Millions of people like to fish or go for short outings on lakes and rivers each year. One common type of boat they use is a John boat. John boats are simple flat-bottomed boats usually powered by rowing or small engines. Commercially purchased models are made from aluminum. John boats constructed at home are almost always made from plywood. The home builder usually uses a method called "stitch and glue". This method entails cutting plywood parts, gluing them together with two-part epoxy and covering them with fiberglass cloth.
Plywood Selection
One of the most important aspects of building a boat at home is selecting the proper plywood. Marine plywood is the best wood for boat building. For boats that will be on the ocean, carry high speeds or stay in the water for extended periods of time, marine plywood is mandatory. A small boat like a John boat, however, doesn't go at high speeds and is almost always used in protected waters. Therefore, if you intend to trailer your boat so it is not left in the water for long periods of time, good exterior plywood is adequate.
Boat Plans
There are dozens of plans for home built John boats. It's important to carefully review the plans prior to purchase. Boat designers almost always include a list of materials that are required for the project. By using this list the boat builder can determine the expected cost of the boat. A careful review of the plans can also help determine the complexity of the project. Some boat plans specify complex joints to connect wood pieces together while others use much more simple joints that are easier and just as strong.
Size
When choosing plans for a boat it's very important to determine the size of the boat that is needed. The larger the boat the higher the complexity and cost of the job. Many builders overestimate the size of boat they need. Choose a boat that is adequate in size for your needs but no larger.
Building space
Use a space that's big enough to build a boat. A garage is ideal, but a small John boat can be built in the basement. If building in the basement, make sure the completed boat can be removed from the house once it is finished. The best way to do this is to take measurements from the plans and transfer them to cardboard. Then use the cardboard as a model to make sure the boat can be removed.
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