Buy Boat Plans - Design and Build Your Own Boat

Five Popular Boats You Can Build at Home

2011-11-12T16:12:00.001-08:00

If you want to work with your hands, have fundamental carpentry skills and enjoy the water, you should think about building your own personal boat. Building a boat yourself can save you a pile of cash. Along with the financial savings, you get your satisfaction and pride of having done the task yourself. Today, it's increasingly simple to build your own boat because the world wide web offers many insightful boat-building resources.

You may not be sure what small boat will be the right one for you to attempt your hand at building. There can be a variety of smaller boats to choose from. The best fit for you will depend on several variables, like which activity you wish to use it for and also the kind of water you intend to use it on. Let's take a look at several popular types for you to consider.
Rowboats - Rowboats are simple boats which are propelled from the water while using oars. Rowboats aren't produced for speed. They are supposed to be used to get more leisurely routines, like casually traversing your lake or maybe pond and also rowing to and from warships.

Kayak - A canoe is a boat customarily used by the actual Inuit. It has a gentle frame and is covered, lately, by fiberglass or fabric.

Skiff - Any skiff, which means "small boat,In . is sufficiently little for rowing or sailing by means of one person. It could be propelled by means of oars, sail or perhaps a motor.

Canoe - A kayak is a trim, open boat which usually tapers to a point on both ends. It may be propelled by simply paddles or even sails. Usually, it is made of light structure and engrossed in bark, fabric or templates. It can also be established from a dug-out and also burned-out log or maybe logs yet is now generally made of abs plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, etc.

Dinghy - A dinghy is a little boat which is often towed by a larger sized vessel. There are a couple of varieties, which include recreational open sailing boats in addition to small rushing yachts. Most of these boats are normally rowboats, numerous are rigged pertaining to sailing. Dinghies can be used as off-ship excursions by bigger boats, beyond docking at marinas along with ports in the proper measurements. Sailing dinghies are best for novice training in sailing, rather than more substantial sloops, since they have a very quicker response to both proper and mistaken maneuvers.

The Internet offers everything from 1000s of plans to guidance on building techniques and materials. Now that you've got a concept of which boat might be right for you, proceed, give boat developing a try!

A Fantastic Boat Plan Helps Build the Best Boat

2011-10-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

A fantastic boat plan helps build the best boat ... That's for sure!

No matter whether you dream of spending time fly-fishing, snorkeling or just rekindling your passion for nature, a 12' Garvey Flex boat offers you an excellent chance to learn the beauty of the excellent outdoors with family members and pals. This boat is incredibly simple to build. You can ask your family to take it up as a project and perform the boat building together.

Boat making is a good solution to develop long lasting relationships and not surprisingly to share stunning moments together. Your will learn from those helping you on the project and others will discover something from you as well. This boat is incredibly light that you can even load it on top of your car and carry it where ever you go. In some cases it fits perfectly on the back of a truck or SUV.

This boat is incredibly quick to manage on water and it's ideal because it is compact and might be carried to get a weekend break. You need the passions and yes brains at the same time to work on this and if as a family members you work on it, you might have lots of enjoyable and will enjoy each and every second of the boat making.

On the subject of the material that you are going to make use of to construct the boat, you should pick between plywood and fiber glass. Plywood is going to be an apt option as long plywood has been the material of choice for constructing boats. Plywood is quite light as well as durable and makes for excellent flotation that causes it to be so appropriate for boat building.

It is of terrific use because it is really fashionable too. Amateur boat makers can use a set of tools and some plywood to create excellent boat plans which will amaze you. With plywood you could fashion your boat shape and also look at its buoyancy in water prior to employing the model to build the boat essentially.

The boat must be water proof and adequately strong as that may only make the boat durable and lengthy lasting. You are able to usually get manuals and work on your boat as they will offer you a clear cut notion on what it is best to do in a step by step procedure. Don't forget 1 factor that a decent boat design helps you to build and have the boat of your dreams. It takes challenging work and passion to have what you wish so have the determination and you can build the boat you desire to have.

Boat Plan Design - Various Boat Building Choices

2011-04-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Boat Plan Design - Various Boat Building Choices

Boat building is rather frequent these days with everybody wanting to develop their very own boat. The reasons for this choice are a lot of but the major reason will be the price of a ready produced boat. It's too pricey and is not going to and cannot suit the frequent man's pocket.

To solve this principal difficulty of finance, men and women choose to develop their own boat because it only requires a bit funds and some labor as well as a bit of skill too. Boats can be constructed for numerous purposes like fishing, skiing, cruising, recreation and the like.

