Tide rising for Boat School

EASTPORT — Two Maranacook Community High Shool graduates are among 37 students enrolling in a reborn boat-building school Down East. Read More: I built a Boat and it was one of the most exciting projects I've complete at home, check it out here www.sailboatplansinc.com.

BOTTLES UP! Fiji’s First Recycled Plastic Bottle Boat Read more: Fiji's First Plastic Bottle Boat To Inspire Others to Reuse | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

A clever play on words, Bottles Up is a cute, little plastic bottle boat crafted by the owner and employees of the Rain Tree Lodge

Read more: Fiji's First Plastic Bottle Boat To Inspire Others to Reuse | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World 

www.sailboatplansinc.com

Plywood for Wooden Boat Building

Plywood makes the best material for boat construction. That's why I'm always on the lookout for first class plywood boat plans as this material is the most commonly used and the easiest to acquire when you want to build your own water craft.

There are simply many jobs you can do with plywood. Making a boat is one such thing. Personally, I've always taken pleasure from using plywood as it's really straightforward to cut and shape to precise specifications and dimensions. This aspect of plywood makes it one of the finest material boat building novices can use.

Plywood is extremely stable in terms of size, it means temperature and humidity has very little effect so the timber won't move as a result.

Thickness of the plywood is another consideration you need when building a plywood dinghy. This information should be specified in the plans you are using to construct your boat. It's always advised to familiarize yourself with the various types of plywood and know for yourself which is best for your build.

Okume is a widely popular material for plywood boat building, its strength to weight ratio is perfect for boat manufacturing. Regardless of the plywood you must apply epoxy all over the surface to seal the timber, this will eliminate water from penetrating and causing wood rot?

The selection of ideal plywood boat plans is vital. It will make the construction process easier. Easy plans will speed up the build and minimize the cost of your boat build.

I used to think that making a vessel myself was an unfeasible undertaking that can only be finished by a experts. Following some months of exploring, I found that anybody can erect a boat with readily easy to get materials and sailboat plans than eve

I used to think that making a vessel myself was an unfeasible undertaking that can only be finished by a experts. Following some months of exploring, I found that anybody can erect a boat with readily easy to get materials and sailboat plans than even the newest of carpenters can chase. The plans and resources are readily available, low priced and deliver a build that's strong, sea worthy and best of all looks fantastic!

The procedure most normally used in home builds is called the "stitch and glue" approach and works exactly how it sounds. Two pieces of timber are glued then stitched together with wire or cable ties for a solid joint. You then epoxy and fiberglass the joint to complete the seal and you're done. It's really that easy! You can even fiberglass the complete hull which after sanding provides a fantastic surface for application of paint or other coating material.

By far the most essential aspect of a home build sailboat are the sail boat plans themselves. The wrong plans can lead you up the garden path and cost you literally a fortune in wasted materials and time. Not to mention a completed boat that won't float! The right boat plan will result in a assembly that will leave you with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Your family and friends will be astounded with the quality of the vessel and the fact you made it yourself for a fraction of the price of buying a finished boat.

 

There are plentiful plans on the internet for every style of boat that you can think of. It's important to do your homework and pick the plan best for you. If you have always wanted to complete your own boat build, I encourage you to begin today. Everything you need is around the corner at your finger tips. You can get the family involved and they too will be proud of what they have accomplished.

For a great illustration of a homemade wooden boat, visit Grant's website at http://sailboatplansinc.com

Newhaven Flagship Launched

The community of Newhaven, near Leith, launched their first St Ayles skiff on 14 November at 0930 into Newhaven harbour. A crowd of around 300 turned out on a wet blustery morning to see George Hackland, who was present the last time a newly built boat was launched into Newhaven Harbour, in 1928, name the vessel “The Wee Michael”. Read More.

It's great to see communities getting together and building a boat. I know how they felt when launching for the first time, when I launched my mine it was one of the best feelings ever.  Here's some discussion on boat building.  

Communities pulling together to build rowing boats

When Edinburgh-based IT consultant Gert Riemersma announced he wanted to build a wooden rowing boat, the response from most colleagues and friends was one of polite bafflement. Read more: 

You can also see my boat build over at Sailboat plans 

Susan Boyle explains plans for 2011 -- including new album (video)

Susan Boyle's new release is entitled "The Gift," and she recently took the time to sit down with PopEater to talk about a few things related to her career and her new album. Read More:

Miku the new sensation in Japan's pop music

The newest pop star in Japan is indeed a new hit, as it is a hologram! “Hatsune Miku” is live proof of how far technology has come. Crazed fans have been buying all the tickets to her live concerts, which are presented with a 3D holographic technology. Read More

 

www.musik2011.com

 

Mel B and aussie stripper in romp

A Kings Cross stripper has claimed that she had a spicy night with self-titled "horny" couple Melanie Brown and her husband Stephen Belafonte last weekend. The stripper maintained she was not paid for the evening  and that everything was "consensual". "It was nice. We had a nice time," she said.

