Build a plywood boat

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Build a plywood boat

Another vote for Glen L boats. Tons of plans and info over there. I built their Duck Boat Too model (12' flat bottom, v front), have used it for 4 years now, and love it. It took me about a year to build, but I wasn't working on it steady. That also included the trailer in there too.

As for different methods (stitch and glue, frame built, etc) read up and decide which is best for you. Fiberglassing is optional, I chose not to for two reasons - I wanted the boat to be as light as possible for hauling up into a marsh, and I store it inside a heated garage so don't worry about rot.

I had a great time building it, and am looking forward to doing a second one.

 

[kilowatts]

Re: Build a plywood boat

Hi Guys:

A hunting friend of mine used to guide in northern BC, Canada. In order to get around the smaller lakes and rivers he needed a couple cheap and cheerful boats for 9.9HP outboards. He made them out of 3/8ths inch common plywood with the edges and joints sealed with cheap silicone and drywall bead. He painted the things with the cheapest paint he could get and while quite "homely" they worked very well for three or four seasons. Just another piece of info!

kilowatts

 

[JimS123]

Re: Build a plywood boat

Anybody ever built or considered building a wooden boat. I've been considering this a winter project. Looking for input

My first boat was built while I was a student in College. My dad, Grandpa and Uncle helped. It was a 16' plywood runabout with all mahogany decks and trim. Originally powered by a new 40 HP Evinrude Lark, I upgraded to a 60 HP Triumph a couple of years later.

It was a kit with all precut parts. Luger boats of ST Paul. Minneapolis supplied the kit, though they are no longer in business. Glen-L is a good company, but I'd also look at Clark Craft in Tonawanda, NY. They are the successors to CustomCraft, who also made wood kits but really was made famous by their fiberglass kits in the 1960's. CC still makes kits, which, IMHO, is the way to go.

This is ancient history, but I paid $165 for the kit. I added some extra resin glue and more screws, but that's basically all the hull cost. When I added a brand new trailer (a Holsclaw, but also an unassembled kit from Luger), steering system, windshield, full canvas and everything else (except a motor), the whole package came to about $1200. At the time a 16' aluminum starcraft runabout was about $1900, so there was a considerable savings.

Regardless of cost, it IS a labor of love, and a life experience that I'm glad I had. A few years ago I intended to do it again (with my sons now), but opted to restore a barn fresh classic Lyman instead.

If your objective is "a project", go for it. If you want the project to have value, restore an old wood classic instead. Classics appreciate, while home built boats have poor resale value.

 

[PoppyG]

Re: Build a plywood boat

Any pics or info on your build? Been planning one for my grandkids. How did you do your rc stop switch?
poppyg

 

[a1964rn]

Re: Build a plywood boat

Here's a good site, too. Also has a forum so you can follow the progress on boats from 12' up to 28' or so.
Bateau.com - boat plans online since 1993

 

[KennethfromGA]

Re: Build a plywood boat

Just wanted to throw in a plug for Duck Works Magazine.

Duckworks -

It's an online magazine by and for backyard boat builders. Also while your looking for john boat plans check out Jim Michalak work.

Duckworks Boatbuilders Supply

I bought the plans for bison pram "piccup" but have yet to build it.

 

[KennethfromGA]

Re: Build a plywood boat

The joys of smart phones, for some reason I can't edit my previous post right now (most likely it's due to Opera not playing nice with something) My main reason for the edit is that I'm worried I might have broken a forum rule with the link to Jim's plans for his John's boat design. If so many apologies to Iboats and if a mod so desires please correct it and delete this post as well.