Building from a hull and deck kit can be an economical way of acquiring a custom built boat. Many of the cruising boats you will see in far off and exotic locations were completed from a kit or ‘hull and deck.’ If following the footsteps of others is any indication then this is one of the most popular ways to obtain a genuine offshore cruising boat. Hull and deck packages are available built from fiberglass; steel unlimited selection, aluminium, treat with caution, and timber, becoming rarer.
Building from plans is the most time consuming option and one which will require some special skills. If you do not already possess the type of experience that would allow you to build your own boat then you may be able to acquire the skills you need as the work progresses. If you are already an experienced welder, woodworker or have some knowledge of fiberglass, then you are well on the way to assuring that you can build a seaworthy boat.
As steel becomes increasingly popular as a boatbuilding material, we are seeing many more cruising boats built by owners who gained their experience either in the course of their employment or by undertaking evening courses and the like. There are many designers around the world who specialise in preparing boat plans and patterns for those who want to create their own boat. The builders of these cruising boats have the advantage of knowing every part of their cruising home. Repairs are easier, quicker and certainly less expensive if you have built the boat yourself. Most people who have self-built their boat have gained additional marketable skills that can extend their cruising lifestyle infinitum.
