FIRST TIME BUILDER

[bosnrick]

Retirement day has finally arrived and I'm ready to take the plunge. I've been considering building a wooden boat for some time despite my limited knowledge of and experience with boat building and wood working. So, I thought I could get some opinions on a good "first project" here.

Because of these limitations, I figure I should start small and simple. However, I am looking for a finished product that has traditional lines and a classic look about her. I want the building process to give me a foundation that I can build on with later projects. In addition, I'm looking for a sailing vessel with room for two, a daysailer or beach camper would be fine, and a main and jib in the sail plan.

Although building a boat and woodworking are new to me, going to sea is not. I hold a 1600-ton master's license with auxiliary sail endorsement, so some things are not beyond current skills and understanding, but it would probably be easiest to consider me a complete novice rather than try to fit the project to my skills. Furthermore, my wife is a complete novice when it comes to sailing and needs a good stable starter boat to learn on.

Looking forward to your opinions and suggestions.

Thanks,
BOSN Rick

[Wild Dingo]

Sure sounds like yer a candidate for Stevensons Weekends or maybe there pocket cruiser?... anyway here yer go! Stevensons website (http://www.stevproj.com/)

Yes yes theres mobs of others out there but this is the first to hit me soggy mush packet given his needs and wants :D

Welcome to the crew Rick :cool:

[Ken Hutchins]

Welcome aboard, enjoy yourself. smile.gif Can't think of a design right now, but working on it.

[On Vacation]

Considering your area, and your desires in your request, this book will give you some good reading for the longer haul, with some boats that can be done fairly simple. These are sharpies, very tradional and simple to build for the west coast of FLorida cruising water traits.

Reual Parker.
This will introduce you to a lot of the update construction methods of cold moulding of plywood and epoxy resin. Duck, yes I did, but take a look for some easy evening reading.

http://www.book.nu/0071580131

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

Bosn:

Consider what is available at:

www.headlandboats.com (http://www.headlandboats.com)

I'm tempted by the Green Island 15, very tempted. First though I need to get reaquainted with the wife and kids after my absence in the garage all winter. The "Boat Widow" she now refers to herself. Makes me think that I should name my skiff "Widow Maker" but that's a bit too dark for sunny 'ol me. :cool:

Incidentally I emailed the designer with a myriad of innane questions and he very patiently and promptly replied to each one. Sounds like their building manual is quite extensive which is great for a first timer. He also emailed me a study plan - free! My guess is he has my money as good as in the bank. Then to wait for an opportune time to spring my next boat on the family. Perhaps on the heel of a personal crisis - dog died, wrecked the car (again), etc. How could they say no? ;)

[imported_Steven Bauer]

You could start with some reading - John Gardner's books would be a good starting point. My first boat was his 14' sail and row skiff.
Steven

[Mrleft8]

Actually, You might want to get your feet wet (so to speak) on a smaller boat first. That way you can get an understanding of how these complex shapes go together in real life, before you try a larger hull..... But maybe not...

[daddles]

Welcome to the crowd Rick. :cool:
Classic lines and look? How about Iain Oughtred's designs for clinker plywood. WoodenBoat has his catalogue and it's worth buying for the drool value alone.

Cheers
Richard
tongue.gif

[bosnrick]

To all,

Thanks for the advice and input. You've given me some great starting points and plenty of additional food for thought.

Thanks for the welcome to the forum. You'll probably being seeing a lot more of me.

Fair winds,
BOSN Rick