Re: restore/rebuild vs. build new
Welcome to iBoats.
Although I have NOT done it I have been researching for over 6 months extensively. Glen-L-Boats
http://www.glen-l.com/ is one of the premier Plywood Boat DIY sites and I have plans from them to build a 14 ft runabout. There is a post on iBoats
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=368614&highlight=malahini that is very informative. I recently bought a 1962 lonestar fiberglass boat with the intention of making a "Hybrid". Using the Fiberglass hull, removing the fiberglass top cap and replacing with wood like the Malahini. I will be starting the project this fall after I PLAY with the boat this summer to make sure it is what I want to do. My research tells me that either way is a lot of work but building a plywood hull, for me, is more challenging than the topside and the interior work since I have extensive interior and cabinet woodworking experience. Building OR Restoring a boat is a labor of love or Mental Illness not sure which. It takes patience, perseverance, an understanding wife, but most of all MONEY. A little here, a LOT there.
If you make the Leap, keep us informed with Lots of PICS and Lots of Dialog. There is plenty of help here on the forum and YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU WANT TO!!!!
Good Luck!!!
