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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:	SAILING
Notice:	Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:	UNIFIX::BERENS

Created:	Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:	Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2299
Total number of notes:	20724

1593.0. "Advice for first-time builder?" by PHONE::LORD () Thu Sep 06 1990 13:53

	I'm just now starting construction of my first boat, an 18' John
	(Swampscott) sailing Dory, so I was really pleased to find the 
	notes in this conference on wooden boats and on boatbuilding.

	The boat has a glued plywood lapstrake hull, which is supposed to go
	together fairly easily, so I hope to have it finished in time to 
	learn to sail on it next spring - but this depends on how warm a 
	work area I can rig up this winter.

	First of all, I'd welcome any (most?) advice (other than to give it
	up) from those of you who have been through the building process -
	anything you wish you'd done differently? The plans I've got are
	fairly detailed, but of course as soon as you start to actually
	*do* something it becomes obvious just how much detail is not
	there.

	I'd also like to know where do you get your wood? I don't need 
	anything exotic, just some Douglas Fir, some marine plywood and
	a bit of hardwood for the outer stem, gunwales, rubbing strips,
	etc. From what I've read, wood used for boatbuilding is supposed
	to be air dried, rather than kiln dried - there are some sources
	listed in WoodenBoat, but most of these are pretty far away. I
	live in Manchester, NH so would like to find sources in NH or
	Mass.

	Here Goes!

	- Rick Lord

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1593.1	Help is available......	ISLNDS::BAHLIN_B		`Thu Sep 06 1990 15:42`	13
	Although I personally did not build a boat, my husband did 2 winters ago. We have recently moved to NH and I'm sure he would be most happy to offer some friendly advice on the subject. I believe he purchased marine plywood from Boulter's Plywood in Mass and all the hardware etc from Jamestown Distributors, (mail order) very helpful, prompt delivery and good prices. We recently found a source of marine hardware in Kittery, just over the bridge from Portsmouth also. Please send E-mail if interested, by the way that was his first attempt at boatbuilding and it came out great! Although we haven't rigged for sailing yet, it is a great dinghy for our Mother ship - which is also wooden! Enjoy your winter!!!
1593.2	Jamestown Distributors Catalogue	DDIF::NEWBERRY		`Thu Sep 06 1990 17:24`	3
	Jamestown Distributors will send you their catalogue on request. They have a toll free order line 800 423-0030.
1593.3	I'm willing to share my experience.	RANGER::CONAHAN		`Fri Sep 07 1990 11:45`	10
	I've just launched my Glen-L 14 which was built from plans. The previous advice on Jamestown Dist. and Boulter is right on target. WoodenBoat publishes a book on wood sources. I can also recommend a number of good books if you're interested. I'd be glad to help you if I can. Send mail with specific questions and keep us all informed as to your progress. Good luck...I'm glad I had the experience! Frank
1593.4	plans wanted	KALI::VISSER		`Sat Sep 08 1990 12:29`	6
	I'd like to build a wooden Lightning someday. Does anyone have a set of plans, or know where I can get 'em? Thanks, John
1593.5		DEMOAX::GINGER	Ron Ginger	`Fri Sep 14 1990 15:09`	7
	The Lightning plans are owned by the Lightning Assoc, headquartered in Ohio. A 'study plan' is just a few $, I think $15. To build one, with a registered number, the plans cost about $75 or $100. I was a member of Lightning Assoc when I owned one, Ill dig around and see if I still have their address. I remember they were very friendly and responsive in sending out my plans set.
1593.6	Suppliers	RTL::FANEUF		`Tue Oct 02 1990 15:11`	4
	My favorite source for genuine marine ply is Boulter Plywood in Somerville MA. Not cheap, but good quality. Ross Faneuf
1593.7	Plans needed, Take II	ROYALT::FGZ	Federico Genoese-Zerbi	`Sat Feb 09 1991 14:31`	5
	I would like to build a wooden optimist for my daughter. Does anybody know where I could find plans for one? F.
1593.8	I can help call after 10:30 monday	STAR::KENNEY		`Sun Feb 10 1991 11:48`	10
	Contact me monday (381-0569) and I can get you the data. I just spent over 6 months trying to get a set of plans. I now have them after many phone calls and much frustration. The bottom line is that the class strongly, make that very strongly discourages you from building your own. Forrest Ps. I along with some other friends should be starting to build one of what we hope will be 10 in March.