Thread: where do i start with a ilur

Welcome to the forum.

This is a wholesome boat and the lapstrake version is well proportioned, though clearly the more challenging of the build types for the novice.

If your confidence level isn't high, this is a difficult issue to overcome, but a dedicated builder can muddle through. You also could have the boat built, partly or wholly.

The CNC kit will make some of the build go faster, simply because the parts are precisely cut and should fit well. Costs typically are higher as a result, because you're paying for machine time, materials mark up and someone else's labor.

As to a budget, well look over the BOM and cost out the materials for the build. This will give you something to work with, though sourcing materials is where you'll save the most (shop around and buy in bulk). Viver plans are well laid out, if a little old school, much like this particular design.

This isn't a boat I would recommend for a novice builder, particularly one with a lack of wood working confidence. It's a traditional build and will require these skills (steam bending, fine joinery, etc.), so pick your poison wisely. Given he estimates 500+ hours for the build, more for the strip planked version, well this is pretty high, compared to other designs of craft in this general size and configuration and indicative of a traditional build type.

Ilur (clinker version only) may also be built from a NC cut plywood kit. This kit has been completely redesigned in 2011 in order to reduce dramatically the building time and have it easier to make for the first time home boat-builder. Frames are replaced by NC cut plywood transverse bulkheads. Attention: the building plan (also said plan package) is specific to this new Ilur. The kit itself is to be ordered from one of the seller listed here-under.
See pictures of the new NC cut plywood Kit
This would be easier obviously,you'll still have to learn how to shape the strakes but it is a straightforward procedure simple enough to get the hang of.The modified plan would be quicker too,but I can't help but wonder how you struck on this particular design.You could purchase an Oughtred Gannet kit and plans from Straydog in SA for around $3800,just by way of an example,similar dimensions (but much lighter).That is said to be a 310 hour build and Robert is only a phone call away for any advice you need.You need to add at least another few of thousand for epoxy,finishing materials,hardware,spar and oar materials and rig etc.It would be interesting to compare a quote from Clint Chase for an Ilur kit shipped from the U.S. to Qld.

Generally you shouldn't put a lot of faith in the "dramatically reduced" build time comments on a site. The cutting and strake shaping part of a build isn't a lot of time in the big picture, once a good "line off" is performed. CNC kits do offer precision fits, but invariably slight difference in setup, station mold erection, how really plumb and true things are, puts minor errors into the process, which shows up when you hang planks. Fitting planks can be time consuming, particularly for a novice that's never done it before.

Again, this is a traditional build, not what most here are used to. It'll be clenched or riveted, ribs will be steam bent, breast hook angles cursed at, etc. Just learning how to do a good looking and consistent gain on the ends of each plank, will challenge the novice. Even Viver admits this in the design description. Simply put, this isn't a good first boat to build. A GIS would be, but not this puppy.

thanks for the replys fellas.but I must retiterate that I wont be building this myself.but contract the build out to a boatbuilding company. or find a local person that knows his craft?
as for the kit I have been in contact with clint chace but they wont be cutting the ilur for the next few months .and cant deliver to Australia.but he does tell me vivier may have an agent in Australia.and as for why the ilur?exactely how par explained it.traditional old school and easy on m eye.sorry if you had the impression i was a home builder.but this is my retirement vessel.but I still need advice. so thanks for your knowledge. gaz.

http://vivierboats.com/albumsen/Sail...11/index.html#
The ply frames are part of the kit,no ribs to steam or laminate.If you want a quote from a local builder Gaz you couldn't do better than Ian Smith,Andrew Denman or Ross Lillistone.
You might find this blog of a Stir Ven by a bloke in Williamtown of interest:
https://mikestirvenbuild.wordpress.com/about/

This is about as far removed from a traditional build as a modern dinghy can get. Planks from a kit are CNC cut with quite often puzzle scarfs and the plans have reference measurements to make sure they are aligned correctly. The strong back is supplied and has locations of stations for frames built in. The planks need to have the rolling bevels and gains planed, but once you've done a couple it's not too hard. You need to be quite we'll versed in epoxy techniques cos this boat is held together with it. Mast and yard need to be constructed but it's not hard either once you get started. Most of Viviers boats are more about assembling plywood jigsaws with epoxy. The lining out is done for you as well.
There is no breast hook of the traditional type. You "might" have to wrap some timbers in towels and pour boiling water on to bend them, how hard is that. I'm talking about gun whales etc but they might go anyway.
the hardest part of this build for a first timer would be getting by the procrastination that occurs when coming against techniques that haven't been done before.

Originally Posted by keyhavenpotterer
Vivier's plans are computerised which together with mylar printing and the ability to give you the front and back faces for example of the transom to make the rolling bevel easy, is notable if you want the least room for error and no lofting yourself. Adding the CNC jig, and integrated bulkheads before planking etc, must mean its the best system for having the most assured shape to plan. Its more assembly than crafting a boat, but in terms of precision that's least open to deviation error, that system, like on the new Ilur CP, is probably at the top of the pile. Not biased, don't have a Vivier. It' not necessary, especially with epoxy but arguably it has the least opportunity for error or straying from the designers mind. Nat. Herreshoff would have done it this way had he had computers and CNC avaialble I rekon.

Ed



Having recently built the Ilur from one of FV's CNC kits, I can vouch for his approach to making a project like that accessible to a moderately handy non boat builder. The plans came with about 60 pp of written material and detail information in addition to the drawings themselves--about 3/4 of this is in French (which I do not read). I think Vivier is keenly aware that different people learn best by different methods--some by written word, some visually, others by doing. I am a visual learner, and it was interesting to note that the images on his website, though not explicitly described as doing so, were very thoughtfully chosen to highlight a number of key steps of the assembly process. Just brilliant.

If you are having her built, talk to Ross Lillistone at Esk - almost local.
He's built at least one Vivier boat, maybe more.
http://www.baysidewoodenboats.com.au/

(And be sure to buy a hamburger at Kilcoy on the way - half a side of beef & most of a vege garden in nearly of a loaf of bread... )

well thanks for all the advice.i am getting a little closer and will be getting solid prices on to kit to be cut.im of the understanding that the kit reduses the build time by 25%.in saying that what would I expect 400 hr build by a boatbuild shop be worth?