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Catamarans and Trimarans

Catamaran and Trimaran Boat Plans make it a reality to build your own catamaran or trimaran. Multi-hulled sailing vessels are a special class of boat. A very different mind set is required when thinking about sailing a multi hull, let alone getting your head around building one.

There are some unique challenges building a multi-hull sail boat, the extra beam added by each hull for instance can create storage issues while under construction. Hartley boat plans make the build process straight forward for even amateur builders. However with all things considered, building a multi can be an amazing journey.

Fast Twin Catermaran

Lively 28 Cruising Trimaran

Lively 35 Cruising Trimaran

DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide

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A brand-new cruising catamaran can set you back a hefty amount of money. However, a DIY cruising catamaran provides a more affordable way to own your own boat. While building a large boat can be an extremely challenging and time-consuming experience, nothing beats the pleasure of bringing your own boat to life. 

To build a DIY cruising catamaran, buy good design plans, determine your budget and find a working space. Next, choose your hull material, buy supplies and start building the mast beam. Build and sheathe the hull, install bulkheads, the interior, and finally, launch the catamaran boat.

In this article, you will find a complete guide to building your own catamaran. You will also find detailed information on why you may want to consider building your catamaran and approximately how much this project would cost. Finally, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of building a catamaran from scratch.

Why You Might Want To Build Your Own Catamaran

Most people might think that purchasing a used boat to repair and fix it up would be cheaper than a DIY cruising catamaran. But while building your own catamaran could be an enormous undertaking, it also comes with many advantages over buying something used. 

Other than the unique opportunity to create beautiful memories and experiences while cruising, sailing, and exploring beautiful coastlines, there are a number of benefits that come along with the DIY approach.  

Knowing Your Boat

Building your own catamaran provides you with intimate knowledge of your boat. You will know every corner, including where to find every bolt, wire, bulkhead, rib, hose, and support as you installed them yourself. This knowledge will enhance your confidence while at sea since you will have entrusted your life to a boat whose history you are aware of and deeply connected to.

Pride of Ownership

The satisfaction you get from crafting something with your own hands is immense. As a result, the knowledge that you built your boat from scratch will fill you with absolute pride and an immense sense of achievement. Furthermore, as an owner-builder, you get to keep and enjoy the boat for as many years as you wish.

Substantial Cost Savings

Building your catamaran will work out cheaper than buying a new or even gently used boat. Though you will likely require some additional labor since doing some things will require an extra pair of hands, if you are particularly good at DIY, you will save a significant amount of money on labor costs as a whole. 

Freedom To Create Your Own Designs

If you decide to buy a catamaran boat, it might not be easy to find one that meets your unique needs. However, instead of choosing from production boats that bear traditional and outdated designs, you can come up with an ultra-modern design or style for your catamaran. You also get to pick your layout, size, and equipment based on your taste and budget.

Great Learning Experience

Building your own boat will help you pick up numerous skills that will come in handy later when sailing your boat. As much as you might still require an expert to help you with specialized skills like carpentry or wiring, your new skills will serve you well. This will also be beneficial when it comes to your boat’s maintenance and fixing things for yourself. 

What To Look For in Catamaran Boat Designs

When deciding on the type of catamaran boat to build, you may want to choose a design that’s simple and easy to build. This is because doing so will allow you to spend a shorter time building the boat. 

You also need to have a set of requirements to guide you in choosing your design or what you might call an ideal cruising catamaran wish list. This is essential because, ultimately, you want to build a boat that offers outstanding qualities such as:

• Delivers good speed
• Affordable to own and operate
• Agile, strong, and easy to maintain
• Has a high resistance to capsizing
• Great for sailing and cruising
• Delivers a comfortable and easy motion underway
• Good handling ability and high performance under sail
• User-friendly embarking and disembarking
• Provides ample living and accommodation space 
• Presents a reasonable resale value

It’s worth noting that, in general, catamaran boats tend to offer a fair resale value mainly because of scarcity and the high price accorded to production models. So, if you build a well-constructed catamaran, you are bound to get a return that’s much higher than the cost of materials upon resale.

It’s also good to consider whether the design you settle on is from an established designer. This is significant because documentation of the building process is just as valuable when it comes to selling the boat.

How Much Would It Cost To Build Your Own Catamaran?

The cost of building your cruising catamaran will depend heavily on the size of the boat you plan to build and the skills you bring to the table. To give you an idea of probable costs, a professionally built 40 foot (12.1 m) long cruising catamaran could go for up to $300,000. 

Though building it yourself will undoubtedly be cheaper, most DIY boatbuilders tend to underestimate the expected costs. Your final costs should cover not only the cost of material and equipment but also the labor and time it would take to come up with the final product. 

If you were to build a 40-foot (12.1-meter) catamaran, your cost of materials would range between 20-30% of the total cost. Therefore, for $300,000 total, the boat’s materials would range between $60,000 and $90,000. The hull tends to range between 15-35% of the total build. Again, this depends on the finish and furniture.

But before you even start working on the DIY project, you will need to figure out where to do the work. If your home has ample space, then you can opt for a backyard building. But if you live in a small apartment, then you might want to consider renting a small garage at first and then move on to a boatyard later. This is one of the significant costs involved in building your multi-haul.  

What You Will Need

To get a clearer picture of how much the entire project would cost, let’s have a look at what else you will need to purchase.

• Good design plans
• Working space
• Ground tackle
• Matting and roving
• Equipment such as the engine, windows, rudders, deck fittings, mast, and rigging

In addition to the above, you also need to install plumbing and electricals. You may also want to consider going electric rather than using diesel. Not only will this drastically reduce your maintenance costs, but you get to use the regenerated power for all of your housing needs while sailing. 

Some catamaran boat designs help you save costs by advocating the use of less expensive corpus materials. Most of the material goes directly into making the boat, which means there is hardly any wastage on vacuum bagging . With this method, there are few molds and temporal building forms and fewer fillers to grind off as waste. All these factors reduce the time and cost it takes to build your catamaran boat.

That said, building a boat of any kind is a huge financial undertaking. As such, you still need to have the financial ability to keep building; otherwise, your project will stall or take much longer than anticipated. Instead of enjoying yourself and making memories cruising to faraway lands, you might end up spending all your time building a seemingly never-ending boat.

To reiterate, this project is more of a labor of love, given that it involves a tremendous amount of manual work. Calculating an hourly rate on the time spent building the boat and adding this cost to that of materials may make it seem a very pricey exercise. However, it is vital to understand that your time matters, and every hour you spend working for “free” should be included. 

With that in mind, you need to ensure that you are fully devoted to the boat construction project and are sure you want to do it before you begin. Stopping halfway because it seems like too much work would be incredibly costly.

How To Build a Catamaran

When it comes to building a cruising catamaran, you have 3 main options:

• You can buy an old boat and refurbish it.
• Purchase a bare hull plus deck molding for a home-boat building.
• Start from scratch and build everything, including the hull, on your own. 

As mentioned above, renovating an existing boat may end up being more costly than starting from scratch. To build a catamaran boat from scratch, follow the below step-by-step guide.

Prepare the Essentials

Before you jump into such a large project, there are several important aspects to consider:

• Buy your plans from an established catamaran designer. You can also get inexpensive, easy-to-build catamaran designs online.
• Get access to a large working space or build a shed . Depending on your climate, you may need to opt for climate control to avoid an excess of moisture in humid areas. 
• Decide on your choice of hull material. This could be fiberglass, aluminum, steel, wood, or ferroconcrete. 
• Start working on a bill of materials estimate. Include everything that you think you need to get a better idea of the initial costs.

Build the Mast Beam

Using wood and epoxy, cut and glue together the pieces of wood that will form the mast beam. Most of the work at this stage can occur in a garage since it involves building small parts. Still, the work could take up to 4 months, so be prepared to put in long hours.

Build the Boat Hull

Now, it’s time to build the boat’s hull. A catamaran comprises two hulls which are connected with a deck. Below is a short video showing how to build a hull mold:

This work requires a larger facility, so you might need to move out of the garage and into a boatyard. If you don’t have access to a larger workshop, consider building a shed where you can work as you do the construction. Make sure there’s enough room to fit the boat and also allow you to work comfortably. To cover the shed, you can use opaque white tarps. 