The material employed for boat building may be chosen as outlined by their expense and the design from the boat you're organizing to develop. You will find diverse boat building options for you to pick before creating plans on which boat you finally want to build.

Although there are many materials like fiber glass, steel, wood and aluminum, it really is always encouraged which you use either wood or aluminum if you're a novice at constructing boats. With aluminum or wood you can cut and form the whole structure perfectly nicely and have an accurately calculated boat that would sail on the water devoid of sinking.

Should you be picking plywood you can try marine grade plywood which has more water resistant qualities. Your boat need to be covered from the inside too because the outside with epoxy that would seal and bind the boat effectively.

You could possibly desire to take into account using steel to build a boat, it's not a wrong choice but if you're a skilled boat builder then steel can be used. Plywood is thought to be to become stronger than steel since it's lighter and has higher strength.

Different boat building alternatives can be chosen only following you've got determined for what purpose you would like to use your boat. Is it for fishing, cruising or recreation? Are you currently arranging to use it in rough waters or in shallow waters?

Only based on this decision are you able to commence to get distinct boat building options to suit your taste. You'll be able to surely choose an additional choice that is the 3D computer software option. It saves you a lot of time, cash and tension too. With the 3D software designing approach you might have absolutely nothing to worry about, each of the specifications and calculations of the complete boat are given in a user friendly manual that comes free of charge using the download from the world wide web.

In case you are confident that you have all of the accurate calculations and can design and develop a boat to perfection its fine, but surely it truly is recommended that you just use the 3D boat building design and style to achieve your aim.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 3D BOAT DESIGN

3D Boat Design - Is it Easy to Make a Boat Design?

2011-04-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Is it Easy to Make a Boat Design?

A lot of people would consider if it truly is easy to create a boat design. This is the thought that passes every person's thoughts. Properly the answer to this isn't really precise but a fifty-fifty kind of answer will probably be arrived at. Yes, in case you make an effort not boat constructing but even constructing a residence is easy.
Some boat designs are easy and some are really difficult according to the bottom with the boat. A circular bottomed boat is rather tough to design and build even though a boat that has flat curves is significantly less complicated to style.

The principle portion in the boat, the hull really should be perfectly intended and fitted. If you're not confident about this you'll be able to use the 3D application to generate an ideal hull that can automatically fall into spot although designing the other parts with the boat.

The designing of a modern boat involves the expertise of reading a tape and marking with a pencil. The next point could be the use of the hand saw. It might appear easy to utilize, but in practice it really is quite difficult to obtain a straight line cut. Anyway you will find numerous forms of saws that would serve the objective of cutting.

You'll be able to use saws like power mint saws, radical arm saws, table saws and also the like. Caution need to be maintained while cutting. The following tool for boat designing is really a planer. This too like the saw is just not quite easy to manage if you're a novice.

It is possible to decide on from hand planes, power planes, disk sanders and also the like. To manage this tool skill is just not anything that you simply will need, but far more of that sixth sense that lies hidden someplace within you.

Drilling holes and using the screw driver may be a bit effortless provided you know how you can do it. Epoxy is sticking glue that ought to blend collectively in the proper proportion as advised in the manual. If this really is not followed properly then the whole process may collapse for want of accuracy.

Boat building isn't one thing weird, you'll be able to develop a boat, but you certainly need a particular level of information, skill and that sixth sense obviously.

Hence don't hesitate if you have planned to construct a boat it truly is easy to create a boat design. Just give it a attempt and also you will surely succeed because you do have each of the 3 information, skill along with the sixth sense.

If you would like to learn more about professional boat design software that is affordable and easy to use then check out 3D Boat Design. This software is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who is even considering the idea of designing or building their own boat.

Build a Boat from Scratch - How to Build a Boat from Scratch

2010-10-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Yes! You absolutely can! There is nothing more rewarding than taking a ride in a boat that you built yourself! Once you have made up your mind to build a boat there is nothing that can stop you. Here are 7 easy steps to help make the boat building process a little bit easier. Before you get started though you will need a good set of boat plans to assist you in your endeavor.

1. Choose the Right Piece of Wood - Head to your local home improvement store and pick up some plywood. Plywood is the best choice for a beginner because it is durable, easy to manipulate and naturally water proof. When you're shopping for wood you should choose the wood that has the least amount of knots. See if they have marine grade plywood. It's a better quality of wood for building a boat but it is also slightly more expensive. You should choose standard lumber yard sizes and if you're operating within a specific budget then go with regular plywood for the majority of your project with possibly a few pieces of marine grade plywood for decorating and trimming.

