Angus Rowboats support forum » Boat Performance & Testing
Building from Plans vs. Kit
(6 posts)-
We have received a few queries regarding the difference between building from plans or a kit.
The actual degree of technical difficulty in building is almost the same. The main advantage of a kit is it saves you time. Time is saved not having to run around to numerous shops (often not even in your town) collecting the various materials required. And time is saved by not having to loft and cut out the panels yourself. Another advantage of using pre-cut CNC parts is the margin of error will be less due to the precision of computer guided CNC machines. Although CNC-cut components are more accurate, the level of error encountered when lofting and cutting your own panels (done properly) is well within the range of acceptability, and you will not see a difference in the finished boat.
Generally, overall costs are a little lower when you build from plans, especially if you purchase the components from competitive retailers. Often, because of the scarcity of certain materials used (including Okoume plywood), retailers heavily overcharge bringing costs up significantly. We do offer material kits that include everything (from resin to hatch straps and clips) apart from wood components for those who wish to simplify the process.
The amount of additional building time required constructing from plans compared to a kit is about one to two days. The extra work required is lofting (scaling the drawings from the plans onto the wood – detailed in our plans manual) and then cutting the wood pieces out. Cutting can be done with a variety of saws including a jig saw or a regular handsaw. For an accurate cut, one or two mm is left between the saw cut and the line, and the final bit of material is shaved off with a block plane for a smooth accurate finish.
Once the wood panels are cut, the rest of the building process is the same for both kits and plans.
-
Colin, if one orders the boat plans at $149 does that include the plans for the sliding seat and outrigger which are $44 if ordered separately? It looks as if you have to order both for $193. Thanks, Brian.
-
I have the same question - is the plan for the sliding seat and outrigger included in the expeditions plan?
Also - how long before the plans and instructions for building your own oars is available? Planing on building it all... the sooner the better.Best regards
J -
Hi Jenso,
For those purchasing boat plans or kits, there is a $22 discount on any of the rigger/sliding seat options - plans, plans plus rowing components, or complete rigger/sliding seat kits. The rigger/sliding seat plans will be available starting tomorrow (Monday, March 8).
The sculling oar plans will be available at the end of this month.
Colin
-
Colin,
I've been looking for a great expedition rowing boat for 12 months. I stumbled upon your site this evening. I'm thrilled to see a good boat to row at a good speed the inside passage instead of using a kayak or dory ( I'm thrilled).
My question is, when will the full kit be available? If it is a while how may sheet are required for the build?
I'm ready to build and would prefer not to cut the wood from experience in my past projects. Great to see that you are sharing your boat with the world.
Best regards,
Tommy
-
Hello Tommy,
We're hoping to have the full kits available this fall. The boat utilizes six sheets of 4 mm marine ply, and two sheets of 6 mm. Hope that helps with your planning
Cheers,
Colin
Reply
You must log in to post.