Costs and Time to Build - Glen-L Boat Plans

Costs and Time to Build

The following cost and time figures have been submitted by builders. If a year of build was provided, we have included that information, otherwise the date of build is unknown so take that into consideration when estimating your costs. Remember, these costs will vary depending on the materials you use and prices in your area so please use them as a general guideline.

If the builder name is blue and underlined, you can click on it and you’ll be taken to the Boatbuilder’s Gallery section of our site directly to that builder’s boat or to a blog post or video about the boat.

Thank you to all who have contributed this information and if you want to add your build costs, please email us at info@Glen-L.com

Click on the letters below to to get to the name of the design you are interested in:

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Alpha 2 – 18-1/2′ Classic Sailing Dory

Built by Robert Sanson – Finished in 2001. Total cost was about $3,500 and took 6 months to build. Robert Sanson – Saratoga Springs, NY

Andante – 38′ Semi-Displacement Cruising Yacht

Built by Don Bakker – I have been working on this project between 13 and 14 years and it’s just about complete! I’ve used high gloss mahogany throughout the entire boat, granite counter tops, teak flooring, underwater lights and camera bow thruster, Raymarine electronics, and auto pilot, it has an electronically controlled John Deere engine. I have a steel fabricating business with many employees that have made this project possible but so far have spent well over $250,000

Aqua Cat – 18′ Power Catamaran Overnighter

Built by Daniel Bucklin (Australia) – Total Cost/2009: $26,300 includes:

Wood, West System epoxy & SS Fastenings = $3500
Paint & Primer = $1000
Toughened Glass = $1500
Hydraulic Steering = $1000
Stainless Steel Fuel Tanks = $800
Twin Honda 50hp = $15,000
Deck fittings, hardware & upholstery = $1500

So, for about 26 grand I’ll have a boat that nobody can buy for any price because I made THIS one. One of the reasons that I decided to build the Aqua Cat is because of the unique design. I couldn’t hope to buy anything close to it in Australia and so the decision to build was clear.

Argosy – 42′ Cruising Yacht

Built by Foster Sparkman – Built in 1986 and it cost $23,000 with a Ford 135 HP Diesel. Foster Sparkman – Saugus, CA (Editor’s Note: This boat was for sale in 2006 for $250,000 but we don’t know if it sold)

Audeen – 16′ Classic Mid Engine Ski Boat

Built by Al Neil (Ontario, Canada) – I am in the process of building the Audeen. I have acquired just about all of what is needed and made maximum use of e-Bay when looking for parts. This has been good and bad. My recommendation if I were ever to do this again, would be to go new with all of the parts required. This of course would increase the cost dramatically but save a lot of time and problems. The material cost is of less importance then the amount of work and time involved.

My cost in building the Audeen should run in the area of $10,000 Canadian, (including a rebuilt engine). If anyone would like further info on this subject they may feel free to contact me at any time. E-mail address is “xacn@aei.ca “. Regards, Al Neil – Kanata, Ontario, Canada

Bandido – 30′ Inboard Deep Vee Runabout

Built by Scott Ure – Total build cost in the region of $60,000 which includes everything including the trailer (2010). I also think I have put in around 8,000 man hours into the project over the last 7 years or so, but this is a very rough figure as I did not keep a record.

Barrelback – 19′ or 20′ Classic Double Cockpit Inboard Barrelback Runabout

Built by Jim Peerless – 2017, Canada – I did not keep a time log but using a conservative average of hours per day over the 3 years that the project took to build I estimate over 3000 hours of labour were accumulated.

As to costs:  I did keep a record of all expenses related to the build and have converted to US dollars below. Naturally I tried to find the best price in our area for all parts and pieces while keeping the need for good quality in mind.  Had very little luck scrounging for anything as few of this design are built in this area.  However, this area is well known for excellent seaworthy fishing boats and sailing craft so I was able to select tried and true fittings suggested by experienced seamen appropriate for my vessel.  Almost all materials were purchased as brand new, including the engine & transmission.

Total cost of all things related to the build, including some new tools, all wood & epoxy, the engine, transmission, trailer and everything else….taxes included:  $50,400 U.S.

A breakdown of some of the more expensive items:

Engine & Transmission (Scorpion MerCruiser & Hurth Transmission):  $12,400

Wood (Douglas Fir and Marine Ply):  $4200

Epoxy (2 part West System):  $3000

Trailer (Tandem aluminum rated to 3600 lb. load):  $4600

Cutwater (fabrication and chroming):  $1300

Upholstery/Cushions:  $2000

Frankly, the boat cost me about double what I had in mind but, then again, such boats are selling for well north of $85,000 US in many cases, I believe.  You occasionally see a ‘deal’ for much less than that but they almost always require major and expensive restoration work.

 

Built by Gary Schoenfeldt – The final cost of my Barrelback 19 came to $24,751.83.  This final cost includes many items that were needed for construction such as 2 canvas carports, tools I didnā€™t have and many other miscellaneous items. Luckily I was able to find a used Mercruiser V6 in excellent condition with all the marine equipment installed.  The engine cost me $1,500.00 which was quite a savings. If I hadnā€™t found this engine I would have had to add a few more thousand $ to the cost.  I was able to launch the boat this last summer on Lake Pend Oreille in north Idaho.  It operates like a dream.  It is so much fun to take it out.  Every time I take it to the lake it seems to draw people over who are amazed that it is a homemade boat and not a Chris Craft or some other brand.

Bass Boat – 15′ Bass Boat

Built by George Robertson – $8,800 – I believe it includes everything I bought for it, including $3,150 (approx. $6,800 value) for a brand new, still in the crate, Honda 40 hp motor I found at a dealer who was liquidating his inventory after going out of business. That’s a deal not everyone will find. George Robertson – Flint, TX

Bo Jest – 18′ Pocket Cruiser

Built by Rick Klemm – My Bojest (S.K. Ohana) cost approxn $20,000 Canadian dollars. Much of the solid lumber was scrounged. This includes the Motor, electrical, and trailer. At the Vancouver Boat show, I saw a comparable boat for $60,000. Cheers, Rick Klemm – Delta, BC, Canada

Bolero – 24′ Deep Vee Runabout

Built by Donato Conserva (Italy) – I can tell you that to build today (2012) the  ā€œBoleroā€, complete of all the equipment, interior and exterior, without motors, I think it need about 7,000 Euros (considering the cost of the material here, in Italy) and about 300 hours.

Bull’s-Eye – 11′ Skiff for oars, power or sail

Built by E-J Ohler – Cost (2002): $1,000-$2,000 for sailing version (however, I had a lot of the materials laying around)

NOTE: So adding everything up including buying the plan I probably spend close to $1,000-$1,200 for building a boat with my then young sons and one boat we still have which is priceless.

Cabin Skiff – 16′ Tabloid Cruiser

Built by Ray Macke in 2000:

$2,137 – Building Materials – plywood, epoxy, bronze screws, FG cloth, etc.
$1,206 – Hardware – nuts, bolts, seats, cleats, lucite, steering cable, etc.
$703 – Electrical – wire, battery, fuses, etc. (includes instruments – got carried away here!)
$329 – Paint – Including thinners, primers
$104 – Disposable – paint brushes, gloves, coveralls, etc.
$304 – Other – carpet, swim platform, etc. ( items many builders might not use
$5800 – Engine ($5,000, Trailer $800) $10,638 – TOTAL

I know there are some receipts missing. I did a far job keeping track of most but I am sure I failed to get a few in the folder where I was filing them. I know many of the odds and ends from the local hardware store were missed. So probably rounding it off a $5000 would cover it all.

This sounds like a pretty good chunk of cash – and it is. But if you compare it to a similar craft like the C-Dory it is actually not too bad. The list price for the C-Dory 16′ cruiser is $11,800 for the hull. Don’t forget like the CS you still need to add the outboard and trailer. My engine ran $5000 and I probably have about $800 in the homemade trailer. A new 2 stroke 50 HP with prop and controller would probably run close to $4000. A factory trailer will be in the $1000 to $1500 range. At least these are the prices I was finding in the spring of 2000. Obviously, a used outboard and/or trailer is another option.

Built by Ed Skulski – 2015

Boat: Hardware & Accessories $2,068.37 (this includes all fasteners, cleats, bilge pump, steering system, etc)

– Wood – $1295.08

– Resin – $1475.27 (includes pumps, applicators, cloth, fillers, etc). I have to say I used way more resin then listed in the Bill of Materials. I believe that I did because of my inexperience working with it and being kind of sloppy.

– Misc – $756.47 Paint, window, canvas, etc.

Total boat cost – $5,595.19

Trailer cost – $1,003.52

Motor $6,389.69 (50HP Etec)

It took me approx. 5 years to build but I mostly worked on it during the warmer months and did not rush to get it done.

Hope this helps. I use the boat very often and keep it in the water at the Small Boat Harbor here in Buffalo, NY. Still get a lot of nice comments on it.  

