Boat Plans Central http://boatplanscentral.com Boat Building Made Easy Fri, 24 Dec 2010 18:24:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Choosing Stitch and Glue or Choosing Plywood on Frame? | Part 2 http://boatplanscentral.com/stitch-and-glue-plywood-on-frame-2 http://boatplanscentral.com/stitch-and-glue-plywood-on-frame-2#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:13:11 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=340 Choosing Stitch and Glue or Choosing Plywood on Frame? | Part 2 is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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To build the framed plywood boat, craftsmen will need to use cross members (ribs) and tie them with longitudinal numbers, so they join together.  During the beginning stages of construction, the ribs are built.  Using a jig to hold assorted parts together during the assembly process, when finished; ribs are placed on a sturdy back jig.  This is a simple beam that is used to align parts while additional framing is attached.  Next, other longitudinal numbers, including the keelson, are attached to ribs.  Along with these parts, the stem and transom are also attached; completing the boat’s frame.  Once the fame has been assembled, plywood planks are attached using various screws and epoxy.  When finished, the hull is now complete.  Additional, optional treatments include using fiberglass and finishing off the boat to suit the owner’s needs.

Depending on your woodworking competencies, those who are proficient may enjoy building a plywood framed boat over building a stitch glue type of boat.  Some people prefer to cut and fit their own wood, and receive great pleasure seeing the wood take shape.  It offers a different experience than using epoxies and wearing gloves.  Regardless of which type of boat you choose to build, respirators should be worn when sanding wood or epoxy; however, be sure when working with epoxy to make sure your respirator is in-use.

Boat enthusiasts, wishing to build a boat in the quickest amount of time, should choose a stitch and glue construction method.  Working diligently, boats can be built in about two weekends, even less when working entire days.  The total number of hours it takes is 16 hours or less; from start to completion.  This is far less than framed boats, which can not be completed in that time frame.

Whether you are building canoe, kayak or other types of boats, always make sure to double check your work.  Wooden boat repair can be a costly and time consuming expense.  Make sure your work is performed carefully and that you always operate your boat in its intended manner.  If your boating needs change and you feel you need a different type of boat, refer to this easy manual to help your make an informative decision.  Boat designing can be a fun and enjoyable process, so why not consider building wood boat and boat parts more than once in your life?  After all, it can help pass the time when the fishing forecast appears dismal.  Happy boat building!

Choosing Stitch and Glue or Choosing Plywood on Frame? | Part 2 is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/stitch-and-glue-plywood-on-frame-2/feed 0 Choosing Stitch and Glue or Choosing Plywood on Frame? | Part 1 http://boatplanscentral.com/stitch-and-glue-plywood-on-frame-1 http://boatplanscentral.com/stitch-and-glue-plywood-on-frame-1#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:09:43 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=337 Choosing Stitch and Glue or Choosing Plywood on Frame? | Part 1 is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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Which is better; to construct a boat using a stitch and glue or plywood on frame construction method?  The answer depends on the boat builder’s skills and past experience.  Do you have previous woodworking skills?  Which type of design do your prefer and how much space will you have to build your boat?  To help make an informed choice, all of the methods will be explained, in detail, below.

Examining the method using the stitch and glue technique, this type of boat-building process can only be accomplish by using epoxy, fiberglass and plywood.  As a wood choice, plywood panels have been proven to be very strong.  When they are cut to size and bonded together, they tend to produce very lightweight structures that display elegant lines.  If choosing this method, patterns are first drawn on the plywood, followed by the cutting of panels.

Next, holes are drilled near the edges of each panel and copper wire is threaded through each hole.  The wire is then twisted together, which forms a “snitch”.  This process is implemented to hold the entire hull together.  As an alternative, some builders choose to use tie wraps of electrical wire as a substitution for the copper wire.  Still others choose to use various staples, tapes, and other materials to secure panel edges.  Whichever type of material you choose, make sure it is durable, and sturdy enough to handle the task at hand.

After holes have been drilled and wire has been threaded, it is time to apply the epoxy.  Placed inside of the hull, so fiberglass edges can bond together, epoxy must be the right consistency.  This is achieved through the use of micro-spheres, silica, and other thickening agents, allowing the fillet to retain its shape.  The fillet glues the 2 panels together and helps smoothes out the hull’s transition, so loads can be transferred without incurring stress concentrations that may lead to cracks.  When ready, fillets are covered with fiberglass tape designed to increase the hull’s strength and help maximize the boat’s durability as well as longevity.