Sheathe the Hull

Get all the materials you require for this stage in the construction, such as lots of resin, fiberglass, and foam for use in the hull cores. You’ll also require matting and glass roving to sheath the hull . 

Sheathing helps to make the hull impervious to water and other marine borers. But first, you need to prepare the hull using a rotary sander. To make it as smooth as possible, use light, sweeping strokes. This is a very dusty task so be prepared to wear a facemask and safety goggles. 

Install the Bulkheads

Next is installing the plywood bulkheads . You might need to call in friends to help turn the hulls or use a crane. In this step, you will need to laminate the hull sides on the molded hull panels and bond them above the bulkheads. Ensure the bulkheads are snug and sealed in place.

Construct the Interior Structure

Over the next couple of months, the boat work will involve joining the hulls together with the beams that you had made back in the garage. Then, install the cuddy cabin, decks , and the cockpit . Soon the boat will start to take the shape of a catamaran.

Next, proceed to construct the major structural components such as stairs, hatches, mini-keels, and the interior. Then comes the work of fairing the boat, which is quite labor-intensive. 

Finally, it’s time to apply primer on the catamaran boat and start the paintwork. Before painting the boat, you will need to do additional sanding to finish off the two layers of primer as well as fill all the pinholes. Since it’s a large boat, the catamaran has lots of surface area; thus, the sanding could get extremely exhausting—mentally and physically—at this point.

The painting can take a while, too. The hulls are the easiest to paint, but the topsides, non-skid, as well as masking and prepping could seem never-ending. 

The final stretch involves working on the center bridge deck cabin and other final touches like installing the engines, electricals, and plumbing. This is also the time to fix the rudders, rigging, mast, windows, and deck fittings.

Launch Your Cruising Catamaran

After many months or years of hard work, your cruising catamaran is finally ready to test the waters. After lowering the boat into the water, check carefully in case there are leaks. If none, you can set up the sails and take your catamaran out for your first cruise. 

Below is a short video that takes you through the entire boat-building process:

If you don’t have deep pockets, don’t despair. It’s also possible to build an inexpensive catamaran boat, as shown in this post from the coastal passage .

The Pros of Building a Catamaran

Though it will be a costly endeavor, there are so many things to look forward to should you decide to build your own catamaran:

• It can be lots of fun.
• You get to have a new boat.
• It’s an excellent hobby for DIY enthusiasts.
• The effort is rewarding.
• It offers a great learning experience.
• You get the exact kind of boat you want.
• You can alter building plans and tailor the boat to suit your specific needs.
• It might be cheaper than buying a new boat.

The Cons of Building a Catamaran

Though there are a number of positive aspects to a DIY build, it is just as important to keep in mind that it won’t always be easy:

• Maintenance costs can be quite high.
• It’s both mentally and physically exhausting.
• It might require some technical know-how.
• It can take many months or even years to complete.
• It requires a lot of commitment to finish the DIY project.
• It might be challenging as well as expensive to get insurance.  
• You will spend almost all your free time building the boat. 

DIY Cruising Catamaran Tips and Tricks

If you are new to boat building, it would be a good idea to build a small boat first. This would give you a good indication as to whether you’d enjoy tackling a more extensive project like building a catamaran. Again, if you are the handy type, fixing your own electronics could also save you a significant amount of money. 

Here are more tips and tricks to get the most out of your DIY cruising catamaran:

• Lower your costs. Bring down your costs even further by sourcing for parts and supplies at marine surplus outlets, Craigslist, eBay, or wholesale suppliers. 
• Enhance your resale value. Most home-built boats are not easy to sell since they tend to be too customized. To enhance your resale value, it’s advisable to work with a standard design from a well-established naval architect.
• Follow the design instructions. Make sure to follow the designer’s instructions regarding the type of materials and tools to use during the build to avoid making costly mistakes.
• Maintain your original budget. Avoid any additional customizations once you have started building the boat. Using good plans and sticking to them ensures that your budget doesn’t spiral out of control.

Final Thoughts

Building a catamaran is about more than saving money. It’s fun, exciting, fulfilling, and can be a great learning experience. While it might take many months of back-breaking work, comparative shopping and sourcing for materials will help you save a lot of money. Still, at the end of it all, you’ll have a beautiful catamaran boat, all ready for your first cruising adventure.

However, if you have neither the time nor the energy to build your own catamaran from scratch, refurbishing an existing hull might prove faster and easier. It also works out much cheaper than buying a new boat.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

One thought on “ DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide ”

Hello, I am a French Quebecer who is original, imaginative, creative and who finds that all boats and catamarans have a huge flaw and a very big lack of logic. I would have a brand new concept…. I am sending this message to any catamaran creator – designer to make those who have the opportunity and the intelligence to want to know about my innovative idea which will finally upset the market much richer. An idea that will totally change the concept of sailing, navigation and save so much worry!! All I would ask for is a small percentage of each sale of the new product. To be able to make me produce one when I have enough!! It is certain that like that, you just want to tell me: come on Mr. Lessard give us your idea but do not take your word to help me in return! But, if you are the kind of man to have only one word and maybe have a proof of your good faith if the realization of the project would make it… I will be very happy!! Giving it to everyone wouldn’t bother me either…. all I would like is to be able to find flax fiber (too expensive carbon) to be able to try to make my catamaran myself. Because not rich! Have a nice day and looking forward to having a message!!

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Catamaran Plans: Design, Build and Sail your own Multi-Hull Boat

Table of Contents

Why Build a Catamaran: The Benefits of Multi-Hull Boats

Building a catamaran offers many benefits over traditional monohull boats. One of the main advantages of catamarans is their stability. With two hulls instead of one, catamarans have a lower center of gravity, which makes them less likely to tip over in rough waters. This makes them ideal for families with children, or for anyone who wants to feel more secure while on the water.

Another benefit of catamarans is their increased speed and efficiency. The two hulls of a catamaran can displace more water than a single hull, which means they can move through the water faster and with less resistance. This makes them ideal for racing or for anyone who wants to cover more ground in less time. Additionally, Catamarans are also known for their space, as the twin-hull design provides more room for living and storage than a monohull.

Catamarans also offer more flexibility in terms of design. The two hulls of a catamaran can be configured in many different ways, which allows for a wide range of customization options. For example, one hull can be used for sleeping quarters, while the other can be used for storage or as a cockpit. This makes catamarans ideal for long-term cruising or for anyone who wants to create a unique and personalized boat.

Finally, catamarans are also more environmentally friendly than monohulls. Because they are more efficient, they can move through the water with less fuel consumption, which reduces their carbon footprint. Additionally, many catamaran designs incorporate solar panels and other renewable energy sources, which makes them ideal for anyone who wants to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying the water.

Designing Your Own Catamaran: Tips and Tricks

Designing your own catamaran can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Before you begin, it’s important to consider your needs and goals for the boat. Are you planning to use it for racing, cruising, or a combination of both? How many people will be on board? What kind of conditions will you be sailing in? Answering these questions will help you to determine the size, shape, and features of your catamaran.

One important tip when designing your catamaran is to keep it simple. While it can be tempting to add a lot of bells and whistles, the more complex your design, the more difficult and expensive it will be to build and maintain. Instead, focus on creating a functional and efficient boat that meets your needs.

Another tip is to take into account the materials you will be using. Different materials have different properties and costs, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your design. For example, wood is a traditional and affordable material, but it requires more maintenance than fiberglass. On the other hand, composites materials are more expensive but offer great weight to strength ratio.

Finally, it’s important to consult with experts and professionals during the design process. There are many resources available, such as online forums, books, and classes, that can help you to learn more about catamaran design and construction. Additionally, you should consider consulting with naval architects, boat builders, and other experts who can offer guidance and feedback on your design. They can help you to refine your ideas and ensure that your boat is safe and seaworthy.

Materials and Tools Needed for Building a Catamaran

Building a catamaran requires a variety of materials and tools. The materials you will need will depend on the design of your catamaran and the type of construction you choose. Common materials used in catamaran construction include wood, fiberglass, composites, aluminum, and PVC. Each material has its own unique properties and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.

When it comes to tools, you will need a basic set of hand and power tools to complete your catamaran project. These include saws, drills, sanders, and other tools that are commonly used in woodworking or metalworking. Additionally, you will need specialized tools such as a router, a band saw, and a vacuum bagging system if you are building with composites materials.