Console Skiff  – 15′ 9″ Open Skiff with Center Console

Built by George Yannoulis (Greece) – Building Time: 480 hrs (with study plans) Material Costs: $1600.00 (inculding extra upgrade materials like chair skin, etc.) Outboard Machine Suzuki 40hp, 4 stroke (new) : $5,500.00 (2012)

Cracker Box – 15′ Inboard Speedster

Built by Don Fischer – 2017 – It took me 4-1/2 years, mainly winters, to complete. I used the best of everything, white oak frames, Sitka Spruce, Okoume plywood, West System throughout with almost no fasteners, used engine (305 Chevy V8), used transmission, used steering pump for the hydraulic steering system, extensive gauge package, pleated upholstery, used trailer, custom canvas for a total cost of $16,000. I get the thumbs up wherever it goes. After building something like this you just have to keep it in the family and give it to one of the grand kids. I live on a lake and use this boat for a sunset ride every night if it’s calm. As you know, this is not a rough water boat. I also stretched it to 16.5 feet and I highly recommend this if you want a transmission.

Built by Brian Toth – took about 2 years to build and I spent about $6000.00 (2010).

Built by Don Fischer – Total cost for below—-$12,500.00

-Wood (white oak, Okoume plywood and Sitka Spruce)
-All needed Silicon Bronze fasteners
-Epoxy
-Used Velvet Drive Transmission
-Used Chevy 305 engine
-Used bell housing
-Stainless gas cap and lift rings
-Milwaukee drill and screw driver set (this is a must)
-Used fly wheel drive plate
-Used trailer (I refurbished, painted and put on new tires)
-Aircraft push-pull throttle
-Stainless exhaust tips
-Used hydraulic steering system
-Used motor mounts
-Bottom paint
-Wood stain
-Stainless rub rail for sheer
-25 yards of 6 oz. fiberglass
-Shop supplies
-Used aluminum gas tank
-Used bow and stern lights
-Used steering wheel
-New Stuffing Box, hose and clamps
-New Shaft Log
-New Fin
-New Strut and Strut Bearing
-New Rudder
-New Rudder Stuffing Box, Back Plate, Safety collar, Tiller Arm and Tiller Post Bracket
-Polishing of Rudder, Strut and Fin
-New set of eight Gage’s
-Bolts for under water hardware
-Reconditioned Prop
-Rebuild of Starter
-New underwater pick up for water pump
– Volvo type water pump
-Carb. wedge
– Switches
– Radio
-Gas tank
– New drive shaft
– Trim tabs
I would tell most first time builders to estimate their costs and then double it.

Built by Peter Randall – The total including engine, trailer and everything to get it going was about $17,000 Australian. I’ve been quoted around $35,000.00 by boat builders. Peter Randall – Lemontree Passge, Australia

Built by Alex Neymark – $44,000 includes motor & trailer, everything! Only top of the line materials were used including many custom made parts.

Dragonfly – 17′ 6″ Garvey Flats Boat

Built by Nikola Sijan (Serbia) – Dragonfly total cost will be somewhere less than $2500 EUR ($3000 USD). I am not building it alone, I have rented one company that charges me 500 euros for whole boat. Only modification that we have done so far is to make cockpit area a little bigger.

Drifter – 14′, 16′ or 18′ Driftboat

Built by Fred Haaf – The cost of building my 16 foot Drifter including Plans, fiberglassing and paint was $2,750.00 canadian and took about 6-8 months.

Built by Terry Priser – I live in West Richland, WA.  I started my 14′ Drifter with your plans in September 2013.  I finished it in January 2014.  My cost of materials was around $1500.00.  I added a boat trailer kit for another $900.00.  So I would say the total was around $2,400.00.  

Duckboat Too – 14′ Duck Boat for Power

Built by Scott Winsor – 2017 – I built a ‘Duckboat Too’ in Caberra, Australia. All up, the boat cost about $600 AUD to build. All materials came from Bunnings, a popular Hardware store in Australia. I used marine ply sheets and oak for the frames. Pine for the temporary timbers. I used screws that are rated for treated pine. I used Titebond III as the glue, which I ordered online.

The boat moved along quite nicely using a watersnake 54lb electric motor. The experience of building a boat was very pleasant. I love a good project to keep my mind and hands busy. The plans and instructions were easy to follow and making custom modifications was a breeze. I’ll build another wooden boat soon and the first preference for design will be Glen L.

Dyno Mite – 11′ Deep Vee Runabout

Built by Eugen Frunza – 2016 – So far the cost is around 3000 Canadian dollars mainly for the plywood and epoxy, fiberglass, silica and microspheres, some wood filler and screws. Including a circular sander, clamps, sending paper, etc. I intend to buy a 10 HP new engine and this will be around 3000 Canadian dollars.

Probably it will cost me more than $7000 CDN the whole enterprise including a trailer as well.

 

Eight Ball – 8′ Sailing Pram

Built by Steven Sage – The Eight Ball (stitch and glue version) ended up costing me about $800.00. This was every thing from the plans through the sails and rigging. I didn’t fiber glass the hull but I did encapsulate inside and out. Used exterior 1/4″ Luan for sheathing. Steven Sage – Bland, VA

Built by Scott Richey – In the summer of 2009, I built an Eight Ball dinghy for less than $265. I built a pair of Eight Balls about 20 years ago, but they were stored outside the last 10 years and simply fell to pieces. I reused the hardware on the new dinghy, which helped to lower the price somewhat. I bought Arauco-ply plywood, 3 sheets (2-1/4 inch and 1-1/2 inch sheets) for about $65 and clear douglas fir for the longitudinals for about $30, plus another $18 for the oak rub rails. I used mostly Weldwood plastic resin glue (2 pounds for about $20). I bought fiberglass locally for $70 to cover the bottom and used polyester resin ($35) to apply it. Paint was latex for another $25. I live in Utah which makes getting quality boatbuilding materials a bit of a challenge.

Fancy Free – 21′ Trailerable Sharpie

Built by Michael Newbrough – 2017 – I built my Fancy Free for about $16,000 (counting sails, rigging, motor) & of course plunked in another $4-5 M for electronic goodies, interior fixtures, etc.   That’s over 3+ years. My pleasures in the building & several adventures since have made it all worthwhile…..

By Rock Spencer – 2016 – So far I have only purchased the plans however, I have researched the cost and I have a rough estimate.  I am planning to retire this year and I have built a shop to build the Fancy Free.  My father and I built a Westsail 32 in the 70’s and I wanted to repeat that experience on a smaller scale.  I am a cost engineer so I will keep detailed records of my cost, schedule and time and report it to you when I am complete.  I can tell you that it isn’t the cost savings that inspires me but the joy of the experience of building the boat. I also built concrete canoes in college for the ASCE races and the fun of working with so many people with varying boat building experience is worth the cost.

 

  Description Estimate
61-109 Plans & Patterns  $     200.00
68-109 Bronze Fastening Kit  $       708.00
71-109S3 Fiberglass Kit  $    2,046.80
80-109 Wood Mast Hardware Kit  $    1,085.00
85-109 Sails  $    1,322.00
84-109 Rigging Kit  $    1,289.02
12-301 Trailer 1200/1800 Plans  $         31.00
  4HP 15″shaft Motor  $       900.00
  Wood for Hull  $    4,000.00
  Waste  $       800.00
  Consumables  $    2,000.00
  Trailer 1200/1800 Build  $    2,500.00
  Miscellaneous Hardware  $    3,000.00
  Keel Steel  $    1,000.00
  Port holes  $600
  Navigation Lights  $         50.00
  Cabin Lights  $       280.00
  Spreader Lights  $       340.00
  Anchor Light  $       200.00
  Anchor  $       170.00
  Compass  $       200.00
  Hardware  $       969.00
  Stove  $       429.00
  Tracing Paper  $      41.02A 
     
  Total  $ 24,160.84

 

Fife – 12′ Stitch & Glue Rowing Boat

Built by Peter Ranson – I built the Fife in 2009. The cost, including fibreglassing the exterior was around 500 dollars Canadian. This does not include the oars. This rowing boat performs very well and has given me great pleasure rowing on the Ottawa River from April to December.

Flats Flyer – 18-1/2′ Florida Flats Boat

Built by Phil Coyne – 2017 – In Louisiana you have to keep track of all your costs and especially your receipts for parts and materials. The reason is that Louisiana wants you to pay state taxes on them. I purchased the vast majority of my materials online and no taxes were charged on most items. For instance the marine plywood alone was shipped here from Florida and inclusive of transportation was just over $3,000. Everything for the boat not purchased within the state had to have taxes paid, so again accurate record keeping was a must.

Total for the Flats Flyer all in with the motor and trailer and trolling motor was $23,500. (However the motor was right at $9,300 and the trailer another $1,400. The saltwater trolling motor was another $800). So for the complete hull, inclusive of the console which I purchased, $11,600. 

I put in approximately 1200 hours to complete the boat.

