PocketShip.net

What skills are needed? How best to learn them? Can it be done without having built a boat previously?

My favorite Kit Car company has a build school every month where 12 people get together and build the car - in 3 days! At the end of the school you've worked on every sub assembly, and have learned all the necessary skills (while being watched and taught by an instructor): http://www.factoryfive.com/roadster/build/school.html - anything like that exist for PocketShip?

Hi Jeff,
Don't underestimate your skills. Previous boatbuilding experience is unnecessary. I'm in the middle of building the Pocketship- my 1st boat- and it's a blast. I have some woodworking experience (hobby only) but never things with curved surfaces. I chose to build from patterns (vs. pre-cut kit) and the plans are great. I take my time and everything fits nicely. I wish I had some previous experience with epoxy because that is a steep learning curve. I can sand away most of those hand prints though. It's been a wonderful experience because I continually face tasks that seem impossible but since nobody is there to help I have to dive right in. And guess what? It keeps turning out great. And the final prize- sailing this obsession- is always dangling out in front as motivation. I can't wait.
So I would recommend you not waiting. Get going, you'll love it.
Jay

I would agree. I had built a kayak before, but everything was already cut and compared to this project, super easy. But--this project is fun figuring things out as you go. I'm taking my time and enjoying the process of building, and so far so good.

Go for it, if I can launch the first Pocketship after the prototype I'm sure any average handyman can. However, I will reiterate that working with epoxy and fiberglass can be intimidating at first. But if you read all the help available in the excellent manual and on this forum and the CLC website it all starts to come together.

I took my crew to Mystic to see PocketShip: mission accomplished!

I met and talked to Geoff Kerr of 2 Daughters Boatworks and he was very gracious at answering all my questions and being very supportive. Luckily I couldn't find John C. Harris (lucky for him, that is ). Looks like a great product from a great company!