I Did My Homework
I spent a good amount of time researching both companies and individuals on the Internet that offered small boat plans for sale. I opted to stay away from free plans, thinking you get what you pay for. Since I had never attempted anything like this before, I wanted a company that offered a lot of detail, as well as the support of fellow builders. In the end, I went with Bateau Boat Plans and have not been sorry.
While doing my research, I found that some builders will use a cheap lauan plywood, which is typically used as a floor underlayment and then encapsulate it with multiple coats of epoxy to make it waterproof. I opted for Meranti marine plywood, because I want this boat to last, be safe, and have some potential resale value, should I ever decide to sell it. Aside from being made with marine grade waterproof glue, Meranti plywood has no voids in the center layers, thereby making it stronger and less likely to fail. Cheap lauan plywood may have two smooth surfaces, but there is no guarantee what lies beneath.
I bought the Meranti from Cape Hardwoods in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Four sheets, two 6mm (1/4") and two 9 mm (3/8"), cost me $288. Add another $150 for some two part epoxy, $30 for the plans and $20 for disposable brushes and rollers, and I figure this boat will cost just under $500, excluding primer and paint, by the time it's done. (Update: I ran out of epoxy and needed to purchase another gallon - $150)
While doing my research, I found that some builders will use a cheap lauan plywood, which is typically used as a floor underlayment and then encapsulate it with multiple coats of epoxy to make it waterproof. I opted for Meranti marine plywood, because I want this boat to last, be safe, and have some potential resale value, should I ever decide to sell it. Aside from being made with marine grade waterproof glue, Meranti plywood has no voids in the center layers, thereby making it stronger and less likely to fail. Cheap lauan plywood may have two smooth surfaces, but there is no guarantee what lies beneath.
I bought the Meranti from Cape Hardwoods in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Four sheets, two 6mm (1/4") and two 9 mm (3/8"), cost me $288. Add another $150 for some two part epoxy, $30 for the plans and $20 for disposable brushes and rollers, and I figure this boat will cost just under $500, excluding primer and paint, by the time it's done. (Update: I ran out of epoxy and needed to purchase another gallon - $150)