Building outdoors

Im going to start a framed drift boat project this summer. My dilemma is all my indoor space is full and there is no way I could fit a 16' drift boat in there. I do however have what amounts to a large picnic shed. Out of the sun and rain but open on all sides. Could I just build my boat under that? What problems should I expect to encounter? This boat will not have a spit and shine finish. More of a painted, utilitarian boat that I know will take alot of wear and tear. Thanks for any input.

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on April 27, 2013 at 3:29am

CJ:  I can see no reason why you  can"t build a 16" boat outside.  You might have problems when you get to the finishing stage.  Painting and varnishing on a windy day is not the best idea.  If you will be using epoxy and fiberglass on the hull a calm day would be best.  Depending on the temperatures you might have to have slow,medium and fast hardner for the epoxy.  My basement in winter is about 55 degrees and I use fast hardner  but if you are outside and the temp is 70 degrees you will need a slow hardner.

There might be some advantages in working outside-easy  disposal of sawdust and chips, good lighting during the day, lots of room to move long pieces on to the boat like side panels and gunwales.  There might be some problem with noise (from nearby homes) or little kids running off with your tools. 

Near here in Bath Maine they built some of the largest sailing-if not the largest-ships in the world.  They didn't do it in a shed.  Many modern day wooden sail boats etc are built in large unheated "sheds".

Start making sawdust-Good Luck- and send us some pictures of your "shop"

Permalink Reply by Stephen Markley on April 27, 2013 at 9:37am

I am with ya CJ... working on a RR, will be totally built outside ( since my garage is FULL LOL) -- I have tarps and bungees ready to go. Inner finish will be oil.. I may paint the outside though, not sure yet.

Permalink Reply by chris towles on April 27, 2013 at 5:09pm
I built my last boat outside in the driveway with nothing but a 10x10 sunshade and a boat cover for protection. It was not easy but I got it done. Rainy spring made working on the boat an on/off endeavor. I named the boat rainy day for a reason. I glassed early in the day to avoid the heat. Only real problem was painting. I got a lot of contaminants and bugs , it was tough to get a good gloss finish, so I wet sanded to an even flat texture. I think if the wall less shed is big enough to cover the boat you will be fine. If you have old traps or go but a roll of heavy painters plastic I bet with a staple gun you could hang tarp walls to enclose the place from contaiments for lay ups or painting.
Permalink Reply by Terry E Walsh on May 1, 2013 at 4:29pm
Staple up some real heavy plastic on the sides and you will be good to go!
Permalink Reply by Mark Stuberr on May 1, 2013 at 7:51pm

Look into boat shrink wrap, its used to cover boats for the winter or shipping. We use it to build boat shelters. As long as you don't make the mistake of shrinking it on (its gets thin and doesn't last as long) you should be good to weather even the worst storms.

Permalink Reply by Greg Max on May 2, 2013 at 11:55am

If you can drink beer out there, you can build a boat out there!

Permalink Reply by Mark Stuberr on May 2, 2013 at 6:09pm

A truer thing has never been said.

Permalink Reply by Terry E Walsh on May 3, 2013 at 6:35pm
You guys can drink beer, I stick to the Crown!
Permalink Reply by Mark Stuberr on May 3, 2013 at 7:25pm

whats wrong with both?

Permalink Reply by Terry E Walsh on May 3, 2013 at 8:20pm
Not one damn thing!

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