When the boat has cured, it will need to be flipped over and have the copper wires cut.  The just as performed on the inside, the same procedure needs to be repeated on the hull’s outside using the thickened epoxy; covering the boat’s joint with fiberglass and the epoxy mixture.  In the end, the joint will be stronger than the wood found on either side of the joint.  Based upon tests, if not treating the plywood to make it stronger, it will break much earlier than the joint; especially when loaded.  Because your time is very valuable and safety is very important, make sure you do not cut corners or eliminate steps, as all of your hard work will be for nothing and you could be putting your life at risk.

Choosing Stitch and Glue or Choosing Plywood on Frame? | Part 1 is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/stitch-and-glue-plywood-on-frame-1/feed 0 Do It Yourself (DIY) Wooden Dinghy Design http://boatplanscentral.com/wooden-dinghy http://boatplanscentral.com/wooden-dinghy#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:59:52 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=401 Do It Yourself (DIY) Wooden Dinghy Design is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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While building a wooden dinghy might seem a rather daunting task for a sailor who has never tried it before, there are companies and websites that offer dinghy plans and all sorts of do it yourself assistance for the first-time builder.  For a water-sport lover, there may well be nothing more exciting than setting sail in a craft, which he or she has built with his or her own two hands.

Most sailboat plans can be used whether the sailor has a wooden dinghy in mind, or one made from aluminum, steel or fiberglass, though perhaps the wood version is the most popular.  Some online sources of boat plans are also e-commerce-enabled so that the builder can order parts and supplies.  There is even one online boat-building forum where amateurs and other do-it-yourselfers can share ideas, as well as ask and answer questions.

A sailing dinghy might run as small as seven feet, though the most common plans for the wooden boat is that of the eight foot Eight Ball design.  This rather conventional plan is ideal for someone building his or her own boat for the first time.  Not only is it one of the easiest plans to follow, but it also incorporates the many standard lessons that a boat builder would need to learn to create something bigger and more advanced in later years.  The popular eight ball does not even require a building form.  All the sailor would need are two sheets of plywood.  The standard wood pieces,  1/4 inch x 4 foot x 8 foot, would be plenty for the entire sailboat.

While this is a great kit for the sailing dinghy builder, it can also be used to build a rowboat, or a smaller outboard.  No stays are needed to hold the mast, and the sock-type sail slips easily over the mast.  One of the key advantages of this eight-foot design is that it fits easily over the top of a mid-size car, or in the back of a van or pickup.  There is probably no less costly way of owning a sailing vessel.  Additionally, when the sailor and his or her family and friends are not using this eight ball wooden dinghy, its centerboard pivots right out of the way.

The novice builder can buy boat building plans and then order supplies separately, or can buy a complete kit.  She or he can also order from a wide array of books that walk her through the construction of the dinghy.  Building a wooden dinghy is not nearly as difficult as one might first think, and far more satisfying than buying it ready made.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Wooden Dinghy Design is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/wooden-dinghy/feed 0 Pontoon Boat Plans – Building Your Own Boat http://boatplanscentral.com/pontoon-boat-plans http://boatplanscentral.com/pontoon-boat-plans#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:22:55 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=397 Pontoon Boat Plans – Building Your Own Boat is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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Before building a pontoon boat, you need to have excellent pontoon boat plans from which to choose.  The boat is popular for its flat bottom feature and its simplistic design.  This allows do-it-yourselfers to create their own boats with ease and without having to spend too much money on materials.

When choosing a boat plan, consider the materials used, the overall cost, the complexity of the design, and the level of skill needed to create the boat.  Keep in mind that whatever plan you choose to follow, it is very essential to pay attention to correct building procedures to ensure that the finished product is stable enough to use.

As soon as you are ready to build, check out the different plans available for free on the Internet.  There are sites dedicated to teaching boat enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers how to build their very own boats.  Check out the variety of options provided and decide which one is best suited for your preference, your skills, and the availability of tools and materials.

If you prefer to have a shade enclosure, find a plan that includes how to add that feature to the entire design.  This is important if the climate in your area is too scorching for the skin.  There are also plans that provide instructions on how to build boats with full hull or planning hull features.  The area designed below the deck provides for ample storage space.  When looking forward to creating a boat that provides lots of space for movement, storage and stability, find a plan for a barge-type boat.