In addition to the above tools, you will also need safety gear, such as goggles, respirators, and ear protection. Building a catamaran can be a challenging and time-consuming process, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. Additionally, it’s important to have a well-ventilated workspace, as some of the materials and chemicals used in catamaran construction can be harmful if inhaled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Catamaran

Building a catamaran can be a complex and challenging process, and it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when building a catamaran:

One of the most common mistakes is not properly planning and designing your catamaran. This can lead to problems later on in the construction process, such as not having enough room for your intended use or not being able to fit certain components. It is important to take the time to carefully plan and design your catamaran, taking into account your needs, goals and the materials you will be using.

Another common mistake is not properly preparing your materials. This can include not properly storing or protecting the materials from the elements, or not properly cutting or shaping the materials before assembly. Proper preparation of materials is essential to ensure that your catamaran is strong and durable.

A third mistake is not using the right tools or not using them properly. This can lead to problems such as not being able to cut or shape the materials correctly, or not being able to assemble the boat properly. It’s important to research and invest in the right tools for the job, and to learn how to use them properly before starting the construction process.

Another common mistake is not properly securing and aligning the components during assembly. This can lead to problems such as leaks, or the boat being unstable on the water. It’s important to take your time and to work carefully to ensure that everything is properly aligned and secured.

Finally, not following safety guidelines is a mistake that should be avoided. This can include not wearing protective gear, not having proper ventilation, or not taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. Building a catamaran can be a challenging process, but it’s important to prioritize safety to prevent accidents or injuries.

After completing the construction of your catamaran, there are several important steps to take before launching it. These include finishing the exterior and interior of the boat, and performing necessary safety checks.

Finishing and Launching Your Catamaran

Finishing the exterior of your catamaran involves tasks such as painting, varnishing, or applying gel coat. This step is important to protect the boat from the elements and give it a professional look. It’s important to use the right type of paint or finish for the materials you used in the construction, and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Similarly, finishing the interior of your catamaran involves tasks such as installing cabinetry, flooring, and other finishing touches. This step is important to make the boat more comfortable and functional. You can add amenities such as a kitchen, a bathroom, and a sleeping area.

After the finishing is done, it’s important to perform safety checks on your catamaran before launching. This includes checking the boat’s systems such as electrical, plumbing, and navigation. You should also check that all the safety equipment is in place and working properly. This includes life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers.

Once all the necessary steps are completed, you will be ready to launch your catamaran. Launching a catamaran is a complex process that requires coordination between the boat owner, the marina, and other professionals. The boat should be launched in a protected area with calm waters, and with the help of a crane or a trailer. It’s important to have a plan in place for launching and to be aware of the local laws and regulations.

Finally, after the catamaran is launched, it’s important to test the boat and make any necessary adjustments before taking it out on the water. This includes testing the systems, checking for leaks and making sure that the boat is stable on the water. After this, you can finally enjoy your new catamaran!

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MIKE WALLER 

Yacht design, multihull boat plans by mike waller yacht designer.

TC670 TRAILER CAT This is an all plywood, trailerable, of the beach sailing cat designed for sheltered and semi-sheltered waters. The cabin has a double berth, a galley, small table area and W.C.

TC750 CATAMARAN This all plywood cat is a larger and more able development of the 670, and being wider, is capable of more extensive adventuring.

W880 CATAMARAN This true ocean going little cat sleeps 4 and is built in strip plank cedar and glass composite, and plywood. Sleeps 4, and has a seperate WC / shower area.

W1100 CATAMARAN This Ocean cruising vessel is in all plywood, and is capable of extensive ocean voyaging. Sleeps 5 in three seperate cabins, with seperate W.C / shower area.

W1160 CATAMARAN This ocean crusing family cat is built from strip plank cedar and glass composite. She sleeps 5 in 3 cabins and has a seperate WC / shower area.

W1200 CATAMARAN This ocean cruising family cat is a plywood version of the 1160, with rounded, strip planked hull bottoms and the rest of the boat in plywood. The transom is slightly extended to provide a wider boarding step.

W1350 CATAMARAN This is a family cruiser in cedar/foam/glass composite, intended for world cruising for a couple or small family

W1480 CATAMARAN This is a true, proven, live aboard world cruiser for a family of up to 6 in four cabins. The vessel is strongly constructed in strip plank cedar and glass composite, and plywood. She will take you anywhere.

CS25 CATAMARAN This little demountable cat has two seperate hulls, each with two berths. She is all plywood.

CS35 CATAMARAN This cat has two seperate hulls with V shaped truncated sections, each has a double berth. She is all plywood and has a center cockpit which can be built in to form a shelter cuddy.

CC31 CATAMARAN This full bridge deck cat is in multi-chine plywood, and has two huge double berths, a dinette and seperate WC / shower area

CC40 CATAMARAN This ocean voyaging cat is in multi-chine plywood, and has two seperate hulls, a center cockpit with cuddy, and unbelievable accomodation for a vessel of this type and size

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Category: Our Catamaran Build Kits

Recommended equipment.

Quality suppliers & manufacturers

The schionning team have a lot of contact with equipment suppliers and manufacturers, and hear feedback on certain brands or systems from our many customers. there are many schionnings cruising the world and testing products longevity and the customer service offered by the manufacturer., on this page we will list products and companies that we know to provide above average quality and service. it is always growing, and if your company provides equipment used on our designs and you would like to be included - please contact us., engines & drive systems.

Visit:  https://oceanvolt.com

Batteries, Power Management

LITHIUM POWER (VIC)

Back in 2013 I knew that my boat batteries were reaching the end of their lives, I had been researching LiFePO4 cells for a few years and decided that I should install them. Unfortunatly I was unable to find a local supplier. So Lithium Power was established.

Technical Information

The technical information page is a collection of documents (mostly in pdf format) on the materials and systems used in schionning catamarans. including data sheets, engineering information, strength comparisons of each core material and informative articles from jeff outling the design of certain system such as engine choices and main sheet systems., detailed engineering data for your research, we understand that getting your head around the process of building your own boat, or having one built, can take a little while. to gain a greater understanding of the materials used in our designs, the below data sheets have been supplied by atl composites, and contain all of the technical data you could need regarding the composites we use. in addition are articles or documents written by jeff about certain systems used on our designs and why., all technical information and data sheets on west system/duflex/durakore provided courtesy of atl composites. for more information please see the atl composites website here., documents library.

Information Sheet – CE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

• Mainsheet Systems for Catamarans
• Motor Choices for Schionning Designs
• Weight and Weight Distribution Schionning Designs
• Schionning Designs Sailing Performance and Tips
• Hull Shapes and Performance – Power Designs
• Outboard Engines VS Diesels – Written by Ross McCombe
• An Outboard Installation That Works – Ross McCombe Follow up
• Data Sheet – DUFLEX BALSA for Catamaran Kit Builds
• Data Sheet – DUFLEX FOAM
• Data Sheet – FEATHERLIGHT Paper Honeycomb
• Data Sheet – WEST SYSTEM R105
• Data Sheet – PUMP SYSTEMS
• Data Sheet – MICROFIBRE BLEND 403
• Data Sheet – MICROLIGHT 410
• Data Sheet – MICROSPHERES 411
• Information Sheet – USING FILLERS
• Data Sheet – KINETIX RESIN Thixotropic
• Information Sheet – DURAKORE PLANKS 413
• Data Sheet – DURAKORE PLANKING 414

Kit Materials Contents

Kit materials' contents, so if you order a schionning kit, what exactly is going to arrive see an overview of the materials you will receive, and what each is used for during the build process. fibreglass cloth or tapes microspheres, microballoons or microfibers take a closer look and you can answer these questions., our schionning kits are a no nonsense, common-sense approach to building a boat. we offer great service, fast delivery and access to anything you could need for your boat straight from the supplier to your door. our construction plans and kits are sold with 100% professional boatbuilder support via phone and email, any time you're unsure or just need a second opinion, we're here..

Our kits contain all of your basic materials to build your boat to a faired shell stage, ready for painting and fit-out. We have sail-away costing estimates available for all of our standard designs, and this will give you an accurate idea of the overall cost of your project. This costing varies depending on your level of finish, as you can imagine different options vary greatly in price.

Below is a quick glance at what your Schionning Kit will include and what each item is primarily used for, we hope this is helpful and if you should require more detailed information please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

What do I actually receive?

