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.
Build Your Own Boat - Four Advantages of Using Aluminum to Build a Boat
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.Free Boat Plans - Are Free Boat Plans Worth It?
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!
Build Your Own Sailboat - How to Build Your Own Sailboat
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.
Hull Design - What Are the Basics?
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.Is It Easy to Create a Boat Design?
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.
Should I Build a Boat or Buy a Used Boat?
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.
Should I Design and Build a Plywood Boat?
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?Buy Boat Plans - Free Boat Plans Are Not Worth It ... Here's Why
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!
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
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.
is the first complete how-to guide for building the latest generation of quick and easy boatsIn 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
"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.
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
"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.
"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
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.
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
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
"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
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.
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?
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!
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
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!
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?
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!
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?
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.
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.
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