 

www.musik2011.com

Hull construction

I thought I’d I would talk about timber for plywood boat building. There are two types of Plywood wood I use.

The hull makes a boat; it’s in contact with the water and at times in contact with land so quality is paramount. Marine ply is preferred for hull construction due to the obvious qualities it possesses, but do all hulls have to be marine ply.

The answer is no, my 12ft stitch and glue boat was made from A grade external plywood; I actually used external hoop pine. I can honestly say I’ve never seen ply of this quality, no voids or imperfections at all the cost was half of marine ply. This external hoop pine has Grade A water proof glue so it has similar characteristics to marine ply.  On my boat build I actually fiber glassed the hull which applies another protective layer making it even sound. Check out www.sailboatplansinc.com for my 12ft boat build.

Wooden boats first voyage.

Well I finally got the wooden boat out for it's first real fishing trip. The weather forcast was unfavourable but we decided to go anyway, we got wet. The rain stopped so we headed out mid afternoon and we got 3hrs of fishing in. With a few beers on board and a lake like glass we cruised around around trawling with four rods out. The four rod holders mounted to the boat were fantastic as no lines were tangled. After about and hour one of the rods went off, we had caught our first fish in the boat we made by hand. The fish was a beautiful 35cm rainbow trout which we released back into the wild.

 

That first trip in the plywood boat which was handmade is what it's all about. The thrill of being out on the water in a craft that handles well and does exactly what it's suppose to do was amazing. We're heading out again this weekend, on this occasion the kids are coming. Head on over to www.sailboatplansinc.com to check out my build and all the photo's.

First Fishing Trip

Well I finally got the boat out for it's first real fishing trip. The weather forcast was unfavourable but we decided to go anyway, we got wet. The rain stopped so we headed out mid afternoon and we got 3hrs of fishing in. With a few beers on board and a lake like glass we cruised around around trawling with four rods out. The four rod holders mounted to the boat were fantastic as no lines were tangled. a

Rolling Stones will tour in 2011

The Rolling Stones plan to hit the road in 2011, despite rumours that they had retired from touring altogether. Read More:

 

INXS to release new album

Musik 2011 is excited because at long last INXS have revealed November 8 as the release date for their hotly-anticipated all-star Greatest Hits album, Original Sin. 

Two years in the making, Original Sin revisits all their best-loved tracks with the help of stars like Ben Harper, Rob Thomas, Tricky and on-again, off-again singer JD Fortune, who reinterprets The Stairs.

"We've re-invented these songs. Some have been done by an orchestra, some [are] stripped down and some tracks may take you [a while] to recognise what it is," Jon Farriss told Triple M's Home Brew earlier this year.

It's INXS' unique way to pay tribute to songwriter Andrew Farriss and their legendary frontman, the late and great Michael Hutchence.

"We wanted to celebrate the songs, they're such great songs," drummer Jon Farriss says.

"I think initially there was a mixed bag of emotions and feelings, which was probably a good thing because we realized how much the songs meant to us," Farriss continued. "But at the end of the day we started to realize that this is actually cathartic for us and it might be for everyone else as well." Read More->

Canoe Building Providing skills and jobs for the Marshall

CANOES OF THE MARSHALL ISLAND Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Island) or 'WAM' is a grassroots non-profit community program educating the youth on the Marshall Islands (located in the Pacific), based on the traditions of the Marshallese canoe. WAM provides vocational and life skills training to youth-at-risk using the medium of traditional outrigger canoes, boat building and woodworking, Read more here.

There's so much the kids of today can get out of building a canoe or boat. The skills learnt and the feeling of accomplishment can be lift changing, I know because I built a boat and am still get excited when I'm around it.  

My new website is up and running.

Thought I'd share that I have got my new website up and running musik2011.com. It contains the latest news feeds links to relevant products. Cheers

Boat building in miniature

When retirement comes so does a lot of free time. Filling that time with something rewarding, challenging and fun doesn’t always come easy. Cohasset resident John Hartshorne faced this problem about 20 years ago — and discovered model ship building.  Before long the interest became a passion and revealed a talent. From a Friendship sloop to a steam-powered launch to a World War II troop transport to an Arctic exploration schooner, Hartshorne models run the gamut of sea-faring ships. “When I retired and came to Cohasset I had time to concentrate on something,” said Hartshorne, 85. Unlike most ship models, Hartshorne’s models do more than just sit on a mantle they can sail the ocean blue.“I liked doing the models, but I also wanted something that I could play with,” Hartshorne said.  Most of his models are equipped with some kind of motor and remote control. Read the story here.

