| If you want to build a boat from wood the first thing to consider are the various construction methods | ![]() |
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Next consider where you are going
to do the building. If you are planning to build a boat inyour back
yard,
There
are still a few
boat yards were self builders can rent enough hard standing to build a
boat but
they are becoming rare. These days it is a sad fact that most yards and
marinas
prefer shiny white plastic.
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Wherever
you plan to build make sure you don’t fall
foul of the dreaded insurance wallahs and the health and safety
bureaucrats.If you are looking for a Wooden Boat or Boat Bits or you have any Boats or Bits to sell. Visit The Exchange. |
Carvel
Plankingis
the traditional
method where planks are affixed edge to edge on to an underlying
framework.|
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Lapstrake/Clinker
is the method of wooden
boat building where
the planks overlap rather than butting each other.
While an underlying back bone is needed, the framing can be done after the planking and ribbands may not be needed.
The planks are fastened with rivets, clench nailsor glue where they overlap, resulting in a hull of considerable strength.
The tight fit between planks is traditionally sufficient to keep it watertight however, sealants and even glue can be used to build a boat.
Plywood is increasingly being used to create beautifully strong lapstrake hulls.
The usual method is to use epoxy to bond the plywood planks.
This can result in a superb low maintenance wooden boat.
Repairs are not as simple as on carvel hulls due to the planks overlapping and because the fit of the planks is more critical.
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Strip Planking is basically carvel but using narrow strips of wood instead of planks.
Nowadays the strips
are normally glued together with
epoxy,
though they can be
nailed.
The backbone and frames can be built up from laminations with inner and outer stems to simplify construction.
The strips are usually bought ready machined with a concave grove on the top and convex on the bottom or with a tongue and groove.
Not easy to repair due to the strips being fastened together.
New patches may have to be scarfed into or laminated on to the existing boat hull.
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For more information go to the DIY Wood Boat Index, |
Fortunately, I decided to try a small version first, that was when I discovered that I was allergic to extended exposure to epoxies.
I did persevere and build the dinghy because I had bought the materials.
She turned out extremely well but if I had plunged straight into that larger project I would have had problems.
There are a multitude of designs and plans available for stitch and glue building.
Everything from simple pram dinghies to sea going cruisers have been successfully built this way.
The advantage for the home builder is that lofting, setting up and framing are minimal, making them much faster and easier to build.
It is always best to use good quality marine grade plywood and it does need to be properly sealed with epoxy.
It is normal for these boats to be sheathed with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin.
Plywood repairs are relatively easy. Damaged areas can be cut back and new plywood scarfed in using epoxy.
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For more information go to the DIY Wood Boat Index. |
Cold molding is
fairly uncommon way to
build a boat theses days.
Basically it is a method
where a minimum of
two layers of thin plywood or veneer are laminated on top of each
other.
The layers running in
different directions
usually at 45 degrees to each other, the most common being double
diagonal.
This does produce a
strong monoque boat
structure.
However this method does
require an
underlying structure on which to lay the strips.
The usual method is to
construct a mold first
or lay the strips on a strip planked former.
The extra work involved
in making the mold
makes it an unattractive self build option.
Repairs are not easy.
More
information on how to
build a boat and Wooden Boat Building construction methods coming soon.
in the
meanwhile I hope you found How to Build a Boat useful.