Pontoon boats are usually constructed out of closed cylindrical materials such as pipes, barrels, and other cylinder-shaped objects made from various materials.  These cylinders or pontoons support the platform or house-like structure built on top of them.  The space inside the pontoons is not generally filled with air only.  If they were, they would sink the moment they are punctured.  Therefore, find a plan that incorporates the use of foam inside the cylinders.  The foam should be made out of material resistant to solvents.  A good example would be styrene acrylonitrile.

As long as you follow excellent pontoon boat plans suited for your needs and preference, you will be on the right track in creating safe vessels that can be used for various fun activities on any body of water.  In fact, you may also want to consider building boats as a hobby.

Pontoon Boat Plans – Building Your Own Boat is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/pontoon-boat-plans/feed 0 Using Boat Blueprints to Build a Boat and What You Should Know http://boatplanscentral.com/boat-blueprints http://boatplanscentral.com/boat-blueprints#comments Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:59:22 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=390 Using Boat Blueprints to Build a Boat and What You Should Know is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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For many people, owning a boat of their own is just a dream.  It costs a lot of money to purchase most any kind of vessel even if it is purchased secondhand.  However, it is possible to build a boat from scratch using boat blueprints.  While doing so will require an initial investment of money to purchase the blueprint and materials, it will not cost near as much as it would to purchase a ready-made boat.  DIY boats that are made by a person following a blueprint carefully can be just as well made and enjoyable to sail in as a vessel made by a factory.  There are numerous companies that sell blueprints of all kinds of vessels; there are blueprints for kayaks, sailboats, vintage and classic boats, catamarans, power boats, canoes and more.

The first step is to purchase a blueprint; these can be purchased online at sites such as http://boatplanscentral.com/boat-plans.  Once the blueprint has been chosen and purchased, the materials needed for the job will need to be purchased.  In some cases, the company selling blueprints will also sell the materials needed to do the job; purchasing both the blueprints and materials from the same company is usually the simplest way to acquire what you need.

How much the materials will cost depends on what type of vessel is being built.  It should also be noted that boats can be made from plywood, fiberglass, steel, or aluminum; it is wise for a person with limited carpentry experience to choose a material that he or she feels most comfortable working with.  It is also vitally important to read the blueprints carefully and follow all instructions to a “T”.  While a more experienced builder may want to deviate a bit from the boat blueprints, it is not wise to attempt to do so when building a boat for the first time.

Aside from following the blueprint carefully, it can also help to look up articles on boat building online; many companies that sell blueprints also have a vast treasure trove of articles that contain valuable tips, tricks, and shortcuts.  These articles can help first time builders to improve their skills and gain confidence.

Even those who do not have extensive carpentry experience can do build a boat from scratch using a blueprint.  The person who wishes to engage in such a project will first of all need to purchase the blueprints and materials.  After that, all someone has to do is follow the instructions carefully and have fun building a boat that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Using Boat Blueprints to Build a Boat and What You Should Know is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/boat-blueprints/feed 0 Boat Building with Dory Plans http://boatplanscentral.com/dory-plans http://boatplanscentral.com/dory-plans#comments Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:13:39 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=387 Boat Building with Dory Plans is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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The good old fashioned charm of building your own boat can become a reality with dory plans.  Dories are small boats usually about 15 to 22 feet in size.  Although they are commonly used for recreational purposes, they can also be adjusted for commercial use.  Dories are ideal for fishing trips even though they are not used exclusively as fishing boats.  They are used as dinghies for yachts and as lifeboats for ocean liners.  These boats are also typically inexpensive to make and although lightweight can hold a lot of weight.

As you search for your Dory plans, you want to find a blueprint that not only shows you how to build the boat but also identifies all the materials and tools you will need to complete the task successfully.  In other words, you will need to know exactly how many and how long your wood pieces need to be (as well as the best type of wood to use) and what kind of nails or nuts and bolts are best for the Dory.  You may go with a basic wooden Dory or you may decide to look into one of the various styles available including an Alaskan, Canadian, Chinook, Eureka, Juneau, Kodiak, Labrador, Lone Star, and Tortuga among many others.