2. Choose the Right Tools - You will definitely need a hand saw, as well as a 3/8 drill, a 16ft. steel measuring tape, a three sided scale, a hammer, screw drivers, a carpenters' square, ½ inch drill bits, pliers, wire cutters, low angle block plane, epoxy glue for fastening and at least three to four 3" C clamps.

3. Start Building - Check the specifications noted in your boat plans and mark the plywood accordingly. Cut out your pieces using your hand saw but "bleed" the lines a little bit so that you have some extra room outside the lines.

4. Form the Bulkheads - Use the small hand planer to trim the pieces to the correct size and then use the glue and nails to put the pieces together. Follow your boat plans diligently in order to form the bulkheads. Upon completion of the bulkheads fix the side panels around the bulkheads with a temporary screw nail process to check the alignment. Fasten it all together using your glue and nails.

5. Finish the Frame - Once you have finished nailing and gluing the plywood over the bottom of the hull you're going to want to turn the boat upside down. This will allow you to add the deck, hatch, or whatever else you desire. Be sure to follow your boat plans as their may be a few extra steps at this point depending on the specific plan that you are working from.

6. Paint the Finished Product - The final touch will be to add paint. You can choose whatever color that you like but I would recommend using brighter colors for added visibility. This will allow you to be more easily observed by other boaters which is a great safety feature.

7. Celebrate! - Congratulations on building a boat from scratch! Invite your family and friends over to view your handiwork and take the boat out for a spin. You most definitely deserve it!

Build Your Own Boat - Four Advantages of Using Aluminum to Build a Boat

2010-10-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Four Advantages of Using Aluminum to Build a Boat

There are many different types of materials used to build boats in the modern age. Throughout history the vast majority of boats were built with wood. In the modern age though technology has allowed us to use more sophisticated materials for boat construction. The focus of this article is on the four advantages of using aluminum in boat building which are weight, speed, repair, and manufacturing durability.

Weight - When building a boat one of the important factors to consider is weight as weight affects the bouyancy of the vessel. Aluminum is lighter than steel but still provides the necessary strength to build a solid boat hull. Aluminum also allows a boat to carry heavier cargo than a boat made with a steel hull. A lighter hull also means less fuel consumption which can make an aluminum hull more economical.

Speed - Since aluminum is a lighter material it allows the boat to travel more quickly when it is driven by a sail, motor, or anything else for that matter.

Repair - Repairing an aluminum boat is a lot easier than one would think. For example, you can easily repair a dented aluminum hull with a hammer. If the dent is for some reason unable to be repaired with a hammer then one can easily cut the dented area with a saw and replace it with another piece. This type of repair is not possible with a fiberglass boat.

Manufacturing Durability - Since aluminum is a soft metal and can be welded to any design or shape an aluminum hull is relatively easy to manufacture. The manufacture of an aluminum boat isn't as time intensive as steel or fiberglass boats which require a mold for production. Aluminum boats are also incredibly durable as opposed to fiberglass boats which are brittle and easily broken even from the slightest impact. Aluminum hulls are robust and able to stand up to any weather condition. One of aluminum's best features is its ability to withstand saltwater corrosion in salt water which is a feature that steel hulls do not possess.

Free Boat Plans - Are Free Boat Plans Worth It?

2010-10-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

Free Boat Plans - Are They Worth It?

Okay, so you've decided to build a boat and you have come to the realization that the most important tool that you can use to ensure success is an effective boat plan. The chances are that if you search the internet for free boat plans you may find a few but they are probably either incomplete or not the style of boat that you would like to build.

The first question you should ask is, "Are free boat plans worthwhile?" If you are a novice when it comes to boat building then you need to realize the amount of time that it takes to build a boat yourself. It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of years! Now considering the time and effort that will be used to build your perfect boat don't you think a good set of boat plans important? Take the time to decide exactly what style of boat you would like to design and build AND THEN go find the best boat plans for you!

One of the problems that you might find with free boat plans is that you are working from the wrong design style while mid way through your project. You have to look at your project from the perspective of an investor. Perhaps you're building your own boat because you have more time to invest than money. If this is the case, you should invest money into a quality boat plan as this will save you a lot of your precious time in the long run.

Instead of wasting your time on free boat plans you should surf the internet for the specific boat plan that you desire or invest in some 3d boat design software and create your own plan. Most boat design software is relatively affordable and can even be cheaper than buying pre-made boat plans. You will probably even be surprised at how easy it is to use boat design software.

Long story short, free boat plans are usually not worth it. This is especially the case if you are a novice and have never built a boat before. A more experienced boat builder might find some benefit to adding some free boat plans to their arsenal but even that can prove to be dangerous. Invest in some good boat plans and avoid the disappointment that comes from wasting your time on a fruitless project.

