How to Build Your Own Wooden Boat

Building model boats allows you to unleash your imagination and improve your craftsmanship. There are various methods and materials to choose from: scrap wood, logs, sticks. You should first decide what type of boat you'd like to build. As a beginner, you should start with a simple model. Then you'll need a plan or a pre-fabricated building kit. You can find one online or buy it from a hobby shop. A good plan includes materials and measurements. Consider the easiest technique -- the so-called "stitch and glue method."

Things You'll Need

• Pre-fabricated building kit
• Epoxy
• Fiberglass tape
• Copper wire
• Wire cutter
• Fiberglass cloth
• Cockpit
• C-clamps
• Sandpaper
• Brushes
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Assemble two plywood sheets, included in the kit, to make scarf joints. A scarf joint is a method of joining two sheets end to end. Glue them together with epoxy.

2. Glue side stringers (straight wooden plates provided in the kit) to the panels with epoxy.

3. Fasten the bottom panels to the side panels provided in the kit with copper wire.

4. Stitch the side panels with copper wire at the bow and stern and insert a stick in between them.

5. Stitch the bottom panels to the side panels with copper wire.

6. Join the hull seams with epoxy. Allow the epoxy to dry. Strengthen the joints with fiberglass tape.

7. Apply epoxy to the boat's interior -- use it on every joint. When dried, remove the copper wire.

8. Band a fiberglass cloth to the boat's exterior. Attach it to the hull with epoxy.

9. Fasten the deck panels to the side panels by applying epoxy to the deck's bottom.

10. Fasten the deck down with bronze ring nails provided in the kit while the epoxy dries

11. Attach the cockpit to the deck with C-clamps and epoxy.

12. Finish the deck. Sand it and apply fiberglass cloth (provided in the kit) to the boat's exterior. Glue the cloth to the hull with epoxy.

13. Apply three layers of varnish to the boat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to paint your boat, apply it after sanding and before varnishing.

• Most pre-fabricated wood boat-building kits include marine plywood. Once you've mastered the stitch and glue technique, you may wish to try other plywood types. Hardwood. such as oak, is good for the keel and frames while softwood, such as pine, cedar, mahogany. may be used for planking.

References

• How To Build a Boat: Boats & Sailing
• Mother Earth News: Build a Wooden Boat
• The Wooden Boat School: Traditional Lapstrake Construction
• 20-20 Site: Build a Fishing Boat

Resources

• DIYFiles : A Simple Boat