Things You'll Need:
- Pen
- Drafting paper
- Drill
- Saw
- Nails
- Plans
- Plywood
- Wood
- Glue
- Fiberglass tape
- Ruler
- Other tools
- Motor
- Gas
- Sandpaper
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Step 1
Choose the style of motor boat you want to build. Row boats, Jon boats, motor cruisers, and many other styles can be propelled with a small outboard engine. Two- and three-person boats make for good first-time projects, but you can build a bigger boat if you wish.
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Step 2
Decide on a method you want to use to build your boat. The stitch-and-glue method is by far the easiest method, but there are several other approaches to boat building (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Clear out a work room. An average garage is a great space in which to build a boat. If you have no space, you can build outside, but it will make it harder to make accurate measurements and will expose your unfinished boat to the elements.
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Step 4
Trace the plans onto plywood boards, and cut out your parts as accurately as possible. Sand any rough edges.
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Step 5
Put the boat together. If you are making a stitch-and-glue boat, drill regularly spaced holes near the edges of the pieces you are joining. Stitch the two pieces together by twisting wire between them. Once they are stitched up, join the pieces together with fiberglass tape. Finally, reinforce the join with epoxy.
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Step 6
Paint your motor boat. A coat of paint will prevent water damage and make your boat look spiffy.
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Step 7
Mount the motor. Make sure the transom is solid and stable before you bolt it on.