Build Your Own Sailboat - How to Build Your Own Sailboat

2010-10-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

How to Build Your Own Sailboat

The modern sailboat is a symbol of class and freedom. They provide you with a way to skim over the surface of a body of water in an elegant way. Building a sailboat can be very rewarding. If this is your first time building a boat then you will find it to be incredibly fulfilling. It will take some time but in the end it will be worth it.

The first sailboats were single logs and simple rafts, but over time more sophisticated designs were employed. Hulls that cut through the water became important for military use as well as for merchant sailors who built broad trading networks.

Sailboats can be made from a number of different materials, but the most common are fiberglass and wood. In terms of romance a wooden sailboat takes the cake, but it does require quite a bit more maintenance. On the other hand, a fiberglass sailboat is perfect for weekend sailors who don't have the time to sail more than once every few weeks.

The most important part of the sailboat building process is choosing the right plan. The last thing you want to do is decide halfway through your project that you would prefer a different style of sailboat. You can design your own relatively easily using 3d boat design software or you can buy a pre-made design.

The sailboat plan will tell you the amount and type of material that you will need for your project. Some common materials needed to build a sailboat are plywood, epoxy, filler, paint, and fiberglass cloth. The greatest cost will be for plywood, paint, and epoxy. When shopping for plywood I would recommend marine grade plywood for its durability and ease of use.

Now that you have your materials ready the first step will be lofting which is just simply marking your plywood before cutting. Be sure to use exact measurments and a ruler for marking. Another method is to trace a pattern made of paper. Using precise measurements is the most accurate method, but tracing a pattern from paper will be faster and still produce a beautiful finished product.

Next, you will need to cut out the pieces. You can use a traditional jigsaw, but nowadays most people prefer a circular saw because it cuts wood without bending. Once you have cut the pieces you should put them together. The front and rear halves of the bottom and the sides should be assembled first.

When the basic structure is completed, the sequence of assembling the other parts of your boat will depend on your specific boat plan. Now you should brush the joint edges with epoxy and put the two pieces together. Next, brush fiberglass tape with epoxy and wrap it around the joints.

Once all the joints are dry, it is time to seal the seams of your hull and cover the outside seams with duct tape. Cover the inside seams with epoxy resin then fill them with epoxy putty. Next, you should wet fiberglass tape with epoxy and cover all seams.

When the seams on the inside are dry you can cover them with duct tape. Repeat the sealing process again on the outside seams. After the sealing process has been completed you can add the deck, the seat, and other sections such as the storage area. The mast, boom, and rubber should also be made in this phase.

Once these are complete, it is time to paint your new sailboat. Once the paint has dried, you will want to coat the entire boat with a strong sealer such as varnish. The varnish will help protect your sailboat from chipping and other effects of the water and weather. This is especially important if you plan on taking your sailboat into the ocean.

The next step is to attach the sail to the mast of your boat. Sails consist of several different pieces of fabric, and these are sewn together with sail twine which is a specialized fiber that is stronger than typical thread. When the sewing needle is threaded with sail twine, the twine is twisted to add strength, and wax is applied so the twine will hold that twist. The sail will allow you to keep moving even when there is no wind.

Congratulations on building your own sailboat. Now you can cruise the high seas on a boat that you built yourself! Not too many other people will ever get to have that feeling!

Hull Design - What Are the Basics?

2010-10-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hull Design - What Are the Basics?

When it comes to building a boat the hull will be the major part of the boat design. It is the essential part of the boat that is required to provide buoyancy while the boat is in the water. When designing the hull for your boat building project there are some rules that should be followed. I will split these rules up between 3 popular designs.

Racer Boat - This boat may be an inshore ‘light air' boat but the hull should be designed a bit differently. The prismatic coefficient of the boat should be around point five to five. This will allow the boat to perform at its maximum.

Ballasted Boat - When it comes to a ballasted boat, you should make sure that the actual weight of the ballast does not weigh more than fifty percent of the upward weight provided by the boat. The boat should maintain stability even when dipped in water. Also, an equal thrust should be working on all sides of the boat while the boat is in motion. This will prevent the boat from sinking. Place the ballast in one place so as to ensure proper equilibrium.

Clinker-on-Frame - The clinker-on-frame hull requires a totally different design. This hull should be separated in three different joints. This is very important. Ensure that there is a freeboard about one tenth of the LWL of the boat if you are planning a small or a medium size boat. This is all that you will need to create the perfect clinker-on-frame hull design.

