Self-buildFrom plan to boat

Fridtjof Gunkel

 · 01.03.2010

Self-build: From plan to boatPhoto: YACHT/M.-S. Kreplin
Ambitious, but feasible: building your own yacht
How the dream of a self-built boat can be realised: A look at the different methods

There are plenty of good reasons to build a dinghy or yacht yourself. Be it financial aspects, enjoyment of the craft or the desire for a personalised, unmistakable vessel.

An article in the new issue of YACHT provides tips and advice on this complex topic. It describes the common methods with their advantages and disadvantages:

Steel and aluminium - fast production, solid and durable yachts.
Solid wood - elaborate, traditional, but something for connoisseurs.
Sewing and gluing - the easy way for simple boats.
Moulding - proven technology, even for laymen.

Plus an interview with designer Jüs Segger, who argues that "anyone can build a sailing boat". Plus references for plans and kits as well as hull suppliers.

Fridtjof Gunkel

Fridtjof Gunkel

Deputy Chief Editor YACHT

Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.

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