Building a Work-Boat for Ponds and
Lakes
A boat for only €/$110 (£80)
The basic materials were:
2 sheets of 9mm Marine Ply 2440mm x 1220mm (8ft x 4ft) @ £21 each.
18 lengths of 3.6metre 25x50mm tanalised softwood roofing timber @ £15 total.
3 packs of 100 stainless steel screws; approx 90 of 50mm and 180 of 30mm. (self drilling and self countersinking)
3 tubes of polyurethane adhesive. @ £4 each (self expanding & seawater proof)
2 litres (approx) blue fencing stain / wood preserver.
1 litre (plus) of poyurethane exterior stain varnish.
See www.screwfix.com
The basic tools were:
24 volt cordless drill / screwdriver
Handheld circular saw
Hand saw, Hammer, Chisel, Plane & Sandpaper etc.
Couple of 200mm work clamps.
Stage 1.
Here we are in my workshop, in Kent, England. At this point I divided one of the sheets into 3 equal strips of approx 16" or 410mm. (allow 3mm for the saw cut) With an ajustable tee square, I have marked off the front at 30 degrees. You could use a set square or protractor, I guess. The start point for the bow slope is 6ft or 1830mm from the stern.
I chose the measurements partly because they were good subdivisions of the materials chosen but also from instinct and experience from owning a couple of small boats when I was younger.
You will notice that the boat finishes at just under 8ft and the bow has a small flat at the top, but well above the water-line. Make sure the 30 degree slope extends for 2ft / 610 mm then cut off the remainder. (read next page before actually doing this though)
I clamped two sheets together, to make sure they cut identically for the sides.
Ear defenders are a good idea. ( These are an old pair headphones! )