Hello all,
I'm usually over on the Neanderthal forum, but often stop in here to browse as I've considered building a boat for 3-4 years now. At first I saw plans for a small plywood pram that looked like a good place for a beginner to start, then realized I would not get much use for it on the Great South Bay off Long Island's south shore.
I then read the small craft books at my library and really wanted to build a Dory from John Gardner's book, then I saw the Lumberyard Skiff from WoodenBoat magazine... Indecision and a young son kept me from committing.
Fast forward a few years and a friend and I realized we both had the same idea to build a boat, and have decided to try to do it together. We have this idea that if we spend 1-3 years of weekends and nights working on something, it should be useful in our bay - not just doing it for the sake of doing it. I'm the one with hand and power tool woodworking experience, and he has the sailing experience (plus some general carpentry/woodworking experience, and an artist's eye). In my younger days I had my Captain's License 100 ton inland, but let it lapse over 20 years ago. OK, background info done, on to the question!
We both like the layout and lines of the O'Day Mariner, a 19' fiberglass boat I'm sure many of you are familiar with, and a boat we feel is well suited to our bay. Can this boat be rendered in wood? Glen-L has some sailboats in plywood in the 17-19' range, just not sure if plywood is the best way to go.
Any and all input welcomed! I won't be offended to hear I'm crazy, as I've been married for 19 years so that's nothing new. I'm really looking for cold hard truth, age and experience, encouragement... whatever you have to offer! Many thanks in advance just for sitting through this long winded explanation.
Thanks,
Pete