Wvines

Not yet on picking the boat. We have a 170 Montauk Boston Whaler that we bought new back in 2004 and we want to see how suitable it is in the Charleston area. We did live on the Albemarle Sound and the afternoons mostly pounded us but good with the SW winds. Waters here afford more protection so maybe we are armed with the proper boat. Gotta see how things go and decide what to do this winter. Maybe someone out there can shed some light on how or boat will do.

You nailed the scale and form (lines) of the console to match the boat. I agree, she is sexy and getting sexier with the passing of each work day.

World Panel Products is located in Williamston, NC. and they supply the very large boat building industry on the coast of NC. They sell Okoume 1088 and several others types of plywood along with many varieties of high end dimensional lumber. They have the ability to bundle and palletize their product for LTL shipments. You can google their contact information and get a free quote. I have dealt with them on two occasions and they are easy to work with. They are open M-F and closed on the weekends.

Nine for ten will win most of the time and I probably should stop typing...But I can't. So take this as it is intended....Good natured debate. Also, know that my father, a career military man, said I needed to remain a civilian because I ask to many questions and like to share my thoughts (I was twelve at the time). Not qualities that would have endeared me to a CO or Drill Sargent. I have no problem with boat kits. Time savings and a precise foundation are the hallmarks of kit builds and as the project grows in scale time is the one commodity that we all are guaranteed to run out of. A from scratch small boat build provided me with experience and the confidence to tackle problems that await me in a large boat build in a kit or from scratch. "Check the depth of the water with one foot....Not two". Warren Buffet.

My dad and I are nearing completion of our first boat build, a Devlin 13 Candlefish. I say first because I have already decided there will be a second (a B&B Design) and surely a third. Dad has agreed to come along on the building adventure for hull #2 and this alone is reason enough to dedicate the time, effort and dollars. Here is my advice for the first time boat builder: 1) Keep the project small. You will learn plenty on your first build and yes there will be mistakes. Smaller builds show progress quickly and that helps keep you going. 2) Avoid a kit. My goal was to learn as much as I could and a kit will rob you of the many opportunities to laugh, curse and learn. 3) Read, take notes and try to learn from other people's mistakes. Do not linger to long in this stage....It is the least fun you will have building a boat. 4) Bring along a friend on the adventure. Neighbor, son, daughter or a father will do. I did not overlook wife by accident. I love my wife too much to risk losing her. 5) Do not seek perfection, it is not the goal....A boat is. I hit the wall a few times and my weather worn professional crabber/duck hunting guide neighbor exclaimed "You are building a Strata-Various case, not a Strata-Various"! 6) Show and tell whenever you can. People will marvel that a pile of wood can be made to float, though I am pretty sure it already would. It will also get you some help when it comes time to flip it. 7) Take pictures....Lots and lots of pictures. You will want proof of the build should you discover that wood does not always float. 8) Seek out others that either build boats professionally or as a hobby. You will get good advice, assistance and discover that you are part of a brotherhood that 99.9% of the population will never know about. 9) Use quality materials. Your biggest cost is your time and sweat. Cattle ranchers never start building their herd with a broken down bull and a sickly cow. 10) "Just do it". I am sure I will think of other things but now it is time to apply another coat of epoxy and then sand it off.

What color will the hull be? How will the hatch covers be constructed? Looks great Chris.

Chris....Thanks for taking the time to show me your current projects and discussing boat building in general. The 256 is out of my league but I would love to have it none the less. I am already looking forward to bringing my better half by in the hopes that she will catch the Ocracoke 20 bug too.