Handy Billy - how hard

[sbsbw]

This forum always seems to be where I ask (stupid and retorical) questions about my sainity, and willingness to go out on limbs to try and build my first boat.

So here goes again,

I like Handy Billy skiff plans by Harry Brian. Now it doesn't look like it would be that hard to build, but...

Keep in mind that I have no major building experiance, but plenty of wood working and building experiance. and plenty of abilty to problemslolve.

Does anybody have any experince with this boat?

comments, suggestions, ect...

SBSBW

[rbgarr]

Have you done a search of past posts re Handy Billy? I know for a fact that forum members have built them and asked questions here.

[sbsbw]

'course not.
far too easy
i'll try a search

[Kermit]

You could try sending an e-mail to Pat Mahon at the Northwest School For Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Townsend. They have built both the 18 and the 21. I was in on the 18.

Although Bryan has it built batten-seam, we built the bottom that way but planked the sides lapstrake. It was a nifty looking craft with the lap lines showing off the hull nicely. I think that was a by-product, though, of getting varied student experience into one boat.

If you think this boat is simple for a first-timer, think again. It might be for you--I don't know your skill level. Those planks are on the tough side up forward. Steaming was absolutely necessary. Some of the battens too. Tough twists in some of those sticks.

Don't let me talk you out of trying this project--it's your decision. With my experience building one behind me, I'm glad it wasn't my first hull, and also glad to have had Pat's support.

[JimConlin]

I know nothing about the construction of this boat, but questions lkike this are asked here often. The standard answer of "Build a dinghy first." is generally good advice. Learn if boatbuilding is or isn't for you with lesser risk of a bad outcome. And, you'll have a dinghy, which everyone needs.

[johnwill]

When I bought my 18' Handy Billy plans from Harry, he suggested I try plywood, 1/2" topside, double diagonal 1/4" bottom. I had built only one other boat, glued lapstrake 13' peapod. The Handy Billy hull is complete now, not difficult at all. Made a few mistakes, fixed them ok, and the boat looks great. It is now painted and turned. I've finished building the engine box and am ready start on deck framing, engine installation, etc. Go for it!

[ 11-24-2004, 05:33 AM: Message edited by: johnwill ]