These are just some basic tips. You can find a lot more tips by browsing the internet. I would recommend that you invest in some 3d boat design software. Boat design software is usually pretty cheap and provides many pre-made designs of hulls, boats, and bottom lines.

CLICK HERE FOR SOME VERY SIMPLE TO USE 3D BOAT DESIGN SOFTWARE

Is It Easy to Create a Boat Design?

2010-10-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Is It Easy to Create a Boat Design?

Are you contemplating designing a boat? Are you wondering how hard it would be to design and build a boat? Designing and building a boat is not as hard as you would think, but there are a couple of things to consider first before you embark on your boat building endeavor.

The first thing that you will want to do is choose the line of the boat. Does the boat have a circular bottom or does it have flat curves? Boats that have a circular bottom are typically harder to build than boats that have flat curves.

The next thing to consider is the hull of the boat. Is your boat going to have a flat bottom or a v-shaped hull. All of these things will impact the complexity of your boat design.

I would recommend that you use some simple CAD software that is made to work specifically with designing boats. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. This will help you avoid any imperfections in the design. Make sure that you build your boat in accordance with your boat design which will help you avoid problems while building your boat.

When it comes to building the boat from the boat design it's not as difficult as you may think. All you really need to know is how to read a tape and mark your wood in the correct places. You will of course also need to know how to cut a straight line with a handsaw. You can choose whichever style of handsaw that you prefer whether it be a circular saw, table saw, or even a radical arm saw.

Make sure that you are a careful while cutting and bleed the lines by about a half an inch. This will allow you to sand down to the desired shape as noted in your boat design.

As long as you follow your boat design and have some patience then you shouldn't have any problems designing and building your own boat.

CLICK HERE FOR SOME VERY SIMPLE TO USE 3D BOAT DESIGN SOFTWARE!

Should I Build a Boat or Buy a Used Boat?

2010-10-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Should I Build a Boat or Buy a Used Boat?

The first thing that you should know is what is involved with building a boat. Building a boat from scratch will take time and effort. Depending on the size of the boat it could take a few weeks or even a few years. You will either want to buy boat plans or design a boat with custom boat design software. You will need to purchase tools and building materials as well.

If you want to build a boat but not necessarily from scratch then another option that you have is to buy a boat kit and assemble it. This will take less time and eliminates the need to buy boat plans or boat design software. Despite the fact that it will take less time it will end up costing more.

You can also hire a professional boat builder to build the boat for you. You can have them build only the hull so that you can finish the rest yourself or even have them build the entire boat for you. If you choose this option then you will still need to choose a type and style of boat as well as decide whether or not you would like to design the boat yourself or have the professional builder work up a design for you.

Your other option of course is to buy a used boat. I'm assuming that cost is going to be a large factor in your decision to build a boat versus buying a used boat. Here is a little bit of insight in regards to cost. A used boat might actually cost you the same or a little less than a new boat. There are some styles and models that will actually cost more than a new boat!

Buying a used boat is similar to buying a used car. If you're not an expert than hire one to inspect your potential purchase. Most independent boat sellers don't offer a warranty or a return policy!

Once you've done all of this the decision is really up to you. If you're looking to get out on the water quickly then I would recommend buying a used boat. If you are looking for a new project and like the idea of cruising the waterways in something that you built yourself then design and build your own boat. Just keep in mind that if you decide to build your own boat make sure that you are committed to finishing your project. A boat that is only half way built does not offer much resale value!

Should I Design and Build a Plywood Boat?

2010-10-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Should I Design and Build a Plywood Boat?

Thinking about building your own plywood boat? Custom made boats are certainly the rage and boat building has become quite a popular hobby with many people around the world. When it comes to choosing the material that you would like to use most people choose between fiber glass and plywood. If you've always wanted a boat of your own then what better way of making that dream a reality than actually building that boat yourself?

Plywood is a very light wood that is produced from eucalyptus, spruce, cedar, yellow pine, and Douglas fir. It is very durable and makes for excellent flotation which makes it especially suitable for boat building. Since ancient times, plywood has been a popular material for building boats. It is very useful for boat plans as it lends itself to exceptionally great ease of use and can be fabricated very well. For the amateur hobbyist all it takes is a set of tools, some plywood, and a set of decent plans to create a finished product that will surely be amazing.

Many schools use plywood to teach boat building as a hobby, special interest, or vocational skill. Since plywood can be easily fashioned and has natural flotation properties an amateur can easily test out their new project in the water before actually building the boat. One of the most important things to remember when building your boat is to make sure that it is water proof and strong. That way you will know that the boat will last a long time and be durable. Ready to get started? What you need to do is get a good manual, find some boat plans, and get to it. Practice makes perfect and before you know it you'll be cruising around your local waterway in a boat built with your own two hands.

