What skills and equipment would I need to build a rudimentary (powered) boat?

Question

Hi there. I was wondering what would be involved in building, from scratch, a simple boat large enough to accommodate five people (just for a round figure)- perhaps that was capable of crossing the English Channel?

I am not interested in looks or performance, or even the comfort of the passengers, but merely that the vessel is built in good order and is reliable. I would prefer it to be powered by an engine rather than sails so a trained chimp could pilot it- would a re-used motor from a tractor or Land Rover work?

I'm only curious as an old man who lives at the end of my street is building an aeroplane to take him and his wife to France should England ever be invaded (?!) and was wondering what would be involved in the equivalent boat?

Serious answers welcome!

Answer 1

You would need to be a Shipwright to build a decent boat. Although I suppose you could build a fibre glass one if you had a hull for the mould

Answer 2

I admire anyone who ventures on something like this,but if you are going to really do it,you have to build it strong enough to withstand knocks, do you have any welding skills?.,if so,then you are half way there,its just a case of making up the hull,with plenty of cross supports,and doubling up on any weak area's,I wouldnt even touch a tractor engine or Land Rover engine,they are'nt the most reliable,what about buying a couple of used outboard motors,two being better than one,all the more so if one cuts out half way across.and have oars as a back up,.

I would also reccomend a first aid kit,mobile phone(s),life jackets,and also advise the coast guard of your crossing.but when you've built it,try it out on our local rivers or lakes to see how it handles.

hope your's works better than those guys in top gear,that was a fiasco.,and put a lot of stress on the life boat teams.

Answer 3

If you believe a trained chimp could safely pilot a powered boat at sea, please give up all ideas now.  The sea is both a place of pleasure and a place of danger.  Do some studies into seamanship and how to safely navigate etc and then come back.  And no, a motor from an old tractor or landrover is probably the worst starting point of all.

Answer 4

Did you see the Top Gear idiotic attempt to cross the channel. They did it but only with monumental safety back up and by the expenditure of a lot of effort and someone elses money.

To build a competent boat requires a lot of DIY skills Plus and that is only a start.

A good day dream though!!

Answer 5

welding thin sheet metal over a light angle iron super structure with five seats, two on the left of the boat and two on the right. the fifth seat should be at the rear for the captain (you?) to steer the vassal. shouldn't need the engine if you have got four oars. sounds like a plan, can i come with you as part of the crew?

Answer 6

it is very realistic to build your own boat, I have built 1 complete and on my second. there are a few web sites that offer plans for sale, build in plywood ar steel. these guys offer alot of support during the build.

check it out

http://www.bateau.com/