DUFLEX PRE-LAMINATED PANELS

DuFlex pre-laminated panels are the main and most important material used in our kits, predominantly in the flat panel designs, however they are used in Strip-planked designs also, though to a lesser extent. These panels are 2400mm x 1200mm and are CNC routed to speed up build time on our Wildernes X Series, as well as some of our power designs. For internal furniture, a paper honeycomb core is used instead of the end-grain balsa wood core that is used for main structural areas. The use of this is purely to save weight in the shell and therefore produce a faster, more responsive catamaran.

KINETIX LAMINATING RESIN & HARDENER

WEST SYSTEM EPOXY RESINS

FIBREGLASS TAPES (DOUBLE BIAS)

CARBON FIBRE CLOTH

FIBREGLASS CLOTH

The kit process, building your own boat can be a daunting prospect, however to demonstrate each step in the kit assembly process, we've created this guide for you to study. as you can see our kits are the ultimate in building efficiency and have been streamlined over 30+ years to ensure that you're on the water faster and with less effort., how does it all go together.

The first step to building your dream catamaran begins with a strongback – this is a square frame used to position the temporary frames that will be used to form the hull shape. This frame will be set up and must be square and accurate, a string or laser level can be used to achieve this.

The forebeam is now installed along with the striker attachment fitting, as shown above. The bridgedeck is installed shortly after and taped onto the bulkheads with webs installed, this now completes what is a quite stiff and strong platform to work on.

Now that the bridgedeck is in place, the forward webs and dash will be fitted. At this stage, all furniture and internal work begins, with the main panels left off for ease of access when working.

Material Choices

Schionning material choices, solutions that work best for catamarans & why, our designs are based on cored composite construction techniques using west system epoxy resin and knitted fabrics. but given the range of today's composite technologies, which solution works best for catamarans and why written by jeff schionning, selecting the correct materials, resin choices.

It also fully protects the boat against water absorption and it can not develop the dreaded Osmosis.

We choose ATL Composite’s resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money.

Having worked closely with the ATL Composites team and their products for many years, we know we can stand by their material solutions, and rely on great service should something unexpected happen.

This may not seem important but when working with a material for an extended period of time, the small things make all the difference.

CORES Which One to Use?

• End-Grain Balsa – 150kg per cubic metre
• Superlight Balsa – 94kg per cubic metre
• Western Red Cedar – 360-380kg per cubic metre
• Foam – 80kg per cubic metre

BALSA END GRAIN (150 kg/cubic metre)

Balsa  has very good values and we can produce a shell using a very light laminate. It will be very stiff and very resilient to fatigue.

It has exceptional qualities including very high compression strength, extremely good sheer capabilities and fantastic sheer stiffness.

Compressive strength is the resistance to collapsing when pressure is applied perpendicular to the surface as when pushing directly onto the material with the point of your finger. Balsa is far stronger than Foam (80kg/cubic metre) in compression.

Balsa is also very strong in shear. This is when the core sample is held flat between your hands, one hand slid one way and the other slid the opposite way, when the core tears through the middle the core has failed in sheer. The amount of stretch you feel before the core shears is shear stiffness. To compensate for sheer weakness the core is made thicker. So 13mm Balsa may be equal in sheer to 19mm Foam.

(80 to 200 kg/m³)

There are many boats sailing that are built from foam as it’s mechanical properties are good for boat building.

• Initially one would expect this cat shell to be lighter as it is ½ the weight of Balsa. We do have to compensate for its weaknesses and will then add to the reinforcement the reinforcement on the outside to spread that compression load over more core and need a triaxial type weave to compensate for the veneer content that runs fore and aft on the Durakore.
• Secondly, we need to increase the Core thickness to compensate for the shear value, usually neutralizing the weight advantage.
• We only use structural foam core that is closed-cell and cross-linked.

The end result using foam core amounts to a very similar total boat weight. Professional builders can achieve a good result but usually use vacuum bagging and very good molds to achieve this.

Secondary Issues

Balsa can absorb water. It needs extreme neglect to rot (very unusual). Water soaks along the end grain quickly. It travels very slowly across the grain. We use balsa under the waterline especially because of it’s high compression strength for beaching etc. any core type must be sealed. Damage to all cores results in the same sort of repair. Notice a damp spot remaining when drying out to anti-foul… simply grind back the surface glass exposing the core, dry it out and re-glass – it’s that easy.

Timber cores are cheaper than Foam in most cases.

A light, high tech cat returns a far better (often 2 – 3 times) re-sale than lower tech materials. Often saving $10,000 on materials initially, loses $200,000 on re-sale – a serious reality.

Our boats can be built using Balsa, Foam or Western Red Cedar. Combine strength, stiffness, lightness and cost, with ease of use – it just makes good sense!

TRI-STAR 24

Tri-star 25.

TRI-STAR 25 Study Plans $40.00 Add To Cart TRI-STAR 25 Plans $550.00 Add To Cart

TRI-STAR 26 MT

Tri-star 27-9, tri-star 31, tri-star 31 cm.

TRI-STAR 31CM Study Plans $40.00 Add To Cart TRI-STAR 31CM Plans $600.00 Add To Cart

TRI-STAR 32 XR

TRI-STAR 32XR Study Plans $40.00 Add To Cart TRI-STAR 32XR Plans $600.00 Add To Cart

TRI-STAR 35

TRI-STAR 35 Study Plans $ 40.00 Add To Cart TRI-STAR 35 Plans $ 650.00 Add To Cart

TRI-STAR 35 XR

TRI-STAR 35 XR Study Plans $40.00 Add To Cart TRI-STAR 35 XR Plans $700.00 Add To Cart

TRI-STAR 36

Tri-star 37 xrc.

TRI-STAR 37 XRC Study Plans $ 40.00 Add To Cart TRI-STAR 37 XRC Plans $ 800.00 Add To Cart

TRI-STAR 38 / 39

Tri-star 40 lw, tri-star 42, tri-star 43 xrc, tri-star 43 mc, tri-star 44 lw, tri-star 45, tri-star 49, tri-star 50, tri-star 51 mc, tri-star 54, tri-star 60 / 63, tri-star 65, tri-star 80, tri-star 104.

Email us for availability and prices

Messing about in boats since 1975.  Online Since 1997.

Home   |  Intro   |  Our Design Process   |  Stock Design Info   |  Motor Yacht Designs   |  Sailing Yacht Designs   |  Prototype Designs Plans List   |  Articles   |  Our CAD Design Stream   |  Maxsurf   |  News..!   |  SITE MAP..!   |  Site Search   | Design Team   |  Contact Us Please see the  AVAILABLE BOAT PLANS web page