Buy Boat Plans - Free Boat Plans Are Not Worth It ... Here's Why

2010-09-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to design and build your own boat then do yourself a favor and buy boat plans. It can be very tempting to search the internet and grab some free boat plans but I can guarantee you that it will not be worth it. Here's why you should buy boat plans as opposed to downloading free boat plans.

First things first, do you really think that someone is going to allow you download their best boat plans for free? No. What you will end up getting is a teaser. These boat plans are not going to be good enough for you to actually use so you will have to end up buying boat plans anyway. All you will have done is waste a lot of your time. Save the time and buy the boat plans.

If you're building your own boat because you want to save money then keep in mind that you will still be investing your precious time. What is your time worth? Here's an idea, invest in some quality boat plans and save your self some precious time! Messing around with free boat plans will not end the way that you think it will. Most free boat plans are incomplete and so you could find yourself having to start over half way through your project. Save the energy and buy the boat plans!

Not sure where to go to buy a good set of quality boat plans for cheap? Check this site out. They have great boat plans available for purchase and they have the best price that I've ever seen. Good luck with your boat building project and remember .... Save the money and BUY THE BOAT PLANS!

Happy Boat Building!

Ultrasimple Boatbuilding by Gavin Atkin

2010-09-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Gavin Atkin is known around the world for his minimalist boat designs. His award-winning creations, including the celebrated Mouse, have been built by countless boat enthusiasts. Ultrasimple Boatbuilding is the first complete how-to guide for building the latest generation of quick and easy boats

In Ultrasimple Boatbuilding, renowned designer Gavin Atkin shows you how to create elegant, seaworthy plywood boats with a minimum of time, experience, and expense. Using clearly written and illustrated step-by-step instructions, Atkin explains the basics of stitch-and-glue construction, tools, materials, shop safety, and more, as he helps you choose and build the simple boat of your dreams.

This is a great how-to guide for do it yourself boatbuilding but I would definitely recommend buying some boat plans to go along with it.

Boat Plans for Six Small Cruising Boats

2010-09-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

"All of the plans exhibit the professional presentation and well-conceived accommodations typical of the author's work." -- WoodenBoat Magazine

Pocket Cruisers & Tabloid Yachts, Volume I, is a salty collection of complete building plans for six small cruising boats. From the drawings presented, you can build a fantail steam launch (17' or 25'), working tugboat (14' or 20'), supply boat (20'), cruiser (14' or 20'), long distance sailing cruiser (14'), or fantail catboat (20'). One look at these designs and you will know why they have been among the most popular designs offered by Benford. A special effort has been made to reproduce the plans to scale, so that the builder will be able to work easily from the prints in the book. This collection will provide materials not only for the dreamer but for those who are ready to build a boat. This new edition incorporates updates and revisions to the boat plans offered.

Building Classic Small Craft: Complete Plans and Instructions for 47 Boats

2010-09-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

"Gardner's work has engaged and inspired more individuals connected with traditional small craft than will ever be counted." - WoodenBoat

"Ought to be considered the Bible on the subject." - Cruising World

As Associate Curator of Small Craft at Mystic Seaport Museum from 1969 to 1995, John Gardner sought out the best examples of classic wooden boats and then measured them, drew them, and researched their histories. Building Classic Small Craft offers his meticulous plans and clear and complete instructions for building 47 beautiful, functional wooden boats for oar, motor, and sail, including dories, peapods, Sea Bright skiffs, wherries, Rangeley boats, and many others a lifetime's worth of admirable projects that any amateur builder can tackle successfully.

John Gardner was the acknowledged "dean of small craft, " and Building Classic Small Craft is an enduring expression of his philosophy, his knowledge, and his work. All the information you need to build these boats is here; no other plans are necessary.

"Worth your attention whether you seriously fancy to build boats yourself or just enjoy reading about them." - Sailing

"Another must for the boatbuilder's library from John Gardner, the authority on traditional small craft in America." - Down East

"Required reading for anyone who thinks of building a small boat." - National Fisherman

John Gardner began his boatbuilding career in 1940 at Graves Boatyard in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He became a leading advocate and teacher of building small wooden boats and wrote more than 850 articles on small boats that appeared in National Fisherman, WoodenBoat, Boating, and Yachting, among others. He died in 1995.

Boatbuilding: A Complete Handbook of Wooden Boat Construction

2010-09-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Boatbuilding is a practical handbook and boatshop assistant, designed and written to meet the needs of the builder, covering the complete process of wooden boat construction. The text covers all types of craft from flat-bottom rowboats to ocean cruisers and commercial vessels, and aids the builder in overcoming difficulties and discouraging delays resulting from the lack of easily available information on the practical side of boatbuilding.

