You will need various supplies if you want to build your own boat. However, the most important thing to consider is what most of your boat will be made of.
This article discusses the primary materials boats are made of, so you can get a better idea of how they are made and what supplies are required.
Today’s boats are generally built using one or more of four primary materials—wood, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass.
Large, modern boats are usually a combination of steel or aluminum, or just steel, with smaller vessels made of wood, fiberglass, or a combination. Of course, there are other materials, but these are the main four.
Our primary focus will be the materials used to build the hulls and the main components of a boat, although we will also touch on other supplies, such as the tools you may need. Finally, we’ll examine the characteristics of each boat-building material and identify its advantages and drawbacks. Read on to learn more about boat building supplies.
Boats Made of Steel
For example, most large vessels, such as container ships and military vessels, are made with steel. The steel is often coated in anti-fouling or bottom paint to prevent corrosion. Some smaller boats may also be made of steel, although the other three materials are much more common for ships of this size.
Steel is a popular boat building material because of its carbon, making it very hard, durable, and resistant to denting, even when stressed. Steel is not likely to bend or deform under weight or damage due to heat. Some boats may be made of stainless steel, although it is more brittle than regular steel.
One of the most significant advantages of using steel is that a steel hull can last for decades. It’s not unheard of for ships made of steel to last 60 years or longer, as long as they are well maintained. So if you are looking for boat building supplies, steel is one of the best, mainly due to its reasonable cost.
Advantages of Using Steel for Boats
One of the main advantages of using steel for boats is that it is generally less expensive than other materials such as aluminum. However, steel requires processes such as painting, blasting, and insulation, which can be more expensive than a fiberglass boat in the end.
Another advantage of using steel to build your boat is that it lasts much longer than any of the three other materials we are discussing. For example, a steel boat can last 60 or 70 years if maintained and repainted regularly.
The primary benefit is that it is also resistant to denting, warping, deforming, and heat. As a result, it’s one of the strongest materials you could use to build your boat.
Disadvantages of Using Steel for Boats
One of the most significant drawbacks of steel is that it is very heavy. Of the four materials discussed today, it is the heaviest. Therefore, it will take much more fuel to propel the boat forward, and they are generally slower. Steel is 70% heavier compared to aluminum.
Another disadvantage is that steel is more corrosive than other materials such as aluminum and fiberglass. As a result, steel will rust or corrode fairly easily when exposed to water and oxygen for prolonged periods, especially saltwater.
Moreover, steel boats require more maintenance than aluminum and fiberglass ones. Steel boats need to be repainted regularly to prevent that corrosion.
Boats Made of Aluminum
One of the best materials for building a smaller boat is aluminum. Smaller vessels that travel at high speeds, such as racing and fishing boats, are often made of aluminum because they have a very low weight and therefore allow for speed without consuming too much fuel.
There are many boats made of aluminum, but if durability and longevity are what you are looking for, it doesn’t come close to steel. The metal you use to build your boat will depend on your needs. If you need something strong and durable, you want steel; aluminum is best if you want something lightweight and fast.
Advantages of Using Aluminum for Boats
One of the biggest advantages of using aluminum for boats is that it weighs less than most other materials, even fiberglass. This means that an aluminum boat will generally feature a high-performance level with the ability to achieve high speeds without wasting much fuel. In addition, aluminum is light, so it doesn’t displace much water, and fuel usage is minimized.
Another benefit is that aluminum doesn’t corrode or rust easily. Aluminum forms a layer of oxide over the surface, which hwelps prevent rusting and corrosion from setting.
Moreover, aluminum is flexible and malleable, so it can be bent and formed into intricate shapes and designs that you can’t manage with steel.
Disadvantages of Using Aluminum for Boats
One of the most significant disadvantages of using aluminum for boat building is the expense. Aluminum is about three times as expensive as steel and more expensive than wood and fiberglass. So although it’s an excellent material for boat hulls, it isn’t cheap.
Another disadvantage is that it is relatively soft and malleable, which means it isn’t overly resistant to abrasion or impact. As a result, aluminum boats are easily damaged and require repairs when they are. On that note, aluminum boats are very difficult and costly to repair when major damages occur, much more so than steel.
Boats Made of Wood
In the past, boats were traditionally built of wood, but many other materials are now used instead. However, wood may be a good choice if you are building a smaller boat at home because there are so many different kinds.
Five types of wood are commonly used for building boats, particularly for small fishing boats, canoes, and pleasure craft. First, we’ll look at these five types of wood and their advantages and disadvantages.
Other types of wood may be used for boat construction, including pine, cypress, and ash. However, they are less common, so we won’t be focusing on them.
Types of Wood Used for Boats
Teak
Teak is a popular wood for various reasons. It is easy to bend into most shapes, making it easy to form a boat. Moreover, teak is strong, dense, and hard, which makes it durable, plus it contains natural substances that help prevent it from rotting. Teak will also help insulate the interior, and it’s generally very water resistant.
However, teak is an expensive wood, and you might not always find large enough pieces for it to be used for bigger boats. In addition, although teak is easy to bend, due to its hardness, it can be hard to cut. It also requires more maintenance than most other types of wood and must be immediately fixed when it gets damaged.
Mahogany
Mahogany is another commonly used material to build boats because it is durable and dense. Moreover, it’s a great choice because it is resistant to moisture, decay, and rotting. Working with mahogany is easy, whether using power or hand tools, and it’s commonly available and easy to find.