Many of these boats have sailing options if you do not want to create a rowboat.  For instance, you may build a 16-inch Nova Scotian with a sail rig.  Even though you will be using modern materials and building methods, you will maintain the classic lines that make this design a great sea keeping boat with exceptional row-ability qualities.  You may also decide to choose a boat that does not require too many complicated methods for building.  In this case, something like the Glousterman may be the right choice for you as it is built with a stitch and glue construction method and does not require forms and jigs.  Such a boat is ideal if you are a novice boat builder.

In fact, most Dory plans are ideal for those who are interested in boat building but probably lack the experience.  It is possible to find free plans online, but more than likely you will pay for many plans.  You may also find various online communities that feature videos on boat building to help get you started in your endeavor.  In any case, you should find something to help.

Boat Building with Dory Plans is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/dory-plans/feed 0 Houseboat Plans for Anyone http://boatplanscentral.com/houseboat-plans http://boatplanscentral.com/houseboat-plans#comments Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:28:34 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=379 Houseboat Plans for Anyone is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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When considering a houseboat, there are many options out there; one such option, for those who are handy or want to learn to be, is to build your own houseboat.  Houseboat plans allow freedom in design, material, and personalization.  If the thought of how proud you might be of your purchased floating home appeals to you, imagine the thought of life on the houseboat you constructed.  Such an accomplishment is one dreams are made of.

Another advantage of building your own boat is financial.  The costs of planning and building on one’s own are far more economical than those associated with buying new or customizing.  When you build your boat, you will get precisely what you desire and nothing else.  Plans of different styles abound and can be low cost and in some cases even free.  For those that are not completely comfortable undertaking such a large building project from scratch, there are kits that supply the materials and directions needed to help the less expert builder along the way.

For those who have more know how, there are plans available for any size or style desired.  Of course, any plan can be customized and those special features that are different for each seafarer can be customized as well.  The cost involved in houseboat plans is customizable as well.  For example, the cost of installing cherry cabinets in the galley is far less when you are doing the planning and labor than when you choose to bring in professionals to do the job for you.

One thing to look for in a plan is efficient use of space, which is always important in a smaller living area like a boat.  It is also important to remember to use quality materials.  Some of the money you are saving by building the boat yourself can be used to procure premium quality materials for your boat.  The fact that you are doing the building yourself does not make it any less of an investment and it should be built and treated as such.

Houseboat plans are out there for anyone who is interested in building their own boat, to their own specifications.  There is no reason, for those who are curious and able to build, not to look into planning and building their boat.  For a personalized, unique home on the water that is equipped with everything your heart desires, building your own may very well be the way to go.

Houseboat Plans for Anyone is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/houseboat-plans/feed 0 Using Dinghy Plans When Building Your Own Dinghy http://boatplanscentral.com/dinghy-plans http://boatplanscentral.com/dinghy-plans#comments Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:02:57 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=373 Using Dinghy Plans When Building Your Own Dinghy is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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A person can feel like the king or queen of the ocean or maybe just a lake, by sailing in his or her own handmade dinghy.  The first step is to get some dinghy plans.  Most dinghies are easy to follow and it is a great project for teenagers or younger children working with their mother and/or father.  The whole family can take some part in building the dinghy and come up with a name for the little boat.  Most dinghies cannot hold an entire family, but people can take turns or build a fleet.  Maybe different families can get together, build, and then race.  People can get a lot of exercise paddling the little boats.

A dinghy is basically a small boat and also called a mini dory.  Some plans involve two sheets of plywood and build a boat that can hold up to three hundred pounds.  There are free designs on the Internet or you can buy them on EBay or other web sites.  The basic design starts with cutting out patterns of wood and laying them out correctly.  It really helps to have many clamps and glue to hold everything in place until it is finished.  The tricky part is steaming the stingers.  For stingers are one by two pieces of wood that need to be carefully bent long ways across the bottom of the boat.  Wood is hard to bend without it splitting, so people often think they have to stop right there, but there is hope even for the amateur.  You can make your own miniature steamer using a four-inch PVC pipe that is eight feet long.  A stringer will fit in this pipe and with a hand made tin foil pipe, camp stove, and a teakettle you have a steamer.  A person might want to put fiberglass on the wood.  Note; this is not the kind of fiberglass used to insulate a house, which would absorb water and likely sink the boat.

Not all plans involve needing a steamer.  Some times all you have to do is order a kit and follow the plans.  That would probably the best for a beginner.  The hardest part of most building most things is figuring out exactly what you need and getting all the pieces cut just right.  If you have the supplies, precut pieces, and good plans, it can be almost as simple as putting LEGOs together.  Only you cannot just press the pieces together and expect them to stay.  Not many kits include the lumber, but the kits are planned for people who have no idea how to build a boat.

