Small Boat Building - How Hard Is It

Starting your first boat building project can seem a bit overwhelming when you begin. But like most things in life starting is usually the hardest thing of all. So how hard is building a boat by yourself? This can depend on many different factors.

Get Organized: My Dad had a saying` "Plan your work and work your plan!" If your well organized you will find your first boat building project much easier. Nothing is worse than getting in a groove only to find out your missing a peice of building material or can't find the tool your looking for. Have your work area clean and well laided out. Make sure your building space is large enough for the project your working on. Ever tried shooting billiards in a room that isn't big enough for the table? Imagine that and throw in power saws. Organize, organize organize!  Did I mention organize?

Relax: I don't care if you have the organization skills of Richard Branson, Douglas MacCarthder and Darth Vader combined, things are going to go wrong.  Be a little boat building Buddha. Parts won't fit. that part you spent a hour cutting out will split. Your kids are going to borrow your tools and leave them in the back yard for you to find with the mower.  Be like the willow and be flexible, learn from those mistakes.  Thomas Edison failed 2000 times before getting a light buld that worked. If you asked him he would have told you that he never failed but that he learned 2000 ways not to make a light bulb... Be a boat building Budda, be Thomas Edison and your building your wooden boat will be a much more enjoyable

Be Realistic: For your first project  choose something small and with easy methods like stitch and glue using plywood.  You want something you can finish and will enjoy doing. This is especially true if your working with someone else such as you children or grandchildren and want this to be a bonding experience.

Start With Great Plans: As I mentioned above my Dad had a saying "Plan your work and work your plan."  Of course this means starting with a great set of boat building plans.You want boat plans that are detailed enough for beginners and come with advice for beginners and come with DVD support.

Following the above tips should make your first boat building experience a smooth, enjoyable and rewarding project.




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Tools Needed For Boat Building

You might be surprised how few tools are require to build your first boat project. Below is a list of a few essential tools.

Tape Measure: Pretty self-explanitory but the most used tool when building your first boat. Get a good quality 25 foot tape.

String Line:

Small Hand Saws: Small back saws or dovetail saws seem to work best.

Block Planes: If your familiar with wood working you know how important it is to keep the blades on this tool very sharp. The most expensive plane is of no use if the blade is not kept sharp.

Drill and Bits: Cordless drills are all the rage these days and they are very hand but if you want to save a few bucks you can get a better drill for your money by getting a old plug in style of drill.


Screwdrivers: You will probably have a good selection of these already. Make sure they are in good shape and the kids have not been useing them as yard darts.

Plyers: Again you more than likely have these in your shop already. A standard pair of plyers, slip jaw and needle nose and a pair of diagonal cutters,  will get you a long way.

Sharp Utility Knife: Just as standard utility knife should be fine. A exacto blade also comes in handy for fine detailed cutting.

Hammer: A small finishing hammer should be fine. 12-16 oz

Sawhorses: You can save a few buck and build these from 2x4s

Clamps: The more the better. C claps and spring clams are what you will be using the most of. Be sure to rub was on the threads so glue won't stick to the threads.

A good set of  boat building plans

While these are not mush haves the will make things a bit more easy

Saber saw:

Carpenter's Square: Basic 24 inch  


Staple Gun 

Table Saw: You cn get by without one but well worth the investment.

Chisels:

Of course all of the above is worthless without a good set of boat building plans

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254 high quality boat building plans:

Great Reasons For Building Your Own Boat

  

Cost: Buying your own materials is a excellent way to save on coast. Once you finish building your fist boat and you have the boat building bug and want to start other projects you can get your materials in bulk and save even more. Factory built boats pass the cost of materials, labor and overhead to you the buyer which is why a "factory" boat can be so expensive. With a good set of plans that are fairly detailed and have DVD support you can finish your first boat building project with as little problems and headaches as possible.

Quality: When you build your own boat you will be taking pride in the finished project which  assures a quality boat. You will be spending your time and the best of your abilities this boat could be in your family for many, many years. Something to pass along and share with your children and perhaps grandchildren. "Factory" built boats are under strict time constraints and have production quotas to maintain.They make hundreds of a boats and if too much time is spent on one they lose money. The cost of labor cuts into their profits so they build their boats as quickly and take short-cuts and save on materials where ever they can. When you build your own boat you can take as much time as you like or need you don't have the shop foreman looking over your shoulder. You are the shop foreman so you can take the time and use the best materials on the completion of you boat.

History: When you buy a used boat  you have no idea what that boat has  been used for or where it has been. The seller won't bore you with the details of any repairs the boat has had, he wants to sell you a  boat. If you build your own boat your not buying someone else's problems, you will know every detail that went into building your boat with your own hands.

Your Own Business: In these times of economic uncertain times why not turn your new hobby into a money making business. I'm not suggesting you quit your job tomorrow but after getting a few projects under your belt why not put one or two on the market. Put up fliers at local boat clubs and see what happens. During the summer months people are looking for quality made affordable boats. Your new hobby could turn into a profitable line of work.

When you decide to build your first boat be sure to start with a small easy to finish project The key to finishing your project is a easy to follow, simple plan. Once you get your first build behind you your confidence level will increase and the sky is the limit.

Yes Alex I'd love to get instant access 

to 254 High Quality Boat Plans!

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