| Being a boat designer and supplier of plans for | | | | using a handsaw. I like a back saw for this kind of |
| home built boats; I frequently get asked how hard | | | | work and have made a simple bench hook to hold |
| is it really, to build a boat. People wonder if they | | | | the frame in-place while I make the cut. You could |
| have the skills to really get it done in a reasonable | | | | make this kind of cut with a circular saw, table |
| amount of time. Well, there are boat plans out | | | | saw, radial arm saw, or power miter saw as well. |
| there for all skill levels. Some are so complex you | | | | Again, this is not a difficult skill to acquire. If |
| need to be an experienced shipwright, and some | | | | you've never used one of these saws, about a |
| are so simple, you can build one if you can follow | | | | half hour practice on some scrap lumber will yield |
| simple directions but have never built anything in | | | | you ample skill to be able to build a boat. |
| your life. | | | | Next, you need to be able to set up and use a |
| I get all sorts of questions about lofting a boat, full | | | | hand plane, drawknife, power plane or disk sander |
| sized plans, and a host of other questions that | | | | to be able to fair the framing smooth so that the |
| more appropriate 50 years ago than today. There | | | | planking has a flat surface to be glued to. This is |
| has been so much misinformation and confusing | | | | an extremely intuitive activity, not really requiring |
| terminology, I thought it appropriate to try to | | | | skill, only some patience. |
| explain in detail, the skill set necessary to | | | | You also need to be able to drill holes in wood, |
| successfully build a modern boat design at home. | | | | and operate a cordless power screwdriver. These |
| First of all, look at the lines of the boat you're | | | | also, are very simplistic activities with power tools |
| considering building. If it has a rounded bottom, or | | | | and do not require any exceptional levels of skill. |
| complex curves, it will not be an easy boat to | | | | Learning what size pilot holes are required for |
| build. If its lines are mostly flat curves designed | | | | different screw sizes can be sidestepped by |
| around plywood, it'll go together quickly. | | | | simply buying special screw pilot bits that create |
| Next ask the designer if the hull comes pre lofted | | | | the ideal pilot hole for each screw size. |
| - that is to say the final shape of the framing | | | | Finally, you need to be able to properly mix |
| elements has been pre-determined. Back in the | | | | epoxy. Again, there is no skill required, just an |
| days of drafting tables and architect's scales, you | | | | ability to follow directions closely. Epoxies must be |
| could not determine the final dimensions of a boat | | | | mixed in the proper proportions to cure correctly |
| hull because of inaccuracies in the drafting. You | | | | with full strength. They also must be mixed |
| had to redraw the boat full size, and use long thin | | | | thoroughly, so follow the manufacturer's directions |
| battens of wood as a spline to determine the hull | | | | exactly, and you can add this skill set to your |
| shape full sized. From that full sized drawing you | | | | boat-building list of skills. |
| could then determine the dimensions of the | | | | That's about it. I know many of you are reading |
| framing elements you need to build. | | | | this in disbelief, but this list is truly all you really |
| These days with Computer Aided Design (CAD) | | | | need to know how to do to successfully build a |
| inaccuracies in the drawing are no longer an issue. | | | | boat at home. The vast majority of the people |
| With a boat designed in CAD, the final dimensions | | | | who build my boat designs have never built a |
| of each frame can be determined well within the | | | | boat before, most had never even seen a boat |
| accepted 1/8" accuracy. All you need to do then | | | | built before, and only have a passing knowledge |
| is build the frames in accordance with the | | | | of using hand tools. |
| drawings and all will be fair when the hull goes | | | | If you elect to build a wineglass transom, round |
| together. | | | | bottom hull that must be lofted and carefully |
| OK, lets look at the skill set you'll need to build a | | | | fitted with carvel planks, then oakum caulked, |
| modern, pre-lofted, framed boat designed around | | | | you're on your own, but if you select a pre-lofted |
| plywood planking. First you need to be able to | | | | flat or vee-bottom plywood covered hull, these |
| measure accurately. If you can read a tape | | | | skills are all that's needed to do the job. Don't get |
| measure down to within 1/8" and use it to make | | | | the idea that these pre-lofted boats are clunky or |
| a pencil mark, you have the all the skills | | | | ugly looking either - that can have sweeping, |
| necessary. That's not a difficult skill to acquire. | | | | graceful lines that you would be proud to show |
| Next you need to be able to cut a straight line | | | | off once complete. |