Looking for advice on first build! (OD 18, FS17, or OB17?)

[BarraMan]

I am firmly in the "build the boat you want" camp!

I have never built a boat before and have earned my living for the last 40 years with my head rather than my hands.

So I settled on the Mangusta hull as the best fit for my future interests - and then up-scaled it 10% so the boat is just under the legal size to tow without restrictions.

The building method allows you to learn as you go - and there are only a few areas where a mistake cannot be relatively easily fixed.

For me, the biggest investment in a build is my time. Stitch-and-glue is a great building method but it is very labor intensive. I can't see in value in investing significant time in building a boat that I don't really want, just to polish my technique. If I use a bit extra epoxy or paint - I can't say I care!

I am very happy with my build so far - the hull looks fantastic IMO!

[jacquesmm]

BarraMan, I didn't realize this was your first boat building. You did very well.

[BarraMan]

Thanks Jacques!

Yes, it's my first boat (or anything like it for that matter). I hope I can do justice to your design and CL has set a great standard for me to aspire to.

I am having a ball building this thing, even fairing - once it's finished. I remain completely fascinated by the whole process and often sit and just look at my handy work.

Cheers

Lee

[terrulian]

Nice work.