Posted by Eric Lindbeck on June 07, 2003 at 19:27:10:
In Reply to: Re: wondering costs for the TNT posted by Matt on May 27, 2003 at 12:27:03:
: I was a junior in HS. when I started building my tnt, and I set a budget of $500 dollars and it is going to be hard to build it for that much, and still have a quality boat. Not to discourage you from building, but plan on spending a grand or more. I estimate that I have spent around $1200 and will spend a couple hundred more to finish it by end of this summer. Save your money up and build it without cutting too many corners. I say play it safe and go with hot-dipped galvanized. Unless you have a great deal on wood or are an excellent woodworker with precise cuts everytime, buy the frame kit, it saves time and money in the end.
: Matt
: I'm not sure what the plans call for, but normally hot dipped galv would be fine. The thing to watch would be contact with other metals.
A lot of the high quality materials (especially fastenings) used in boats are necessary primarily if the boat is in the water full time. If the boat will only be wet for short periods (a few weekends a year) less corrosion resistant materials may be sufficient. Remember to consider whether it'll be wet/damp when its in storage.
Note that I'm NOT saying to use cheap junk - I'm suggesting you use APPROPRIATE materials. Match the materials to the requirements. If hot dipped galv will do the job, don't hesitate to use it.
As for using a frame kit, you have to decide whether building the frames is something you WANT to do. Personally I enjoy that kind of thing, and you'll learn a lot & gain confidence in your ability. You can't put a price on that kind of thing...
Good luck on your project!