How to Build a Sailboat

The principle of its operation is simple. A sail is stretched and attached over the boat which captures wind and propels it forward, under its power. It is perhaps one of the most ingenious designs of a boat ever.

If you have been on any charter vacations, you will know what sailboats are like. Different designs of sailboats exist in various parts of the world. These sailboats are built according to purpose of use, availability of raw materials and of course where they will be sailed. Therefore their designs vary a lot.

So here is a list of types of sailboats that you could refer to before deciding on what design to have for your own sailboat. Sailboats could be classified according to the hull configuration.

• Monohull
• Catamaran
• Trimaran

They can be further classified according to keel type.

• Full
• Fin
• Wing
• Centerboard

According to the overall design, many varying types of sailboats exist.

• Sloop
• Fractional Rig Sloop
• Cutters
• Catboats
• Ketches
• Schooner
• Yawl
• Dhoni
• Dinghy

Designing is the most important part of building a sailboat and it will require thorough research. If you have practical knowledge about, that will help you. Also read about designing sailboats.

Refer to books with illustrated diagrams that give you in-depth instructions and take advice from someone for a fair idea about the practicalities. Many companies even supply you with ready-made kits along with detailed plans.

Choose a design that suits your needs. The two important points to remember is that the boat should achieve balance with speed and it should float! Start with the hull and keel design and move upwards. Draw detailed diagrams with measurements of your design. There are many ways to get this task done.

Make a list of all the raw materials you will require to build your boat. Make a thorough review of what all you need and make an inventory. You may gauge the total cost of the boat by adding up the market prices for each raw material and tool required. You may have to modify your design, if the total cost does not suit your budget.

The next step is preparing yourself for the building of the boat. Shop for the wood, the sail and other raw materials. You will also require carpentry tools and a dry dock or place for building your boat near the shore.

Once the raw materials are available, mark your measurements on the wood according to the design. First you will have to design hull and keel. Furnish them with care, as, if there are any mistakes, there is no way you could change them.

A sailboat requires two sails―main and head. These sails essentially trap the wind to power your boat in the water. The sail material should be tough so that it does not tear under high wind pressure. Special type of fabric, which can withstand high stress, should be used. According to the design, stitch your sail and make it ready for attachment.

The last step is putting all the parts together to realize your dream design in actuality and then test it in water. Trust us, it is a very satisfying experience and you can't help but get a high when you sail in your own sailboat!

Building a sailboat is one of the most creative jobs, you could do over a summer. There is pride in building your own sailboat and there is a lot that you can get to learn in the process.

Every man who dreams of being a sailor, must know the building of a sailboat, at least. It is a skill that will come in handy, if by any chance you are marooned on an island! Provided, island has trees, providing you with wood and you have a desire of getting back to civilization, as well as ingenuity to build one!