Power and Sailing Yacht Plans List Copyright 2023 Michael Kasten Updated April  2023 This page provides a list of our currently available boat plans, a link to the web page for each design, and a price for each design.  What Do Plans Cost..? Below is a list of prices for each plans package that we offer. The first group lists our Sailing Yacht Designs and the second group lists our Power Yacht Designs .  Some designs are COMPLETED and others are INCOMPLETE.      COMPLETED STOCK DESIGNS :  The Estimating Plans and Building Plans prices given below in BOLD BLACK TYPE are for a FULLY COMPLETED STOCK DESIGN , the plans for which can be shipped immediately on receipt of your order.   Please see our Stock Design web page for a description of what is included, and how our prices have been determined.    INCOMPLETE OR 'SEMI-STOCK' DESIGNS :   Prices given below in PLAIN TEXT indicate plans that are INCOMPLETE.  WHY , you may ask, have I even bothered to list INCOMPLETE designs below...? Since people's circumstances often change, it is inevitable that some boat design projects will be abandoned before they are finished, and in some cases after considerable work has been done.  This can occur as is so well described in the first few pages of Rockwell Kent’s excellent non-fiction sea story, “North by East” , or as the result of a change of fortune, failing health, or for a myriad of other reasons. A few of the INCOMPLETE designs listed below (not very many) have been developed on my own, in other words, with myself as the 'client'.  Others have been created at the behest of an individual client to explore an idea or a concept.  Either way, I believe all of the designs listed below have merit.  We offer these INCOMPLETE designs at a substantial discount versus what it would cost to develop an entirely CUSTOM design, the difference being that the 'discovery' phase of the design process has already been accomplished.  Even so, there is still quite a bit of WORK REMAINING in order to complete the Plans Packages for those INCOMPLETE designs.  The prices given below reflect our actual cost to complete the Estimating Plans or the Building Plans Package for each design, assuming there will be no changes to the design as it is presented.  If you take umbrage with the cost of our INCOMPLETE designs, I urge you to read our Learning Yacht Design web page.  If one of the designs below is "close" to what you have in mind but you would like to tweak it some, I will be pleased to provide a detailed estimate for any revisions you have in mind.  If any of these designs is of interest, please inquire .    CUSTOM YACHT DESIGN :  A new CUSTOM design will necessarily include the process of " discovery " which represents Stage I of the design process, during which all options are on the table including size, type, configuration, layout, rig, materials, etc.  By comparison, given that many of the INCOMPLETE designs listed below have already had a considerable amount of design work done, very roughly the cost to create a CUSTOM design can be on the order of some 20% to 50% greater than the prices listed for the INCOMPLETE designs below, in order to accommodate the "discovery" process on the way to achieving a completed set of Building Plans.  Is the added cost worth it...?   Yes , we believe so. Please see our article on Custom Yacht Design for our best answer to that question, where you will also find an overview of the design process itself.  Our Design Stream article additionally describes how we use CAD to best advantage throughout the design process. If a new Custom Yacht Design is of interest, please inquire for more information.    COMPLETED NC CUTTING FILES :  There are several designs below for which NC Cutting files are ALREADY DEVELOPED , in which case the price is in BOLD BLACK TYPE .    DEVELOPING NEW NC CUTTING FILES :  All other NC Cutting File prices are listed in PLAIN TEXT, and reflect our actual cost to develop NC Cutting Files for that design from scratch, in which case they can be developed for metric or imperial dimensioned materials as needed. Please see our CAD Design Stream article for more information about our NC development process.    ORDERING INFORMATION : All prices are given in US Dollars and are subject to change at any time.  To place an order, please see our contact information below. To order by fax or by mail, a PDF Order Form has been provided for your convenience.    What's Included...? Estimating Plans - Building Plans - NC Cut Files... ESTIMATING PLANS :  Since all the basic information about each of our designs is available here at our web site, and for free, we no longer offer basic Study Plans.   Instead, we offer a much more useful and complete Estimating Plans for each of the designs listed below. Our Estimating Plans include the following: Drawings:    Sail Plan / Exterior Profile Drawing Interior Profile & Arrangement Drawing (one to four sheets, depending on vessel size) Structure Drawings (one or two additional sheets, depending on vessel size)    Documents:    Drawings & Documents List Written Vessel Specification Detailed Equipment List Structural Scantling List Laminate Schedule (if needed) Structure Weight & Surface Areas Builder Short List appropriate to the specific design Cover Letters to Builders re: scope of project, etc.    Our Estimating Plans are useful for study, planning, commentary, or mark-ups in the event you want to consider variations on the layout or the rig.  Primarily though, the Estimating Plans are intended for Cost Estimating .   Considering the price lists given below, the Estimating Plans represent an outstanding bargain and include quite a lot of useful information. Our Designer's Cover Letter serves as an introduction to the builder and outlines the scope of our involvement.  Our Owner's Cover Letter is a template which you can modify as needed in order to provide an introduction to the builder; to outline your intended build timing; and to let them know what stage of completion you intend their quotation to cover. NOTE :  Estimating Plans do not contain sufficient detail for actual construction of the vessel.  However the Estimating Plans do provide enough information so that builders can provide a firm quotation for construction, and to allow a preliminary construction contract to be negotiated.    BUILDING PLANS : Prior to your construction contract being finalized, and in order to actually build the boat, the complete Building Plans will be required.  Our Building Plans include all the contents of our Estimating Plans as listed above, plus all the remaining detail drawings required for construction, including the following: Drawings:    Lines Drawing Offsets (if not CNC cut) Structural Sections Joinery Sections Joinery Details Construction Details (Several Sheets Including Hull & Deck Fittings; Ports; Doors; etc.) Spar Plans (Sail: Several Sheets Including Spar Dimensions; Spar Fitting Details; etc.) Machinery Plans (Power:  Several Sheets as Needed) Numerous Detail Drawings as Needed       Vessel Design Data, including:    Hydrostatics & Trim Stability Compliance Report Performance Analysis Hull Data for Propeller Calcs Endurance & Range Under Power    Building Plans also include a thorough review of and revision of the Equipment List and Vessel Specification in order to suit your specific equipment preferences. If the drawings or documents require further revision for your use, for example to make changes to the layout or the rig, we'll be pleased to provide an estimate for making those revisions. Please see our Stock Plans page for more information about what's included, and how we can customize a stock design to suit your requests.    CUSTOM DESIGN : We can modify any of our Stock Designs to suit a newly defined purpose, or we can work with you to create an entirely new design based on your requests. Please feel free to inquire about any modifications you may have in mind, or about creating a new Custom Design to suit your specific requirements.  In way of inspiration we have provided quite a variety of Prototype Designs , any one of which can be modified as needed to create a fully completed yacht design.    NC CUTTING FILES : Several of the Stock Designs listed below for construction in metal have already been developed for automated NC cutting of the metal parts. "NC" simply means 'Numerically Controlled' - a technology for creating pre-cut boat parts directly from the 3D design model. For details regarding the benefits of NC Cutting and to find out what's included with an NC Cutting File Package , check out our article on Our CAD Design Stream and the articles linked from there.    MORE INFO :  Please see our Site Map to quickly find any of our designs, to peruse our portfolio, and to find our articles on a variety of boat related topics.  

What Will the Boat Cost..?

This is the most difficult question of all, and one for which I do not have a ready answer.  However it is a question that ultimately does have an answer...!   For any meaningful cost discovery it is necessary to solicit actual quotations for construction from a short list of qualified builders. 

For that purpose, we offer completed ESTIMATING PLANS for several of the designs listed below, with their prices listed in BOLD BLACK TEXT .  For any designs listed below that are INCOMPLETE, we have also provided the cost to develop ESTIMATING PLANS for that design, the prices for which are given in PLAIN TEXT.

Please see the following articles for information about boat costs, and about the process of soliciting estimates from builders:

The Cost Question | Affordable Boatbuilding | Estimating Boatbuilding Costs | What Will the Design Cost..?   

SAILING YACHT PLANS  

IMPORTANT - Please see the Introduction above which describes the difference between  the prices given in BOLD BLACK TEXT vs the prices given in PLAIN TEXT below.

Please also see the AVAILABLE DISCOUNT information below.  

*  See notes below about Aluminum vessels. ** See notes below about Wooden Vessels. *** See notes below about NC Cutting Files .  

MOTOR YACHT PLANS

* See notes below about Aluminum vessels. ** See notes below about Wooden Vessels. *** See notes below about NC Cutting Files .  

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS  

• The cost of Building Plans given above includes the cost of the Estimating Plans for that design..   
• If you order STOCK Building Plans within 90 days after purchasing STOCK Estimating Plans (for the same design), we will deduct half of what you paid for the STOCK Estimating Plans (less shipping) from your order.   
• The cost given above to complete the Building Plans for an as-yet INCOMPLETE design includes the cost to develop Estimating Plans for that design.  
• If you first arrange for completion of as-yet INCOMPLETE Estimating Plans, the subsequent cost to develop Building Plans for that design will be reduced by the full cost of having developed the Estimating Plans for that design.  In other words, the INCOMPLETE Building Plans prices given above already include the cost to develop the Estimating Plans.  
• For ALL orders, if an already completed set of STOCK NC Cutting Files are ordered along with an already completed set of STOCK Building Plans for that vessel ( both paid for in full at the same time ) we will provide a discount of 10% off your entire order.  And... this discount may be applied in addition to either of the above discount options..! Note however that this does not apply to any of our designs for which the NC Cutting Files or the Design itself remain INCOMPLETE.  

For additional clarification of the above discounts, please inquire .  

IMPORTANT DESIGN NOTES

GRP or PLYWOOD : Any of our Aluminum or Steel designs can be converted for construction in GRP or cold moulded plywood. The cost of any such revisions will be quoted separately. For more information, please inquire .

STEEL : Any Steel vessel can easily be re-specified with an aluminum structure. To convert a stock steel design to aluminum, please add 20% to the cost of the Estimating Plans or the Building Plans for that design.  Conversion of NC Cutting Files from steel to aluminum will however require a completely new set of NC cutting files, for which please inquire for an estimate.

