Building a row boat is an excellent introduction to amateur boatbuilding. The project is small in scope, relatively inexpensive, and can be accomplished without specialty tools. Many row boat kits are available today that provide plans and step-by-step instructions for building a seaworthy row boat. Stitch-and-glue construction is by far the most common method employed by amateur boatbuilders, and any well-stocked home improvement store will have all the necessary materials to build a satisfactory row boat.
Step 1
Select a row boat kit. Many are available for purchase online. Some will be as minimal as a set of plans in a PDF download, while others will include detailed plans, patterns for cutting plywood to the correct dimensions and detailed assembly instructions. For a first-time boatbuilder, more detail and instruction is better. Make sure the boat can be built using the stitch-and-glue method, which is much simpler than other techniques such as lapstrake construction.
Step 2
Prepare the skin and frames of the row boat. Cutting all the necessary pieces of the boat at once is the most efficient method of handling the lumber. After using a provided pattern or precisely measuring the outline of the necessary cuts to the plywood, make the cuts using a circular saw. Take your time; the more precisely you cut the pieces, the better fit and finish you will have on the completed project.
Step 3
Fair the pieces once the sides, bottom and all frames of the boat have been cut. Using a sander and solvent, sand each of the pieces so there are no rough edges. The wood will provide a mechanical adhesion to the fiberglass you will apply later.
Step 4
Assemble the pieces according to the instructions. Drill holes along the edges of the plywood that will be bound to a separate piece of plywood, and join the two pieces using wire ties or small zip ties threaded through the holes. Cinch the ties as tightly as possible without breaking. Most kits will recommend the installation of the transom and frames at this point. Install them, using screws to provide rigidity to the hull.
Step 5
Glue and tape the seams. Prepare a putty of monocoloidal silica, fiberglass resin, and hardener. This is the glue, and should have the consistency of creamy peanut butter when mixed properly. Use this glue to fill the seams between all the joined pieces of plywood. Work fast as the glue hardens quickly. Allow the glue to cure for 24 hours, then remove the wire ties or zip ties used to hold the plywood seams together. If applied correctly, the glue will hold the seams together and make the boat watertight. Apply fiberglass tape to the glued seams for added strength. When properly applied and cured fiberglass tape offers greater tensile strength than steel.
Step 6
Fiberglass protect the row boat. Cover the remaining exposed plywood in fiberglass cloth and apply fiberglass resin and hardener. This makes the entire row boat waterproof.
Step 7
Paint the row boat. This is absolutely critical because fiberglass breaks down in sunlight and needs the protective covering of paint. Enamel works well as does the high-gloss latex used to paint bathrooms and other humid environments.
Things You'll Need
- Row boatbuilding kit
- Plywood
- Fasteners
- Fiberglass tape and cloth
- Fiberglass resin, hardener and monocoloidal silica
- Power tools
- Sandpaper
- Protective gear, including mask, respirator and latex gloves
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