Flying Saucer – 12′ Classic Runabout

Built by Bill Levien: Total (2008) = ~ $8,000
Plans: $75
Lumber for Frames, Planking, & Misc: $750
4 Gallons of Epoxy: $450
Fiberglass Kit: $350
Fasteners: $150
Deck Hardware & Fasteners: $300
Paint & Varnish: $250
Interior “Stuff”: $100
Motor, Controls & Steering: $4500
Harbor Freight Trailer + Modifications: $550
Both still get complimented to no end when we take them out šŸ™‚ Bill Levien – Pleasant Hill, CA (Bill built the Sea Kayak II also)

Gentry – 17′ Gentleman’s Runabout

Built by Neel Thompson – (about 2014) When I built “Scooter”, I didn’t keep track of the hours, but if I had to guess, 750 to 1,000.  And another thousand in the “thinking chair”.  I didn’t keep good records on the expenses either, but I think I have a fairly accurate estimate.  Somewhere around $25,000 total.  Keep in mind that I bought my motor (5.7 liter Merc, ZF 1:1 transmission) on Ebay for $4300 and I have a used trailer that I bought for $850 and put another $500 in it.  So if you add the additional cost for a new motor (around $5000), and the additional cost for a new trailer ($1500), that would put the total slightly over 30K using everything new.

Glen-L 12 – 12′ Sloop

Built by Steven Sage – $1800.00 – This would be for plans through the sails and rigging. Didn’t glass the hull but did encapsulate inside and out. Used exterior AB plywood for sheathing. I was fortunate to have a local lumber yard where I could get African Mahogany for $4.00 per board foot (cost has since risen to $5.50 per board foot), used local cut white pine for the mast and boom (wood was free, just had to go and get it). Steven Sage – Bland, VA

Built by Don Coe – I spent $2,607.45. This was in 2007. This does not include the trailer or the outboard I purchased. Nor does it include related travel (to your place), misc. supplies, registration, etc. It does include mast, rigging kits, hardware kits, fiberglass kits, and, most important, SAILS. OH YEAH! There was the lumber too. Don Coe – Reno, NV

Built by Carl F. Sevey – After working on the sailboat for several years, I completed it on June 25, 2003.
Total cost (includes sails & mast) = $1554.02
I worked about 448 hours on my sailboat.
The name of my sailboat is “Need-a-Breeze”.

Built by Carl Koski :
Fir marine plywood was about $250
Wood for frames = $100
Epoxy, fiberglass cloth, glue, paint and hardware = $600
Mast, sail, boom and standing rigging were from a moth sailboat I built about 35 years ago. The jib is a used snipe sail for $100
Trailer from Harbor Freight Tools = $300
Electric motor = $150
2 lawnmower batteries = $50
Total = $1,550

I sail from Taughannock State Park near Ithaca, New York which is only about 4 miles from home. There is a bridge between the launch and lake so the electric motor is used to get to a sandy beach where I raise the mast.

Glen-L 13 – Simple Rig for single-handed sailing

Built by Jim Morris – I built a Glen-L 13 sailboat in 2004.  The total cost was about $3900, including a locally built trailer and sail.

Glen-L 14 – Lively 14′ Sloop

Built by Kenny Cooper – I spent about $4,000 building my Glen-L 14 “Katey Jane”.  I elected to use silicon bronze fastenings and to fiberglass/epoxy the exterior of the hull.  I already had the mast, boom, sails, standing rigging, barney post, and jib sheet cars/tracks.  I also had a trailer.  Though I had running rigging, I replaced most of it with new line. All of the bright work (seats, floors, etc.) are recycled wood I had on hand.

Built by Ross Lovie–  I started building in October 2008 and finished in April 2010.  I used Mahogany plywood for the hull and decks and got a great deal at a lumberyard in Tacoma at $33 per sheet for marine grade.  Most of the lumber I bought rough cut from local dealers and finished it myself to the desired width and thickness ā€“ this saved a lot on the cost of lumber.  I did not fiberglass the boat.

Total cost to build was $1500 – not including the mast, sails, and rigging.

Glen-L 15 – 15′ Sloop

Built by Jim Bradford – Cost approximately $2500 and took about 7 months to build in 2010.

Built by Casey Sterbenz:
Here is the breakdown of my costs for a Glen-L 15 built in 2008:

Plans, building forms, building cradle: $182
Lumber, plywood (Mahogony, Okume, Oak, Spruce): $2,156
Primer, paint, caulk: $605
Hardware (stainless steel throughout): $848
Epoxy, fiberglass (incl. fillers for gluing, faring): $401
Sails, rigging: $1,075
Miscellaneous (lead, rubber gloves, consumables): $133
Total: $5,400

The price listed includes the Sitka spruce used for the mast and boom, as well as for two sculling oars that I made from leftover spruce, oak and plywood. The price does not include the cost for a boat trailer. I bought as much as I could (hardware, sails, rigging, misc. stuff) from Glen-L. I live near Annapolis, MD so I have access to several outlets for materials, paint, hardware and like that which minimized shipping costs.

Time to Build: 800 hours – Casey Sterbenz – Crofton, MD

Glen-L 25 – 25′ Sloop with single or twin cabin

Built by Thomas Stuart – 2015 – Almost finished. Wood was a big factor and I purchased quality woods. I bought the rigging kits and sails from Glen-L. Used a 9.9hp long shaft electric start motor and all, I am estimating $20,000 Canadian.

I am going to modify the time it took to build because I’m in Canada and working outside with rain and snow slowing things down, plus I was injured and took 2 years off. General estimate would be 7 years working only a few summer months every day. Also, I diverged from the plans on the cabin and the added complication took a bit more time. Included in the costs, the boat has fresh water, two sinks, grey and black water tanks, electric water pump, propane tank, propane stove, stainless counter top, flush toilet, refrigerator with freezer, all the lights and electrics, solar cells, plus an electric winched centre board and solid brass portlights. All these details make for a nicer boat but it takes time and brings the costs up.

Hell Cat – 16′ Power Catamaran

Built by Garth Fawcett – June 28, 2018 – As have used and milled all my own timber and bought ply etc on the local trademe, the cost without the motors was about about 3,000 NZ dollars, built as a boat for my wife and me to go fishing so hence I put a cabin on it for protection against the weather.

Imp – 10′ Flat Bottom Rowboat

Built by Bernie Melican –  2014 –  Approximate costs:

Lumber – $600

Fittings & hardware – $200

Adhesives & epoxy – $250

Total = $1,050

Time  60-75 hrs over 3 months

Built by Tom Winningham – I built the Imp a couple of years ago for a friend (approx. 2007). I believe we had about $800 in it, and we were being very careful with money. The plywood was marine, but we cut some corners with some of lumber. It was covered on the bottom with fiberglass, and then painted carefully. It has held up just fine outdoors for 3 winters (and summers) now. This was a great first project and very fun–good preparation for building something else. You could probably get an aluminum boat for the price of building this, but this is much nicer and much more enjoyable – a very good winter project. He added a trolling motor (not in the price). I enjoy your web site – keeps me thinking about building another boat. Thanks, Tom Winningham – Downers Grove, IL.

Jimbo – 16′ Garvey Hull

Built by Larry Wilson– (plywood version) – The cost for this boat was $11,455. This cost does not include the motor, trailer, nor the electronics I’ve installed such as a compass, fish finder, etc.

It took me 4 years but a year and a half of that I was spent recovering from 2 operations. I fiberglassed the exterior, added 3 built-in ice chests and 2 live bait wells, 2 built-in storage compartments, one on each side of the motor well, 4 built-in rod holders, 4 built-in cup holders and a bilge pump. The entire aft decks, side decks and bow decks have 1 inch wood blocking underneath. I installed 2 inches thick flotation foam under all of the floor boards and under the side decks and used pour in foam around the built-in ice chests.

Built by Matt Teter – (aluminum version) – Strictly talking about the production of the hull the cost was $1980 for material. Standard marine grade  and 6061 extrude parts. I did make a few changes to it. I used heavier gauge for the chines,  put a water tight storage box in the bow. I shorted the motor well a little to give me more free board. I have most of the tools I used. Did a lot of cutting with a circular saw with carbide blades. Works good.

Key Largo – 19′ or 20′ Classic Double Cockpit Inboard Barrelback Runabout

Built by David Vangsness, Riverside, CA – Costs to build are just under $20,000 which includes the motor, a GM 4.3 L Vortec V-6 marine engine and Borg Warner transmission.

I am now finished, and I may have missed a few odds/ends over the course of the project, this is pretty accurate. As you can see from my spreadsheet we are at $19,918k, which does not include a custom built double axle trailer from Pacific Trailers of Chino.

I have been working on the boat for 6+ years, which seems like a long time. However, I have a wife, 3 kids a mortgage and full-time job, so this is definitely part-time work! As I’m sure you’re aware, building time is very much subject to the time available and skill level of the builder. I have been a serious woodworker for 20 years and have a pretty comprehensive shop. However I have never built a boat, so considerable time was dedicated to researching things before I bought or cut them up. This adds to the time needed. That said, I have no doubt a skilled retiree could build this boat in a year or less. I intended to do a “timeline” as well, but that fell away early.

The money tracking is pretty accurate though and everything has been purchased at retail with no real “inside sources,” just internet comparisons and personal preferences as to what components I wanted. I don’t feel I cut corners to save money per se, but tried to be careful with costs, so I think this is a pretty good base to use for others wondering what one of the Mahogany designs might come to.

Another advantage to taking 6 1/2 years is that $20k over 72 months is just around $275 a month, so the costs are spread out!