* ALUMINUM : The Aluminum vessels listed above can only be built in steel if the design is extensively modified for that purpose in order to accommodate the added weight of the structure. For more information, please inquire .  Conversion from aluminum to steel will also require a completely new set of NC cutting files, for which please inquire for an estimate.

** WOOD : Please note that our large Wooden Vessel plans are generally priced higher, since revisions will nearly always be required in order to accommodate the differing wood species that will be available for construction, and the consequent differences in scantlings and overall weight. Those revisions (within reason) are included in the prices indicated above.

*** NC CUTTING FILES : Although a complete Building Plans set is required in order build any of these boat designs, the NC Cutting Files are entirely optional . In other words, the Building Plans are required , even if you purchase the NC Cutting Files for that design. The cost of NC Cutting Files is in addition to the cost of the Building Plans. Please see above for discount options that are available...

The NC Cutting Files shown above with prices given in BOLD BLACK TYPE have already been developed , in which case they will have been created for either metric or imperial dimensioned materials, and for either steel or aluminum (noted in parentheses).

If the vessel will be built in a location that requires changing the measurement system , and / or if there is a change from steel to aluminum or aluminum to stee l structure, then additional work will be required, the cost of which will be quoted separately and in addition to the above prices. Should such changes to any of our designs be of interest, please inquire for an estimate.   

YACHT TENDERS

Our aluminum yacht tenders are the perfect companion to any of the yachts described above.

8' to 14' Prams - Building Plans: $250 . NC Cutting Files: $250 . (The Building Plans are required. The NC Cutting File is optional. The cost of the NC Cutting file includes interacting with the cutter of your choice to assure compliance with their cutting equipment.)  

PROTOTYPE YACHT PLANS

If you don't see a design here that suits your requirements, please see our Prototypes web page for links to other designs that are either under development, or that may offer a few possible ideas in way of inspiration...

Preliminary study sketches may be available for some of our Prototype Designs. If you would like to know more about one of them, please inquire .  

NACA Foil Shaped Low Drag Aluminum Paravanes

Please see our Roll Attenuation article for more information on Paravanes for Motor Yachts.

These low-drag paravanes are balanced and are adjustable for different speeds. They make use of NACA foil shaped surfaces combined with a lead ballasted NACA foil shaped bulb. They are designed to be machined out of marine grade aluminum plate and rod so that they can be shaped, and so they are lighter for a given wing area than steel paravanes would be.

The sizes given above are conservatively rated. In other words each size can be used on a larger vessel than is indicated. It is all a matter of degree. The roll attenuation will simply be more or it will be less, as compared to that of a larger or smaller wing area.

Paravane effectiveness is a function of wing area and pole length vs. your vessel’s righting moment. With a larger the vessel the poles can be made longer, achieving greater leverage, therefore a greater effect for the same size paravane.  If you have an existing vessel on which you would like to install these paravanes, but you don't have a paravane rig, we can provide a design for the rig that will fit your boat.

For more information, please inquire .   

ORDERING PLANS...

Addresses in north america.

PAYMENT OPTIONS : If you would like to make a purchase from the above plans lists, please use our PDF Order Form or please feel free to contact me for additional information. Our payment options are as follows:

• Bank Check : For orders within the US up to USD $500 your personal check will be suitable. For orders from Canada, a money order or a cashier's check drawn on a US bank in US funds will be equally suitable. For all personal check payments we will wait until your check has cleared prior to sending out your order (for domestically issued cashier's checks or money orders, clearance takes a minimum of 7 business days after it has been deposited ).
• Pay Pal:  For orders of up to USD $1,000 payment may be made via Pay Pal.  Please inquire for details.
• Credit Card : For orders of up to USD $1,000 payment may also be made by credit card (Visa, Master Card, Amex) by using our PDF Order Form . The amount billed to your credit card will be the cost in US dollars. The cost in foreign currency will depend on the exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction. A transaction fee of 5% will be added to all credit or debit card orders.
• Wire Transfer : For ALL amounts above USD $ 1,000, a direct wire transfer is required (most secure, fastest and least costly). Please inquire by FAX or by email for our wire transfer details. See our FAX number below, or please use our PDF Order Form where our FAX number will also be found.

Please note that all prices given on this page are subject to change at any time at my discretion.  

SHIPPING OPTIONS : For standard first class mail sent to any address in the US or Canada, or for airmail sent to Mexico, please add USD $60 to cover mailing costs. For US Priority Mail to US Addresses, please add USD $75. For US Express Mail to US addresses or for US Global Priority Mail to Canada please add USD $95. For FedEx standard overnight delivery in the US and Canada, or FedEx International Economy to Mexico please add USD $175.   

FREE DELIVERY...! Delivery via email is easy, and is encouraged. It is by far the fastest and most economical way to receive your plans. If you elect this option, delivery is FREE . If you accept delivery by email, we will send you all drawings as PDF plots, and all documents as PDF's, ready for printing and / or plotting, which is easily accomplished at your nearest copy shop.  

Addresses Elsewhere Worldwide

PAYMENT OPTIONS : If you live outside North America, our payment options are as follows:

• Bank Check : For any amount up to USD $ 1,000, if you wish to pay by cashier's check or money order, it should be drawn on a US bank in US funds. It is most secure when sending funds to use a courier service such as DHL, FedEx, EMS, UPS that provide online tracking, rather than regular postal mail delivery service. If sending a cashier's check by courier, please inquire for our physical shipping address. For all payments made by check or money order we will wait until your check has cleared prior to sending out your order (for foreign issued cashier's checks or money orders, clearance takes a minimum of 10  business days after it is deposited ).
• Credit Card : For orders of up to USD $1,000, payment may also be made by credit card (Visa, Master Card, Amex) by using our PDF Order Form . The amount billed to your credit card will be the cost in US dollars, plus shipping. The cost in foreign currency will depend on the exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction.  A transaction fee of 5% will be added to all credit or debit card orders.
• Wire Transfer : For ALL amounts above USD $1,000, a direct wire transfer is required (most secure, fastest and least costly). Please inquire by FAX or by email for our wire transfer details. See our FAX number below, or please use our PDF Order Form where our FAX number will also be found. 

SHIPPING OPTIONS: For addresses in Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, England, or any country that uses the Euro Currency, please add USD $150 for 3 to 6 day delivery via US Global Priority Mail . For faster delivery by courier (DHL, FedEx, EMS) or by US Global Express Mail please add USD $250 (usually takes 3-4 business days).

Please note that regular postal mail service s of any kind are not offered to destinations other than those listed above. In most other locations, regular postal mail has proven to be extremely unreliable.  For destinations not listed above, please add USD $350 for 3 to 4 day delivery by courier (DHL, FedEx, EMS). We will select the best delivery method depending on your location.    

FREE DELIVERY...! Delivery via email is easy, and is encouraged. It is by far the fastest and most economical way to receive your plans. If you elect this option, delivery is FREE. If you accept delivery by email, we will send you all drawings as PDF plots, and all documents as PDF's, ready for printing and / or plotting, which is easily accomplished at your nearest copy shop.  

KASTEN MARINE DESIGN, INC. Email us for our mailing address or to arrange a phone appointment.

PDF Order Form  

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Open Source 13-15m Catamaran Plans

Discussion in ' Projects & Proposals ' started by archie1492 , Jan 3, 2018 .

archie1492 Junior Member

Dear all, I want to create a detailed building information model for a 13 - 15 meter catamaran that is capable of being CNC cut and assembled. I need some help finding plans I can use as a basis of design. Specifically, I need the hull profile information. Section cuts through the hull will give me the ideal contours for a boat of this size. Can someone help? After weeks of searching, I still cannot find these online. For now, this is merely an exercise in my 3d modeling capability. I'd like to share my drawing work with the forum if I can get some assistance to start off. There are future possibilities I am also considering. I'm an experienced Architect & construction designer with a strong background in computer aided design. Once I've modeled the boat in 3d, I would like to flatten the various parts and create plans for the individual boat parts to be CNC cut. I would like to build a small scale model first (1:2o or perhaps 1:10) with the ultimate goal of building the boat full scale.  

