Everything seems to go “retro”. Building an vintage wood boat from plans is certainly no different. But before you hurry out and buy your marine wood and epoxy, there are a few things you truly must contemplate, particularly if this is your first attempt at constructing a small wood boat.
I say “small” simply because if this is your first attempt, you may wish to try something small, like a model wood boat. With inexperience comes errors and mishaps. When you are going to the expense of building a classic wood boat, errors might be expensive, specifically in the event you do not know how to correct them. Additionally, you do not want to take your boat out for its first launch and realize it doesn’t float. This is not to say that every novice wooden boat builder can not do it, nevertheless it does require some knowledge of carpentry, adhesives, and boat constructing and also the ability to read the plans.
So let’s say you’re taking on this task, and the end result which is preferred is a boat that you can in fact use on the waterway. The very first point to consider is the purpose of one’s wooden boat. Is it for cruising, speeding, fishing, rowing or canoeing? As soon as you’ve established that you can start to look at wooden boat plans for the kind of boat you have selected.
When you are looking at these boat building plans consider the area you have during which you will construct your “antique” wood boat. Certainly the area in which you have to construct it will limit the size of boat you select. This may possibly sound amusing, but do not forget about getting the boat out of the building. It is less difficult to carry planks of wood through a doorway than a fully built wooden boat.
You can find some quite great, genuinely classic, wood boat building plans available online. They are the original plans from the 50’s, obviously replicated for you to purchase, but they otherwise look the identical and have the same instructions.
Once you have made a decision which plans you like, if you have not already, plan a budget. It’s said, in humor, that a wood boat produces a hole within the water in which you throw your money. If you feel that it will likely be less expensive to construct your dream classic wood boat, you could probably be in for a shock. Your decision to construct a boat is a labor of love and not an cost-effective choice. That being said, the kind of materials you use can alter your budget. Bear in mind that low-grade marine wood isn’t advisable for most construction.
Think about in your spending budget how you may power your boat. If it’s a straightforward canoe or row boat, you are in luck, if it’s a motor powered boat you’ll add to the total cost. Unless you are lucky enough to reside in a house with a dock, you’ll also need to trailer your vessel to and from the water, yet another unavoidable expense.
Determine if you will be fiber glassing your boat as well. Is there something which is completely out of your capability to do and will require you to hire some help, for example the electrical work? In that case, incorporate these costs.
It is perfectly feasible to construct a antique wooden boat yourself, but maybe it’s well worth looking into buying a vintage wood boat. Available are boats in Idaho that have been inspected, gone over with a fine-toothed comb and are ready for your summer season enjoyment. Many dealers will even look for the boat you would like. You may discover that a specific manufacturer produced a wooden boat which is exactly what you’re looking for and at a cost that is certainly well inside your building budget.
For more information about owning a classic wooden boat, contact our Sales Center @ 866.525.3232 or via email pauln@hagadonemarine.com. For restoration services contact the Resort Boat Shop @ 208-667-5099 or via email eobrien@hagadonemarine.com. You can also visit us on the web @ www(dot)hagadonemarine(dot)com