hydroplanes,kayaks,flats boats
with my corvette parts and harley bags etc
custom fabrication is my true love
but like all business its never steady very long on one thing
like some times we get all grady whites in for repair or rebuild wreck etc
then ill get a run on fab parts
i cant ever figure it out
but thats how we roll
lol