Kidyak – 9′ Kid-Sized Kayak

Built by a Third Grade class in the Pacific Northwest – The boat building project was priceless in what my students got out of it.  They learned to read plans, measure in inches and feet, lay out lines, measure twice before cutting once and cooperation when it came time to choose colors to paint it. The cost was just under $100.00 (the paint was donated by parents) Built in 2010.

Built by Phil Storey (UK) – Prices are approximate, but I bought enough materials to build 2 Kidyaks (although I have only completed one at present – 2nd one finished by the end on July 2009 hopefully) and the total materials came at around Ā£170 pounds sterling for both craft. I have to say these are brilliant canoes for youngsters up to 9/10 years of age – they are very stable and easy to paddle – my 6 and 9 year sons both absolutely loved them. Regards, Phil Storey – United Kingdom

Kona Kai – 25′ Deep Vee Fly Bridge Cruiser

Built by Charles Newbold – It took approx two  years (2002).  It was powered by a Mercruiser V6 210 HP. Total cost for materials was  about $17,000.00.I also built the trailer to handle this boat.

Little Hunk – 18′ Flat Bottom Pacific Dory

Built by Court Robinson – It’s useless to put a price on building–use the bill of materials to estimate using local materialss when possible. In building, the cost savings are not the benefit. The real benefit is the recreation and educational aspects. I have no idea of the actual hull costs for my Little Hunk but sure enjoyed the experience. Court Robinson – Orillia, Ontario, Canada

Malahini – 16′ Classic Runabout

Built by Keith Laidig– I built my Malahini over about 2 years, working weekends and evenings (with LENGTHY periods of lazy, lazy inactivity). I kept a blog of my progress for the family – http://seanova.org as well as a candid account of the many, many, many mistakes and my efforts to fix them.

I kept reasonably close track of costs during the process and I found the boat required ~$8000 to finish out, I got the motor for another $7200 and the trailer was ~$500 or so (total = $15,700).

I really enjoyed building that boat.  It runs well, turns heads (which really isn’t my thing) and make me happy whenever I look at it.  As soon as I get more garage space, I’m going to start the 14′ sailboat…

Built by George Redden – I kept a detailed record of time and material during construction. Total cost (rounding to nearest $100) was $15,200, consisting of:
60 HP 4-stroke Murcury – $5800
Trailer – $1800
Wood (including Joubert mahogany plywood at $50 a sheet and Honduras mahogany planking) – $1900
Coatings (Interlux paint/varnish, Glen L fiberglass) – $1200
Hardware – $700
Boat stuff (steering, controls, upholstery, gauges, etc) – $3600
Supplies (like sandpaper) $200
Time – about 1300 hours

It could have been built at a considerably lower cost (maybe $11- to $12,000) using lower grade material, less of it, and a used trailer and motor.

Discounting the value of time, I could have bought a decent classic mahogany runabout or a nice, nearly new 17/18-foot fiberglass bowrider for about the same money, but preferred building over restoring and liked having everything brand new. I always thought building it was exciting, entertaining fun and never work, so if I charge for the entertainment I had, maybe the boat was free??? Plus the many, nice compliments I get are priceless.

I’m thinking of a Glen L 17 sailboat and the cost per foot would be considerably less. George Redden – Staunton, VA

Built by John Loken – I own two boats, The one I built is the one I prize the most.

I kept no detailed records pertaining to money or time. I can tell you 1 year part time, and about $15,000 including a new 60 Merc. 4 stroke and new trailer.

I enjoyed building it and take great pride in it then and now. My Malahini elicits compliments everywhere it travels. One great advantage is the lighter weight over fiberglass. My Malahini resides in New Jersey and has traveled by trailer for vacations as far south as Florida and as far north as New York Lake Chaplain and the NY canal system. This fall it will be going fishing in Canada. Tow vehicle is a mid size SUV.

Another advantage, the money outlay is spread out over time. My other boat is a 25′ Trophy and I cannot recall ever being complimented on that boat–it’s just another boat!

Built by Alan Bates & Dad – I built the 16′ Malahini Classic runabout in Brisbane, Australia in 2006/2007. I didn’t keep a record of the total hours on construction, but the total build time was 9 months (with my father and I working on it), including 2 weeks full-time, and pretty much every weekend. No work was done at night.

I didn’t spare any cost on materials either, as I figured that the material costs were small compared to the hours that I put in on the project!

The total cost was $21,000 Australian dollars (about $18,900 US), but this included a new outboard motor and trailer, and the costs of registration and insurance for the trailer and boat for the first year.

The major costs (in Aust. dollars) were:
50hp Tohatsu Outboard (new) inc. Installation – $6,000
Custom made trailer – $2,500
Custom wrap-around windshield – $1,800
Teak & Ash veneer decking – $1,000
Twin stainless steel 40 litre fuel tanks – $700
Mahogany steering wheel – $250

All timber frames were Hoop Pine (probably a little better than Douglas-fir), and the marine ply was A-A Hoop Pine sheets. So you can see that the timber, epoxy, fibreglass, paint, chandlery, anchor, all safety gear and registration and insurance was less than half the total cost. By the way, when we turned the hull off of the form we weighed it. It was 133kg (293lbs).

Performance: Top speed with full fuel tanks, and carrying two adults and two children is 67 kph (42mph).

Minimaxed – 8′ Stitch & Glue Mini-Speedster

Built by Bob Spiess – $250-$350 is a good guess. I used marine fir plywood, glass tape, epoxy throughout, designed and built my own steering, and used all of your hardware. It took about 2 weeks to completely build it but time was spread over 4 months due to very little free time. The boat and engines are the same as I had when I grew up in the 1955-1960 time period.

The Glen-L plans were excellent and am planning to build another Glen-L design this winter. The engine is a fully restored 1949 Mercury “Super 5” I just finished. I also just finished a 1955 Mercury Mark 6 restoration that will soon be tested on this boat. Speed is 15+ mph with me in the boat (240 lbs), but faster with some of my less weighty family. Bob Spiess – Griswold, CT

Minuet – 18′ Overnight Sloop

Built by Rob Myran – $5,000 for everything, including how-to books from Glen-L and Sail-Rite kit sails–No real savings over buying finished sails from Glen-L, but my goal with this project is to build everything I can myself.

Built by Nick Adams – I finished building my Minuet in 2006, and up to $4,000 kept careful track of costs; I estimate about another $3,000 was spent after that, including costs for all rigging, sails, hardware, etc., but not the trailer, which I also built myself from Glen-L plans and cost me about $2,000.

So, all told, about $9,000 Canadian (about $8,535 USD as of 2/24/2010). The work went fairly quickly until we turned the hull, and then at a crawl after that. Other events intervened between when I started the project and when I finished it, so it would be difficult for me to give much of an estimate of the total time it took. But it’s a slow process compared to, say, finishing your basement. Also, I struggled at times just trying to decipher the instructions. But it was a rewarding project, and people who see the boat are amazed that I built it myself. Nick Adams – Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada

Built by Joel Block and Kathy Lucas – 2015 – Itā€™s been a year and a half since Kathy and I finished our Minuet ā€œSpirit of Jessicaā€. Kathy and I bought our plans in late summer of 2011, started our Minuet  project in September 2011, and launched ā€œSpirit of Jessicaā€ on May 11, 2013. Most of the work was completed in the final 11 months.

We used wood from a traditional lumber yard (quality stuff!) We used Mahogany for combing boards, hatch boards, and some of the more visible cockpit boards. We never could afford any teak. The bulk of the boat was built of quality Douglas Fir as that was the cheapest wood that was recommended in the plans.

I found the mast on ebay for 75.00 and only 150 miles away!

The trailer was found in Texas as well as the sails from a Coronado 15.  600.00 for allā€¦

The motor is a NEW Mercury 2.5 because I didnā€™t want to deal with someone elseā€™s engine problemsā€¦..   900.00

We kept all receipts for our project because we were curious, AND needed to show Texas that we actually built it ourselvesā€¦ 

Our Minuet bottom line (2013 dollars): $7200.00    (boat, sails, rig, trailer), 900.00 (motor)

1300 hours of time–WELL WORTH every penny AND second spent!!!

Miss Chris – 26′ or 28′ Classic Triple Cockpit Inboard Runabout

Built by Steve Gould – I’m nearly done building Miss Chris. My guess is I’m close to $40,000 in material including a 5.7 Mercruiser engine with reduction gear. I’m spending a lot of the finishing work. It will have painted topsides but varnished decks. My guess as to time is more than 1200 hours at this point.

