Everything seems to go "retro". Building an antique wood boat from plans is certainly no different. But before you rush out and buy your marine wood and epoxy, there are a few things you truly must consider, particularly if this is your first attempt at building a small wood boat.
I say "small" because if this is your first attempt, you might desire to attempt something small, similar to a model wood boat. With inexperience comes blunders and mishaps. When you're going to the expense of constructing a classic wood boat, blunders might be expensive, particularly in the event you do not understand how to correct them. Furthermore, you do not want to take your boat out for its first launch and realize it does not float. This isn't to say that every newbie wood boat builder can not do it, nevertheless it does call for some knowledge of carpentry, adhesives, and boat constructing along with the ability to read the plans.
So let's say you are taking on this task, and the end result that's desired is a boat that you could actually use on a waterway. The very 1st thing to think about is the purpose of one's wood boat. Is it for cruising, speeding, fishing, rowing or canoeing? When you've established that you can begin to look at wood boat plans for the type of boat you've selected.
When you're looking at these boat building plans consider the space you have in which you're going to build your "antique" wood boat. Clearly the space in which you have to build it is going to limit the dimensions of boat you decide on. This may seem amusing, but do not forget about getting the boat out from the building. It is less difficult to carry planks of wood through a doorway than a fully built wooden boat.
You will find some quite wonderful, genuinely vintage, wood boat building plans available on the net. They may be the original plans from the 50's, obviously replicated for you to buy, however they otherwise look the identical and have the same instructions.
Whenever you have made a decision which plans you like, if you have not already, plan a budget. It is said, in humor, that a wood boat creates a hole within the water in which you toss your money. In the event you think that it will be more affordable to build your dream vintage wood boat, you could possibly be in for a shock. Your decision to build a boat is a labor of love and not an economical option. That being said, the type of materials you use can change your budget. Keep in mind that low-grade marine wood isn't a good idea for most construction.
Consider within your budget how you may power your boat. If it is a simple canoe or row boat, you're in luck, if it is a motor powered boat you'll add to the total cost. Unless of course you're fortunate enough to reside in a house having a dock, you are going to also need to trailer your vessel to and from the water, yet one more unavoidable expense.
Figure out if you will be fiber glassing your boat as well. Is there something that's entirely out of your capability to do and will require you to employ some help, for example the electrical work? If so, include those fees.
It is completely possible to build a wood boat oneself, but perhaps it is worth looking into buying a vintage wood boat. Available are boats in Idaho that have been inspected, gone over with a fine-toothed comb and are ready for your summer enjoyment. A lot of dealers will even look for the boat you would like. You could possibly find that a particular manufacturer produced a wooden boat that's exactly what you're looking for and at a price that is certainly well within your building budget.
For more information about owning a classic wooden boat, contact our Sales Center @ 866.525.3232 or via email pauln@hagadonemarine.com. For restoration services contact the Resort Boat Shop @ 208-667-5099 or via email eobrien@hagadonemarine.com. You can also visit us on the web @ www(dot)hagadonemarine(dot)com
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