Everything seems to go “retro”. Building an classic wood boat from plans is certainly no different. But before you rush out and buy your marine wood and epoxy, there are a few factors you truly need to contemplate, especially if this is your very first attempt at constructing a small wooden boat.
I say “small” because if this really is your very first attempt, you might want to try something small, similar to a model wooden boat. With inexperience comes mistakes and mishaps. When you’re going to the expense of building a classic wooden boat, mistakes might be pricey, particularly in the event you don’t know how to correct them. In addition, you don’t want to take your boat out for its very first launch and realize it does not float. This is not to say that every beginner wooden boat builder can’t get it done, but it does call for some understanding of carpentry, adhesives, and boat constructing as well as the ability to read the plans.
So let’s say you’re taking on this venture, and the end result that is desired is a boat which you can really use on the waterway. The very 1st factor to consider is the purpose of the wooden boat. Is it for cruising, speeding, fishing, rowing or canoeing? When you have established that you can begin to look at wooden boat plans for the type of boat you’ve selected.
When you’re looking at these boat building plans consider the space you have during which you’re going to construct your “antique” wooden boat. Clearly the space in which you have to construct it is going to restrict the dimensions of boat you decide on. This may sound amusing, but don’t forget about getting the boat out from the building. It’s less difficult to carry planks of wood through a door than a fully constructed wooden boat.
You will find some fairly wonderful, genuinely vintage, wood boat building plans available on the web. They’re the original plans from the 50’s, obviously replicated for you to buy, but they otherwise look exactly the same and have the same instructions.
Once you have determined which plans you like, if you have not already, plan a budget. It’s said, in humor, that a wooden boat produces a hole in the water in which you throw your money. In case you feel that it will likely be less costly to construct your dream vintage wooden boat, you may possibly be in for a shock. Your decision to construct a boat is a labor of love and not an economical option. That being said, the type of materials you utilize can alter your budget. Bear in mind that low-grade marine wood is not recommended for most construction.
Contemplate within your budget how you’ll power your boat. If it’s a straightforward canoe or row boat, you’re in luck, if it’s a motor driven boat you’ll add to the total cost. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a property having a dock, you’ll also need to trailer your vessel to and from the water, yet another unavoidable expense.
Establish if you will be fiber glassing your boat as well. Is there something that is entirely out of your capability to do and will require you to hire some help, like the electrical work? If so, incorporate those expenses.
It’s perfectly feasible to construct a wood boat yourself, but maybe it’s well worth looking into buying a vintage wooden boat. Available are boats in Idaho that have been inspected, gone over with a fine-toothed comb and are ready for your summer time enjoyment. Many dealers will even search for the boat you would like. You may find that a specific manufacturer made a wooden boat that is exactly what you’re looking for and at a cost that is certainly well inside 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