There's Boat Plans on the net that could easily be used for model boat building, these plans are extremely accurate and contain all the fine detail required for boat building. You can check my boat build out over at Sailboat Plans.  

Building from Sailboat Plans is easier than you think

If you can get your hands on some Sailboat Plans, Wooden Boat Plans or even some plywood boat plans, you will the foundations for a boat build of your own. One method is called stitch and glue and it's a surprisingly easy method used by the home boat builder. For more info check this Sailboat Plans article.

Wooden Boat Building Epoxy

Epoxy

Choosing the right epoxy is a crucial decision as it has a major impact on a wooden boat build. If you are a beginner boat builder you should look for an epoxy with a medium to slow cure time, the last thing you need is epoxy curing in your hand before you can get it on the boat. A medium to slow epoxy can give more time to get things right which will reduce the effort required when finishing etc. Temperature also plays in a big part as the hotter it is the quicker it will cure. You can find some more detail on epoxy over at Sailboat Plans.

UNCLE AND NEPHEW CROWNED BERKLEY B1 CHAMPS

The largest fishing competition in Canada concluded today in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield after two days of challenging conditions on Lake St-Francis. The major prize was two 2011 Evinrude E-TEC 250HO outboard motors valued at over $60,000, what a prize. Read more. From the team over at Sailboat Plans.

Boat builder, 93, leaves his mark around Homer.

This is the type of story I love to come across on the internet. Norman (Dick) Griffin from HOMER, Alaska will be turning 93 this month and has built 40+ boats over the last 30yrs. Most of the boats have been traded or given away which is a fantastic thing to do. Read his story here.

I can only imagine building that many boats, I’ve often thought about how cool it would be to work for myself building boats. After finishing my first wooden boat (you can see my boat here: Sailboat Plans) I’m very close to planning my second, if I’m allowed that is.

Life is an adventure says man building boat

Mike and Carrie Duffey purchased a Voyageur 542 fibreglass hull in June and since it was delivered have ripped out and replaced the rear deck and begun work on a new pilot house. They plan to sail the 15,000 kilometres to Australia when finished. This will be a fantastic achievement when completed, it will truly be an adventure when completed, Here for the full story.

 I myself only went a 12 footer made from plywood and fibreglass, it was a big thrill the first time I took it out. You can see my build over at www.sailboatplansinc.com

Not sure if you should buy a boat ???

I've seen a few of these organisations that offer a service where you can buy shares in a boat rather than forking out the full purchase price. You can buy shares which allows you to sail at a fraction of the price, obviously you need to share but how often would you get out if you owned a boat. Talk about a bang for your buck: Read more here. I actually built my own boat at a fraction of the price of buying one, my fist boat was a 12ft dory. There are numerous wooden boat designs from Sailboat Plans and much more, see my boat here. Build on!

The building of the THOMAS E. LANNON

Here is a fantastic read about a 29yr old shipbuilder from Essex who completed a 61 foot schooner. After building my wooden boat I could not believe the size of the timbers used in these big schooners. Check out the story here.   

Hawkesbury River - Fishing weekend.

It was time to take the boat down to the Hawkesbury River Sydney for another fishing expedition. This is our 4^th trip to this river system and hopefully we’ll catch some keepers, the last three times didn’t produce much at all.

Day 1

Arrived 7:00am Sunday and headed off to “Flint & steel” which is a well know fishing spot at the mouth of the Hawkesbury. There we were anchored up with about 20 other boats around us when my rod took off, I jumped up to find I had something decent on the end of it. It was approximately 10min later when I got it to the boat and discovered it was a shovel nose shark, back in it went. We stayed at flint & steel for about 1.5hrs, we caught a lot of small bream and snapper, we managed to snag one keeper a 38cm flathead.

The decision was made pull anchor and see if we could find some yellow tail which is fantastic bait. No luck, after about 30min it was obvious there were no bait fish around. Our next stop was on the northern side of “Lion Island” which we had not fished before. To our surprise I landed a 20cm yellow tail after 3min, time to get the jigs out. Both of us started using those jigs with about eight artificial flies attached, in about 10min we had half a bucket full which was fantastic.

The yellow tail suddenly disappeared so it was time to get back to catching the big ones, so we thought. We had a few bites and one run but there was nothing landed, the seas started to come up so it was time to head back in to the river system. We ended up on the point into “Mooney Mooney” which provided some excitement. Numerous fish were caught but once again to small to keep except for two bream which went 25cm. This spot was marked on the GPS as there was plenty of fish so next time they could be the bigger variety.

