New Builder BBIII

David Wheeler

David Wheeler

Member
Gents:

I would like to introduce myself as a new builder. My son Daniel and I are going to build a BBIII this summer. I have been watching this site for some time now and have admired the work of those of you who post often. I must apologize for my lack of contribution in conversation and hope to become a participant now rather than just one who watches and call on a few of you for advice now and then. I haven't many skills or qualifications as a boat builder or as a builder of anything else for that matter. I did build a small plywood canoe a few years back. I was really apprehensive about it before I started but was aslo very pleased with the project once completed and amazed that I could do it. I have wanted to build a Devlin duck boat ever since. My son is 12 and has really gotten into duck hunting with me the last couple of years. We hunt primarily smaller rivers and the Ky/Barkley lakes in West Kentucky. We have not been satisfied with the way we look(to the ducks) in our 18 ft jon. After studying it , dreaming about it, backing out of it, and then being jealous of all of you that have gotten it done in the last two seasons we finally decided that the BBIII is the boat for us. So.... I took a big step yesterday and asked my lovely wife for permission. It took a bit of convincing mind you why a man who already has several boats needs another(Not sure she will ever really understand) but she said YES!!!. My confidence is building already as I was able to get that job done and out of the way. Ha Ha. Now I hope to get started by the end of the month but have a quick first question if I can. Can anyone tell me a good source/supplier of marine plywood in my part of the world? I have searched the threads but have not been able to find anything within driving distance for pickup. Any of you North Alabama guys that catch this have a local supplier? or will it have to be ordered/shipped from one of the coastal areas?

Thanks in advance for any advice and assistance and I will be glad to share my progress if there is any interest.

David Wheeler
 
I for one would welcome seeing and hearing about your build.

While I am certainly no expert in the "Boat Building Arena", I have built a few. Nothing like harvesting a few birds out of something you constructed yourself, ESPECIALLY with your son's help.

Good luck, have patience, and don't be afraid to ask questions. This is the place for answers!

Jon
 
Welcome! You& Daniel will have a good time with the build. I don't have a supplier for wood there, I found a supplier a couple hr. drive from me, others should have some sugestions for ya. Raka is the epoxy& glass I used, US Comp is another some use. When ya get the plans, get Devlon's book also, it explanes the how tos& what fors of his plywood builds. Good luck & enjoy the build. Use the search & ya can follow several others builds of different boats.
Dennis
 
Can anyone tell me a good source/supplier of marine plywood in my part of the world?
Click to expand...

First off, Welcome!

Define driving distance...I know Johnson's Workbench used to carry marine ply in their store in Grand Rapids before it closed, they still have a branch in South Bend IN. I'd make sure to call ahead and make sure they have enough in stock before you make the trip. If I recall they have a weekly distro truck. You can special order whatever you need and pick up at the store with out additional freight charges. May not have the cheapest prices, but if your alternative is to have the plywood shipped to you the prices may be competive.

Hopefully someone a little closer to you will chime in with a closer supplier.

Best
Chuck
 
Thanks guys for the info.

Chuck. I do get up to Northern Indiana occasionally as my wife is from a small town not far from South Bend so I might be able to make that trip.


David Wheeler
 
David

Welcome. I'd go for good quality plywood shipped over local if the good marine is not readily available. If you can't find BS1088 or 6566 in your area shipping is possible. You can have it drop shipped to your local terminal and pick it up there. Residential delivery about doubles shipping costs. I've always dealt with http://www.worldpanel.com/ and have received very good plywood and service.

Eric
 
I think World Panel is in Florida. They have a website. As others have stated, US Composties is a great source for cloth and resin... I have used their epoxy for all of my projects... great quality, and no one can beat their prices.
 
David,

I've gotten marine plywood from two sources. I went to Florida on a winter vacation just before I built my BB3 and picked up all my plywood from World Panel as Eric suggested - good folks and pretty good prices. A couple years ago while on a fishing trip to Lake Erie I stopped at Homestead Hardwoods and got excellent prices on a dozen sheets of 4mm. They are near Sandusky, OH. http://www.homesteadhardwoods.com/. I have always used RAKA for my boat building epoxy and supplies.

Good luck with your build and let us know what questions you might have. We are here to help you.
 
David,Welcome! Another vote for homestead hardwoods as Pete had said,I had it shipped to my door,as for the build,ask questions and take and post the pics,we can help you thru this,alot of knowledge on this site, Brian
 
Search Posts on the top navigation bar for "Charlie Foulds", he built a gorgeous BBIII last year and posted pics, might be a good source for advice.
 
I appreciate all the tips and I have already put several of them to good use this afternoon. Just about have the budget all put together and ready to order supplies.

Thanks,

David
 
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