Boat Plans- Building a Craft Using Boat Plans

There are a number of good sources for boat plans that can be found on line or by visiting boating and marine accessory outlets. Whether one is building a boat for the lake or the ocean, the first consideration would be that the plans are dimensioned in standard or metric calculations. You’ll save a lot of time by working with a familiar system, since there are literally hundreds of critical dimensions throughout a set of boat plans.

Once the plans have been obtained the next step is to become completely familiar with the design and the assembly systems that are shown in the drawings and described within the notes. Understanding the principle behind the configuration of a particular piece, how it relates to the performance of the craft and the way pieces are attached to one another is essential during the construction.

An effective way to break down the plans is by re-drawing them in a notebook and making your own plan reference notes for each step. As you do this, write down your ideas on how certain things may be accomplished, and which tools might be best suited for that task. You’ll find that this notebook will become the guide for building the boat, and the plans will be a back up to verify dimensions.

Once you have become relatively familiar with the plans, a materials list for the hull can be generated. This list will most likely include the hardware that will attach the decking, a mast, a cabin or engine mounts, since this is usually considered phase one of any boat building endeavor. Portioning the assembly into three or four phases will simplify the construction and allow the builder to concentrate on one aspect at a time. In addition, stored materials can be affected by weather, so scheduling deliveries in phases will ensure the materials are consistent and easy to access.

The final step in pre-construction is securing a location where the building will take place. The ideal scenario would be a fully outfitted shop that’s near the water where the boat will be launched. However, any orderly and spacious area with secure storage for tools and materials, as well as electrical power and a fresh water source will serve the purposes. Again, the tools required will depend on the extent of the designed plans and assemblies.

A lot of the work can be done with basic hand tools, a sturdy workbench, a vice and pipe clamps. If larger shop equipment such as a lathe or drill press is necessary, you may consider sending pieces out for fabrication, rather than investing in a serious piece of equipment. Fortunately, once you’re in the boating environment, people seem to be extremely helpful and you'll likely form some lasting associations, as well as learn a lot about watercraft.

Enlisting the services of an apprentice is an excellent way to acquire qualified help at a reasonable cost. Many apprentices have extensive knowledge and enjoy applying their craft at any opportunity. Boats require special caulking, sealant and paint that may or may not be specified in the plans. A good apprentice will be familiar with these things. In addition, discussing the plans and the boat design with local craftsmen and builders before hand is a great way to find out who can help, and in what way, as well as determining the best sources for materials and hardware.

The boat building process begins with becoming familiar with the plans in order to be able to anticipate what might be needed for each phase of the construction. Having a suitable working area is next, and understanding which tools are used for certain assemblies may take a little research. As for the construction, a good rule is, before you cut an expensive piece of lumber, make a template from cardboard and see where you may need to make minor adjustments. Getting organized will save both time and money, and make the boat building a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Additional Sources:

• Boat Plans - download over 250 boat plan drawings
• Stitch & Glue method - common method of construction in boat building