Where to purchase timber etc

[Crawfy]

Hi all,

This is my first post hope it's in the right section.

New to this boat building lark,:U thought I would build a 'GIS' for myself and my son to play in. Maybe a bit ambitious I thought let's build a 'quick canoe' first get some practice with the ply/epoxy. Looked on the web and in Australian boat building magazine, for material suppliers in Melbourne. Have spoken to two who will remain nameless both in Melbourne, to supply my wood and epoxy etc, even given them the full materials list. Unfortunately they don't seem interested in even giving me a quote.:no:

Could someone suggest suppliers to try or should I try someone interstate, will they even ship the length were talking about or would the shipping be to prohibitively expensive.

Cheers

Crawford

[woodeneye]

Hi Crawford,

Have you considered a kit from Duck Flats? That way you get all you need delivered to your door, even the poxy! :)

GIS! Good choice, you won't be sorry.

[Crawfy]

Thank's for the reply may do that for the 'GIS' but a friend gave me 3 sheets of ply for the 'quick canoe' so just need rest of the timber, went to the local timber suppliers but none of there wood was suitable, lots of knots and defects, I know it's only a Quick canoe but would like to build it to last out of the right materials. :U

Cheers

Crawford

[Darce]

If this is is to be your first venture into boat building then I'd recommend treating your first boat as a throw-away... You'll be hooked and trying to justify building a second - maybe third - in no time flat :)
Careful selection through the exterior plywood pile at your local large hardware store will get you what you need. Now it's no where near as good as marine ply. It won't look anywhere near as good as marine ply so you'll be best to paint it. Any decent latex housepaint will do an excellent job.

Once it's painted, I doubt most people would be able to tell the difference between a 24 buck exterior ply panel and a 200 dollar hoop pine panel.

I built a D4 dinghy from free plans off the 'net using exterior ply and house paint. It sits out in the open down at the hard stand. I don't even turn it over apart to empty except for when I'm about to row out to my other boat. The Western Red Cedar rubbing strips have disintegrated, there's a crack in one panel from dropping an anchor into it and there's heavy wear from putting the outboard on - it's actually chipped the outer ply in sections.

The thing is that after four years of total disregard and neglect, it's still watertight and bright orange/white (the kids wanted an oompaloompah - think Willy Wonka) and I think she'll last another four without too much hassle.

It cost me $300 to build, because of the epoxy and tape - don't scrimp on that stuff - less than a third of what she would have if I'd used marine ply and all the fancy timbers.

Build it, learn from your mistakes, paddle sail or motor it and then fill it with sand for some kid's sand pit when you've made another boat with all the trimmings :wink:

The single most important thing with making a boat, wether a 6' dinghy or a 50' cruiser, is take lots of photos! then post them here for us all to enjoy:2tsup:

[Paulus]

G'day Crawford

I too have started down the long and hopefully enjoyable path of wooden boat building.

There are plenty of places in Melbourne to buy marine timber, however I suggest you review the following web site, these guy's are very helpfull.
Welcome to Marine Timbers (http://www.marinetimbers.com.au/)

[Crawfy]

Thank-you all, I have now sourced my timber needed for project.

Will post some pictures of my progress.

Thanks for the posts

Crawford:U

[EnR]

Thank you for pointing out that website Paulus. I have been looking for somewhere to buy marine ply "locally". When I am next in Melbourne I will check these people out.
Ian:)