Monaco – 19′ Classic Inboard Mahogany Runabout

Built by Robert Carr – My son and I are in the process of building the Monaco; we are careful about expenses especially the wood; we estimate $10,000 without the motor. Robert Carr, Brooklyn, NY

Built by Alan Close – I have bought new in most cases but taken my time to shop around before purchasing. I have also tried to support Glen-L. Some scrounging is involved and I am doing everything, i.e. marinising engine, upholstery, cutting brightwork veneers, welding, etc.  One thing I have learnt is that it is not the big items that add up, itā€™s the little ones.  Total estimated cost: AUD$19,425

Built by John Gondek – Total cost for my Monaco – Sixty Plus was about $24,000 including motor – custom built by myself at a cost of over $13,000 including custom heavy duty Velvet Drive Transmission. I shopped very carefully for everything and feel I saved at least $3000 – $5000. John Gondek – Parkersburg. WV

Built by Garry Stout – The engine/trans combo is by far the biggest expenditure I made on my boat. For convenience, reliability and performance reasons I chose to purchase a brand new, factory built marine engine (Indmar) with a new transmission as well. This engine/trans combo costs $7,500. Those who choose to scrounge a junk yard engine and rebuild it themselves can do so for FAR less than purchasing new. Another area of some notable expense is the trailer. Again, I chose to go the top of the line route buying a brand new, all aluminum trailer. Even with a good discount this trailer cost $2,800. Scroungers can find a suitable used steel trailer for under $700. The third item of significant expense is the upholstery. I chose to sub-contract this out to a professional upholsterer as I’m hopeless with a sewing machine. Using high quality “starboard” for seat and ceiling backing boards, and using marine grade seat foams, naugahydes and carpeting has run me about $5,000. Those who can sew themselves and will be satisfied with “builder grade” materials, can do so for much less.

So………having said all that, I have a total of $40,000 into my Monaco, completed. This includes every single nickel that went into the project. My bookkeeping philosophy was if I spent the money and it was related to building the boat, then I counted it. Every nail, screw, staple, piece of sandpaper, new blade for the table saw, etc. is included. I’m probably at the top of the price list compared to other Monaco builders, but I wanted this boat to last a lifetime and did not scrimp on any materials. I hope this helps. Garry Stout – Odessa, FL

Built by Bill Yonescu – Built two boats at $19,000 each in 2000 and covers everything, including 1K$ for the final clear coat spray (done in a booth by a local auto body shop) and 1K$ for the upholstery (done by a local auto upholstery shop), 1K$ for the complete windshield, $500 just for the bow light. 1K$ for a fancy CD-Stereo system with Bose speakers, separate amplifier and powered subwoofer and dash mounted remote. There is a digital compass, a digital depth-finder, and other fancy gold plated gauges (Faria) that were more expensive than may really be required. I used a custom 40 gal fuel tank ($350), about $500 for 10 coats of 2-part polyurethane clear as a pre-finish to the final spray, $500 in epoxy. About 1K$ for the underwater gear (available from Glen-L) and propeller. (I used a chromed rudder, strut and stuffing box.) $200 for a Mahogany steering wheel.

The bottom is 4 layers of 4mm Okoume plywood (approx 12 4×8 sheets) ($400) Sides – 2 layers of 3mm Okoume plywood (8 sheets ) ($300) with a final layer of 1/4″ mahogany ($500). Deck – 5 sheets of 3mm Sepele plywood ($350) over 4 sheets of 9 mm Okoume ($250) The bottom got 3 coats of epoxy, 3 coats of 2-part barrier paint, and 2 coats of white bottom 2-part epoxy paint. Sides and deck were stained, covered with 3 coats of epoxy then the 10 coats of 2-part poly, sanded and sanded and sanded and then the final spray coats. The stringers were laminated out of 2 and 3 layers of 3/4 fir. Engine logs solid 4″x4″ mahogany. The engine/transmission cost approximately $7K. All hardware was stainless steel. Other items make up the rest.

All these number are approximate. I wanted the nicest boat I could build and didn’t spare expenses. There would be lots of ways to cut costs and still have a very nice boat. Bill Yonescu – Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Monte Carlo – 24′-6″ Classic Triple Cockpit Mahogany Runabout

Built by John Amundsen – Total cost, aproximately $21,350. Everything is either completed or already purchased. I scrounged heavily for everything. eBay and Craigslist were searched daily for the deck hardware. And of course lots of Glen-L epoxy. The boat ran great–way better than I expected.

Outrage – 16′ Deep Vee Ski Boat

Built by John Wilmot – $4,400 includes $1500 for a used 90HP motor, $600 for steering and $300 for seats. John Wilmot – Edgewater, MD

Built by David O’Krepka – $4,000. Please keep in mind I modified it from a 16′ to a 19′. The boat is one of the favorites of all the people I meet on the lake. After it was done I added so many extras. This is my 3rd season using it and it’s Great!!! (July 2017)

Pirogue – 13′ Stitch & Glue Cajun Canoe

Built by Ron Krueger – The total cost was over $800 ($480 or so to Glen-L for plans, materials etc. and about three months part time to complete.

Power Skiff – 12′ or 14′ Stitch & Glue Power Skiff

Built by Greg Hamilton – I have $3900 in materials just in the hull complete including paint and decals and all hardware. I used nice mahogany for trim work, inner and outer keel and side supports. All plywood was marine grade Okume to keep it light in weight.

Built by George Yannoulis (Greece) –
Plywood: 1 sheet = $40.00 (okume) bought in Greece (I preferred to have your plywood type because I believe that it is better suited)
Glen L – Silica : $110.00 ( including postage)
Plans, Instructional DVD : $176.00
Sheer 4 : $25.00
Steering: $75.00 – $ 150.00 inox
Bow Eyes: $12.00
Bronze Set (2 items): $50.00
Transom Handles: $40.00 each
Paintjob 750ml per 9 sq meter: $44.00
Anti-Fouling auto clean protectant ( for boat duralbility in water) 6 month treatment : 3/4 litre : $55.00
Outboard Machine ( second hand) 15hp: $1000.00

Built by Mike Hadfield – My first attempt at building one of your designs was the 12 foot skiff, stitch and glue method. I used exterior grade ply rather than marine grade to keep costs down in case I messed up. It took about 3 weeks to complete, taking into account moving it in and out of the garage (we have small garages over here), but in reality with enough space you could almost start it Friday night and have it in the water for Monday! In terms of cost a similar boat new would probably cost upwards of 800 pounds (about $1233 USD) but new wooden boats are not common, most going for grp. Basically I got our little boat in the water for less than 200 pounds (about $308 USD) and we have been using it for about 3 seasons, it goes very well with a 4hp and 2 adults. I can honestly say any one should be able to follow your plans, you can spend as much as you like but you’ll still end up saving a fortune on buying the equivalant new or even used. Mike Hadfield, Cornwall, UK

Built by Dennis in Australia – About 15 years ago I built the Power Skiff 14  with European plywood, etc.  In today’s costs approximately $450.

Poweryak – 17′ Electric Powered Stitch & Glue Kayak

Built by Dan Hennis – 2015 – Well, I just did a full accounting of the Power Yak project. There was a bit of waste in bad paint, redone deck, etc. But the end result was worth the effort. I am sure I could shave 25-45% off the costs if I did it again today. Also, please understand, this is a complete package that I just sold.  And that included the new motor, charger/maintainer wired in, E-meter, and a host of other extras.  Well here is the number…

$2,485.17 +/- $20 for stuff I can not find receipts for.  Then there is the custom trailer…  It came to $517.00 +/- for lost receipts.

That is a cool $3,002.00 +/-.  That means the education and labor paid me $798.00 (he sold it for $3800 on Craigslist).  I promise to do better on the next one… šŸ˜‰

Although the finished result is more of a work of art than a working pleasure boat, this may not be the best ad for your site.  It might be an example of an extreme though.

I have built many, many projects in my career, but the thing I can say about this, is it has been a joy to build from start, to finish. I have never had the feeling it was a drudge or a tough thing to do. And to add to that, I never expected to ever ride in it… If I do get even one quick ride, that will be a few moments of ecstasy.

Riviera – 20′ Classic Inboard Mahogany Runabout

Built by Dave Lott – 2009 – 850 man hours (crammed into 1 year) at an expense of $22,000 including trailer.

Built by Mark Bronkalla – My cost numbers are a bit dated as they are from 1999-2000 when I built my Riviera. I came in at approximately $19,500 including trailer. I did a fair amount of scrounging and searching to hold to that price. I could easily have spent another $5000 if I was not careful (engine, trailer, lumber being big items). There were also a few things I bought at the time and never used that are not included in the budget. I still have 3 sheets of mahogany ply wood waiting for a “good project”. At one point I had a bag with all of the receipts in it, but I was not as careful about putting everything in there that I could have.

I have a budget page with some of the numbers filled in at: Not complete, but it does give folks an idea of some of the major cost items and quantities (e.g. number of sheets of plywood). Mark Bronkalla – Waukesha, WI, www.bronkalla.com — 50 mph furniture

Rob Roy – 14′ Stitch & Glue Canoe

Built by Francois Theron – I built a “Rob Roy” canoe about a year and a half ago (2007). I didn’t keep an accurate record of the costs but from memory I would say it cost me between $300 and $400 (Australian) excluding the plans.

I want to make use of this opportunity in commenting you on your website, it is a great resource and contained a wealth of knowledge. I am already dreaming about my next project and would this initiative of providing an estimate of total cost of different boat designs be just what I need to compel me into some action. Regards, Francois Theron – Australia

Rowme – 12′ Rowboat

Built by Alf Judd – It was completed this year over a two month period – June and July 2018  – at a cost of $1500.00. This doesn’t include the motor.

