Boat Plans Online - How to Choose?
I'm sure there are many boat plans online available for download.
We're never going to have any shortage of anything downloadable these days.
But to get the most out of boat plans available online, you have to make sure if the boat plans you are buying is the most suitable plan for you.
But then, how would you know? Excellent question, I would say.
I would strongly suggest that you raise some pointed questions to determine if the boat plan is right for you.
Some of the question you might ask yourself beforehand are: * How much are you willing to spend to build your boat? Of course, you yourself has an idea how much you can actually expend.
But try having a definite amount as this would help you plan things like the size and the materials for your boat.
* What type of boat are you planning to build? What specific size of the boat do you want? To answer this, you have to have a clear cut idea on the purpose of the boat.
Are you going to use it on marshes or shallow waters? Or perhaps open seas? Will you be outfitting it for a motor or will it be used for sailing or rowing? These questions will determine the type of boat you are going to build as well as its outfitting.
* What materials do you wish to build your boat with? I would strongly suggest to a first time boat builder to use wood.
Marine plywood specifically as it is easier to handle and definitely one of the cheapest materials to use.
However, if you have some background on welding and money is not an issue, aluminum boats are also an option.
Fiberglass is also one of the best materials around though it is not as readily available and costlier than wood.
* What is the level of your skills? There are many boat plans online that promises an easy job even for first time boat builder.
And I do admit that there is such a thing.
A basic skill in woodworking should be able to do the job especially if it is a stitch and glue type of boat plans.
However, don't get too carried away with such promises.
Not all boat plans online are created equal.
You have to do due diligence.
You have to see to it that the plan offers you a step-by-step instruction as well as images to make it easier to follow.
We're never going to have any shortage of anything downloadable these days.
But to get the most out of boat plans available online, you have to make sure if the boat plans you are buying is the most suitable plan for you.
But then, how would you know? Excellent question, I would say.
I would strongly suggest that you raise some pointed questions to determine if the boat plan is right for you.
Some of the question you might ask yourself beforehand are: * How much are you willing to spend to build your boat? Of course, you yourself has an idea how much you can actually expend.
But try having a definite amount as this would help you plan things like the size and the materials for your boat.
* What type of boat are you planning to build? What specific size of the boat do you want? To answer this, you have to have a clear cut idea on the purpose of the boat.
Are you going to use it on marshes or shallow waters? Or perhaps open seas? Will you be outfitting it for a motor or will it be used for sailing or rowing? These questions will determine the type of boat you are going to build as well as its outfitting.
* What materials do you wish to build your boat with? I would strongly suggest to a first time boat builder to use wood.
Marine plywood specifically as it is easier to handle and definitely one of the cheapest materials to use.
However, if you have some background on welding and money is not an issue, aluminum boats are also an option.
Fiberglass is also one of the best materials around though it is not as readily available and costlier than wood.
* What is the level of your skills? There are many boat plans online that promises an easy job even for first time boat builder.
And I do admit that there is such a thing.
A basic skill in woodworking should be able to do the job especially if it is a stitch and glue type of boat plans.
However, don't get too carried away with such promises.
Not all boat plans online are created equal.
You have to do due diligence.
You have to see to it that the plan offers you a step-by-step instruction as well as images to make it easier to follow.