TANSL Senior Member

This is a very simple catamaran which, if you are interested, I can give you a lot of information. It is not a spectacular boat but it can help you in your first steps with boats. LOA = 16 m, Lbp = 14.6 m  

Thanks I really appreciate it. The hull lines for the motor cat you've provided are not quite what i'm looking for. I'm specifically looking for the hull lines for a 14m catamaran sail boat. I guess there is some standard for these contours especially the area below the waterline. Check the attached document as well if anyone is interested in this.  

Attached Files:

catdimension.pdf

I'm sorry, you never specified that it was a sailing catamaran. I thought that to carry out your purposes, " For now, this is merely an exercise in my 3d modeling capability ", any model was valid. Apparently, you have different purposes than, in addition to, to practice with 3D models. The better you clarify what you are really looking for, the better someone can help you.  

Hi all, Here's an example of what kind of information I need to get started. Optimising Hull Lines for Performance https://www.graingerdesigns.net/the-lab/optimising-hull-lines-for-performance/ The boat shown here is a 8.5m cat sailboat. I'm looking for something a bit larger in the 14m range. Also, the images only show one of the hull profiles. I'd like profile lines for the entire boat. I will post some other images I've found online showing profile lines for smaller boats. I still cannot find any 14m hull lines. Can anyone help?  

grainger_1488019480.jpg

Grainger_1488019410.jpg, grainger_1488019333.jpg, grainger_1488019265.jpg, grainger_1488019219.jpg.

Here are some other hull lines I've found online. Hope this is useful to anyone else looking for this information. Thanks!  

Evergreen Lines small.jpg

Hull-lines.jpg, shark-20.jpg.

You could take any of those boats and scaleb the lines to get the desired length. Since it is only a 3D modeling exercise, you do not have to worry about anything else. You could even make a mix of 2 or 3 of those models to get the one you are looking for.  

Thanks Tansl, I'd like to make the boat drawings accurate for the 14m size. Perhaps one day I will develop this into something worth building full scale. The more accurate I can draw the boat, the more I will learn about the boat design.  

Maybe it does not look like it but I would like to help you. If you do not find what you want on the Internet I could draw a lines plan, strictly following your instructions, which would help you to make the 3D model. Or, if you find something similar on the internet I can adapt it to your needs and fill in the information that you indicate you need for your work. I insist that starting from the shapes of a 10 m boat you can get the shapes of a boat of 14 m, with total accuracy.  

Dolfiman Senior Member

archie1492 said: ↑ I'd like to make the boat drawings accurate for the 14m size. Perhaps one day I will develop this into something worth building full scale. The more accurate I can draw the boat, the more I will learn about the boat design. Click to expand...

Cata 14m with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 15.ods

Gene-Hull Catamaran 2.3 User Guide_2018 01 16.pdf

Hull for cata 14m with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 16.pdf

Dolfiman, thanks so much! This is exactly what I was looking for. It's very interesting and probably a bit over my head at this point. I think this should work for modeling the basic hull shape. For the bridge deck and all of the stuff above the hull I can model this with a bit more creativity. Although, I'd like to learn more about understanding the center of gravity for the boat and the proper location of the mast. Are there any rules of thumb about this? Thanks again!  

archie1492 said: ↑ I think this should work for modeling the basic hull shape. Click to expand...

Cata 14m V2 with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 15.ods

In complement to illustrate this first approach, my good friend Alain did some 3D views here attached of the hull V2 version with Multisurf (using fit for purpose ouput data in section 5. of the above file). To inspire you , some other examples of cata, more sport/day sailer oriented than the Saona 47 : - R/P 45 (Reichel-Pugh) : multihull http://reichel-pugh.com/tag/multihull/ - Dazcat 1295 : in this video, from 1:45 the launch, you can see the hulls from various angles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BZF4Udda5E - SIG 45 (VPLP design) : from 1:20 you can see the winward hull fully lifted ​  

dean 1962 New Member

archie1492 said: ↑ Dear all, I want to create a detailed building information model for a 13 - 15 meter catamaran that is capable of being CNC cut and assembled. I need some help finding plans I can use as a basis of design. Specifically, I need the hull profile information. Section cuts through the hull will give me the ideal contours for a boat of this size. Can someone help? After weeks of searching, I still cannot find these online. For now, this is merely an exercise in my 3d modeling capability. I'd like to share my drawing work with the forum if I can get some assistance to start off. There are future possibilities I am also considering. I'm an experienced Architect & construction designer with a strong background in computer aided design. Once I've modeled the boat in 3d, I would like to flatten the various parts and create plans for the individual boat parts to be CNC cut. I would like to build a small scale model first (1:2o or perhaps 1:10) with the ultimate goal of building the boat full scale. Click to expand...

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Archie, I have been looking to do the same thing. Where are you at on the project? Very interested in hearing all about it. Thanks.  

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Tiki Designs

Coastal trekkers to long term live aboards.

From the car trailable Tiki 21 - winner of the 1982 Cruising World Design Competition, to the Tiki 46, a spacious ocean cruiser or charter boat, the TIKI range offers car trailable coastal trekkers to long term live aboards. Although a Tiki 21, a very popular coastal trek design, has circumnavigated, we would not recommend this for everyone! A number of Tiki 26s have also made ocean crossings, but again this is only for the experienced sailor. The larger TIKI designs of 30ft and over are craft capable of longer voyages and ocean crossings. They are designed to be less costly to build by using appropriate wood/epoxy technology and by eliminating, wherever possible, expensive metal fittings common to modern yacht design.

On the larger TIKIs the 'Deckpod' offers sheltered steering and the 'Stern Ramp' provides easy access to and from the water. The TIKIs are boats you can work and live on. The Wharram approach goes beyond simple boat design - the concept of 'Flexispace' puts emphasis on not just the physical living area, but also the 'mind space' of those on board.

About Tiki Building Plans

The TIKI Building Plans, designed from the early 1980s till the present, represent a new phase in our presentation of building drawings. The first small Tikis were all built in stitch-and-glue ply and epoxy. This needed a different way of guiding the builder through the build process, as the boats are built shell first, instead of frame first. All TIKI building Plans are very detailed, which some builders have described as a course in boat building . They supply a building sequence as a book of large 3D drawings of all the plywood parts and overall construction details, drawn to scale. Some parts are given full size, to be copied on the plywood.

These scale drawings are accompanied by an A3 size sketchbook, which leads the builder step by step through the build with beautiful detailed sketches and numbered sequence of construction. They are all hand drawn by Hanneke, who has years of hands-on experience of building and designing Wharram catamarans. All our practical expertise, with a focus on keeping things simple, has gone into these drawings. These sketchbooks have made it possible for people with no boatbuilding experience to build a beautiful boat .

See information about building costs .

The Tiki 21 was designed in 1981 as an easy to build Coastal Trek catamaran, using new epoxy/glass stitch & glue techniques. In 1982 the new and then quite radical Tiki 21 was given first prize by Cruising World magazine (USA) in their design competition for a 'Trailable Gunkholer'. Since then nearly 1000 Tiki 21 Plans have been sold (2015).

In 1991-97 Rory McDougall sailed his self-built Tiki 21 'Cooking Fat' around the world, sometimes alone, sometimes with a companion. She was, and still is, the smallest catamaran to have circumnavigated . In 2010 Rory entered 'Cooking Fat' in the Jester Challenge (single handed 'race' across the Atlantic for small boats - under 30ft) and came into Newport, Rhode Island a close second after 34 days.

The Tiki 21 has stayed popular as a simple, easy to trail Coastal Trekker all over the world. Her unique soft Wharram Wingsail Rig has been used on all subsequent Tiki and other Wharram designs (30ft - 65ft) and is very popular with the owners of these boats.

The Tiki 26 was designed by popular demand soon after the Tiki 21, for people who wanted to do more serious Coastal cruising. Her ocean going abilities have since been proven in various ocean crossings .

The Tiki 26 can be trailed and is easily beached, to step off in ankle deep water. Sleeps two in the hulls, leaving room for small galley and chart table, but accommodation can be increased with a decktent, giving space for a double bunk.

The ideal low budget self build ocean cruiser. With a sleeping capacity of 6 (two doubles in the hulls) and spacious level deck area, TIKI 30 makes an excellent low cost charter boat.

It is our largest self-build boat design that is capable of being towed behind a vehicle . This means keeping the build weight down, and simple but adequate accommodation. This is not a high cost, luxury boat, but an elegant, versatile, 'double canoe' sailing boat, providing basic comfort for 'Living on the Sea'.

