Building from scratch.

[steviecops]

Hi<br />I have the chance to aquire some boat moulds very cheap. They range from 10 ft tender, to 15 ft fishing boat with cuddy.<br /><br />Would it be worth my while attempting to build a small boat from scratch, or is this just too much for someone with limited experience.<br /><br />What are the pro's and con's of attempting a project like this?<br /><br />Any advice would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[Stefan Schmitt]

Re: Building from scratch.

Steve,<br /><br />Even though I'm not familiar with that type of boat building, I think that building a boat is something that you do because you want to. Not because it is cheaper (although it tends to be cheaper than buying a NEW production boat).<br /><br />It takes a lot of time and the will to tinker until you have what you want.<br /><br />So, whether it is "worth" it or not, that question you can only answer for yourself. As to the "limited" experience. Well, I'm probably as good an example of "limited experience" as you can find in a backyard boat builder. Go check my website: "The Building of the Inshallah" and see for yourself. <br /><br />I used the 'stich-n-glue' method of boat building which is easy enough for a beginner. The plans and most EXCELLENT support I got/get from Jacques Merten's Boat Plans Online .<br /><br />Building a boat in my opinion is a 'Zen Thing' - So: Enjoy

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Building from scratch.

It would be shame to put a lot of time (it is going to take a LOT of time!) into a boat that does not meet your needs or in some way will not satisfy your expectations. There is a little book called “Getting Started In Powerboating” by Bob Armstrong that some chapters that explains hull shape/size, and uses of different boat designs. It might be a good idea to review this information before committing to a boat-building project.<br /><br />There is a nut in Seattle (well…maybe more than one ) that is building his own boat. It is a 26-ft junk…displacement hull. His website is one of the better ones I have seen that tracks the boat building process from design to construction. The size, shape and technology he uses may differ from what you plan but it will give you an idea of what is involved…down to building your own anchor. He’s not done, yet.<br /><br />He has a great sense of humor that makes reading the text interesting and fun. You can see his efforts here:<br /><br /> http://www.nauticalfollies.com/ <br /><br />If you decide to go ahead with the project, you have a virtually unlimited resource of folks on these forums that will to share their experience and knowledge as you progress thru your project.<br /><br />Good luck! And please let us know what you decide to do.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Building from scratch.

Thanks for the advice. I just thought it would be a shame to see those moulds going to waste. A boat builder went broke, and the moulds are sitting in a field gradually disappearing in the undergrowth!<br /><br />I just thought it would be a good experience to build my own boat. It must be very satisfying when you finally get it on the water.<br /><br />From the sizes available, and the fact that the moulds are more or less ready to use, I didn't think it would be that big a deal.<br /><br />I am still tempted ;o)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Building from scratch.

steviecops,<br />I'm No Authority on casting a New Hull,<br />But I've been on the fringes of several of these operations.....<br />I Think you'll find it Much More Work than you Think to Restore those molds to Ready Condition....<br />And, Once you Start the Build-Up, You Have to follow a Rapid Schedule.... The Pour can't be Stopped till Complete...<br />The Money you'll Spend on Sanders/Grinders/Polishers would pay for a boat.....<br />Good Luck...

 

[Stefan Schmitt]

Re: Building from scratch.

Heheh..yeah, I enjoy Alan MacBride's Junk he is building. What a project!<br /><br />Yep, if you want to build something like that, it's almost a lifetime project. No doubt!<br /><br />Not all boats though have to be that big..or involved. Time it takes though..that's for sure! You better be willing to sacrifice that.<br /><br />Go do it! "Be one with the build"

 

[steviecops]

Re: Building from scratch.

Thanks Bondo, thats enough info for me to realise that I was dreaming.<br /><br />I suppose if it was that easy, the moulds wouldn't still be in that field! ;o)