Are "Free Boat Plans" any good or am I better off buying plans?

Question

Like the "free fishing boat plans" on this site for instance - http://www.welcometowallyworld.com/free-boat-plans/

Answer 1

They appear to be quite comprehensive.  The main question is - will any of these boats satisfy your requirements?  The plans are of little value even though they are free IF the boat is not exactly what you want to build.

Answer 2

I see nothing wrong with the plans that you mentioned. If this is the kind of boat that you want, go for it. Just shop around and see if you can find any complaints about the design, but it appears to be fine.

The plans are quite detailed and tell you everything that you would need to know.

I'm actually a bit impressed with them, for being free.

Answer 3

I build boats... On two occassions (Oh... so many years ago) I ordered free plans and never built either of the two boats... can't remember exactly why - but I must have had a reason.

Problem with "free" plans (I believe) is not that they may be good or bad... but in doing this, you have to be sure the "freeness" of the plans is not making your "choice of boat" decision for you... You need to first make the decision of what you want... and then go looking for the plans.  If it turns out you can get a set free... go for it.

On the other hand... if you have made your mind up to build your own boat... (Which I think is a great idea - and highly encourage it.)  You will invest not only your money in materials and such... but much of your labor, blood, sweat, and tears... So remember... you most always get what you pay for.

You don't mention anything about your experience... So, I don't know where you stand in that regard... If however, you have little, or none... then I am very much suggesting you buy plans.  Why?  Because I can guarantee you, you will not get any kind of help or support from anywhere that you obtain free plans.  On the other hand, their are several boat building concerns out there that sell plans - and they have full time paid staff who have already built the boat (In fact, most have built it several times.)  And these people are paid to keep you happy.  They are much more valuable as a resource for you to rely on - then the price of the plans they sell.

Now... having said that, let me suggest you visit

> www.GlenL.com < .  These people sell plans. They design the boats, build the boats, test the boats, and then offer the plans at very reasonable rates.  You can get "preview" or "study" sets for about $10 bucks... they come with enough information that you can determine how easy (or difficult) the boat building project is going to be, how long it will take, what tools and materials you will need, etc. etc. Then, after you study these "preview" plans, you can determine whether or not you wish to invest in a "full" set.

They have a wonderful website with excellant information to help you decide not only what you want to build, but also your options, ways, materials, etc. and the best ways to build it.

Furthermore, they have a customer Q&A and blog group that in and of itself provides you with extremely knowledgeable people - many of whom will have already built,  and or currently building the same boat as you...

I am not trying to push any one company on you or anybody... I use several... In this case GlenL has the advantage of simply having the greatest website... with really good info... but I will be happy to furnish the names of others - and you can find most of them by just searching on "boat building plans"

I just wish you had mentioned what kind of vessel you want, sail or power, and what size... I could then maybe be more helpful.