Built by JR Holder – I used your kits for the epoxy and other stitch and glue materials. I purchased Honduran Mohogany for the lumber and British marine plywood. I covered the exterior with two layers of fiberglass that I got from NAPA Auto Parts. The outside of the boat was painted with green gelcoat and the mahogany was finished with Sea Fin Teak oil. The total cost was just under $2000 and it took me about 10 weeks to complete. These costs are slightly higher than most because they are delivered to Fairbanks AK. J R Holder

Saboteer – 10′ Sailing/Rowing Pram

Built by Francois Frigon – I just wanted to inform you that I successfully completed my Saboteer in April 2011 for a total cost of $2,500.  This included Mahog, Okoume ply, fiberglass, paint (bottom & side), sail & rigging.

The boat sails great under sail and 5HP motor (did not try rowing yet).  When using the mast, make sure you properly secure the base of the mast to your bow knee with a stop washer. This was a nice experience for me and I feel confident in building my next boat!

Built by Dennis in Australia– I’ve built 2 of your boats, both small. Last year the Saboteer, approximate cost using the best materials, epoxy etc.  $350  (With out mast and sail).  Building the Saboteer over the jig was the most gratifying.

Scrambler – 15′ Outboard Whitewater Sled Boat

Built by Rick Herrick – I built the “Scrambler” last winter (2008). Cost of building was approximately $1,500.00 in lumber, and $450.00 for bronze fasteners, epoxy, and fiberglass cloth. The boat really handles well, I just got off the river an hour ago and had more than a couple people come up and ask me about the boat including the sheriff who was out on safety patrol. All said it looked like a wonderful design. Thanks Rick Herrick – Sedro Wooley, WA

Sculling Skiff – 17′ Recreational Rowing Skiff

Built by John Crill – From you I bought the plans and the hardware kit for the sliding seat. I bought marine ply from a supplier in England (I live in France but the marine ply is cheaper and better, no voids, in England) and also the epoxy. All the mahogany came from a local staircase manufacturer who sells a tightly paced skip of imperfect wood 10feet by 4 feet by 3 feet for about 100 dollars or about 1.20 dollars/cubic foot. A real bargain. All of the wood is hardwood, some is slightly warped but most of it is only imperfect for making staircases – fine for cutting into narrow strips for boatbuilding and laminating. I bought the sculls at a car boot sale (garage sale) for 30 dollars. They’re beautifully made by one of France’s top racing skiff builders and they just needed stripping and revarnishing, 5 coats.

For much of the build I used polyurethane glue as it is pretty tough and simpler to use than epoxy, but everything is epoxy coated and the boat also has a layer of fine glass roving. I modified the deck design by lengthening it both ends and glassing in a bulkhead to make waterproof caissons. There are a lot of idiots in France in big motorboats who don’t look behind and realise how big the wash they are making is, and I didn’t want to get drowned! If I get too much water slopping in, I might fit a sailing dinghy’s self bailer.

I think that the total cost including the items I bought from you is about $650 to $700 but this includes the epoxy and there is quite a lot left. Best regards, John Crill, France

Sea Kayak – 17′ Touring Kayak

Built by David Lott – I completed the Sea Kayak about a year ago (2008) at a total cost of $220. Working on the Riviera now and keeping track of expenses. David Lott – Branson West, MO

Built by Donato Conserva (Italy) – Iā€™ve spent, including everything, 700 Euros and 90 hours. (2012)

Sea Kayak Two – 19′ Touring Kayak for Two

Built by Bill Levien:
Sea Kayak Two: Total = ~$1,000
Plans: $106
Plywood: $150
4 Gallons of Epoxy (S&G + Sheathing): $450
Fiberglass Tape: $50
Fiberglass Sheathing: $80
Varnish & Paint: $80
Hatches: $40
Misc Screws & Hardware: $60

NOTE: I made SKII out of 1/4″ plywood since I couldn’t’ get 4mm locally… Kayak is fast and straight loaded with me, wife and dog but it’s a little heavy to transport so I used a $200 Harbor Freight Trailer but replaced the short tongue with a 16′ tongue ($45 from local metal supplier) and built custom bunks so it’s much easier for my wife and I than securing it to the roof.

Both still get complimented to no end when we take them out šŸ™‚ (Bill also built the Flying Saucer) Bill Levien – Pleasant Hill, CA

Sherwood Queen – 15-1/2′ Mini Tug

Built by Clark Johnson – I extended my Sherwood Queen 10% to 17′ overall and she was built of the best materials I could find. Mahogany Plywood was $75 per sheet, old growth Douglas fir 2×6 grade “c” select for framing (beautiful straight clear grain, no knots in the entire boat). SystemThree epoxy and fiberglass sheathing. Engine is a 15 hp Mercury bigfoot with power tilt and electric start. Trailer is the only real bargain as I found a used trailer for $600 that was perfect for my boat. I painted the boat with several coats of Polyurethane floor and porch enamel. Also installed a fishfinder with speedometer and temperature.
Total expenditure was a shade under $7000 (built 2006-2007)

The actual build time would have been longer for most people as I am a retired carpenter and have a large shop full of good tools. This also is the 5th boat I have built. Clark Johnson – Laurel, MT

Ski Tow – 15′ Ski Boat

Built by Mike Aronson – Over the last two years I built a Ski Tow (2006-2008). You may remember that I am the guy that built this boat with my Dad, when I was in high school, way back in the 1960’s. My Dad has passed away and since I am now retired, I decided to attempt to build the same boat, on my own. I struggled from time to time but I finally finished the project. The boat turned out pretty nice and it performs very much like the original. I put a 50 HP Honda on it and it moves along, close to 40 MPH. The cost was approximately $6,400 for materials, paint, varnish, electrical, gauges and controls, etc. The motor was $6,100, so the total was $12,500. Mike Aronson – Holland, MI

Squirt – 10′ Runabout

Built by David Streeter – I built the Squirt in 2008 as a Jet Boat 11′-8″ long. The boat is all epoxy encapsulated mahogany and Marine Mahogany Ply. The Jet power is from a Kawasaki 75SXI I purchased on E-Bay for $600.00. My total cost was a little over $5,500.00 which I think is pretty reasonable for the best and fastest little runabout in Charlotte Harbor. BTW I never could have done this without all the info available on your site.

Built by Pamela Lynn (for jet power) – $3235 including the motor and pump which cost $250. I could have spent less if I had not used mahogany for my stringers, sheers and chines. Or more if I wanted to double plank the deck with mahogany and go for new controls, motor, etc. (2011)

Built by Larry Madison – In response to your request, I am getting close to the end of my Squirt build. I think it will be just under $4,000 and I still haven’t bought a trailer or trailer hitch. I already had my outboard motor from another boat.

I have about 250 hours in, and I’m sure I have another 40 or 50 to go. Thanks for all you do to encourage and support us.

Built by Rich Stabler – I built the Squirt that you have on your web site. I’m glad you are doing this and I might add everyone building a boat or for that mater anything you have to license should keep a spread sheet of the item cost and the tax you paid for that item. When it comes time to visit the DMV office they will ask you to place a value and on it and you can show you have paid the tax along the way. A simple break down for ours was as follows.

Wood- Oak, Mahogany, and Sheet Goods: $550
Epoxy & Fiber Glass Cloth- $450
Primer, Paints & Varnish- $250
Mechanical- Steering, Shift & Throttle, Speedometer: $365
Upholstery- Foam & Vinyl: $110
Electrical- Lights, Switches, Wire, Bus, Bilge Pump: $260
Hardware-Windshield, Cleats & Chocks, Thru Hull Fittings, Motor Pad, Link Arm, Latch: $870
Various- Fasteners, Brushes, Rollers: $200
Motor with Control Box: $650
Trailer- $750
Licensing- First time Trailer $50, First time Boat $67
Our grand total was $4,900, keeping in mind I was after the “LOOK”, Still having FUN! Rich Stabler – Pouslbo, WA
P.S. The Zip I’m building as its big brother look-a-like is coming along, I hope to have it completed late summer.

Built by Graham Knight – I kept a close record of my building costs, and in total she cost me Ā£1600 to build in 2004, that included the outboard motor which I bought on eBay for Ā£71 and the cost of restoring it too. I did manage to keep costs down by using quite a lot of reclaimed timber and offcuts from work, and was able to get my marine ply at near trade prices, even so I was amazed at how cheap it worked out in the end!

I sold her a couple of years ago for nearly Ā£3500, the Ā£1900 profit in no way accounted for the work that I’d put into her, but I reckon any profit at all on a used homebuilt is pretty good. Graham Knight – Shepperton, England

Built by Paul McMillan – I completed a “Squirt” in June of 2008 and estimate my cost at $2200 Canadian funds, less the motor. I used Philippines mahogany for the framing and plywood, bought a new steering assembly but the motor controls I was able to purchase used. Someone with more experience may save a couple hundred dollars as I did ruin a sheet or two of plywood! Paul McMillan – Ontario, Canada

Built by Don Wood – I built a Squirt using the kit. The total cost including 9.9 Motor with remote electric start and trailer was $4500.00. The motor was purchased from Small outboard .com, Trailer from Harbor freight. Great planing boat and have had a great time running up and down the Delaware River. Love your products. Would like to build the Zip for my next boat. Don Wood – New Jersey

Built by Terry McIntyre – I built a jet version of the Squirt, in Northern California. I went kind of high-end – the boat is completly “bright finished” in quarter-sawn mahogony, fiberglassed inside and out, has professional tuck-and-roll upholstery, and meets AYBC standards for equipment, lights, and electrical system. Including the donor jet ski (550 Kawasaki) and new trailer, I spent just over $7,000.

