Re: thought about building my own boat?
My first boat was home-built when I was 18. It was the most rewarding challenge of my life and I'm a better boatman because of it.
Back then, there were several ways to do it. You could buy a set of full size plans and build from scratch with wood you got from the lumber yard. Secondly, they sold frame kits with all oak parts pre-cut. It came with the plans for the other parts. Finally, they sold full "kits" that came with all of the precut parts, screws, glue, paint, varnish, etc.
Not a task for the faint of heart. First of all, you need a dedicated building or garage to work in. You need a solid (and flat) concrete floor and a roof to keep out the elements. I wouldn't try doing it under a popup tent unless I lived in FL. Most of all, you ned a LOT of people to help at times. For example, laying in 18' long plywood bottom panels requires they be steamed. It took us 4 people to hold and screw the panels in, while 2 Grandmas ran back and forth to the stoves with kettles of hot water.
You should also plan on keeping the boat for life....LOL. Nobody wants a new wooden boat these days, so you'll never be able to sell it, and if you do, you won't recoup even half the money you spent.
As an alternate to wood, you could go ferro cement. But that's more geared to larger cruisers and sailboats. May need a bit more expertise, but they come out much more durable. Not many people around to get advice from though. Fiberglass is possible too, but you end up with a wood infrastructure anyway and that'll cost a bundle.
Glen-L is a good starting point. Also, Google Clark Craft.
