Let’s get something straight from the get-go. Building a boat isn’t easy. It’s going to take a hell of a lot of elbow grease, and you need to have at least some basic handle on how to follow the boat construction plans. You also need to be able to pick out the right materials, and have an eye for detail in order to make sure the boat is going to be seaworthy once you’re done. Many people are truly better off just buying a used boat rather than building their own.

Having said that, building your own boat can be a fun activity and one that can save you money (or at least get you a bigger boat for the same amount of money you were planning to spend anyways). Here’s what you need to do to get started in the boat-building process:

Do some research. Learn a little about the process. Find out what kinds of tools and materials you’re going to need, in general. Invest in some books on boat building, or spend some time online learning about the overall process. Learn about different boat-building methods. A number of vendors also sell boat-building videos to help you get a handle on the process, as well.

Pick and purchase a design. There are a number of companies out there that offer boat plans. You need to not only pick a design that appeals to you and meets your boating needs, but one that comes from a reputable company. Make sure to thoroughly investigate a company before you drop a dime on boat plans.

Get your tools and building accessories. You aren’t going to need anything too exotic. Just a table saw, hand tools and a whole mess of c-clamps will pretty much do it, in addition to basic supplies.

Procure your materials. Some companies will sell you an entire kit that includes all of the materials you need for your boat. You can save some money by just buying plans and then buying your materials separately. Make sure you know what you’re buying, though, as mistakes can be costly here.

Talk to your insurance agent. Once you’ve built the boat, you need to make sure that your investment is protected. Boat insurance rates may differ greatly from a boat that you’ve purchased from someone else. Talk to you agent to find out what coverage will cost.

Photo via paulshaffner