Whether you are interested in fishing or simply want to enjoy a day out on the water, a boat can be a great way to spend time with family and friends. Depending on your goals and previous DIY/boat-building experience, you may choose to modify an existing vessel or build a new one from scratch. From a simple towbar to enhance behind-the-boat activities to an advanced Simrad or Lowrance onboard information system, there are many ways to upgrade your boat and increase its recreational functionality.
If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive and easy to make boat, there are plenty of plans available online that will guide you through the process. You can also find plans for more sophisticated vessels such as rowboats or canoes that are suitable for more experienced users. While a full-sized boat might be a bit beyond your ability to build, even making a small scale toy model could still be fun for you and your children.
A popular method for constructing an inexpensive, durable and lightweight vessel is to use plywood sheets. While this type of boat won’t be comfortable in any sort of rough water, it is ideal for fishing and other recreational uses on smaller, protected bodies of water. It’s important to remember that any boat of this kind isn’t intended for use on open water and should never be used without life jackets on board.
Another alternative is to use a pre-made boat kit. These kits are often quite affordable and include all the necessary materials to construct a basic boat. You will still need to supply the motor, batteries and accessories for your boat but you should be able to complete the project in about a week from start to finish. Aside from avoiding the hassle of sourcing individual boat parts, using a ready-made kit will help you to avoid costly mistakes that can lead to lengthy delays and potential safety hazards.
If you would prefer to build a traditional wooden vessel there are plenty of plans available for various sizes and styles. One example is this article that provides step-by-step instructions for making a simple functional boat that can be used to fish and explore in shallow waters. Another good option is this plan for a 17-foot sailboat which can be built by almost any experienced woodworker.
If you are a scuba diver it might be a good idea to consider adding a dive tank rack to your boat. These racks can be freestanding units that can be moved around when you are not in the boat or they can be affixed to your boat’s transom. Regardless of which option you choose, a dive tank rack will help you get more out of your time on the water by allowing you to carry more tanks for longer trips or more diving sessions.