CHAPTER 6. Choosing a building site.

Where to build, Area required, Tool and equipment storage.

If you decide to custom build from

scratch or a hull and deck pack-
age, you will need a suitable
building site; this applies equally
if you are building in fiberglass,
steel or wood. Depending on
where you live you may have
many, or a limited number or
choices. If you live in a warmer
area, then a simple shelter will
suffice. If your boat is to be built
or completed in a cold climate,
then you will to need to consider
a heated structure. In any case
you will need some form of se-
cure building, in which to house
your tools and more valuable
supplies.

When building a metal boat the

If you opt for this type of temporary shed then it is worth con-
sidering tarpaulins for the covering material as opposed to
thin plastic sheeting which will not survive the first
need for security is relatively less
than if you were building in
fiberglass or plywood, this ben-
efit only extends until you start on

the interior and fitting out stage. Even if work-

ing outside, it is a good idea to keep the more
valuable items out of sight or maybe in more
secure storage, until they can be properly se-
cured to, or installed in the boat. Used steel
containers are available in make idea storage
sheds and workshop areas and 40 ft / 12.2 m
are available for $1,500 or less.

Part of the advantages of having your

boatbuilding project located in a secure, com-
fortable and weather-proof building,
is psychological; it will be easier to make the
effort to go and work on the boat. Also if you
are paying rent on a building, you are more likely
to ‘get on with the job’. If you are building out-
side and exposed to the elements then you will If you build in a shed like this one then you will
often have to stop work due to weather condi- need a larger door to allow your hull to be
tions. All of the disadvantages of building out- removed or be prepared to demolish the build-
side can add months to your building program. ing shed. Some builders later sell their shed.

Depending on your finances you may opt for a hire or buy a
tent structure as shown here. This tent is used to protect a
Voyager 542 currently being built from a kit in California.
To determine how much space
you will need to house your
boatbuilding project, simply plan
for a space 50 percent longer and
100 percent wider than the fin-
ished boat. For instance if you are
building a 40 ft / 12.19 M by 13 ft
/ 3.96 M boat your space should
ideally be 60 ft / 18.29 M long by
say 26 ft / 7.92 M wide. When it
comes to handling plate and other
construction members, you will
need s-p-a-c-e! You will need
space for tools, materials storage
as well as room to move around.

To provide yourself with an efficient working environment, plan your building site so that the
minimum time is spent walking from one area to another. The positioning of benches and
frequently used tools will play a major part in making a comfortable and productive workplace.
Your boatbuilding project should not be too far from home and this is even more important, if
you are only working part time on the project. Travelling time can eat into valuable work-time
and distance can be a deterrent to getting started evenings and weekends.

Make sure that your work site is accessible to the vehicles needed to deliver long lengths of
plate and other necessary supplies. If you are working outside be sure you have a flat level
site. Carrying tools and building materials up even the smallest gradient can soon become a
tiring exercise. Exercise, yes, you will get plenty of that!
One obvious choice is to build your boat beside your house. Many fine boats of 65 ft / 19.81
m, have been built to my design beside the owner’s home. To make this a practical proposi-
tion, you need to live on a suitably sized lot or in an isolated area.

Many local authorities have building ordinances that may govern just what you can do in your
own back yard. Check these before you start building a shelter or erecting boat frames be-
side your house. Generally speaking, the further you live from the centre of town, the better
chance you have of being able to build or complete a boat on your own property. If you are not
committed to a mortgage, you may consider renting a suitable house away from the town
centre to build your boat. Best check with the landlord first and get permission in writing,
before you sign the lease.

If you start with a hull and deck, then all you may need is a tool shed; the interior of the hull can
be heated and the outside work can be completed in fine weather. Another advantage of
starting with a ready-built shell is that this may make it possible to complete the boat in your
own yard. Metalworking is noisy especially when building the hull and deck. If your boatbuilding
project is sited in a residential area, then make sure that the noise that can be heard outside
the boat is kept to a minimum.

Here are a few suggestions as to possible boatbuilding locations: in your own yard, unused
corners of marinas and boat yards, fenced in but unused industrial sites, beside or in an
engineering business, inside old warehouses, inside or beside an old storage barn. These
are just a few of the many possibilities and these locations can often be rented at a low
monthly cost.

Make sure you think ahead to the day that the boat ready for launching. Can a low loader and
lifting crane get to your location to move your boat to the launching site? Have you surveyed
the route? Check for low overhead wires, sharp corners in narrow streets; there are hun-
dreds of stories about boats being lifted over houses, lifted from mountain sites by large
helicopters and boats that were literally dragged through villages by willing helpers.

This Voyager 432 was assembled in Holland from one of our pre-cut kits. Here
we see the finished hull being towed to the joinery shop on a low loader. Remem-
ber you need access to your building site to move your completed hull.