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[Secret_Squirrel]

I have searched the forum and the internet to no avail, so I'm turning to you guys for help.

I am in the latter stages of planning a self build, steel, Roberts, 65'. Everything is in order, finances worked out, checked, doubled, added VAT, added "Chandlery price increase factor", added 25% extra - "cos something is bound to happen" etc etc etc etc, But I'm stuck!

I live in Southampton, I'm not blessed with a 100' garden, I don't live near any farms or even know any farmers, and I'm not moving! I need a suitable site. 100'x50', covered, water, pref electric (but can use genny) and maybe even telephone and drainage. Boat Yards round here are going to charge me an absolute fortune (try working out 100'x78p/week/x2 for width, for an upto 3 year build!!!!)

Please, any ideas/experiences greatly appreciated.

Cheers

S_S

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[mikewilkes]

Sorry long way away but worked out your 78 p / week.............. a wee bit expensive !!!!!

Hope you find somewhere more sensible price.



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[Talbot]

talk to your nearby farmer. and make sure trip to boat is not a very great distance, also make sure that it is not too close to habitation! Biggest problem will be security. consider getting a container (like what they put on lorries) as a secure waterproof hold all

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[tugboat]

Have a look round industrial estates. Sometimes there is a wasted area at the end of a block of units that could be made secure and have power nearby. You would need to make/supply your own building shed and a surplus shipping container makes a good workshop/secure storage for tools and materials. This setup was used near me by someone doing a major refurb that took a couple of years. Also had the advantage of being sheltered from bad weather so he made his own shed from timber and heavy duty polythene sheet and it lasted well. Good access for cranes and trucks at launch time too.

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[Copious]

Suggest the commercial estate agents in Hampshire as they have such odd pieces of land which are not a great deal of use to a formal business. Can give you a few names but have been out of the business for quite a while so best to use 'good ol' yellow pages'.

Copious

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[jonjo]

I foresee a problem. That is a massive hull to complete on a part time basis. Wouldn’t it be better to save up until you can tackle the job full time at which point you will be free of geographical constraints and be able to live on the job.

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[cliffb]

And then when you've built it...You've got to move it.
65ft of steel boat on a low loader is going to be pricey isn't it?
Abnormal load... police escorts..etc etc.
I'm just an incurable optimist I guess!!


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[Secret_Squirrel]

I saw that problem too!

I have overcome it by a)only working mornings (near as dammit), b) Being an experienced welder c) being young enough and stoopid enough do it, and d) buying a kit, ready rolled and plasma cut!
this is also why being under cover is a major issue, no wind for welding and a "heatable", well lit, safe working enviroment is the key.

We are also considering moving to site for the initial part of the build, to "break the back" of it as it were (1st year)

The kit is an expensive way of buying 17tons of mild steel, but I wouldn't do it any other way i dont think. (Comeback to supplier.... shattered dreams etc)

Cheers

S_S

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[Secret_Squirrel]

Yes indeedy its a consideration. within 5 miles of a suitable launch site is a must, but ideally a riverside location. BUT, in reality, the cost of crane, low-loader and rozzers would be a very small %age of the completion cost, and I have factored in several £k's to account for this.
I wont consider air draught an issue, as its most likely that the boat would be motored/tugged to the rigger and "past a bridge upstream" sites should be a bit less heavy on the pocket. I do need 8' draught at high tide however....

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[roly_voya]

65ft! you must either be a mormon with 3 wives & 10 kids or starting a charter buisness. Seriously though, never mind the cost, have you actually worked out the time to complete this project - and then maintain the beast! Larry pardys' estimate for 40ft is 9-12,000 hours or 4-6yrs working 40h per week so probably double that. Running and handling her is going to be more comercial skipper than carefree cruising. Good luck anyway, hope you make it

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[dickh]

A very ambitious project! I built a 46' catamaran in the 60's with 5 other people, it took 9 months working every evening and all weekend and even then it wasn't completely finished when we launched. More recently have refurbished a 20' and a 23' sailing boat. These were only sucessfull because I was either only 5minutes drive away from the boat or I had it in the back garden. Also had electric on site and a temporary cover over the boat.
Your best bet is as said, try a local industrial estate, or a better bet, drive around and look out for redundant farm buildings and then make enquires as to the owner and proceed accordingly. As farmers are always pleading poverty, I'm sure they will jump at the chance of some pocket money! The important point is it MUST be close to where you live and have reasonable security.
Another point have you considered an abandoned project? - have a look at www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk(or is it .com?) and look under 'projects'.
Good luck anyway!



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I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[absit_omen]

If you are only in the planning stage keep it that way!! Think long and hard, then think again. The planned 3 year build could treble. A mate here has just, this year, launched his Roberts 44 in the Med after spending 10 years building it in Swaziland where he lived. He had a sheet metal business, lots of money, lots of help, space and a perfect climate. The boat is still not sorted and he is likely to try to sell in the next few months.

Why 65 ft?? We went from 36ft GRP to 46 ft steel last year and we regret it in so many ways from a financial point of view. So much work (and ours is an excellent example of a custom built steel yacht). Even if you can find a yard which will let you do your own antifouling for example (and they are increasingly rare) the cost of the paint will be frightening for a 65 ft boat. Where are you going to berth her? 20 mtr plus berths are in short supply everywhere and it will cost you a lot. Do not fall into the trap of thinking you will be on the hook 365 days of the year. From 3 years liveaboard experience I can tell you that you will not (even in the Med)!! There are bound to be situations when you have to leave the boat in a secure place and need a marina. Even a few weeks of enforced berthing in a marina in the summer will seriously cost you.

Sorry for all that and you may have considered my points already. If you have, and still go ahead GOOD LUCK!!!

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[Secret_Squirrel]

I think we have it pretty much covered. I DO understand the difference between our current plastic boat and a dirty great big steel one. Work work work!
I have spoken to Mr Roberts about the viability of one of his kits, particularly one so large, and his prediction for time required. I have some welding qualifications (BS288) and have considerable experience in marine welding practice. Having said that, i will still be employing a contract welder for some of the project. We are also still young and fit (the low end of 30's) and are somewhat determined not to ruin this opportunity to change our lives (and blow all our cash)

We have ummmed and errred till we are blue in the face. We have looked at refitting a "Challenge" boat, and all the other things... Somewhat annoyed at a couple of things we have "missed"... but I guess thats the way of things.

I have posted on the Livaboard forum mainly as I respect you guys ability to know about the real practicalities of the larger yacht! I also know I'm likely to get flamed to hell and back on Scuttlebutt!

Oh yeah, the mooring is sorted in the UK, and we have another arranged elsewhere. (in the med). I have no illusions about the cost of berthing here or in far flung parts...

Thanks for the comments though!

S_S


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