Designs for seaworthy, affordable cruising boats -- specializing in wood/epoxy construction

Building Cost

Estimating building cost is difficult, as it can vary enormously between different builders. The largest variable in terms of cost is labor (which amounts to 55-60% of the cost in professionally built custom boats). Among amateur builders (for whom labor cost isn't an issue), building costs will vary somewhat due to differences in the cost of raw materials, but much more significantly depending on the complexity and cost of the equipment on the boat. The biggest potential for cost savings on amateur built boats is in outfitting.

For example, one builder may choose to sail without an engine, or to purchase a used outboard costing perhaps $2000. Another builder may opt for a new marine diesel, with a total  cost (including shaft, stuffing box, prop, tanks, controls, etc.) of $10,000-15,000. Some builders may choose very simple electronics  - I've sailed thousands of miles myself using just a VHF, depth sounder, and simple GPS - but others may opt for radar, chart plotters, and more. The material cost for a wooden mast and boom is minimal - even if spruce is used - but new alloy spars will run to many thousands of dollars.

The cost estimate for a completed boat (fully outfitted) is contrasted below with the basic material cost for an amateur built craft. This material cost should cover the basics - wood, glue, ballast, fastenings, paint - for hull, deck, interior and spars. Not included is any amount for equipment, hardware, sails etc. - you can estimate these costs yourself, based on the equipment you would want to have onboard . I've used quoted prices in the US for materials as of September 2002 in making these estimates.