Glen-L.com

I just re-ordered my plans for this boat, as I just found out that my previous order cancled becasue my billing address I provided did match what the credit card company had on file. Just moved and forgot to change it. Besides that I am extrememly eager to get this project started and was originally waitng for the plans to arrive to start pricing out lumber and build materials. Hope no one laughs when I ask this, but I am wondering if anyone else is from the Chicago Area and knows of a good lumber yard that can supply the wood I need. What type of lumber and plywood should I use? Can I pick these materials up at Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards? I was assuming the plans were going to call for a specific type of wood and I was going to go from there, but now that I have more time on my hands then originally planed, I would like to get a head start and start locating lumber I need. If anyone out there can offer anything I would greatly appreciate it. Have a great day and thanks in advance.

What you use depends on how you want to use the boat and for how long....and your budget.

I used Okume marine plywood,Sappele (sometimes called African Mahogany), epoxy,and glass.

Wardy used douglas fir plywood,and some wood from Depot or lowes on his

My first boat, I just used lumberyard plywood, and pine and resorcinal glue....no epoxy or glass...it lasted for years

It also depends if you want to paint or "bright finish" (varnish)

The better woods(Okume,Sappelle) were nicer to work with and gave a better finish

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

A quick search turned up a couple places in Chicago that carry Okoume and Sapele Mahogany plywood. They should have the hardwoods you will need as well. You can also mail order from one of the many reputable sources. Check prices all around, there are often significant differences

http://www.woodworld.com/plywood.html

http://www.paxtonwood.com/ExoticPlywood.aspx

My .02 cents...If you want to build an heirloom with beautifully varnished woods go with the quality material. If you just want a cheap boat and will be painted there isnt anything wrong with using home-center lumber for a simple craft such as IMP. Just know it may not last like the marine lumber. Just depends on what your goals are and what you want and how you want to use the boat.

Keep us posted, I always liked the simplicity and looks of the IMP design, will be neat to follow your progress. I think we are getting enough midwesterners/great lakes regioners to have our own mini gathering sometime.

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"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

Hi Jwern! I live in Wilmette, and work in Lake Zurich, not far from you at all. I am a guitar builder, hoping to turn boat builder in the near future with a Key Largo, but realistically, I am probably a couple years away from starting, too much debt from home damage to get rid of first. I do, however, get a lot of excellent wood, including several different kinds of mahogany, sitka spruce, and other boat building woods at Owl Hardwood in Niles. Great bunch of guys....they can get you the hardwood for frames, but only carry the 1/4" marine grade okume, and not much of it.....not much of a need in that area. They can get what you want, but you will pay shipping. What's nice is you can go and pick your peices or tell them what you want and have them order it.. Buy it rough, or have them resaw/mill/thickness to where you want for a reasonable charge. Never been disappointed there. Good luck, and when I get closer, we'll have to trade notes!

_________________
Ken Hundley
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan

Thanks to everyone for all the great help. I think I need to start by setting a budget to determine which direction I want to go. If I can afford the more expensive lumber I am leaning that direction to make this puppy last. Thanks a lot of the lumber yard in Niles, I will definately check it out. As soon as I get the project started and materials selected I will fill you all in on progress.

Some things can be bought as you go too, so the cost can be spread out some.

Like the plywood for the transom and the framing can come before the rest of the plywood,etc.

Paint & hardware last.

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

There are a few lumber suppliers on our list:
http://www.glen-l.com/resources/lumber-suppliers.html

_________________
Gayle Brantuk
Vice President
Glen-L Marine
Visit our Blog & Create Your Own!

Just realized I posted a new topic and did not stick to this thread. I apologize in advance if this against any forum rules. I will stick to this thread as the build progresses for questions and answers and will be sure to post my pictures and progress goes. However someone could answer my question about the fiberglass/epoxy it would be appreciated. Happy boat building everyone.