How to build an archimedes boat?

How long does it take to build a boat?

• A 35 foot Atlantic Boat Company Duffy 35. I want to build it but I am not sure how long it will take me to build. Also, what about a 26 foot Atlantic Boat Company Duffy 26? Both of these boats are lobster boats. Also, what if I built them as yachts? It says on the website you can get a lobster boat version, or a yacht version.

• Answer:

  For sure it will take you 2 or 3 (or more) times longer than you think it will. The bigger the boat, the more times longer it will take than you originally think. A small 20' or less boat (for example) will take you 2 to 3 times longer than you think. A 30' plus boat will take you 4 to 5 times longer than you think. I have built about 2 dozen over the course of 40 plus years... a few were small dinghies, etc. and 4 were between 30' and 36' and 1 was 44'. The 44 footer took me 5 years longer than I thought it would, and that was with having the experience of having built 4 over 30' already. At any rate, if you have the place and space with a covered facility, big enough for the boat, building frame, tools, work bench, and supplies. . . then you can go at it. Two things you need to be aware of however. . . 1. It will (I assure you - take much-much longer than you think it will. 2. If you are doing this to "save money" you won't. Well. . . it will be much cheaper than buying the same or equivilent boat brand new - this is true. But, you can but the same (or equivilent boat much-much cheaper than you can build it on the used market. . . And what the heck, if it takes you 3 years to find a good used one - you will still have one sooner than you can build it - in the size you are talking about. (Plus, I assume, no boat building experience.) So, if this is a "dream" or passionate desire of yours (as it was me) then I say - go to it... With todays technologhy and techniques, new epoxies, etc. - even a first time builder can build a great boat that you will be proud of. My only real hard steadfast suggestion however is: Build the dinghy first. That's right... find yourself the plans for a small sail, row, or power dinghy - hopefully one that you can use on that "big mamma" you want to build. . . and build the dinghy first! Some of these you can build over 2 or 3 weekends. . . And in the process, you will have learned an awful lot regarding what all you will need to build the big one. You will also have a better idea of the time and committment required. . . and, you will have a nice boat you can go out and have a lot of fun with, for while you are still building the big one. Link below is of great help. The people are great, and they will work with you after you buy their plans, and until you finish your boat building porject... Meantime, if you do a through search of their website - you will learn a great deal. They also have great plans on similar boats, and dinghies. John