New XF20 Build

[majorgator]

I have just bought the plans for the XF20, and I intend on getting started soon. Though I'm not an overly experienced boatbuilder, I have done a pretty good amount of work on boats, including glass work.

Before I even get started though, I need to inquire about a few things. I've noticed that the there are two different BOM for this boat, one on the plans and a different on the study guide and kit. Specifically, it would be helpful to know exactly how much resin and biaxial fabric is required. I know it will vary depending how well the builder controls waste, but just a general idea would be great.

Also, I am very budget minded; I constantly try to find better prices. The epoxy resin and fabric aren't cheap, so has anyone found any success in locating materials for less than what the total kit costs?

I'm sure these questions have been asked before, so I apologize. But any help or suggestions with this build would be extremely helpful.

Thanks in advance...from High Springs!!

[gk108]

I don't think you'll find a better price than Marinepoxy. You probably won't find a resin as easy to work with unless you spend more. The fiberglass is pretty specific, so if you do manage to find some elsewhere, make sure it is the right type.

[jeremy]

Also, I am very budget minded; I constantly try to find better prices. The epoxy resin and fabric aren't cheap, so has anyone found any success in locating materials for less than what the total kit costs?

Are you in the US? If so, I don't think anyone has. Shipping internationally can be cost-prohibitive (although in many cases, it isn't). People often look for plywood locally because shipping is relatively expensive, but I haven't heard of anyone finding a better deal locally on resin and fabric.

I did buy some epoxy locally when I needed some quickly and I ran out of what I ordered, but it wasn't any cheaper. That was from a store that specifically dealt in fiberglass in a city with a lot of boat-related industry (Seattle), too.

[TomW]

If you buy the fiberglass/epoxy kit you won't find a cheaper price as it includes shipping. It basically includes everything you will need although depending on your skill level and how much you use the epoxy for coatings you may need more.

Plywood depends on your location. With large quantities it can be as cheap buying and shipping from here as buying locally, sometimes not if you can find Mercanti or Okume locally. Do not use any plywood other than these. This is a planning boat and needs the voidless quality of marine plywood. You will just have to do your homework.

Tom

[majorgator]

Thanks for all the great info. Has anyone ever used brand epoxy? I have found it to be a bit less expensive.

Please know, I'm not doing all of this to save $20 or $30, but really looking for the big chunks. I still have some time before I begin the build, so I don't want to omit any potential savings. And of course, the more I spend, the more heat I'll likely catch at home!!

[TomW]

Could you please let us know where you are located. It will help us answer your questions. There are regional brands some of us have no knowledge of that may be perfectly okay to use. Remember also the brands sold here have been tested for shear and tensile strength and overall quality and compatibility with the building system. MarinEpoxy is very reasonably priced for what it does and if you find something more than $20 dollars a gallon less I would question it's compatibility with marine boat building. Most of the competitors we compare to are priced higher. Get the data sheets and do a thorough comparison before buying.

Finally the basic material costs are only going to be about 20% of your overall costs. When you start adding in the motor, trailer, paint, fittings, etc, etc, etc, it will all add up to much, much more. This is the important part of the longevity of your boat, it is important to use quality products at this point in time.

Tom

[TomW]

Prices are posted in the Boat Building Supplies but 4.5 gallons are $232. Take a look at the total price for your boat say 15 or 20 gal and compare prices. You can take a 3 hr drive to Vero Beach and get every thing you need and no shipping. That will let you meet the designer if he's there and the supplies manager who you will want to have access to.

Few of us have found a better place to buy our supplies unless we are far away and even then some of the Canadiens have had there supplies shipped.

For the interior yes you can use marine fir, but it must be knot free. Something that is hard to find. People miss that clarification. Fir must also be encapsulated in fiberglass to keep it from checking which lets water in.

I'm not trying to be difficult or push you toward buying here. I just want you to have a boat that is long lasting and one you can take pride in.

I wish you luck in your pursuit and hope it comes out well.

For a detailed build of a XF20 check Aripecka Anglers build.

Tom

[Bayport_Bob]

You will use significantly more epoxy on cheap plywood than if you use meranti or okoume. The cheaper wood soaks it up like a sponge.

[gk108]

Hey, now we have something to point at on the subject of cheap plywood.
http://forums.bateau2.com/viewtopic.php?t=16460
When my cousin built his race car, he said he would wait until he got on the track before he started cutting corners. That's a good principle to apply to building boats, too.

[AmbitiousRookie]

I will be starting a project before to long and my wife the same way just go without some of the rigging and other thing you can get by without for now. It's always been my experience you get what you pay for. The company I work for found a cheaper carbide cutters(carbide is carbide right) for us to use.(Wrong) Man are they cheap to bad we run though 3-4 for of then compared to 1 high quality more expensive one. Which just wipe out the cost saving plus added more labor.