First post

[denny]

After a fair amount of lurking and research I've concluded a CS17 or 20 is the boat I want/need. I live close to an excellent source for plywood etc. and am within a day or two of ordering plans. I'm not a wood worker and don't have a wood working shop but I do have a nice heated 27x12 work area and a desire to own one of these boats.

I'm looking for opinions regarding this being too large and complicated for a first boat and wondering if the plans are laid out in a fashion a novice can pickup and go with and end up with a nice and seaworthy boat.

Thank you in advance for the help and if there is a book or two that would be helpful please recommend them. denny

( I live on the Olympic Peninsula in Wa. state and have some sailing backround, I'm looking for a capable camp/cruiser for local waters and a multi/week Sea of Cortez journey a year or two after it's built)

[Noklin]

I am also a first time builder and not an experienced woodworker.

I am currently building a CS 20. I am at the point of installing the centerboard case before rolling the hull over. I figure that I am about 50% completed.

I found the plans to be clear and with the knowledge available here, well within the capabilities of a first time builder. The only time I have had problems was either when I assumed that I remembered what the plans said instead of actually looking at the plans OR I got in too big a hurry and took shortcuts. With the advice available here, any problems were easily fixed.

I found the builders CD to be well worth the money. As they say, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

I found none of the steps in the building process were difficult, but more time consuming that I had expected.

Buy the plans and go for it.

[JeffM]

Welcome aboard, Denny!

Nearest I ever got to woodworking before my boat was simple, square 2x4 and plywood stuff. Building a cs20 was a major leap, but with much help and hand-holding from these folks and occasional help from Graham, I got her in the water in 13 months. (Some very late nights and sloppy speed, so not so pretty, but a good solid boat.) I'm more a sailor than a boat builder, and not much of one at that! It's been a great ride, and this forum has turned out to be maybe the best part of the experience.

[denny]

Thanks for the help guy's, it's a good time for me to make the commitment and I'm thinking I'll give it a go. I"ll get the plans and be back for help. denny

[Terry Dunn]

Hi Denny,

Welcome to the world of first time builders. I built a Spindrift 10 out of cheap plywood as a practice boat. I learned not to use cheap plywood for my CS 20. The CS 20 went together real well. I second the value of the builders CD.

My S 10 turned out OK but is heavy with fir plywood fiberglassed inside and out. I used her one summer and then built the CS 20. The S10 has not been in the water since.

I built my CS20 in Colorado but bought my plywood from Edensaw and mast tubilne from Online Metals (Seattle). I assume you can pop over to Edensaw and pick up Okoume plywood.

Good luck. Building boats is a great adventure.

[denny]

Hi Terry, Thank you for the aluminum source, I'm about 40 minutes from Edensaw so that helps a fair bit. I have so many questions right now that I'm just going to have to get the plans and start studying. denny

[Greg Luckett]

Denny,

Welcome to our gang. It sounds like you will fit in well....addicted to boat building...

[denny]

Thank you Greg, I'm looking forward to the journey, I've spent the last couple of hours reading old posts. Lots of excellent information here. denny

[Charlie Jones]

Welcome aboard Denny. I too am currently building a Core Sound 20.

I'm NOT a first time builder

Take your time, study the plans, if you have questions, post them here, email me or phone Graham. EVERY BODY is ready and willing to assist.

And sure you can do it.

[denny]

Thank you Charlie, I'm certain I'll have plenty of questions, I can't remember the qoute or even where I read it but it goes something like (The confidence of the beginner is the envy of the professional)

Time will tell how things go but like most who have no clear idea what they are about to get themselves into, I'm really excited about it.

Thanks again everyone for the encouragement and help. denny