Marine Designs
We have boat plans (both yacht designs, catamaran designs and power designs) for all sizes. From the 12ft Mushulu Dinghy stitch & glue yacht tender to the Oceansky 57 catamaran. We design timber boats, plywood boats, strip plank boats, fibreglass composite boats, steel and aluminum boats to very modern styling for both monohull designs or multihull designs, powerboat or sailboat and in round bilge, multi-chine or radius chine hull forms.
With the best technical support: we will help you succeed!
All our plans come with full technical support and are Australian Builders plate compliant.
Marine Designs
We will respond immediately. At the same please visit our forum site, to share ideas about our boats and thousands of pictures - see completed boats and many of the building steps done by builders like you.
Also, all the fiberglass supplies required to build our boats are available at Bowdidge marine Designs, delivered to your door.
Designed Boat Plans
Building a new boat should be a time of excitement and anticipation. Everyone is unique and has a range of wants and needs, influencing the type of vessel most suited to them. If you have been involved in boating for numerous years you will be familiar with its many aspects and have a good idea on the specifications you are after. However, if this is your first time building a boat, we would like to offer some basic advice to think about.
The very first thing to consider is what marine environment you are planning to use your new boat in. Will you be fishing lakes and impoundments? Maybe creeks and estuaries? Or perhaps offshore? The type of activities you plan to partake in also plays an equally important role in the design and layout of the model you will choose. For instance, flicking lures will require a different layout than if you're objective is bottom bashing.
Engine requirements also play an important part in your boat choice. Some Designers will usually list a recommended minimum and maximum horsepower rating as well as engine weight on each model of boat. While you can not legally exceed the maximum horsepower rating, under powering a boat can also be detrimental to overall performance and safety. Some factors to take into account are as follows:-
1. Weight of the boat
2. Amount of fuel on board
3. How many people on board
4. Weight of accessories
5. Distance to and from destination
Hull performance can also be spoilt by an incorrectly fitted or trimmed engine. If you are new to boating and have had little experience with outboard engines, your outboard dealer will guide you with the correct engine transom position and explain about motor trimming.
While the model and engine horsepower must be considered if you intend to carry a big load, how the load is distributed is equally important. Too much weight in one area may compromise the boats performance and safety on the water.
Choosing a new trailer is just as significant as choosing a suitable boat and engine. The specifications of a trailer can vary considerably but should be able to accommodate the weight of the boat, engine, a full tank of fuel and any other equipment that would normally be brought along. Incorrect trailer set up is one of the major causes of boat damage, so it is important when deciding on a trailer to consider several factors:-
1. The distance you will be travelling
2. The type of road surface you will be towing on
3. Where the boat will be launched
4. Vehicle towing capacity
5. Hull type (e.g. Flat or "V" bottom)
6. Hull weight
Remember, whatever design your looking at building, don't be afraid to ask the designer questions. If they don't know the answers or, aren't very helpful, then you may have to question yourself if they are the right people to deal with. It is crucial that you are happy with who and what, you're spending your hard earned money on. This is your dream boat after all.
We hope the information we have provided helps you along in your decision process when building a new boat. Boating is a terrific past time that can be enjoyed by all ages and, building a new boat should definitely be part of it.
Hope to see you on the water soon... Happy Boating!
