Posted by Ken on January 17, 2003 at 04:00:56:
In Reply to: Re: Newbie posted by Steve on January 16, 2003 at 09:33:04:
Since you are comfortable with wood, I think you should build a wood boat. The strength issue between steel/wood has too many variables in it to actually answer, such as the original design, the workmanship, scantlings, etc., etc. If you are in a hurry, then build a simple design, but stay with the material and tools you already know.
A simple design is seaworthy just the same, it just may not have the aesthetics/lines of a compounded curved/developed form.
: I cannot answer any of you technical questions, however, I would just like to make a comment about the "time is of the essence" statement you made. As is the case with homebuilding often times, you can plan to take your estimated cost and add about 35% to that total and the final number will be more realistic.. I think you might find the same thing with boat building... estimate your time and then add a buffer of about 50% maybe some would suggest more. It seems that you are concerned about the time it will take you to complete the project, I assume (which is dangerous in itself) that most of us take much more time as it is important to ejoy the building process, not just the sea trial time... although you will be moving on to other enjoyable activities as actually sailing away. Just wanted to warn you that sometimes: "boatbuilding takes longer than it takes" Good luck.