Boatbuilding gives detailed instructions, with many illustrations, on all phases of boatbuilding written out of actual boatbuilding practice and aids the builder in planning each job in its proper sequence in relation to those that follow. After a chapter discussing the choice of plans suitable for amateur work there are chapters on lofting, the backbone and setting up, flat-bottom hull construction, V-bottom hull construction, round-bottom hull construction, deck framing and building, special construction (plywood, strip planking, lap-strake, diagonal, ribband carvel, canvas), heavy construction, joiner-work, iron-work, and spar making.

Each chapter is organized for easy and quick reference, and the book is completely indexed. An added feature is the inclusion of building plans for nineteen boats designed for this book and suitable for amateur building.

10% OFF - Thirty Wooden Boats: A Second Catalog of Boat Plans

2010-09-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

The 30 designs include: 6 powerboats, 6 daysailers, 11 cruising boats. Also included is an article by designer Joel White on understanding boat plans.

87 Boat Designs

2010-09-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

"Former Mystic Seaport Curator Ben Fuller has selected and annotated 87 boat plans from the Museum's collection, plus plans for oars and rigging, with the amateur builder in mind. He offers a brief background on each boat, notes their strengths and weaknesses, and offers construction tips or suggestions for using the plans to help the reader select the right boat. The boats range from simple skiffs through handsome Whitehalls and sleek canoes, to a 20-foot catboat."

Build the Strongest Boat Possible

2010-09-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Metal boats can deal with hazards like ice and coral that would rip apart a fiberglass or wooden hull; many long-distance cruisers choose a metal boat for just that reason. But they are not mass-produced; the only way to get one is to build it yourself or have it custom-built.

Bruce Roberts-Goodson has been designing and building metal boats for more than three decades, and in The Complete Guide to Metal Boats he tells you all you need to know to start building the boat of your dreams.

How to build or refurbish hulls, decks, and superstructuresHow to prevent corrosion.
Building from plans or precut kits
Sample designs for sail- and powerboats

This updated and expanded new edition also gives you a bonus CD with many study plans and 1, 500 kit-assembly photos the equivalent of a shop manual for metal boat building.

"This book is for anyone contemplating building or owning a metal boat. For solid, common-sense advice based on broad experience, the guide lives up to its name." Chesapeake Bay Magazine

Bruce Roberts-Goodson is one of the world's foremost small-craft designers. For more than 35 years, he has run his own yacht design firm, with offices in the United States, Australia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands. He has sold more than 65,000 sets of boat plans.

Is Building A Boat Better Than Buying A Used Boat?

2010-09-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

First, let us take a look at what constitutes building a boat.
You could build one starting from scratch, that is, obtaining plans and designs, purchasing materials and tools, investing a lot of time and effort. Depending on the size of the vessel, it could be a five-year project. You can buy a boat kit and assemble the pieces together and fit it to your choice. Not as time consuming as the first option but it is going to cost you more. You can also have the hull/complete boat made by a professional builder. This will still involve deciding on the type, design and size so that the builder can give you an estimate on how much it is going to lighten your pocket by.

Naturally there are pros and cons to each method that can't be discussed in detail here.

The other option you are considering is buying a used boat. As you are trying to compare building versus buying a used boat, I'm thinking cost is a big factor. And here, I have a surprise for you! Sometimes, a used boat may actually cost you the same or just marginally less than a new boat. Depending on the type and model, a used boat may even cost you more than a new one! A used boat will come with all the additional fittings that the previous owner has installed and if it is in good condition, a buyer may be ready to give him more than he will pay for a new vessel sans the extras. Just like buying a used car, you may need the help of an expert to assess if the boat passes muster.

I'm playing the devil's advocate here, but it's really going to be your call and yours alone. If you choose to build, be sure of your commitment to the project. You can't abandon it midway because there is no resale value for your effort!

Don't Wait! Download the Boat Design Software and Build the Boat of Your Dreams Now!

Good luck and have fun!

Plywood Boat Plans - Why You Should Design a Plywood Boat

2010-09-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Plywood has enough strength as per the weight ratio of the boat and is easy to build with. Common plywood will work but you have to give it a coating of fiberglass on the outside. Boat plans, made to build in plywood, are usually easy and quick. In selecting plywood, always ascertain that the wood is epoxy (synthetic resin) saturated to check moisture absorption. By doing this you will ensure that the boat will endure a long time.

