Thread: Home Built

It's a bit like electricity, unless you have a shipwrights ticket it's illegal to build your own boat.

Originally Posted by Barry_White

It's a bit like electricity, unless you have a shipwrights ticket it's illegal to build your own boat.

SO what you are saying I can legally build and FLY an ultralight aircraft
But cannot build and float a water craft

I find that a bit hard to believe

I think Barry was having a lend

Originally Posted by Big Shed

I think Barry was having a lend

Well you've got through the first test OK Nev, now for the next one!

Before you start, ask yourself what your motivation is. Is it to save money, or do you genuinely just want to do this?

Are you trying to get something that's better or different from what's available commercially?

"Fibreglass" as a description covers a myriad of construction techniques, so it's probably better to have a look at the type of boat you are wanting to build before we go too much further.

'Timber" in one form or other is a great way to build a boat as well, cold moulded or stripped planked boats are another way of reinforcing "fibreglass" in reality.

So.. what's motivating you, and what do you want this boat to be?

P

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

Well you've got through the first test OK Nev, now for the next one!

Before you start, ask yourself what your motivation is. Is it to save money, or do you genuinely just want to do this?

Are you trying to get something that's better or different from what's available commercially?

"Fibreglass" as a description covers a myriad of construction techniques, so it's probably better to have a look at the type of boat you are wanting to build before we go too much further.

'Timber" in one form or other is a great way to build a boat as well, cold moulded or stripped planked boats are another way of reinforcing "fibreglass" in reality.

So.. what's motivating you, and what do you want this boat to be?

P

Gee Im just thinking about building a boat not sell Amway

Think harder boy!



P

Originally Posted by nev25

Gee Im just thinking about building a boat not sell Amway

What midge means is its not that simple ie fibreglass boat usually needs a mould either male or female and some knowledge of fibreglass and gelcoat layup. Wood in some designs are easier to build.
Maybe first look at the design you want to build research it and be prepared to ask heaps of questions and get answers that may not be to you liking. Maybe a small one first dingy or cartopper to get a feel for it.
Pete (building a Laker 13)

Fibreglass does not make sense for a single boat. The method only really makes sense when you want to build a large number.

To build a first boat takes heaps of labour - but after that it is quite quick.

Motivation is perhaps the most important thing.

You need to answer questions like ...

Am I building this boat because I like building things or am I building it to use the finished thing.

Knowing which type of builder you are will help choose the design and construction method.

A quick method or an interesting one where you can pick up skills or a mix.

Best wishes
Michael Storer

Gee I didn't think it would be so hard to get Questions answered

Might have to go back to my original idea and build an Ultralight Aircraft it seems easier

OK Nev,

If you can't understand what anyone is saying, I'll spell it out in words of one syllable:

Originally Posted by nev25

I have always wanted to build a boat but not sure where to start or the legality's

Start by working out what sort of boat you want, because the legalities will change. The bigger the boat, the more complicated they become.

Firstly where can I find plans for a small trail-able runabout preferably fiberglass.

Under a rock, or anywhere on the internet, but you'd be better to go to a designer who specialises in them.

There are some designers who are better than others,and some who specialise in different kings of boats. What do you mean by "small runabout" and why fibreglass?

You've seen our comments regarding fibreglass, so if you cut out the smart asre answers and read them, just maybe we can help you.

Do boats have to be registered in Vic

Yes, if they are of a certain size and have an engine of a certain horsepower.
No, if they aren't.

Do operators have to be Licensed to operate (drive)

Yes, if the boat is a motor boat above a certain power.
No, if it isn't.

Is there plans available fro a small craft like a Jet-Ski

Yes, but you said you were after a runabout. You'll need a licence for a jetski and register it.

Where in Vic is a good place to buy materials etc

Spotlight.

They have a full range of materials as well as all the accessories you need, buttons, zippers......

OH, you meant boatbuilding supplies! Well if you can tell us a bit more about what you are thinking, then maybe someone can help.

At the moment it's like asking where abouts in Victoria can I get parts for my car.

Cheers, and good luck with the ultralight.

P

Nev.

It might sound bizzare, but the road monsters with deep pockets also control boating administration. Any powered boat used in Vic must be registered with VICROADS unless:

it is less than 5m long, used only between shore and a registered vessel not more than 300m from shore or between reg vessels not more than 300m apart, ie a tender, in which case it must display the mother vessel reg no followed by T.

it is a commercial fishing vessel or charter boat, in which case it would be registered elsewhere.

it is being used temporarily in Vic waters and is registered in state of ownership.

is being operated by manufacturer or dealer and is displaying the boating equivalent of an automotive "trade plate".

See http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/.../Registration/ and follow the various links.

There are some breaks for vessels under 4m long in the fee structure.

Hi

I recently got myself a boat licence and also registered my homebuilt boat.

The standard boat licence costs $35 or so and is worth getting. If you are using a jet ski (PWC) you need an additional licence. This is all explained in the booklet from VICROADS. You can buy the booklet or like me download it for free from the VICROADS website and print it out.

If you put a motor on your boat you have to register it. A rowing boat and (I think) a sailing boat without a motor does not need to be registered.

To register my 18ft boat was $67 or so. They say for a homebuilt boat they want to see receipts of your materials or a statutory declaration of how you built your boat.

You then download and print out a vessel registration form from the VICROADS website and fill it out. You then have to call vicroads and make an appointment. After you get your boat registered, you then go to the counter where you pay your money. Then you have to go to a boat chandlery shop to buy two sets of numbers to put onto your boat. These numbers cost me $14. Each year you have to pay more money, $65 or so.

n peter evans

Looks like my move to build sailing and rowing type boats is paying off. My dory is row or sail, the canoes paddling only and now the laker will be a paddle boat too. Looks like I am saving money big time. I guess now the various state govs will look at putting rules on them and I'll have to swim
Pete