However, mahogany is very heavy, making it somewhat difficult to work with, resulting in a heavy boat. This wood also absorbs UV rays, which can darken it over time. Mahogany also tends to be expensive, not to mention that it has relatively high maintenance needs compared to other wood types.
Oak
One of the most popular choices for building boats is oak because it has a straight grain pattern, looks nice, and is easy to finish.
Oak is highly flexible and easy to bend into the desired shape once it has been steam treated. As a result, it’s an excellent option for most parts of a boat, and it’s very durable.
However, Oak is not always the best choice because it is relatively heavy; boat weight and fuel consumption will always be an issue. In addition, it is prone to swelling, shrinking, and cracking, so constant maintenance and upkeep are required.
Cedar
Cedar is a good choice because it contains natural compounds and substances that resist pests, moisture, and decay. In addition, this durable wood is easy to work with and looks nice due to its very tight grain.
However, cedar is expensive and toxic compared to other woods. Cedar also fades in color over time, which results in a not-so-attractive finish. It also needs a good deal of regular upkeep.
Plywood
Plywood is a good option for making a small boat because it is readily available and cost-effective. It’s easy to work with—easy to cut, paint, and polish. Moreover, it’s easy to bend into shape, and attaching laminate is easy.
However, plywood isn’t the best choice for overall durability, as it just won’t last. Plywood also has many small voids, which can absorb and trap moisture, which then causes the wood to weaken and potentially rot.
Some Disadvantages of Using Wood for Boats
One of the most significant disadvantages of using wood to build boats is that it requires regular maintenance. Any damage or decay must be promptly addressed to prevent further damage.
In addition, cleaning a wooden boat, particularly the exterior, is not easy. Boats of aluminum and fiberglass are much easier to clean. However, if you scrub a wooden boat too hard, such as removing barnacles, you may damage the wood and cause it to peel. Also, wood won’t last as long compared to steel or aluminum.
Boats Made of Fiberglass
Many boats are fiberglass, such as bay boats, deck boats, and jet boats. Fiberglass may not be perfect, but it has some advantages, mainly over wood, such as being cheaper and more waterproof. In addition, only thin fiberglass layers are needed to make hulls, which helps increase interior space.
Advantages of Using Fiberglass for Boats
The advantage fiberglass has is that it is highly resistant to corroding. This is because fiberglass does not contain metal and therefore won’t rust. In addition, it is straightforward to maintain because it doesn’t rust.
Moreover, fiberglass is flexible and malleable; you can make a boat with one or two big pieces. Other materials require hundreds or even thousands of pieces for a single boat.
Disadvantages of Using Fiberglass for Boats
One of the fiberglass’ disadvantages is that it can cause what is known as blistering. This is when water passes through the exterior gel coat and causes a chemical reaction, which can damage the look and paint of the boat. But, then, fiberglass boats are relatively heavy compared to wooden boats.
Tools Required for Boat Building
There are many different tools needed to build a boat, so let’s go over a comprehensive list.
- You will need a T-square to make sure your angles are square.
- You’ll need a measuring tape to make accurate measurements.
- A combination angle ruler to check angles and make measurements.
- A machinist’s square will help you keep track of angles.
- You will need a bubble or a laser level to ensure that everything you build is straight, flat, and level.
- A carpenter’s bevel will measure angles and reproduce them.
- A simple compass is necessary if you need to measure distance and reproduce it on another piece of material.
- The Japanese crosscut saw is one of the most popular tools for building boats.
- You will also benefit from having a variety of power saws to cut various materials. You will want a jigsaw, a circular, and a miter saw, at the least. Be sure you use the right blades with your saws for the material you are working on.
- A simple power sander, preferably an orbital sander, will smooth things out.
- A few different types and sizes of chisels will carve, scrape, and shape wood and other materials.
- If working with wood, planes will come in handy.
- A power grinder or bench grinder will help when working with any boat-building material.
- If you are working with fiberglass, you will need sharp and high-quality scissors.
- A good utility knife is required when working with wood and fiberglass.
- If you are working with metal, you will need a power drill or an impact driver to insert screws. On that note, a basic set of screwdrivers will come in handy.
- You’ll then want a set of hammers, mainly a claw hammer, especially if working with wood.
- A set of pliers, particularly needle nose pliers, is also something to look into.
- You will need various clamps and different epoxies to hold components together.
- You will also need supplies to paint and finish the boat—paint, paint rollers, sandpaper, etc.
Other Boat Building Supplies
You will need many other boat-building supplies besides the primary material for the hull and all the different tools—enough to write a book on. So, we just want to give you an idea of some of the other boat-building supplies you will need.
- You will require a variety of fasteners and adhesives. This includes nails, screws, nuts and bolts, marine adhesive, caulking, sealant, copper wire, drain plugs, bow sockets, wire rope, steel thimbles, security loops, hatch toggles, eye straps, and more.
- You may also require rigging hardware, including ropes, sail tracks, sail slides, mast caps, furling systems, swivel blocks, sheaves, and other things, depending on the type of boat.
- Various types of finishes, paints, varnishes, and other substances will also be required to finish your boat.
Conclusion
As you can see, one of the most important considerations to keep in mind when building a boat is the material the hull will be made of. There are many other boat-building supplies needed to build your boat.
Building your own boat out of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or otherwise is more than possible. However, besides the hull material, having the proper tools for the materials you are working with is another essential part of the equation.
We hope we have provided the information you need to start building your own boat or at least get your boat-building supplies together.