It was a pretty good day on the Hawkesbury, the sun was out and the water was calm. We headed in for some dinner and a few quite ales before bed, tomorrow would be another day. For some detail and photo's of a Plywood Boat I build head over to Sailboat Plans. 

Boat sales drop again in August

Fiberglass boat sales continued to drop in August, but sales of aluminum boats showed a slight increase for the month, with the aluminum pontoon segment leading the way. Sales of all fiberglass boats, including personal watercraft, fell 21.2 percent read more.

After the economy went south people can't afford to purchase the boat of their dreams, save the 90% and build your own. Here's how I built my boat, Sailboat Plans.

Boat Building for Kids

New Hampshire Boat Museum in Wolfeboro offers boat building classes for kids. What a fantastic project for kids to complete, the thrill they will experience on the maiden voyage will be with them for ever. Read More. My kids could not believe that you could actually build a boat at home, and thats exactly what we did. Check my boat build over at Sailboat Plans.

Cardboard boat racers take to water

Amateur boat-builders took to the water, paddled, and sank in a variety of vessels — made out of cardboard. Teams of people from Plymouth were challenged to design, build and set sail in a cardboard boat on Saturday as part of a project to raise the profile of engineering.

The event was the city's first cardboard boat regatta run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Devon and Cornwall's Young Members' Panel, at the Mayflower Sailing Club, Madeira Road, Plymouth. Read More: 

While cardboard is indeed a lightweight, cheap and easy to work with material there is a building method nearly as easy. Plywood is a fantastic material that can be easily made into a water craft, check Sailboat Plans out for how it's done.

Rocking the Boat

Rocking the Boat is a fantastic not for profit in the Bronx Section of New York, that inspires young people through traditional wooden boat building.  For years we have been trying to find the right words to express the incredible work this group does, so we jumped at the opportunity to include this short film on MrMovieTimes.com

New Delhi

Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell is flying to New Delhi seeking emergency talks with Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh as India scrambles against the clock to save the event. Read more here.

If the commonwealth games had a boat building event I'm sure to win with my Wooden Boat build.

Cardboard boat racers take to water

AMATEUR boat-builders took to the water, paddled, and sank in a variety of vessels — made out of cardboard: For the full story.

 

Over at Sailboat Plans I show you how I made my own plywood boat, cheap and fun to do.

Cardboard boat racers take to water

AMATEUR boat-builders took to the water, paddled, and sank in a variety of vessels — made out of cardboard: For the full story.

 

Over at Sailboat Plans I show you how I made my own plywood boat, cheap and fun to do.

33ton ship built in front yard.

A 71-year-old self-proclaimed farm boy dreamed about spending his golden years cruising to glamorous tourist destinations such as the Caribbean, Europe or Asia. Tom West from Poland, Ind built a 57-foot, 33-ton sailboat on his tennis court in his front yard. Read more here. 

My boat is only 12ft and made of plywood, Tom's is a whooping 57ft, simply remarkable. Well done Tom.
 

Boat Building with the Kids

Found this great article about getting the kids into the workshop. It talks about how to setup a workshop for child safety and talks about the bond between parents and the kids from doing something together. I plan on doing a canoe with my kids for our next camping trip using some plans from Sailboat Plans. Read the full story here.

Boat builder creates working art

Boat builder creates working art

“What have I gotten myself into?”

Those were the first words out of Lawrence Cheek’s mouth when he opened the large mailing tube that had just arrived from Devlin Designing Boat Builders in Olympia and unrolled the plans for the 19-foot gaff-rigged cruising sailboat he’d just purchased. Read more:

Here's some more detail on what can be achieved with some plans and a few pieces of plywood.

Boat Building School

Wooden Boat building School:

The program teaches students a style of boatbuilding unique to the region, a hybrid of techniques used by diverse populations of boat builders – from England, Japan, Scandinavia, Slavic countries – that settled in the region. Read more:

It’s great to see a school like this teaching a whole range of people the enjoyment gained from building your own wooden boat. Unfortunately there’s not too many schools offering this service, so what do you do.  Like me you have to build one yourself, this is how I did it at Sailboat Plans.

Build On!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cracking Boat Piant

A mate had a major problem with his hull paint job; the paint has cracked in places. This is not the first time he’s done some painting but it certainly caused some major problems. It appears a cold snap may have affected his cure time on his primer which he didn’t allow for. It’s extremely important to allow the primer to cure completely before a top coat. When you look to start painting make sure you follow the instructions and don’t take any short cuts. Please take into account weather conditions as this will effect cures times, always give yourself some extra just in case. From the team at Sailboat Plans.