The Steamboating Forum

Hello All,

I joined the forum this past weekend and after looking around some of the older topics I came across the typical costs of a custom built Steam Launch, which started at $25,000 to $30,000 and upwards. Now, I had originally considered having a boat built by someone, but, to be honest, that's just not in my budget. So, doing a little research I determined that, with a little help, I should be able to build one myself, over the course of 1.5 years - 2 years (assuming I can keep a steady pace on weekends and nights). I have experience in mechanical and woodworking, so I feel that it should not be out of my skill area.

Before I get there, however, I do plan on buying literature and plans to go ahead and give myself a head start while I transition from school to working full time. So, that leaves me with some questions (some of them non-Engine and Boiler related, some yes) to kind of give me a feel on what I could/should be expecting.

1) Has anyone here built a hull from strip planking and, if so, how did it go? What type of hull did you choose, how many people helped you, how long did it take you, what facilities were you able to utilize, etc.?
One concern I do have is with the glassing, as I'm not particularly good with things of that nature. If you do it improperly what kind of problems will that leave you with? Bubbles, rough spots?
Are there any particular books or literature that you would recommend, both full hull building and glassing?

2) Has anyone here attempted and/or succeeded in building a boiler? I've got welding experience and like to think of myself as fairly proficient. Cutting the stock and material for the boiler would be relatively straight-forward, but the welding is what concerns me. Did you try a hand at the welding or did you let someone else take care of it?
Are there any particular books or literature that you would recommend for boiler building?

3) Building an engine, in my mind, is something I might leave to someone else, due to all the mechanical complexities required, but (again) who has built an engine from castings, or has even cast their own pieces? I've no doubt in my mind that, yes, I could do it, but I have a feeling it would be 'improperly' built.

4) Something I have already planned on doing is building a custom boat trailer (which I've built one before). Custom built to fit (that and anything smaller) with a toolbox and bunkers on either side for coal storage (probably waterproofed, for piece of mind...). Has anyone built their own trailer and what kinds of features did you put on it, frame material steel or aluminium, etc.?

5) Lastly, what are some good all-round books that you would recommend I buy, both for owning, operating and maintaining a steam boat, as well as just for pure enjoyment?

I think I've covered the basics, just to kind of start me off. All comments are much appreciated and I'm curious as to what y'all have done/think.

It's important to note, also, that I've not forgotten about buying a used boat. If one comes up and I have the money, I'll pop right in and give it a go. However, there's truly nothing as satisfying as building a piece of art and calling it your own, which is something I'd like to do myself.

-Ethan

Ethan,

Researching a hull - the internet is a good place for that. Several images to look at and investigate. As well as different hull construction methods. The one book every steamboater should have is Bill Durham's Steamboats and Modern steam launches, It covers every aspect of the hobby. I would begin with reading that. It is available from Elliot Bay. It will answer a multitude of questions.

Addressing 2)I've built one boiler and helped build another. It's no place to learn the skills required such as welding. The asme code covers all aspects of boiler construction. But if it is not something you're 100% confident you can do, it's best left alone. With a poorly constructed boiler there is a fine line between a steam generator and a bomb. The builder only gets one crack at it. It's more applicable to fabricate the components of a known safe design of correct materials, then take it to a boiler shop to be constructed/rolled and welded then stamped. That is about the least expensive route to a new safe boiler.

Buying a used boat is a good option and they usually go for a reasonable price. Educate yourself on what to look for on a used Steamboat. Run a hydrostatic test on the boiler, get it ultrasounded etc. Used boats with questionable boilers do come up occasionally. If the seller refuses any testing on the boiler, make your offer less the cost of a new boiler.

-Ron

Hey Ethan

Welcome to the forums!

You are undertaking a truly memorable task. I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I have spent the last couple years building my new 40x32 shop and now I am unpacking years worth of stored tools and items I had forgotten I even had. I have been reading everything I can find on strip planking, steam engines and the tools and materials needed. Don't forget You Tube there are numerous videos on all of the above. I am lucky in one respect and that is my neighbor has been building with fiberglass, kevlar and carbon fiber for the last 30 or so years, so when it comes to glassing the hull at least I have a grownup to hold my hand!

The boat I am building is an Edwardian 26 that will be stretched a bit to fit in the shop space I have. So I think somewhere in the 30 to 35 foot range. The boat is a design from the Selway Fisher Design website here:http://www.selway-fisher.com/Steam2030.htm

I just received my plans but I will not be able to start until a few other things are finished like the trim and paint on the house and shop. Gotta keep the bank happy. Then I have to find a nice mill and a bunch of tools for that.

I will be building my engine as well and am currently looking at the Uniflow designs with a monotube boiler. I intend to have the engine/boiler unit functioning and tested before I lay any planks.

