Using Wood and Epoxy to Build a Small Trimaran

If you've never built a trimaran (or any boat before) then you'll likely entertain some doubts. It's natural.

You'll probably ask yourself questions such as, "Can I really do this?" ... "How long is a boat building project realistically going to take?" ... "Should I go with a boat that has a frame and uses a cold-molded construction, or should I just go with a simple, straightforward Stitch and Glue type of construction?"

These are good questions. These are important questions.

Building any boat properly with wood requires good, useful information to help you get through the building process. Thankfully, there is some good info out there about wooden construction.

While it would be nice to find a little bit of this type of content provided in a unique, web-based environment, most of the really good information is still found in books. But more very good info is now making its way into the marketplace on DVD.

Whatever info resource you use, you'll want to make sure it includes more than details about marine-grade plywood ... scarfing joints ... strip plank ... frame and stringer ... diagonal plank on frame and stringer ... or other forms of construction.

Your resources should thoroughly cover how to safely use epoxy. Epoxy has proved itself to be a wonderful invention. But great care must be exercised when working with it.

Epoxy can be used to create an extremely strong, durable and essentially "monocoque" hull structure out of different pieces of wood. Thus, it's popular with many wooden boat builders for obvious reasons. However, the same chemical properties that result in it being such a wonderful tool in boat building can also make it a dangerous thing if not properly handled.

The fumes can make you very sick. Epoxy chemicals on the skin can result in terrible rashes, or even poison your whole system.

Not good.

In essence, before you work with epoxy, be sure to safeguard yourself by reading up on the process, and by following all the safety practices. There is no good reason to damage your health when simply following the proper procedures will prevent harm.

Using latex or medical type gloves is extremely important. Using a respirator is equally important. And clean up epoxy-related residue afterwards. This includes setting aside any clothes that might have absorbed epoxy. It's something that requires diligence and paying attention in order to follow through completely.

Safe boat building is smart boat building. The bottom line is that you can build a small trimaran out of wood and end up owning a great boat by doing things the right way.