build a boat

I have this idea for a composite boat design, with a touring kayak main hull, and two retractable outriggers that conform to the sides of the yak when not deployed. I would like to use a surfboard manufacturing method. I saw a video for a bulky ‘kayak’ design, and it was successful, but I am looking to do something a bit lighter and more streamlined. The method is just glass over carved foam. If you use the right foam, you can flush the finished project with a solvent to dissolve the foam, then tape or plug hollow chamber to lighten it up.

Seems like it would be much easier to get a boat to the desired shape from a rough design than with plank or plywood stitch & glue methods.

I tacked the blueprints to the wall in my upstairs hallway. Really, that was the only expanse of wall big enough to stretch them out and have a look, but I like to think that I did it to inspire myself. :)

I have decided on building a trimaran as my first boat, nothing special, only 20 feet, but thats okay for a first boat i think. Built in Plywood. My next one will be a little bigger and more aimed toward ocean cruising.

http://www.glen-l.com/designs/sailboat/dsn-lgal.html

I’ve always wanted to build a boat, so I’m going to. This is something small and simple. Hopefully I’ll want to do something bigger once I’ve got this one done. Probably won’t get started till winter when work slows down, though. A friend of mine is going to build one, too, so we’re going to build them side by side in my father’s barn.

I ordered and received the plans and patterns for the Glen-L Eight Ball, an 8’ sail/row/outboard dinghy. I think at first, I’ll set it up to row, just to make sure it actually floats.

I’m thinking either a cedar strip kayak/canoe or a plywood rowing/sailing dinghy. I already know how to paddle, so sailing and rowing would be something cool to learn. But at the same time, cedar strip boats can turn out to be rally really pretty.

Something that lasts and that i can take on the water, maybe to share one day with a son or daughter (preferably get it built before that!)

My list of favorite boats
1. Sampans
2. Junks (djonks)
3. Dories
4. Trimarans
5. Dhoni
and
6. Proa

I’ve started amassing milk cartons for the Milk Carton Derby on July 11th at Greenlake. Mimi & Donald have graciously allowed me to build this puppy in their garage. I’m still not 100% committed to the racing category (versus showboat), but I’m leaning that way for sake of more fun engineering. I mean, I can make it pretty anyhow, can’t I?

I have a couple different ideas, some of which might not be within the rules and some of which might just sink like rocks or rip apart when made from milk cartons instead of, er, appropriate materials. I’m going to draw some up and maybe swing by Home Depot for a little research today.

Definitely the answer!

http://www.seafair.com/events/mcd/registration.asp