| The first thing to consider when looking for small | | | | wood with uniquely, the color combinations are |
| sailboat plans is what type of material is to be | | | | literally endless. |
| used. There are three primary types of materials | | | | People experienced with sailing will say that the |
| used for boat building: marine plywood, wood, and | | | | feel of a wooden sailboat is more solid than a |
| fiberglass. While the marine plywood and the | | | | similar boat made out of marine plywood or |
| wood plans may be the same, the fiberglass plans | | | | fiberglass. |
| will likely be unique to fiberglass. | | | | Wood is also the easiest material to replace for |
| It is important to know the advantages and | | | | renovations or repairs after the boat has been |
| disadvantages of each construction material | | | | finished. |
| before selecting which to use and which small | | | | If you are environmentally conscious, you |
| sailboat plans you will buy. | | | | guessed it, using wood to complete your small |
| Marine Plywood | | | | sailboat plans is the best for the environment too. |
| Marine Plywood is a great material for small | | | | The biggest disadvantage of building your sailboat |
| sailboats. It is easy to work with and inexpensive | | | | out of wood is the cost. Depending on the type |
| compared to wood. It is also readily available in | | | | of wood, it may be the most expensive option. |
| most areas, where species of wood may only be | | | | Like plywood, if wood is not sealed properly, |
| available in the area in which it grows natively. If a | | | | damage can occur due to the movement or rot |
| species is available outside of the area in which it | | | | of the wood. |
| grows natively, there may be a steep premium | | | | Fiberglass |
| on it. | | | | Using fiberglass to complete your small sailboat |
| Marine Plywood is simply many pieces of veneer, | | | | plans is another option. Fiberglass is very light and |
| or thin strips or wood, glued atop each other. It is | | | | can be nearly as durable as the other options. |
| important that you purchase marine grade | | | | There is a different skill set for working with |
| plywood as opposed to standard plywood | | | | fiberglass than there is in working with wood or |
| because of the quality and the waterproof glue | | | | plywood, so if you are not an experienced |
| that is used. | | | | woodworker, and you don't desire to be, this |
| Another disadvantage to marine plywood is that if | | | | may be your option. |
| it is not properly sealed, then the wood can wafer | | | | Fiberglass will make your hull all one piece, so |
| and be destroyed when it is placed in the water. | | | | repairing it can be difficult. Also, when you use |
| If you follow the instructions that come with your | | | | fiberglass for your small sailboat plans, it can |
| small sailboat plans, this risk can be minimized. | | | | degrade over time. |
| Wood | | | | Building a sailboat is one of the greatest projects |
| There is nothing like the beauty of real wood | | | | a craftsman can do. Selecting the right material |
| when building a boat from your small sailboat | | | | before selecting your small sailboat plans will give |
| plans. The grain patterns make each board unique. | | | | you hours of enjoyment in the shop and years of |
| You can also mix contrasting wood for different | | | | enjoyment on the water. |
| effects, and when you add the ability to stain | | | | |