It took me 3 years working on and off, and I’ve probaly got in excess of 1000 hours in it. An awful lot of that was the “Bright finish” and getting all the jet mechanicals right. I think a “normal” Squirt would be substantially less in both cost and hours spent.

Stiletto – 16′ Ski Boat

Built by Pamela Lynn – I currently have $3137 in the Stiletto and will have another $500 or so in a used Johnson 85 HP including the controls. Another $200 should finish the steering. The total should be around $3800 or a little more. A brand new motor would have brought the price to about $10,000. (2012)

Super Spartan – 10′ Hydroplane

Built by Jamie Crocker – Total cost = $1,013 as follows:

Okume marine grade plywood- $430
White Ash (coamings)- $36
Spruce, Pine (for battens, frames etc)- $113
West Systems Products (1/2 gallon resin, quart of hardener, pumps, filler etc.)- $160
Interlux Marine Paint Products (quart primer, 1/2 gallon paint, brushing liquid, cleaner, mixing container)- $174
Brushes/Rollers (the paint was brushed)- $100
 
    I was able to finish this boat in 6 months of on and off work.

Sweet Caroline – 20′ Traditional Dory/Skiff

Built by Duard Swain:
Sweet Caroline materials total year 2006 was $960.00 included:
pressure treated marine fir plywood
pressure treated pine framing
bronze oar locks and oars
Glen-L fastener kit
epoxy and filler
5200
paint
boat is not fiberglassed
Duard Swain – Washington, NC

Tahoe – 19′ to 24′ Classic Double & Triple Cockpit Inboard Runabouts

Built by Gerald Hurst – I am building a Tahoe 23 (stretched to 24′ 4″) and have logged 1230 hours thus far. Bottom and boot top painted and sides ready for stain and varnish. Have spent $13,900 on materials including strut, shaft, shaft log, rudder and misc. paint, etc. Have steering wheel, steering system, throttle, and other misc. items. Engine and transmission will cost additional $11,000. Have some mahogany in stock, but will need a little more to complete interior, seating, and deck. Will need cutwater and other hardware, rubrail, windshield, and upholestry. Would be foolish to try to estimate the final cost, but hope it is less than $40,000. Great fun and therapy for what ails you. I hope to create a show piece…..and as you know, it takes time. Gerald Hurst – Jacksonville, NC

Built by Bill Edmundson – Built to 20′-6″ and cost Approximately $47,000 (completed in 2008). That includes about $17,500 for the new turbo diesel engine, $1300 for upholstery from a custom shop and $3,400+ for a new aluminum trailer. I used 316 stainless fittings everywhere I could. See my detailed spreadsheet for the breakdown. Bill Edmundson – Pelham, AL

Tango – An 18′ Trailerable Overnighter Sloop

Built by Robert Oswald – I am building the Tango and am in the $8-$10,000 range now with more expenses to come (sails, motor, paint, etc). I think the argument that it is cheaper to build a boat misses the point of the exercise–I certainly could have gotten a very nice used boat of this size or larger for half of what I will spend on this boat. The important point is that I’ve enjoyed building it and hope that I will have something very special at the end of this long process (about 3 years).

Tiny Titan – 8′ Hydroplane

Built by Ken Roy – I built the Tiny Titan. Cost was $600. Mahogany frames, marine plywood and okume decking, I used your nails and screws and West System epoxy. This price does not include engine or steering gear. Ken Roy – North Andover, MA

TNT – 11′ Runabout

Built by Nick Roccaforte – I just completed your TNT in 430 hours. Material costs were $1,850 and construction was all mahogany framing, Okume marine plywood planking, single cable rack & pinion steering and custom upholstery. No motor. Really “sharp” looking. (2010)

Built by Pete Ahlqvist – A few years back I built the TNT and all told with your plan set, galvanized fastener set and aluminum fin, the price was less than a $1,000 Canadian, and that includes the West epoxy system I used,(very pricey(. But I must add that I did have some of the framing material on hand. I used aircraft grade fir, so it’s a little heavier than it could have been, but the results were more than satisfactory. The motor wes a 40 mariner magnum i got for $800 CDN the tank was a fancy 12 gallon one and I also purchased a single cable steering rig with wheel and 2 seats. So all told I pretty much have $2000 CDN into it. Pete Ahlqvist – Wanless, Manitoba, Canada

Built by Andy Bangsberg – I spent about $3,000 on the TNT:
$560 for frame kit
$500 for epoxy and hardware
$500 for Marine plywood and Mahogany
$200 for upholstery
$750 for engine and controls (73 merc 20 hp short shaft, electric start, controls)
$250 for paint, thinner, primer (Interlux Perfection)
$300 for misc supplies, hardware etc.
http://www.bsehosting.com/get/tnt/bizweb.asp
I started in Jan of 2006 and finished in July of 2008
Andy Bangsberg – Cumberland, WI

Being built by Tim Fuchs & Sons – My sons and I have been building a Glen-L TNT for 1-2 years now on and off. We’re really working hard on it now between School work and other things. Prices are in Canadian funds:
We started by ordering a frame kit from Glen-L which gave us quite a jump on the project – Approx $430 The materials for all the framing I purchased rough cut lumber that we cut and planed to correct size. The rough cut mahogney cost us approx $300
The sheeting for 5 core 1/4″ waterproof was $65.00/sheet x 5 sheets = $325
The West System epoxy was approx. $200 up to now
Stainless Fasteners = $130
Mercury 25 hp 1999 = $900
Teleflex steering = $600
Controls = $500
Total so far = $3,385 ($3,211 USD as of 2/24/2010)
Time is something I did not keep track of as my boys and I have had fun doing this project. We have already started our next project the Tunnel King from Glen-L.

Built by David Blanchard – It has been a few years since we built the TNT but back then it ran us $2900 Canadian which included the seats and steering. David Blanchard – Brockford, Ontario, Canada

Built by Tim Mueller – I built a TNT from about 2008-2011. Cost was roughly $2300 which includes plans, materials, paint, epoxy, seats, gauges, and Teleflex steering. Does NOT include motor, tools, & supplies. I used all marine plywood (1/4 mahogany planking) and African mahogany frames. I epoxied the interior and exterior and fiberglassed the exterior seams.

Tubby Tug – 9′ Tugboat for kids of all ages

Built by Bill Hodgdon –  It was significantly modified for a round stern and a folding hardtop. The design changes took time to plan, but no cost. The top rail is wooden, shaped to look like rope (took time, no cost). I hand-made the six fenders and bow pudding (took lotsa time, little cost). I used quality marine plywood, not home depot exterior ply. It was fiber glassed inside and out using epoxy resin. It has full navigation lights, bilge pump, hand pump bellows air whistle, and other little details. It was further modified for electric power.

So….. it took me about 180 hours and cost about $1000, not counting the power plant (motor, batteries, charger, circuit breakers, etc). The power plant (a new 65# thrust Minn Kota electric trolling moter, two 12v AGM batteries, heavy wiring, dual charger, etc) added another $1500 to the cost.  So, my Tubby tug cost a total of about $2500 (2009). My wife says it was well worth every penny (itā€™s HER boat) ! And of course, sheā€™s right!  Itā€™s used nearly every good day, often taking the 7 mile trip around the lake here. It safely runs for over 6 hours on a charge. Great little boat!

I have built over a dozen boats now. I could probably build a minimal standard Tubby Tug here, with cheaper materials, not glassed inside and out, in less than 40 hours work time, for a cost of about $400, not counting the powerplant. Almost half of the cost is for the epoxy stich & glue supplies. I can get a used 4hp engine around here for about $100, which would bring the total Tubby Tug cost to about $500.  

Built by Butch David – I spent about $2,000 (including trailer) and about 120 hours building the Tubby Tug. I hit a few unexpected expenses when I began adding on a few features that were not part of the original design. A few learning experiences would reduce the build time by at least 20 hours. Most notably, Phoenix heat made the epoxy set too fast, and I had to sand more than I should have. Future builds (and there will be) will be done in wintertime or in an A/C garage so I can better manage epoxy!

