Post #2351993

2026-05-09 08:49 UTC

You might be better off buying an old aluminium tinny and modifying that. Lasts longer than plywood, and is already a boat. Hardest part done. Making a roof and adding solar panels is relatively easy

Replies (3)

@HeyThisIsntTheYMCA@lemmy.world 2026-05-10 07:34

hey that's my retirement plan

Open ##2352009
@EvacuateSoul@lemmy.world 2026-05-09 14:03

Fiberglass and resin or epoxy on plywood can last very well and is easy to repair if you go for "work boat finish". I have every book I can find on this. Phil Bolger, Dynamite Payson, Jim Michelak, all easy and good designs. The Birdwatcher style would lend itself well to solar panels, or Michelak's IMB (International Marine Beacher, from a magazine competition). I have a half-built "Cartopper" in my shed. I need to go work on it more. Sometimes it's more fun to read about than do.

Open ##2352010
@OwOarchist@pawb.social 2026-05-09 09:08

I think the best option is to take two old sailboats (already efficient hulls) and connect them together into a large catamaran with a platform in between them. This greatly increases the possible surface area for solar panels, with a minimum of water resistance added. It allows you to add a large section of solar panels in the middle without anything adding drag in the water in that section.

Open ##2352011