First time boat builder--Help! Volume 2

[Gamble825]

Thanks to all replying so quickly to my message!! Obviously a bit more information from me may help with your advise. I want a project to introduce me to boat building. My skills are novice when related to boat building. However, I can remodel a kitchen if need be (and have just done that---never again!!). So I have basic tools and skills. I don't have the vocabulary relative to boat building. So I need a project that will guide me at first (kit?). I have plenty of room for the project. I am not ready for a galley or head. We live on a lake, have a generic canoe and row boat (have resisted the power boat even with 3 kids!). Probably would like a modest project to begin. Hope this answers some of the questions and will give you enough info about me to help guide me. Again, thanks. Dan

[Tom Dugan]

Well, if it's a kit you want, try our host. Go back to http://www.woodenboat.com and enter the WoodenBoat Store and click on "Kits: Full Sized". The Nutshell Pram is a good starter boat, plus it's said to be great for kids to learn to sail in.

Look at Chesapeake Light Craft kits, too, as they have a pretty extensive line of canoes, kayaks, prams, skiffs, shells, and sharpies.
http://www.clcboats.com

Glen-L has a number of kits, too, but I have no experience with them.
http://www.glen-l.com

-T

[This message has been edited by Tom Dugan (edited 07-17-2001).]

[ken mcclure]

Lessee here. Lake. Canoe. Rowboat. 3 kids. Woodworking skills. Add a pinch of salt, turn up the heat and voila' !

The decision between a kit and doing a scratch-build has more to do with your own patience and time available than with your abilities. If you can do a kitchen, you can do a boat.

The kit can be easier and faster because everything's cut and all you do is assemble, finish and launch. If you want an introduction to boatbuilding, though, you'd get a better feel doing it from scratch. Either way, you'd have a great boat to use and take pride in.

I've been looking long and hard at John Gardner's semi-dory in his Building Classic Small Craft and The Dory Book. Big enough to cart a small family around; able to be rowed, motored or sailed; and not too difficult to build, being dory type construction. WoodenBoat store can sell you the books. For a modest investment you will get some good reading, see some classic boat styles and designs and maybe pick a project!

[RGM]

Gamble, you obviously didn't follow my recommendation on your first post regarding Flounder Bay in Anacortes. Otherwise you wouldn't have found it necessary to run another flag up the flag pole. Seriously, check out their website, drive up there, put your eyes and hands on some of their kits and be prepared to have some fun. Don't be too worried about "getting in over your head", you can get plenty of good advice right here.