Should I build a boat?

The question has been asked of me from time to time. The fact that the person is asking it instead of plunging straight in and doing it is interesting in its own right. So what are the conditions that tell you "No I shouldn't be doing this"?

Do you have the time? Starting a boat building project and never finishing is the number one cause of failure in the undertaking. A boat needs to be built fast so as not to become a chore instead of staying a pleasure (yes even sanding). The sure sign that you didn't go fast enough is when you put off going to the workshop to do something else instead. Fast does mean different things to different people. We all have different notions of time scale so your fast will most probably not be mine. Are others around you able to let you have the time you need? This is all about building boats not breaking marriages or kids hearts because "Daddy isn't here, he is with his boat".

Are you organised and meticulous? Can you step back from your work and say "Stop! Time to clean up the workshop before moving on". You also need to know how to stop step back get out the building instructions and the checklist to see if you are applying the correct methology. Work clean, organise each task before undertaking it. Check that you have the materials and tools required to complete the task on hand. This is written by someome who has run out of gloves Saturday evening when the shops just closed.

Do you have the space? Is your building site within a reasonable distance from your home so that you don't spend more time commuting than building? This is my number one personal problem living in the inner city. My canoe was traced on to the wood on the living room floor. Cut out in the courtyard behind the house (big enough for a barbecue, table and a couple of chairs). Transported to a friends garage in the back of the Smart. This garage was about 10 minutes from the house on foot so perfect distance for just ducking out after diner to see if the afternoons epoxy had cured correctly. And the garage was big enough to be able to move around the hull during the construction. My next project is bigger and I don't have a clue where I will find the space to build it...

Lastly do you have the money? I managed to build my last boat because the CFO said "Just do it!" The plans had been in the corner of the living room for a year and were unrolled on the floor from time to time. A cardboard model was doing permanent service as reading glasses holder on top of the computer. The wood was bought and cut and behind the couch for a while after the green light had been given. Then a client paid me and the epoxy and glass were there and, well, we just did it. But the cash could have been used for other things at the time. Don't under estimate the cost of the "little things" like gloves and brushes! In my case they cost much more than the wood used for the hull!

I have said nothing about health. If you have allergies, a bad back or other problems that could get worse with contact of wood, chemicals, lifting... Don't do it! Or... Do it but as a partnership with someone who can do the things you can't. Boat building should never be similar to cross bearing. A little sweat and self sacrifice is OK but don't hurt yourself building something that is to be a pleasure to use. Speaking of hurt, building a boat is a moderately dangerous activity (sharp tools, chemicals), ALWAYS follow instructions and wear adequte protection. Especially eye protection. Sunset on the water is always better when you can see it. Watch over your little helpers! Building with your kids is great especially the moment when they see the heap of wood from behind the couch become a hull.

Some people just have to do it despite not having any let alone all of the above factors playing in their favor. These are the heros of boat building. Bow low before them when they succeed. Building a boat is not particularly difficult using some of the more recent techniques. It is fun (well maybe not all of the sanding) and the result is there for the pleasure of family and friends for years to come. "Just do it" she said to me =:-D

If you still aren't sure, ask those who have done it. Join in the discussion on the forums - there is always a helpfull advisor on ABB!

Tony Grant
Nantes, France - November 3rd 2005