Building Methods/Obtaining materials

[sean27]

OK guys, here is a beginner type question.

I would like to build a small daysailer, maybe something around 14'-16', but I would like to be able to purchase the wood locally (Knoxville, TN) so I can pick up material as I need it. As far as I know, high quality plywood such as 1088 Okoume or 1088/6566 Meranti is not available anywhere close. I know I can mail order but shipping cost is prohibitive, especially for small quantities.


Given that plywood is not available locally, I am thinking building something in strip/sheathed might be better for a beginner compared to other methods like carvel.

What do you guys think? Any other building options or maybe you know of a source for plywood close to Knoxville, TN?

[Gib Etheridge]

Stripping and sheathing is a lot more work, and it just may be that the cost of all of that cloth and epoxy will exceed the cost of shipping plywood.

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

Stripper canoes and kayaks are said to require three times more building time than Stitch and Glue items. And your talking about something a lot bigger and more complex.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

I often drive a couple of hours to pick up materials not available in my small town, and plywood is one of those items. I just make a list of things I need and pick them up all at once. I always have a 1/2 sheet of various thicknesses kicking around... but inevitably it isn't the right size.

Make a nice road trip out of your material grab.

[Dannybb55]

If you want some building / sailing experience then get Dynamite Payson's book on instant boats and use yellow pine, 1/4 inch s.y.p. plywood from a big box store and galvanized nails or screws and put something together for a hundred bucks or so. Take it out to one of your TVA lakes and give her a spin. Then you will know if you are hooked.
Have fun.
Danny

[David G]

A quick Google turns up the following mentions: Overtons's? Jefferie's Woodworks? Actually... any good quality lumberyard catering to the professional builder (not the big box stores) should have access to marine plywood, or MDO... and can order it in for you. Usually no special shipping charges.

[Dannybb55]

True, But a first time builder can make some wrong cuts or misread the plans. Cheap mistakes are not as expensive as 50 bucks a sheet mistakes. Or with some of our ply 400 bucks per. If a cheap boat lasts a year and hooks the builder then it is money well spent. It's nice to have one in the water while the Real boat is in the shed.
Danny

[r3tic]

Check for sign makers in your area. If they do wooden signs for exterior use, often they use 1088 ply.