Boat Building

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dafixer
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Boat Building

Post by dafixer »

I've got a '05 Mark V, 520. I'm thinking of a long-term project of building a boat, roughly 22' or so, capable of handling a 70 to 100 horsepower outboard engine. I've looked at a couple of websites that offer plans and construction accessories such as hardware, fiberglassing kits, etc.
Question is, has anyone here created a boat from scratch? Do you have any pics of the process? Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!
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algale
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Re: Boat Building

Post by algale »

I pretty much covered the building of a canoe start to finish here. Search for the phrase "slow boat to nowhere." Other members have built boats bigger boats.
Gale's Law: The bigger the woodworking project, the less the mistakes show in any photo taken far enough away to show the entire project!

newportcycle
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Re: Boat Building

Post by newportcycle »

There are some really good build threads here http://forum.woodenboat.com/ and here http://www.glen-l.com/phpBB2/index.php

Very friendly and knowledgeable folks on both of those forums. Good luck, will be a very challenging project.
Hobbyman2
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Re: Boat Building

Post by Hobbyman2 »

Years ago I found some good info at the library . they had several books on boat building.
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dafixer
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Re: Boat Building

Post by dafixer »

I've looked over all the links that you all have provided and even downloaded some digital books. It looks like I should really concentrate first on the style of boat I want to build (16' to 20', motor boat for sure but, flat bottom or skiff or v-hull) and get the curves and angles right, on paper, before I start cutting wood. Also, I'm wondering if I should use planks of white cedar (I think it is also called Juniper) or thin layers of plywood that will flex and bend with the curves I select. Has anybody had any experience with Juniper?
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benush26
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Re: Boat Building

Post by benush26 »

Another source could be Mike Young. Though he built a sail boat rather than a motor boat, he might have some tidbits. If he is doing a demo in your area, you might stop by.

Be well,
Ben
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videobear
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Re: Boat Building

Post by videobear »

Marine plywood is a very friendly material, especially for novice boatbuilders. Do some research into the so-called "stitch and glue" method of building.

I have a stitch and glue kayak that's very attractive. It was built from a kit by Chesapeake Light Craft, http://clcboats.com
jbergen
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Re: Boat Building

Post by jbergen »

Yes, I built a 15' sailboat with my 510, and am currently building a pair of kayaks. I have a blog with construction photos. Google "boatbuilding with a shopsmith" to find it.
-Joel
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shipwright
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Re: Boat Building

Post by shipwright »

I spent the best part of 35 years building boats from 19' to 60', all wood. I am available as a resource when you get going. For a beginner I would second the suggestion above to look into stitch and glue plywood construction. It is a very forgiving medium.
What ever you do, start from a good set of plans from a reputable designer.
Paul M ........ The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese
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