Build a Boat from Scratch - Can I Do It?
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 forbuilding a boatbut 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 ofyour project withpossibly a few pieces of marine grade plywood fordecorating and trimming.
2. Choose the Right Tools -You will definitely need a hand saw, as well as a3/8 drill, a 16ft. steel measuring tape, a three sided scale, a hammer, screw drivers, a carpenters' square, 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 a Boat from Scratch - Can I Do It?
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