Ok, double checking on this one with the group here, but is there any reason I shouldn't build this boat:

Kurt Hughes Multihull Design - Catamarans and Trimarans for Cruising and Charter

The cost of materials is $38-$39K, delivered. I could start in a couple months.

Total cost seems to be about $136K with rent, but spread over 3 years of building the boat isn't so bad at all. That's just about $45K a year, of which I already have more than a year's in savings.

I'd have a brand new 2013 Kurt Hughes bridgedeck catamaran, plus I could provide some great entertainment... "what the hell did Sully just do?"

Simultaneously, the owner of the big, old cat in San Fran didn't like my estimation of the boat's value (it's homebuilt) and the quote for the materials on the Kurt Hughes came in.

Kurt has been a pleasure to work with and was the one and only designer that supplied me with a bill of materials I could use to verify the cost of the boat's materials. Chris White let me know the cost for the Atlantic 42, but all the other designers were not forthcoming in helping me figure out things. Kurt was the most helpful and his build method makes the most sense to me.

The wife and I are talking this over and I'm trying to pick a good build location to price out the real estate costs. I'm also doing some Excel sheets today to make a budget to see what it would cost, all in.

Maybe I2F could give you an idea of the cost to build at one of the Green Cove Springs Yards. Maybe they would let you live in your van. The temperature might be a factor for using epoxy. At least the weather would be warm/hot and the cost in Green Cove Springs is less than coastal living. You also would not have to pay to transport the cat a large distance to be launched. The number of paying jobs in the area is small. Different thought--Are there cats available to purchase through a lease program like Moorings? Could you and your wife also work as paid crew for Moorings? Let's say after the 5 year period the boat is yours.

That's the idea, John. I'm trying to price out some areas just like what you mention, but that won't have much of a chance of a Cat 5 hurricane destroying my boat before I can get her finished. But generally, that's the idea. Be up a river a bit, kind of cheap in real estate, live in the van and make the boat.

I'm not aware of anything like that where you can work as crew, then get a boat, but I'd sure be interested in exploring it if I could.

I'd sure enjoy the entertainment, Sully! I'm not sure how much encouragement you will get from some here to start a build, but I think you can do it....and maybe at record pace knowing you!

This isn't about boatbuilding, but please bare with me as there is a point to my post.

I started building "toy" airplanes when I was eight years old, and loved flying them. It is a hobby that stuck with me. In the late 80's I went to work for a company that built competition models mainly for the T.O.C. Las Vegas TOC Pilots I honed my skills there, and built many winning models.

I later started my own company and did custom builds for people all over the world. But, I needed something new and different that I could claim as my own design. There was an airplane called the Staudacher 300 GS, flown by Michael Goulian (who currently flies in the Red Bull Air Races). This was a one-off design, and no model company even knew about it yet. I called John Staudacher (the builder) to see if he had some drawings I might use to design and build a model. He didn't, but told me the plane would be in Sherman, Texas for the National Aerobatic Championships in a couple of weeks.

I drove to Sherman where I met Michael Goulian, the pilot. He was kind enough to allow me to measure and photograph the plane. I then designed the construction and drew up a set of plans for a 1/3 scale model, built jigs and templates, produced a plug and mold (thanks Fiberglast) for the engine cowling to cover the 70cc, 7.5 HP 2-stroke engine, a plug for the canopy, and sent pictures to a company to make the graphics. The model was completed in just under 1 year! Lots of work for a "toy" airplane...but here it is.

scan0002.jpg

The day finally came for the test flight. Of course there were a few hot shots and friends around to watch...no pressure. Just a year of work, and a years worth of dreams keeping me awake at night.

I new in the first 5 seconds that it was all worth the effort. I had never flown a better model! Then it just got better from there. After landing, I just about cried honestly. The joy was overwhelming! So was the relief. Honestly, that moment in Brookshire, Texas on a sunny December Saturday afternoon will stay with me forever!

My point to you Sully is this. I know that you have rebuilt boats to a very high standard, but there is nothing like taking and empty bench (building or other shelter) and raw materials, and producing something beautiful with your own two hands! Just ask 44C, and Mike (Whimsical).

If you do build, I hope you finish so you can feel what is there waiting for you!

Ralph

PS This model is still flying, and in my garage....one of the things I must part with to move aboard and go cruising. 3K if anyone's interested!

__________________
"Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer."
--W.C. Fields

Hunter 36
s/v FUGUE
Kemah, Tx.

Wow!!! I had no idea your "model" planes were this size with 70cc engines... holy crap!

That's one cool plane.

Thank you for the story and words of encouragement. In all honesty, i would buy pre-built hulls and refit if there were catamarans on the market for reasonable prices. There aren't any, however, and the Kurt Hughes method (thanks Maren!) seems like the way to go, IMO.

This is an industrial site, and there have been a couple of boats under construction. The facility has possibilities for you. There have been some boats working under tented areas.......i2f

Interesting, the talents we discover our friends have.
Great job on that plane RTB, if you had made it just a little larger

__________________
What the hell did I just do

I have definitely considered builing a real (full size) airplane in the past, but it just never happened unfortunately...too busy workin for tha man.

Yeah, I'm sure there are lots of guys and girls here with talents. I guess we'll all have to meet someday, and learn more about each other.

__________________
"Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer."
--W.C. Fields

Hunter 36
s/v FUGUE
Kemah, Tx.

That's funny, Shu. I was thinking the same thing. You could *almost* go for a ride in that thing.

That's a cool plane. My wife's grandfather built his own plane a few years back, picking up the appropriate FAA certifications along the way. I think he was about 84 at the time. You've still got a few years

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Regards,

Maren

The sea is always beautiful, sometimes mysterious and, on occasions, frighteningly powerful.