This is the most often asked question we get. It is difficult to be definate about the cost as it depends on so many things, the design you're building, the materials you want to use and so on. However, we have chosen one design to give you some idea of the cost. The type of build does not necessarily mean the cost changes all that much except for the cost of the build frame. Check in the FAQ's for the difference between exterior and marine plywood. DIY softwood is often cheaper than Douglas Fir etc.
The prices quoted here are average prices and you may be able to find your supplies cheaper. Our epoxy is cheaper than quoted below. Delivery is not included in the figures below.
Exterior Marine
2 x 2.44m x 1.22m x 6mm sheets plywood. £35.00 £90.00
1 x 2.44m x 1.22m x 12mm sheets plywood. £25.00 £85.00
1 x 1.22m x 1.22m x 9mm sheets plywood. £15.00 £35.00
DIY Douglas Fir
2 x 25mm x 25mm x 2.4m x DIY softwood £5.00 £10.00
5 x 12mm x 38mm x 2.4m x Douglas Fir or DIY softwood £15.00 £35.00
2 x 38mm x 89mm x 2.4m x DIY softwood (Build Frame) £20.00
1 x 18mm x 75mm x 3m x DIY softwood (Build Frame) £5.00
6ltr/kg pack Epoxy Resin (Medium Viscosity) & Hardener £90.00 (3.5ltr pack could be sufficient).
Fillet additive £15.00
10m x Fibre glass tape £10.00
Total £235 £395
Add to the above the sundry items (nails, wire, sandpaper etc.) and paint/varnish etc.
Overall approximate cost estimate is £275 - £300 £440 - £500
What we have done above is try to give you some idea of the cost of building your own boat.
You could use cheaper polyester resin instead of epoxy for Stitch & Tape designs but epoxy is much stronger. Shop around locally. We have found exterior grade plywood for as little as £10 per sheet and a decent marine plywood for £18.75. That would significantly reduce the costs.
In either case shown it is definately less than buying a comparable brand new dinghy and could be less even than a second-hand boat in good condition.
But, the biggest difference is - you will have built it.
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