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Boat Selection - Choosing the right boat... Boat plans and kits are available in a large variety of types and construction methods. You can build in wood, fiberglass, steel and even aluminum, many boat designs that range in size and complexity from small and simple to massive and complex. Plans and kits are available that will only require a few hundred dollars in materials to complete, or you can choose plans that can run up to many thousands of dollars in materials for large yachts - and everything in between. The plans themselves range from only a few dollars for the smallest and simplest designs, to several hundred for larger more complex designs, to several thousand for custom plans for large boats. Do yourself a big favor and if its your first boat project, buy a set of plans for a small simple inexpensive boat and build it first - you will be glad you did! Then if you want to build something big and much more complicated and feel you can handle it, then go for it. There are some excellent designers and kit providers and then there are some, how shall we say - not so good. Its always a good idea to talk to others who have built, or are building the same design or kit that you are considering building if possible. That's particularly important if it is a relatively large boat or a complex design that will require a significant investment of your time and money. One of the most important considerations is how you intend to use your boat. If you will just be going out on the local lake or river for a few hours at a time to cruise, fish and swim, your requirements are going to be very different than if you intend to go thirty miles offshore to do some wreck diving or fishing. Once you have decided how you intend to use your boat then you will need to consider such things as what type engine (or engines) to use, whether you will trailer your boat or will you need a slip, what construction techniques are best for your intended project and what are your skills and abilities. Plywood covering mahogany frames, fiber glassed and encapsulated is a good choice for many. Its solid but simple construction that is well proven and easy to build by inexperienced and experienced builders alike. If you are building a relatively small boat and will use it in protected waters then you may even build your boat almost completely from lumber and materials available at your local home improvement store - and a whole lot cheaper than using marine grade plywood, mahogany etc. This is the preferred way to build most small boats as far as I am concerned, and will help you get the most boat for the least money possible. On the other hand if you are an experienced welder or are building a very large boat then steel might be your best choice. As always, it depends on many factors including your abilities, budget and preferences. Once you have selected your boat and have gotten started building it email us at vqba1@aol.com and tell us about it. Be sure to send some photos and any comments you wish to share with fellow builders. Be sure to check out our Blog also! Best wishes to you in all your projects both large and small! |
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