| This is an article for both the beginner and | | | | measurements and a ruler for marking, or you |
| accomplished boat builder who plan to build a | | | | can trace a pattern made of paper. Either choice |
| Plywood Sailboats. One of the most pleasurable | | | | is acceptable. Using exact measurements is the |
| warm weather activities is being out on the water | | | | most accurate method; but, tracing a pattern will |
| in a sailboat. The only thing that can make this | | | | be quicker and still produce an excellent finished |
| event more satisfying knows the boat you are | | | | product. |
| sailing was made by your own hands. A sailboat | | | | Once your wood is marked, it is time to cut. Using |
| you build yourself can be designed any way you | | | | a jigsaw is okay, but many builders prefer a |
| like often costs less than buying a commercially | | | | circular saw. Using a circular saw to just cut |
| built one and offer a sense of accomplishment | | | | through your plywood will prevent it from bending. |
| and pride. | | | | A jigsaw could cause the wood to bend and this |
| Plywood is the material of choice. Plywood is one | | | | will weaken it. You may want to try both on a |
| of the cheapest and easiest building materials, one | | | | scrap piece of wood to judge for yourself which |
| that the average do-it-yourself is both familiar and | | | | one works best for you. |
| comfortable with. Plywood is also, pound for | | | | The first parts you assemble will be the fore and |
| pound, stronger than steel. Because of its high | | | | aft halves of the bottom and sides. Follow your |
| strength to weight, plywood construction yields a | | | | plans carefully from this part forward. Once the |
| boat that is much lighter and performs better | | | | basic structure is completed, the order of future |
| than a "chopper gun" fiberglass boat. | | | | assembling will depend upon what style of sailboat |
| Plywood is as long lasting and as low in | | | | you are making. Take your time and allow each |
| maintenance as any other material. Plywood boats | | | | section to completely dry before continuing. You |
| can be built with the tools in the average home | | | | do not want to rush things and have your |
| workshop. Plywood boats are frequently built in | | | | plywood sailboat fall apart out on the water. |
| school wood shops or by youth groups as | | | | Before you attach the sail you can add any |
| individual or group projects. | | | | desired details to your sailboat such as a storage |
| With plans in hand, you are now ready to | | | | area. This is your chance to make your plywood |
| purchase material. The final cost will depend upon | | | | sailboat the boat of your dreams. You can |
| the plans you are using and the types of material | | | | personalize your boat by painting it any color you |
| you choose. While you do not want to skimp on | | | | wish and adding a design that reflects your style. |
| the quality of materials, there are a few | | | | Be sure to use a really good quality marine paint |
| acceptable shortcuts that will not lower the safety | | | | and make sure it is dried thoroughly before |
| in your final creation. The greatest cost will go to | | | | launching your boat. |
| buying plywood, epoxy and paint. | | | | At last, assemble the sails of your boat following |
| The next step is called lofting. All this actually | | | | the plans exactly. Attach the sail to the mast of |
| means is you mark your plywood before cutting | | | | your boat and you will be ready to take it out for |
| it. You can either choose to use exact | | | | a test ride. |