Im buldining a trmaran out of ply thats 16 feet.?

Question

any tips or construction walkthoroughs would be appericieated

thanks!

Answer 1

You have some building plans? I assume you will fiberglass the outer hull? If, you Fiberglass the plywood you will have a choice of Epoxy or Polyester Resins. The Polyester is much cheaper, but, people say the Epoxy is better. I getting ready to build a small sailboat. Still shopping for materials at a good price.

Here a fiberglass site I found, not know if it the best, but, so far it seem reasonable for the Fiberglass Cloth. Many buy my Resin Local.

http://www.fiberglasssite.com/servlet/St...

For Bronze nails and screws or copper I found these two sites. The second may be cheaper. But, the first may have a few other things you want/need. On left you find your links.

http://www.mertons.com/Fastenings/index....

http://www.epoxy5050.com/cgi-supplies/sh...

These next links may help you understand "Sail Balance".

http://www.sailingusa.info/sailboat_bala...

http://www.boatbuilding-links.de/Jim-Mic...

This show how to Butt-Joint your plywood with fiberglass. He using Wax-Paper under to keep the epoxy from sticking to unwanted things.

http://www.instantboats.com/gbj/index.ht...

I wanted to add a few things. So, much to say. LOL! One thing, be sure to think before you cut. You want to have the same side of your plywood facing out/in I would think. So, be sure you think on this before you cut. I know a few people made this mistake, though the glass can help cover. Also, think of the type plywood you want to use. Many use only Marine plywood. Some say an ACX Exterior is just as good. The first 2 letters of plywood tell you the Finish of both sides. ACX one side is A very nice finish the C side not as good. Marine plywood the core plies are better than exterior plywood cores. I going to build a small canoe before my main boat and use the Lauan Plywood, it a Philippine Exterior Mahogany. I just want to see how it do. I have heard both good and bad.