Building a boat can be a blast, but after you decide what you want to build you must figure out where you will build it.
Your project will dictate the size of type of space you’ll need, as well as the type of tools. Are you attempting minor repairs on an existing boat or tackling a major overhaul on a trawler? Are you building a boat from scratch or a kit? Is it small, like a canoe or dinghy, or large like a river cruiser?
Steel construction will have one set of tools, including welders, grinders and sandblasters. Wood will have another. Some people get into vacuum bagging and vacuum infusion techniques for fiberglass epoxy lay-ups. Keep in mind that regardless of the hull material, wood likely will be a primary component of your boat, if only for interior furnishings.
THINK MOBILITY
Bruce C. DillahuntyA mobile workbench is a tool that holds tools.
For months now, I have been working on a 28-foot trailerable boat right here at home (for a story and blog on my project, see links). I have had a lot of fun, had my share of frustrations and I have learned a great deal. I'll try to impart some of these lessons here, at least as they apply to workspace and tools.
One key point is that boat building and repair require more mobility than many shop tasks. Many people who start building wooden boats already have a nice woodshop for other hobby or professional building. That’s great for small boats, but you’ll need to make the space work better for you. The key is mobility—yours, not the boat’s. You’ll be moving around a much larger object and , without fail, the tool you’ll need will be on the other side of the boat. When you’re at the stern, the parts for the next phase will be at the bow.
Work on a large boat means getting in and out of the hull—each trip into the interior means up a ladder and back down to get over the sides. Make sure that you have needed tools and supplies when you step up. Eventually, most of your tools will migrate into the interior, which will begin to resemble a workshop.
Tools and supplies need to be mobile, too. I use rolling workbenches. I took a "baker's rack" that we had, cut it in two, mounted wheels and made a top cut from an old solid-core door. It has made a fairly sturdy workbench. With this type of project, workbenches don’t take the same abuse as other traditional shop tasks, so this set-up works well for me. Most of the parts are bigger and are either on the floor or are actually on the boat.
If you are building a smaller craft where more of the labor takes place on the actual workbench, you may want something stronger, but then the mobility requirements will be less. Having two or more mobile platforms allows easier cutting of sheet goods with a circular or jig saw. Just span the sheet across both tables, arranging them so that the cut goes between them and both sides are supported.
The workbenches have shelves where I keep my commonly-used power tools. I can easily reach under and grab what I need. Extension cords are coiled and hang on the end. For hand tools I have my "common set" in a carry bag received as a gift long ago. Keeping a core set of screwdrivers, pliers, a cordless drill and other basics in a portable pouch works well no matter what you are doing. I have my big toolbox in the garage, but if I need to work around the house or away from home, I can pick up my "go bag" of tools and cover most basics. If I need more, I can take another box with me. My bag follows me on one of the rolling workbenches, depending on where I'm spending my time.
