Hey everyone! So, I'm totally new to woodworking and the only experience I have is from making a little toy maze back in school. Honestly, I spent more time trying not to injure myself than actually learning much. Now I have this ambitious goal: I want to build a boat! I'm completely lost on where to start, what types of wood I should be using, and if there are any good plans out there. I'd really appreciate any ideas or guidance you can share!
5 Answers
I think it’s essential to find some local classes or workshops. Hands-on experience with guidance can be invaluable, especially when you’re starting out. Plus, you might meet others who share the same interest!
Building a boat is an awesome project for a newbie! Start by searching for some simple boat plans and consider making a prototype that’s about 1 to 2 feet long. It might seem small, but you’ll pick up tons of skills along the way, and it’s a great way to learn the basics before committing to a larger build.
You're in for a fun journey! A good place to kick off is by checking out books by 'Dynamite' Payson. His methods often involve cutting thin plywood to shape, stitching the pieces together with copper wire, and then applying thickened epoxy in the seams. If you're looking for specific boat types, check out the Duckworks website for a variety of plans and helpful articles. Just a heads-up, starting with a skin-on-frame style boat can be less complex since it's mostly about lashing thin wood together and applying a nylon skin. My first boat turned out to be a disaster, but my best was a simple skiff made from just two sheets of plywood. You can search for "two sheet skiff" online for more inspiration!
I say this with love, but unless you're looking to build a solid wood toy boat, you might need more experience. Boatbuilding can get pretty complex, even if the Reddit community is super enthusiastic about you diving in. But hey, you can still build a stitch-and-glue boat with just a jigsaw and a router, so there's definitely a way forward!
For wood selection, I'd recommend using high-grade plywood and maybe teak for any weather-exposed parts, with ash for trim pieces. Getting started with models before scaling up to a full-sized boat is a smart move—watching boats being built on YouTube can give you a great overview too. Some creators actually sell plans for their designs. Just remember, this is a project that could take months or even years, depending on your goals and resources. It’s ambitious, but the reward of seeing your boat come together will be totally worth it!