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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on August 9, 2013 at 6:39pm

Mike, I suggest that a purchase of Roger Flether's book; Drift Boat's and River Dories will greatly increase your knowledge and also your understanding of the upcoming build. It is the only book I know of and those of us that have built boats rely on it continually. The second most popular source of information is right here on Wooden Boat People. You will find a very helpful group of folks and a wealth of information free for the reading on all the post's made here.

I have only spent a few years around here and have discovered that there will be a pattern that is followed by most everyone that builds a boat or restores it. What do I build? Where can I get info? What plans are best? Where can I get wood? Should I use 5200 or epoxy? What brand of epoxy should I use? What paint should I use? Should I oil or paint the interior of my boat? Where can I get a trailer? What length oars? Can I build my own oars?

My point is there is a discernable path to follow with many possible ways to travel the path. Fortunately many folks have traveled the path and left messages here to guide folks in their travels. There is a search engine for the site that can provide you with a window into this world. The tough part is asking the right questions for the search engine to return the best answers. Sentences or phrases seem to work best, single words return the least info.

However there is an alternative to the search engine that is highly popular, simply post the question and see what responses you get. You will discover there are numerous opinions and methods to achieve your goals.

I have been doing some fiberglass and epoxy work for another guy close by. He has been reading the previous posts and is always asking for my opinions on what he has read, it is amazing to observe what he has learned from his reading. I have also watched others gain knowledge and share their experiences and photos of their builds.

We look forward to reading about your experiences and seeing your boat being built.

Rick Newman

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Permalink Reply by Rick Finnell on August 9, 2013 at 6:49pm

http://riverstouch.com/

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Permalink Reply by Mike on August 10, 2013 at 6:13am

Rick,

Thank you very much for the insight.  I've spent a lot of time on the rivertouch website, and feel more comfortable about purchasing the plans with your recommendation on the book.  I'm hoping to start my build over the next few months.  We are in the process of closing on a house that has a wonderful shop and garage.  Needless to say I'm getting very excited.  

One question that would like to get some opinions on is, what one tool could I not live without when building my boat?  I've seen a lot of plans and websites that suggest you only need a couple tool, but nonetheless I wonder what tool is critical.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.  Mike

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on August 10, 2013 at 7:07am

Mike, Vance Wonser once asked what tools people would recommend. Here's the link to that discussion: http://www.woodenboatpeople.com/forum/topics/what-tools?commentId=1...

I don't know if this will help or hinder your progress. The tool I used the most on my kit build was my Random Orbital Sander.

Rick "Toolman" Newman

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Permalink Reply by Rick Finnell on August 10, 2013 at 7:33am

I think a guy should have a good broom, I can't find mine.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on August 10, 2013 at 7:40am

On the Wooden Boat Forum one guys "signature" reads:

"A clean shop is sign of a sick mind." And no it's not my signature.

Rick N

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Permalink Reply by Mike on August 10, 2013 at 8:11pm

Rick,

Thanks for the link to the thread.  I'm kind of a tool junkie, so of course I immediately want every tool listed.  I'll try and keep myself contained.  

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Permalink Reply by tungsten on August 11, 2013 at 6:32am

My most used tool is a 5'x11' table/ bench/bar/ with wheels,

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Permalink Reply by sweetbrair on August 13, 2013 at 4:56pm

 I was looking for a larger, wide bottom boat so I ended up getting Mikes Bakers plans for a 17' X 54" boat. VERY nice spiral bound plans with lots of color pictures and Mike also has a few You Tube videos on cutting and gluing scarfs. Also the price cant be beat. Also I had a question for him about an alteration to the plans and I had an email reply from him the same day.

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