Even experienced builders need a plan.  Everybody needs a plan; even Noah had plans for building the ark.  Having detailed plans can save a lot of money in wasted materials, and a lot of one of our most precious resources – time.

Using Dinghy Plans When Building Your Own Dinghy is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/dinghy-plans/feed 0 Florida Mullet Skiffs | Glue and Stitch Boats | Sea Kayaks http://boatplanscentral.com/florida-mullet-skiffs-glue-and-stitch-boats-sea-kayaks http://boatplanscentral.com/florida-mullet-skiffs-glue-and-stitch-boats-sea-kayaks#comments Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:08:16 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=335 Florida Mullet Skiffs | Glue and Stitch Boats | Sea Kayaks is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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Florida Mullet Skiffs

Developed in the early Twentieth Century, Mullet Skiffs were originally developed to be used for Florida Mullet Fisheries.  One of their best features was their ability to operate in shoal water while carrying a load.  Designed to be powered by recently-introduced, early gas engines, these boats’ motors did not provide sufficient power and users had to eventually row their way back home.

Using a dory-style hull, Mullet Skiffs were popular boats; due to their rugged design and easy construction process.  Different from other dories, Mullet Skiffs had a vee entry and a rounded stern.  Stable and very capable boats to use in rough seas, these boats were operated using minimal power.  During America’s Prohibition Period, Mullet Skiffs, modified for speed, were used as rum-running boats between the Bahamas, Cuba, and the States.  Able to outrun law enforcement, these boats were popular liquor-smuggling vessels.

Glue and Stitch Boats

A popular type of boat, the glue and stitch boats received their names because of their glue-and-stitch construction methods.  Boats in this category include bateaus, prams, and small skiffs.  Also included in this category is the Glousterman Rowing Dory; which can also be classified as Grand Banks Dory.  All of these boats are classified as being very lightweight, simple-to-use, and have very sturdy hulls.

Exploring Sea Kayaks

A fun sport growing in popularity, sea kayaking can be accomplished by creating your own boat.  Glue and ultra light stitch kayaks are quick and easy to construct.  Both styles of kayaks, covered or open deck styles, are designed to assist users with a wide range of outdoor sports and activities; year-round.

Florida Mullet Skiffs | Glue and Stitch Boats | Sea Kayaks is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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]]> http://boatplanscentral.com/florida-mullet-skiffs-glue-and-stitch-boats-sea-kayaks/feed 0 Northwestern Pacific Power Dories | Center Console Boats http://boatplanscentral.com/northwestern-pacific-power-dories-center-console-boats http://boatplanscentral.com/northwestern-pacific-power-dories-center-console-boats#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:10:43 +0000 Greg http://boatplanscentral.com/?p=330 Northwestern Pacific Power Dories | Center Console Boats is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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Northwestern Pacific Power Dories

Popular in the Pacific Northwest, the Pacific Power Dory has long-been a popular choice with boaters.  Because the Pacific Coast has experienced some of the choppiest water, these rugged, durable boats have long proven themselves as dependable, and are a popular choice with commercial and sport fishermen.  A great benefit, because of their durability, Pacific Power Dories can be operated in just about any type of weather.

Different from other types of dories, the wide transoms and small rocker in stern areas allow Pacific Power Dories to be put in a class of their own.  These dories are the best type of dory to use as a power boat, as they are able to approach a plane with greater ease than other models of dories.  This is because the boats are able to accommodate larger engines.  Ideal for fishermen, desiring to fish in both good and bad weather conditions, Pacific Power Dories are excellent boat choices, no matter where you live.

Center Console Boats Featuring Vee Bottoms

As more and more people desire Center Console Boats that are faster, they are looking to take advantage of these great fishing vessels that have relatively few, if any, on-deck obstructions.  This allows better on-boat fishing conditions, as passengers are not tripping over the boat’s frame and hardware.

Popular in King Mackerel fishing events, Center Console Boats can appreciate the fast speed these boats are able to obtain.  More of a racing engine disguised as a boat hull, the boat’s 250 hp outboard motors are mounted on extremely-light, 30 ft composite hulls; ensuring every last bit of speed is able to be successfully achieved.

Northwestern Pacific Power Dories | Center Console Boats is a post from: Boat Plans Central

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