Glen-L.com

Hello, name is Jason. I have to confess, I actually spent the last two years looking at and researching building airplanes, but of course no matter how much I looked I could never quite bring myself to spend the estimated 30 grand to buy a nice two seat kit plane, though I have to admit, all the research I did on the Chevy Corvair engine suggests it might actually be a pretty good boat engine, but who knows.

At any rate, the plane idea while seductive had some severe downsides. I have a 7 year old, a two year old, and of course a wife with whom I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary with. I've been wanting to do a long term project for a long time now, and I think a boat would be something I could really enjoy doing and would have the added benifit of having a much bigger upside with my family. I mean, some of the guys I used to talk with about this sort of thing always said it was better to have your family completly involved and supportive. Even with the plane idea, the idea of doing it with my own hands was incredibly appealing and so the idea of building a boat holds that same appeal. Not to mention I have a lot of fond memories with my brothers and father out on the lake when I was younger fishing or skiing. I'd like my daughters to have some of those same memories.

Which brings me here. I'm a complete rookie. I really don't have a whole lot of skills in this area, I don't know what I know OR don't know. But I do have lots of time, inclination, and a budget. I guess what I'm asking is, I'd like suggestions for a good boat to build for my first one. Something probably smallish, but something that could serve to really help me get my feet wet and learn. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew, for me..the journey is as fun as the destiantion, I'd like to build something smaller just to get educated in this world, and then something larger at some point.

Any suggestions? Something that would be classified as "easy" for someone with little to know previous knowledge? I know, a tall order. Any thoughts appreciated, and hopefully in time I'll be able to make some contributions to this forum instead of being the one always asking for help.

All the best,

Jason

Well, Your area will and should dictate your choices. The power boat style surely needs to be shallow draft from most all accounts of the coastal waters for sure. As far as San Antonio, I have not boated in that region. But there are some that hopefully will chime in later.

First off, welcome Jason. I was down in your neck of the woods just a couple of weeks ago on the Riverwalk with my wife. Beautiful city you have down there (I'm in Dallas).

Are you planning on using the boat in the local lakes (when there are water in them...as you guys have a pretty good draught going I think), or are you wanting something to trailer to the coast. Are you looking for sail or power?

Most of Glen-L's plans are plywood-on-frame or S&G. These are both very forgiving methods of construction and you can learn the skills needed along the way. I am building a 15' plywood sailboat (Minuet) as an "introduction" to boatbuilding. To be honest, I had no skills when I started either. I am an accountant and had barely used a skillsaw when I started. There are numerous statements here of people that have never built anything before and ended up with very nice boats.

Give us some more specifics on your request and I am sure many people will chime in with their opinions.

Robert

Welcome Jason.

Several people on here have built both planes and boats.

I totally agree on the family aspect of boating.

As to selection,I would stick to an outboard maybe 13-16' for the first build.

That would give you good building skills,a usable boat for the whole family,and simplicity for rigging(outboard vs inboard).

That said,lots of people have built inboards for their first project,but it takes a lot longer to complete,and a fast build always helps for the first one.

I usually say for someone that wants to build a cruising sailboat for example,build a small sailing dinghy first.

You will have a fast,ego building project,see if you like building without breaking the bank or getting bogged down,have a small boat to learn on and use quicker,and have a dinghy for use on the next,bigger boat.

Good luck and keep us posted with updates,questions,and pictures.

Warren

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Welcome Triton.Deep,

All of us have been where you are at now...and we all continue to learn more as we go along. I would suggest starting with reading Boat Building with Plywood and How to Fiberglass Boats. Both of these will help answer a lot of the initial unknowns and will likely lead you to more reading material or DVD's.

As far as the initial build...well that's a decision you'll have to make. Do you want to build something small to build your skills, something a little larger and learn as you go, jump in head first and build that dream boat? If something small is what you are thinking then take a look at the smallest boat here...the RC Model X1. It is built using the stitch & glue technique and is essentially the exact same building principal used to build larger boats. An added benefit is the kids will love playing with it.

Best of luck and keep us posted with your decision.

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I told my wife we needed a three-car garage for my projects...she told me to ask her for permission next time before I buy a house.
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I was imagining it as a boat for the lake, probably Calaveras Lake just for here and for me and my family. Maybe we could go fishing with it at times, but would like to teach my daughters to ski, probably better to think about that with the 2nd boat. Definitly a power boat, I have bad vibes when it comes to sailing for some reason.

I really like the book idea, I certainly should have started there myself. I have been doing some reading, but mostly what I can find online. Thank you all for your feedback so far. A goldmine so far.



J.

I just joined yesterday and I have had all the same thoughts about what to build. I finally ordered the plans for the 15 1/2' power skiff. Take a look at that one. Looks challenging enough for the first build and you end up with something you can put a small outboard on. Plenty of room for 3 to 4 people especially if some are kids.
Good luck.

There are many choices on this site and even more support.

Most of the decision will come down to which design accomplishes what you want to do the most. If you want to make it a family affair, 14 feet or so should be about the minimum lenghth IMHO - think Zip.

Fishing? Console Skiff is a S&G design than many have built as first boats. It really depends on what you want to do.

Any of these designs in the 14-16 feet range would be a good choice.

Good luck,

KB

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"I'm not trying to get it perfect. I'm trying to get it finished!"
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Hi Jason, I think Bulldog has the right idea, the Console Skiff is a really pretty little boat and I am sure it will do whatever you want it too. Just check on the photo gallery and you will see how some builders have customized their CS.
Good Luck.