Plywood is produced from eucalyptus, spruce, cedar, yellow pine and Douglas fir. Out of these, spruce and cedar are used in building lightweight small boats and the others are used in large and heavy boats. Plywood can be cut and curved to exact sizes and shapes and the added advantage is it is light in weight.Since the marine grade plywood is waterproof, it is suitable for use in boats. Many people opt for plywood than to fiberglass, as it is economical, enduring and light to move from place to place. If marine grade plywood is available it will be the best substitute to any other wood material.

The internet provides a vast amount of information regarding plywood boat plans and availability of its different components. All you have to do is find the correct plan from the search results and do not forget to choose a reliable website by taking advice of knowledgeable people. Numerous free plans are available but it is advisable to go for the 3D software and buy it online to get the information that you desire. It provides you the drawings and calculations so that you can easily download a blue print to start the work. Many schools and community centers have implemented the boat building as a hobby. The physical and chemical properties of plywood can astonish anybody using it for boat plans.

Don’t wait, download the boat plan software and build your dream boat now!

Marine Software - What are the Benefits?

2010-09-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Today with large number of companies producing marine software for the offshore industries, the business has turned into a complete industry in and of itself. Most of the marine software provide integrated solutions for performing planned marine maintenance, provides the best methods for purchasing spares and fittings for ships, management of the crew, provides quality assurance services, supports eCommerce and so on.

What’s even more interesting is that certain brands of marine software provide a unique and one-stop-solution for each and everything required while onboard, including managing fleet for rigs and ships alike. Many of these software do the following:

1. Provide integrated solutions for purchasing supplies and spares for ships and rigs that are integrated with eCommerce solutions

2. Supports the Marititme PMS system for ship’s planned maintenance, which is approved by all major classes

3. Provides facilities to transfer assets between ships and rigs

4. Adheres to various quality standards and protocols such as ISM, ISPS, ISO, and so on

5. Follows all QA and other procedures related to the marine industry

6. Facilitates maritime claims and policies

7. Provides guarantee claims for making of new buildings and honours new installations too

8. Creates and maintains specs, tenders, and does follow-up on projects by integrating project management software

9. Produces different types of documents such as pictures, notifications, drawings, memos, and so on

10. Prepares different types of ship or shore reports for different types of operations such as creating charters, performing different types of operations, and performing technical functionalities

11. Calculates wages of crew members

Most of the marine software are based on Microsoft technology and makes use of powerful databases such as Oracle and SQL Server to store data. What’s more, they even have the capability to be linked with different 3rd part software be it accounting, crew or wages, or chartering or operations.
These software also server variety of marine vehicles right from tankers, liners, bulkers, fishing and off-shore supply vessels, along with different types of off-shore and onshore rigs.

For More Information Click Here!

Is it Easy to Create a Boat Design?

2010-09-02T06:33:00.001-07:00

Most people wonder whether or not it will be easy to create a boat design. This is the thought that passes through everyone’s mind. Well the answer to this isn’t very precise but a fifty-fifty type of answer should suffice. Yes, if you make the effort and No if you don't. Boat building should be easy much in the same way that if you put in the right research and effort even constructing a house can be easy.

Some boat designs are easy and some are quite hard depending on the bottom of the boat. A circular bottomed boat is rather hard to design and build while a boat that has flat curves is much easier to design.

The main part of the boat, the hull should be perfectly designed and fitted. If you are not sure about this you can use the 3D software to make a perfect hull that will automatically fall into place while designing the other parts of the boat.

The designing of a modern boat involves the knowledge of reading a tape and marking with a pencil. The next point is the use of the hand saw. It may seem simple to use, but in practice it is quite hard to get a straight line cut. Anyway there are many types of saws that would serve the purpose of cutting.

You can use saws like power mint saws, radical arm saws, table saws and the like. Caution should be maintained while cutting. The next tool for boat designing is a planer. This too like the saw is not very simple to handle if you are a novice.

You can choose from hand planes, power planes, disk sanders and the like. To handle this tool you will need more than just skill ... you will also need to tap into that sixth sense that lies hidden somewhere within you.

Drilling holes and using the screw driver may be a bit easy provided you know how to do such a thing. Epoxy is sticking glue that should blend together in the right proportion as suggested in the manual. If this is not followed properly then the entire process may collapse for want of accuracy.

Boat building is not something terribly difficult, you can build a boat, but you will definitely need a certain amount of knowledge, skill and that sixth sense of course.

So don’t hesitate! Once you have planned to build a boat you should make sure that you create a solid boat design. Just give it a try and you will succeed because you know that you have all of the three most important skills for boat building which are ... once again ... knowledge, skill and the sixth sense.

To Learn More About Boat Design Click Here!