| Once you utter the words "I want to build a boat" | | | | boat you want to build you must then decide on |
| a whole new world will open up to you. One of | | | | the type of material to use in building the boat. |
| the oldest trades dating back to prehistoric times, | | | | There are many different types of boat building |
| boat building can be one of the most satisfying | | | | material including wood, fiberglass, steel, aluminum |
| avocations one could choose. | | | | and even concrete. The choice you make |
| The first thing a would-be boat builder needs to | | | | depends on your own skill level and the tools you |
| decide is what will be the end use of the boat. | | | | have available. |
| Are you interested in fishing (inland waterways or | | | | Building with fiberglass requires some mold making |
| offshore), waterskiing, hanging out, exercise, day | | | | capability or else you can build a wooden boat and |
| cruising on inland waters, coastal cruising or long | | | | cover it with fiberglass. Working with fiberglass |
| distance cruising. Each of these requirements | | | | requires some skill and protective clothing is |
| requires a different type of boat. | | | | required when working with the chemicals and |
| Small fishing boats to be used on inland waters | | | | glass cloth. |
| can be propelled by either a small outboard motor | | | | Steel and aluminum building requires welding and |
| or oars. These boats can also be used for | | | | other metal working skills. Aluminum requires very |
| exercise or just hanging out on the water. They | | | | specialized welding skills that most home builders |
| are typically 8 to 15 feet in length and are of an | | | | do not possess. Steel is generally use for larger |
| open design. Some larger boats may have | | | | boat construction. |
| covered storage. | | | | Building with wood is probably the easiest for the |
| Ski boats are usually 15 to 25 feet in length and | | | | newcomer to boat building. Many wooden boat |
| are powered by powerful outboard or | | | | plans are available for the new wood boat builder |
| inboard-outboard drive systems. These boats are | | | | and tools and materials are readily available. A |
| designed to move fast in order to pull a skier. | | | | good set of wooden boat plans will take you |
| They are generally open but sometimes have | | | | through the entire process step by step. Tools |
| small covered areas. | | | | are available at the local hardware store and the |
| Cruising boats tend to be bigger with some | | | | materials, especially for basic boat construction, |
| enclosed area for sleeping. Twenty feet would be | | | | are available at any good lumber yard. |
| about the smallest boat for comfortable inland | | | | If you are new to boat building, a small runabout, |
| cruising and 30 feet plus for offshore cruising. | | | | rowboat or daysailer would be a good choice. It is |
| Comfortable daysailers can be in the 18 foot | | | | also important that you select the best wooden |
| range. | | | | boat plans available. |
| Once you have decided on the type and size of | | | | |