Hello,
I am planning to build a Hartley TS18. I have not recieved the plans yet to really start material shopping but should have them anytime.
I origanally was going to build a Weekender, I got the plans for my B-day a couple of years ago. I think it is a sharp looking boat but it's not big enough for the whole family (Wife and I and 2 boys) to actually weekend on. I do wish it was as I could build and rig the whole project for $2000 and it be nicely dressed.
I haven't figured the price for the TS18 and Hartley gives very little info on their page. There are lots of Weekender pages but next to no TS18 pages. Has anyone here ever built one (a whole other subject :roll: )?
But back to ply. I don't mind Fir core I've just heard alot about marine fir checking badly. At this point I don't plan to leave the boat in the water but who knows. I live on a private lake and it may become an issue. I'd rather not glass IF I can get away with it. I figured that MDO with a resin face wouldn't need glassed.
I have never built a boat but I am a woodworker and have built lots of cabinets and furniture. I usually over build my stuff I guess it's just my thing, If I build it I want it to be tough and last a LONG time. If you do it right the first time it's alot easier than fixing it later.
At this point I'm just hoping start off in the right direction. I don't mind buying the best materials for the job especially the hull. I do know a little about ply as far as the cabinetry goes but marine is a whole other deal. Thanks for all the info it is a great help!