Build a Boat from Scratch

Yes, that’s quite easy to do isn’t it?  What does it mean to build a boat from scratch?  Simple, it means to get a boat built right from the choosing of material and tools.

Well once you have made up your mind to build a boat, nothing is going to stop you.  So go ahead, get a few dollars into your account and start shopping around for the best plywood, since plywood boats are advisable for beginners who are eager to learn to build boats, especially from scratch.

How would you choose the right type of wood?  You could choose wood of fir or spruce tree, though marine grade plywood is best suited but a bit more expensive.  When selecting wood you should check that it has less no. of knots. You could choose standard lumber yard sizes so you need not re-saw the wood.  For decorating and trimming you could use the expensive marine grade plywood.

Next are the tools to look for.  You will need a hand saw, a 3/8 drill, 16ft. steel measuring tape, three sided scale, hammer, screw drivers, carpenters’ square, ½ inch drill bits, pliers, wire cutters, low angle block plane, epoxy glue for fastening and at least three to four 3” C clamps. 

The next step is to start building.  To do this you need to make the necessary marking on the plywood according to the specifications you have with you.  Cut out the pieces not exactly on the line but a bit more with the saw that you have.  Then trim the pieces to match the right size using a small hand planer. 

Use the glue and the nails you have on hand and put the pieces together following the specifications on paper carefully to form the bulkheads.

Then you need to fix the side panels around the bulkheads.  You need to do this with a temporary screw nail process to check the alignment.  If everything is in place and accurate then you could use the glue and nails to fasten it together.

Finally after nailing and gluing the plywood over the bottom of the hull, turn the boat upside down and add the deck, hatch, house etc. according to your taste and the available specification on hand.

Now your boat is almost complete, the final touch is to paint it a beautiful bright color that would add beauty to the boat.  Choose paint colors that are attractive and your boat could be spotted even from a distance when you are boating.  It is not only attractive it is also safe, so when you need help you could be spotted easily.

Have a look at your wondrous work, admire it, then go boating and enjoy with your family.