I have no time line for completion this is just a little dream I am working on that has been on my mind for years and I am finally in a place to do something about it.

I wish you the best of luck.

Cyruscosmo

I strongly recommend looking carefully for a used boat.

Building a boat from scratch, even if you buy an engine and a boiler, is a very significant project. When you start adding up the costs of wood, glass, resin, and all the other things you aren't thinking of just now like trailer (!), a used boat starts looking better and better.

Thanks for the replies!

@DetroiTug: Noted. I'll get that book as soon as possible. I'm very confident in my welding skills (I was in the top of my class with a stick) and I was considering creating a test vessel to see how my welds would hold up and then pressurize it. However, now, I think I'll likely let someone else take care of it, just for the peace of mind.

@Cyruscosmo: Ahh, yes. I've actually been looking at the designs on the Selway Fisher website and I like both the 20' Cambrian and the 28' Corn Bunting. Both of those are quite large, but I get a little fidgety around water so I feel I would be more at ease with something that would be a little more stable and also have a larger freedom of movement.
Good luck on finishing your house and getting started on your project!

@Lopez Mike: Yes and I am keeping my eye out for a used boat. I agree that it would be a major undertaking, building a steam boat, but I know I'll be able to handle it.

Right now, I'm working off of the assumption that I can get started on my project in about a year or so, giving me plenty of time to study up, gather informative resources on building, and finally settle on a plan. I've got plenty of time to find a used boat and/or back out if I suddenly feel that it'll be too much.

-Ethan

I have been restoring/building wooden boats for most of my life. I decided last year to purchase my "dream" steam launch and have spent the past year taking everything apart, and putting it back together again. Hopefully she will see the water agian later this year.

It is really up to you to decide what option for having a steam launch is best for you. Both ways, building one from scratch or rebuilding a used launch will cost $$$. The reason I decided to buy a used launch was becuase I simply didnt have the space for a proper laydown for lofting etc. You can rebuild a boat just about anywhere (mine is in a farm tent in the backyard).

While I dont doubt that I could have built a hull from scatch, either composite or traditional, I enjoy the challange of bringing a boat back from near death to bristol condition. It will certainly take you longer to build one from scratch. Isn't it something like 10 years dreaming, 10 years building, one year enjoying then repeat? haha

Cheers and good luck

there are many steam boats currently for sale in the USA, there are a few orginizations in the US dedicated to steamboating including the North American Steamboat Assoc. which will get you 6 bi monthly magazines per annual subscription, The Smokestack is a 32 page full color magazine with pictures, stories, technical, articles for sale and suppliers of many things steam.

a few books I would recommend but # 1 is crucial, most if not all are available from Elliot Bay Steam Launch Co.

1. Steamboats and Modern Steam Launches
2. Reed's Yachts and Trawlers
3. The Steam Launch
4. Weston Farmers " My Old Boat Shop"

A similar set of questions from a new member, look up the thread "New member from Fife in Scotland" for some options you may want to consider which can cut the costs and labor to a small fraction of the classic building process.

Thanks for the replies!

@asal0312: Concerning location, hoping everything goes near as planned, I will be building a house in the next year or so with a full garage on the ground level and a living area above, so space won't be an issue (planning a 24x43 garage, with a 10ft ceiling. The only main concern is the tool placement, but everything will be on wheels except for the mill, the planer and jointer).
I've actually figured that it'll take a little longer than a year and a half, so I'm expecting more like 3 or 4, but I can't take too long otherwise I'll start on another project(s) and never get finished .

@steamdon-jr: Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely have to subscribe! I've found #1 and #3 and bought those in good used condition on Amazon (expecting them in a week). #2 is not on Elliott Bay (out of print, and not on Amazon either. May have to look at eBay) and I'll have to get #4 from EB sometime.

@fredrosse: I've read on that. At this point, it's definitely something I may consider as an interim measure until I can get cracking on the real deal (re-furb fiberglass hull with a 2-stroke conversion).

-Ethan

Hi I built my 21 foot fantail in 8 months single handed I prefer to work alone, its made of 3/4 inch cedar strips bead and cove, it is epoxied inside and out with west system 10 oz cloth I also double the cloth below the water line. I have the molds for sale on ebay, I 'm very pleased with the size, stability of the hull,the keel is made of laminations of Douglas fir, out wales , in wales, decks seats I used local black ash. Cost of just building the hull is apox $ 7,000 Canadian it weighs around 2,000 pounds. I bought a used boat trailer and modified it, it needed to be widened and lengthened. You may want to checkout GLEN L MARINE they have a great forum to answer questions on fiberglassing and working with wood. j.z.