Hi everyone... I've been a fan of Pocketship for a year or two now. I was near Annapolis, MD, last March and stopped by CLC for a quick tour and to check out Pocketship I. I also grabbed a building manual. The weather was hell... freezing cold and a few inches of snow. I was able to get aboard Pocketship I though and check it out. I left there determined to give the kit a go, but between time constraints and cost issues, it never got off the ground. I also wasn't keen no tying up my garage for a few years during the build. I have a two car garage, but one bay is occupied with my "weekend" car (1993 Mazda Rx-7, for the car guys here).
Since then, I've kept my eye on this forum and followed a few building logs. My now-five-year-old son got wind of the fact that I was thinking about building a boat and he's 110% on board, so I guess there's no turning back now. I've decided to garage my car at a friend's house, which resolves the space issue. As far as the cost goes, I'm hoping to build from the plans rather than the kit. This may not be less expensive overall, but at least I can diffuse the cost over the time of the build. I have a lumber yard near me that sells marine grade plywood. It's called "Home Depot." Just kidding. It's a local place. I need to call tomorrow to get prices and more information on what brand of wood they carry.
Anyway, since I'll be building from plans, and buying supplies as I go, my plan is start off by building the keel-assembly and centerboard. In order to do so, I think I'll need the following items:
1. Set of plans ($220, since I already have the manual);
2. 4x8 9mm (3/8") marine grade plywood (x3) ($???);
3. 8' length of 2x6 spruce, fir or pine ($???);
4. Epoxy ($198 for Economy Kit No. 1 from CLC; includes: 1 gallon resin, 0.5 gallon non-blushing slow hardener, 0.5 gallon wood flour, 1 quart cell-o-fill thickener, metered dispensing pumps);
5. Fiberglass fabric ($???, no idea how much I need).
Is there anything I'm missing? Also, can anyone comment on how much fiberglass fabric I'll need to finish the keel assembly and centerboard? And, can anyone in the NE comment on the price that would be reasonable for the wood?
I have a pretty well stocked workbench (14" band saw, 12" table saw, good assortment of power and hand tools, etc.). I'm sure I'll need to pick up a tool or two along the way, but I think I pretty good for now. I also want to upgrade the lighting in my garage with some overhead florescent lights and grabs some sort of heater to keep it above 60 degrees during the colder months. The good thing about starting with the keel in the winter is I can bring the parts inside while they dry if the garage is too cold.
Anyway, and other general advice would be appreciated. As a bonus, I've added some pictures of Pocketship I I took when I was in Annapolis last year.
Kevin