Re: Can You Build a Fiberglass Hull From Scratch
DonS just gave you a great site. once you are through browsing the plans, there is a TON of information there for the builder, also some very well written books on the subject. I don't have the site available, but if you google Bruce Roberts i'm sure it will turn up. He is a world renowned designer of larger yachts, I think the smallest thing he has is about 28 feet and they go up to well over 100feet.
As for the feasability of developing a mold.......
for a single boat, it just aint worth it. It is a very very expensive process and unless you intend to use it to build many many boats it is a waste.
building a one-off hull using a foam or plywood core fully encased in fiberglass can result in a boat that is both lighter and stronger than a comparable mass produced boat. It just takes alot more man hours to complete.
My wife and I are tossing around several plans from different designers right now. We know we want something classic, it must have a cabin, it must be trailerable. We still have many other decisions to make - cuddy, enclosed salon, single helm, flying bridge, displacement or planing hull, the list goes on....
If you are serious about this, get a plan set for something small like a canoe or kayak and see of you have the patience or even the desire to build a larger craft.
COST??? It really all depends on materials and finish.
One of the boats we are considering is a modified "downeast cruiser" We estimated the completed hull to cost $15-20000, another 25k in running gear(diesel), plus another 8-10k to fit out puts us at 48-55K ready to party. it should easily survey for 2-3 times that amount but we will have a solid 4-5 years worth of sweat equity in it. This same boat could be built for $15-20,000 less, with gas power, Little if any teak, no mahigony in the cabin, or on deck, etc.....However, the final value would suffer greatly to the point that it would probably be worth little more than the material cost.
Get clickin' and start dreamin'