Built by Robert Greco$1500 without motor

Built by Erik Roadfedt – I spent approximately $2000 on a Tubby Tug build. That’s for the boat w/hardware following Glen-L directions without modification. A new Minnkota 55 lb. thrust trolling motor @ $250 and used trailer off ebay.com @ $300 were extra. I used the best material I could find, including your epoxy kits, okoume plywood @ $90/sheet, white oak for the rails, bumpers, and keel, and mahoghany for the pilot house. All paint and polyurethane is marine grade. The project was affordable for me because the costs were spread out over two years. Thanks and keep up the great work, Erik Roadfeldt – Duluth, Minnesota

Built by Kevin Brown – Took 100 hours over 4 months. Kevin Brown – Flowery Branch, GA

Built by Doug Wade – I just completed my first boat build, a Tubby Tug. I will send pictures and a write up after launch when I can get on the water pictures. I went over the top in this build using all marine wood and finishes. Including fire monitor and pump plus running lights, battery, solar panel, windows, horn and so on–the cost was very close to $3000 Canadian. My time was well in excess of 400 hours but this is a guess because I did not record time and each and every hour was a pleasure. I have a new Suzuki 4 stroke 2.5 hp motor on order (appx 1000 Canadian with taxes) and I assembled a Harbour Freight trailer to move the boat. Doug Wade – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Tuffy – 13′ Runabout

Built by Allan Gillis – Cost: $13,600 This breaksdown to $9000 for new motor, $400 for steering, $3000 for boat, $1200 for trailer–all prices are in Canadian dollars as of 2006 (US equivilant in 2009 is about $12,600)

V-Dory – 22′ Dory with vee bottom forward

Built by Stefan Karakshian Cost: $30,000 which includes:
Base hull and side decks = $5000
Cabin, windshield and hard top = $3500
Long boom forklift rental for roll = $250.00
Engine (new 2008 90 HP four stroke outboard with steering, controls and gauges = $ 12000.00
New King Saltwater series trailer = $4500.00
GPS, Raymarine C70 NAV display, 18 mile radar, and fish finder/ sounder = $3200.00
Notes: I guess the biggest advice or comment I would say is none of the wood came from the Home Depot, except for the wood for the strong back, the quality is just not there. The frame lumber was clear Douglas Fir, initial outlay of 400 linear feet was $1200. Another $1500 for the fastener kit and epoxy kits from Glen L. If I was in the heat of battle I paid more for local marine plywood, when it wasn’t as tense I could pre-order and have it delivered for about 25% less. So, I guess you could say I could have built the hull for about 15-25% less if I were more patient.
If I were to have purchased a new C-Dory, Sea Sport, Osprey or Parker with similar attributes to the boat I built, I would have paid anywhere from $55000- 90,000.00. Good used versions that were already 15-18 years old were in my price range, but remember they aren’t new and may be mechanically or structurally deficient even with a survey.
I could have built the inboard/ outboard version but fuel cost was high on my list. Most inboard/ outboard owners have at least the 3.7 liter Mercruiser which burns about 12-15 gallons per hour, my engine burns 7 g.p.h. at full throttle. If I were to use it 200 hours in a year, it has and would save me $4000 in fuel based on $4 a gallon for gasoline. I have a friend that just passed 2000 hours on his 12-15 g.p.h. engine. Thats $96000 in fuel in 10 years. Ouch.
I have probably close to $30,000 in my boat right now. Fully carpeted and cushioned cabin, aluminum port lights and hatches, laminated glass windows, teak or mahogany hand rails, shock pedestals, custom 44 gallon fuel tank and heavy weather canvas.
I probably spent close to $1000-1200 on primers and paints. Top quality 2-part polyurethanes, silicone bottom epoxy paint, epoxy primers and bilge coatings,as well as 20-25 tubes of Sitkaflex, 3M 5200 and 3M4200 at $15-20 a whack.
If someone has more time, I would recommend them building a small rowboat or canoe first. It will give you an idea of the scope of how to manage problems as they come up. Nothing like screwing up a few $100 sheets of plywood to remind you you are a first time builder.

Whitehall – 17′ Traditional Rowing Craft

Built by Howard Bergholtz – (Strip Planked version) Total cost of materials, tools & hardware & plans = $6,554 (2011)

Yukon – 36′ Cruising Yacht

Built by Glen Zwicker – I do get many positive reactions, which are due to the classic beauty of the design as much as to my own handiwork.

I kept detailed records of the costs which totalled $96,000 CDN (built 2000-2004).  All  materials and equipment were new except the engine, a Ford Senator 120 (like a Lehman), which I bought in a run-out condition from a fisherman and had it rebuilt at a local diesel shop.  I used Douglas Fir timber and construction-grade Douglas Fir plywood. I did not keep a record of my work hours but if I had to make a hindsight estimate I would say 5,000 hrs, + or – 500.

Built by Tom Schmidt – I’m building the Yukon, stretched to 40 feet and a raised pilot house added, and have completed around 90% of the construction. I mostly have interior work left to do. At this point I have approximately $100,000.00 invested in actual construction costs. This includes twin Perkins diesels with all the instrumentation and most of the electrical components. I bought two Perkins core engines and built them up from bare blocks, and then I modified them by putting a Bowman marine conversion kit on each engine. The total cost for each engine was right at $7,000.00 complete. The engine room is complete. I estimate another $15,000.00 will finish the boat and cover moving and launching expenses. Electronics will be extra although I already have some of them bought. Tom Schmidt – Frostproof, FL

Zip – 14′ Classic Runabout

Built by Joshua Burks – See his YouTube Channel

Total cost of the Zip as of today (July 2017)  $8900

Est. total cost when complete $10,000

Total hours to build as of today 734

Est. Total hours when complete 875

This cost includes a used outboard that was in non-running condition that was easily and cheaply repaired ($600 total in outboard) it also includes the trailer which was bought very cheaply and modified to fit the Zip perfectly, total into the finished trailer $500. Because i am still semi-young over $1000 dollars of my total is in a monster stereo (pioneer deck, kicker mids and tweets, kicker 10″ subwoofers and a 1000 watt kicker amplifier….it is loud!)

Cost is a very difficult subject, a lot depends on material used, for instance I bet if one used rock bottom approved materials you could probably shave $1000 off my cost, minus the giant stereo save another $1000.

A lot also depends on skill or ability as well as available tools, i have $600 I added to the cost of my Zip buying tools alone–if a builder already had them there is less cost yet. Finally my favorite…… ability, as labor goes up costs come down, for instance I built my stainless cutwater,  transom bands and motorwell cutout cap myself, I only have $100 total in materials for all four pieces, but well over 30 hrs. Of labor building these, if a person didn’t possess the resources or skill to do this themselves they would have to pay someone else bringing labor down but cost up. No experience repairing small motors…….a non running cheap outboard is out, real spendy brand new outboard is the only option and cost goes way up while labor goes down.  Thank you for all of your fantastic products, amazing website, and lifelong memories.

Built by Andre Aukes – I built a Glen-L Zip in New Zealand in about 2015.  Marine plywood is hard to find in NZ unless you live in one of the big cities even then it be rather expensive.

In short it cost about $3000 NZD (+-2200 US) for all the lumber (African Mahogany) and Plywood (mix of local stock and African Gabon).  Price does not include outboard engine but the Zip is fitted with a new 30HP Mercury two-stroke which pushes the boat with a family of four towards 25KN.  Build time about one year of weekend work (total work hours 300+).  

Built by Keith Hills – I am very particular about costs and time to build my Zip. I am not finished yet but I can tell you that the hull cost me AU$4,628 plus 340 hrs of time. This was from start to righting the hull, including fibreglass and bottom paint.

Built by Eben Traywick – I built the Zip it cost $3,500  counting the 20 hp mercury and thank you for your great plans!

Built by Jerry Lindamood – I built the “Zip” boat in 2008, motor and trailer for under $3500.00. This was scrounging for parts, buying used whenever I could, including the motor and trailer.

Built by Robin Thomas – I built the Zip in  about 10 months of sporatic effort for total cost of about  $1000 (Canadian) includes motor and controls and trailer.

Built by Robert Greco – The ZIP cost about $8500 not including motor and trailer–build in 2009

Built by Rolando Perez – As per my expense log, here’s the hull cost for the Zip “Pawprint” that I built. All the materials were sourced locally except for the plans and the bronze boat nails. Hull cost includes plans & patterns, plywood, lumber, fastenings, epoxy & fiberglass external sheathing, paint and consumables. Excluded are trailer, motor, deck hardware and steering & control systems.

In 2005-2006 Philippine Pesos: PhP 24,863.60.

At current 2009 prices with inflation factored in, it would be about PhP 29,836.32 (equivalent to US $623.15 at the current exchange rate). Rolando Perez – Philippines

Built by David Brown – Built the Zip using mahogany and 5 ply okume 8 x 12 sheets, Glen-L epoxy and fiber glass. I remember the total cost including the jig and all screws, etc., was $945.00. This was in 1988……if i remember. David Brown – Meridian, ID

Built by Robert Pinske – $2700 Canadian–doesn’t include the motor. Took 350 hours to build. Robert Pinske – Canada

Built by Pierre Gadbois – Took 500 hours of work over a six month period. Pierre Gadbois – Westbank, BC, Canada

Built by Todd Broadlich – Total (2009): $11,500 (includes motor & trailer)

Built by Shane Dickinson – the total cost for my zip build was $9000 (Canadian) with motor and new trailer, in total I spent 7-8 months working time. Shane Dickinson – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Built by Jeff Peters – 2013 – Total for all material including a donor boat (that I got a Merc 45 hp motor, trailer, Steering and controls from) was $8555.00. I did not keep track of the hours it took to build.

 

Glen-L Boat Plans and Kits

Glen-L Marine Designs

232 Avenida Fabricante #105

San Clemente, CA 92673

www.Glen-L.com

562-630-6258

 

One Response to Costs and Time to Build

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