want to build a catamaran

[builder bob]

that makes sense. darn. a tiny cat would be awsome!

[Cotemar]

My first ocean going boat when I was a kid was a large piece of white 2 foot thick foam.
Took an 8’ foot 2x4 and cut it in half and nailed paint can covers to the bottom to make paddles
My brother and I were pretty desperate to have a boat and be on the water. Of course we had no money, but plenty of imagination.
We used it for hours every day for many summers. No maintenance, no fuss, just drag it up on shore.

[builder bob]

where'd you get a piece of foam that big?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by builder bob

where'd you get a piece of foam that big?

who needs polystyrene when you got water bottle's

http://news.nationalgeographic.co.uk...ific-pictures/

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by builder bob

where'd you get a piece of foam that big?

A small local marina gave the block of foam to us as they did not need it anymore. They must have enjoyed my brother and I, as they always let us tie it up on their beach. No one ever took it or the paddles and they let us store it under their shed at the end of the season. Was great fun there.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

A small local marina gave the block of foam to us as they did not need it anymore. They must have enjoyed my brother and I, as they always let us tie it up on their beach. No one ever took it or the paddles and they let us store it under their shed at the end of the season. Was great fun there.

Hope you didn't leave it on the beach when you grew up .

[shorebird]

Google "Svensons free boat plans" for dozens of free boat plans reprinted from old Popular Mechanics magazines, including catamarans.

[David M]

The smallest two hull sailing Hobie catamaran ever...11 feet.




I sailed one ages ago and at 170 pounds back then I had the leeward hull too far underwater. It was meant more for someone who did not weigh much over 100 pounds.

With a cat as small as you want to build make sure you have enough buoyancy in your hulls for your weight.

[builder bob]

Originally Posted by shorebird

Google "Svensons free boat plans" for dozens of free boat plans reprinted from old Popular Mechanics magazines, including catamarans.

thanks for the info but I think that I won't be building a boat because I can't make a mini. i'll just make an r/c version and keep sailing my force 5

[builder bob]

Originally Posted by David M

The smallest two hull sailing Hobie catamaran ever...11 feet.

I sailed one ages ago and at 170 pounds back then I had the leeward hull too far underwater. It was meant more for someone who did not weigh much over 100 pounds.

With a cat as small as you want to build make sure you have enough buoyancy in your hulls for your weight.

i'll look for one of those boats but I guess I won't be building a ride able one.

[shorebird]

Keep the plans for building a boat on the back burner. I found a pile of nice wood at a flea market, purchased it for next to nothing, then decided to build a 12' lake fishing boat. I did it, its a beautiful boat, built it right from the Svensons plans, but still took more time and money than I anticipated. Can't beat the thrill of doing 20 knots in a boat you built yourself though.
Good Luck.

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by builder bob

hello, I would really like to build a small (maybe 8') catamaran. I have never built a full size boat but would like to start. I have no plans for one yet but I do have to windsurfing sails that I might be able to modify to work. I would like it to be fast, light, and look something like a hobie 16 or wildcat. has anyone seen plans for a boat kind of like this?

"I want to build a catamaran". Can you describe more what that means? Do you want to turn a few bolts? Make something of wood? Or fiberglass? Are you thinking of putting a wind-surfing sail on a couple of plastic kayaks (cause you can buy one like that in complete condition)?

[builder bob]

I wanted to make a wood boat and put a layer of glass over it. then try sewing together the wind surfing sails to make a little jib and main. I have sailed a hobie kayak with a sail and I thought it was a neat idea but it's slow and pretty boring, so no I do not want to use some kayaks.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by builder bob

I wanted to make a wood boat and put a layer of glass over it. then try sewing together the wind surfing sails to make a little jib and main. I have sailed a hobie kayak with a sail and I thought it was a neat idea but it's slow and pretty boring, so no I do not want to use some kayaks.

free download of the gudgeon brothers book,well worth reading if you are interested in building in wood,ply or composite with regard to light-weight low-cost boat construction

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/...k%20061205.pdf

[builder bob]

thanks for the link. might build one some time