An optional deck pod with double berth and/or navigation station is available. This pod replaces the standard open cockpit.

A traveller/workboat with ramp access at stern. She has open hull cockpits with removable tough awning covers, ideal for fishing . For workboat use she has a Wingsail schooner rig, with two short masts. Can sleep 4-6.

The TIKI 38 was designed using all the latest Wharram construction innovations. Her deckpod gives good shelter when ocean cruising and includes a bunk for the off-watch crew. Forward of the deckpod is 26 Sqr metres of safe, usable deck space. An excellent family cruising boat .

The TIKI 38 interior comprises two double cabins, two single cabins, galley, navigation station and toilet/shower, as well as good storage areas in bow and stern.

The Tiki 46 is a boat designed for Blue Water sailing , with live aboard space for a crew of up to 10. She also makes an excellent charter vessel with 4 private double cabins and an extra double in the deckpod. Plenty of safe deck space and slim hulls for easy, fast sailing, not requiring huge sail area to get speed.

Anne and Neville Clement write logs about their voyages on self-built Tiki 46 'Peace IV'.

Questions about Tiki designs? Contact us:

• Aluminum Boat Plans

35 FT Catamaran Workboat (616)

This design (plan) is a 35 FT aluminum catamaran. Power is two (2) Volvo D4-225 DP I/O at 189 HP each.

Gross weight and speed dependent on final arrangement.

*The above price is for the construction plans and a onetime use of the CAD cutting files.

Weight in table above is the weight of the uncut aluminum sheet and plate.

Stock hull is the flush deck shown on the included PDF drawing. Cabin and bullwork are available options.

Cabin and bullwork is not included in the aluminum sheet and plate weight calculations.

Tokyo Express

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Catamaran & Small Boat Building

to my website. Here you’ll find photos, stories and information on building boats large and small, with tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way. I built this website originally to accompany my YouTube channel . The blog section has information on various topics.

A 12m cruiser/racer catamaran – 2 yrs & 9 mths to build – launched 15th August 1997. Details of the build.

Small boats

Small boats you can build in your garage.  A good family project and a way to get a taste of boat building. See how they were built.

Plans to build your own boat. Packed with information for the first time builder. Start building your boat now.

Where to start

Building your own boat and sailing off over the horizon, is a dream that lives inside many. Well at least that’s the impression I get from the many people I met while building Tokyo Express (TE) and the feedback now f rom the videos on YouTube.  After years of dreaming, at 39 years of age I finally turned that dream into reality with the launching of Tokyo Express. This website is about my journey.

You don’t need expensive kits

or exotic materials to build a boat. You don’t need expensive tools or a degree in engineering either. I fabricated most of the parts and systems on Tokyo Express (TE) from scratch. Steering system, steering wheel, doors, hatches, fore beam, catwalk, daggerboard, rudders, engine mounting, generator, electrical system and plumbing.

Even the mast I bought as a kit. I had more time than money so I built everything I could. There were no exotic materials used and yet I ended up with a robust, lightweight and extremely competitive boat that was lighter than a typical production boat.

If I hadn’t been designing and redesigning many parts of the boat, learning for the first time how to do things and building a shed, the boat would have been finished a lot quicker.

On the Tokyo Express page

page you will find an overview of the steps I took building TE. If you are thinking of starting a similar project, this is a good place to start. It was a lot of work, but it was also the most rewarding project I have undertaken. It was well worth the sweat and tears. Please look around. Email me if you have questions…

Recent Posts

• Catamaran vs Monohull

by Tim Weston | Mar 11, 2019 | Building , Cruising

Catamaran vs Monohull If you are thinking of building or buying a yacht, you have a significant choice to make, before you even start looking at individual boats. Do you want one hull or two? Deciding between a catamaran and a monohull is a big decision and one worth...

• Going fast – in small boats – hull speed.

by Tim Weston | Sep 30, 2018 | Building , Plans

Going fast - in small boats (with a small motor) This article looks at how to go fast, in a boat with a small motor. Plodding along at snail’s pace can get a little boring. No matter how relaxed I am and how much time I have nothing puts a smile on my face quicker...

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Catamaran Cruisers Houseboats

A Catamaran Cruisers Houseboat Floorplan for Every Need

8x22 Scat Cat

Catamaran Cruisers introduces the 8'x22' Scat Cat. The Scat Cat is a smaller verison of the Party Cat Deck Boat and features our classic multi-chambered fiberglass hulls with deluxe seating.

This boat is great for getting into those tight secluded areas to anchor and enjoy the day! Call to order yours today for Fun & Excitement for the summer and YEARS TO COME!!

8x26 Party Cat Deck Boat

With hundreds sold nationwide, Catamaran Cruisers reintroduces the 8'x26' Party Cat deck boat. The Party Cat features our classic multi-chambered fiberglass hulls with a range of options to choose from to make this cost efficient pontoon boat what you need it to be.

Call to order yours today for Fun & Excitement for the summer and YEARS TO COME!!  Need a bigger pontoon boat?  Check out our 12x30 Pontoon Beast!!!

12x30 "The Pontoon Beast"

If you are looking to triple your rental income or even have a pontoon boat large enough to fit the whole family, this is the perfect boat for you!!  With standard 60 hp Yamaha 4 Stroke motor, all aluminum rails, changing room, top sun deck with wet water slide off back, this boat is ready to go!!!!

8x31 Lil' Hobo Trailerable

The newly designed 8'x31' Lil' Hobo trailerable is truly a model of efficiency.  Famous for its 2-for-1 value, it trailers as an RV to your favorite campsite and cruises equally well to a secluded cove for your next houseboat adventure.  For more than 25 years the Lil' Hobo continues as one of Catamaran Cruisers most popular models.

Catamaran Cruiser 1035

With a comfortable 20 foot cabin and more than 300 square feet of outside deck space, the 10'x35' Catamaran Cruiser offers a very practical floorplan for those wanting more room than the 8' wide model.   With many of the same amentities as our 12' wide one and two bedroom models, the 10'x35' was recognized at the Louisville Houseboat Expo for its nicely equipped affordability.

Catamaran Cruiser 1239

Catamaran Cruiser 1242 and 1245

Whether navigating the unsurpassed waterways of the USA or cruising in a tropical paradise, Catamaran Cruisers has a 12' wide floorplan for you.  Available in a 12'x42' one stateroom model or a 12'x45' with two staterooms, exterior deck space is abundant at almost 500 square feet.  Either plan is a comfortable and economical alternative to the smaller 10' wide and larger 14' wide models.  See the Catamaran Cruisers 12'x45' showboat featured in Houseboat Magazine. 

Catamaran Cruiser 1450 and 1458

For the ultimate in cruising, Catamaran Cruisers offers the spacious 14'x50' and 14'x58'. Either model will accommodate the largest family with room to spare.   Full size kitchen galley and residential baths will make you feel right at home.  Optional fiberglass stairs allow for fun in the sun topside on a full size one piece fiberglass deck!  Non skid fiberglass deck surfaces allow for fun and safety at the same time.  Catamaran Cruisers' 14' wides are comparably priced with other manufactures' smaller 10' modelsand 12' models.

Water Condo", "Floating Cottage",  "Cabin on the Water" are typical descriptions of Catamaran Cruisers' newest houseboat concept.  With the comforts of a cozy cottage and the mobility of a houseboat, the Aqua Lodge is perfect for just sitting at the marina or cruising out to your favorite quiet cove.  Thoughtfully designed and beautifully finished inside and out the Aqua Lodge features a wood-beamed lofted ceiling, a fully appointed galley, and a full bath with residential sized fixtures......

Dual Stateroom Aqua Lodge

Customers continually report the single stateroom Aqua Lodge to be a great product for Casual Boating, Live-A-Boards and Rental units.  We have had many requests however for a dual stateroom model gaining additional sleeping capacity for guests while also increasing opportunities for additional revenue in rental applications.  Catamaran Cruisers has reacted too many consumer requests over 33 years through total “in-house” manufacturing......

Launch & Live Series

Introducing a "Floating Condo" Concept with the Launch & Live Series.

The Unique "Floating Apartment". Everything is included in the price of the Launch & Live Series for affordable and enjoyable "On the water" living.  These stationary boats are great for private ponds or lakes as a guest house and perfect for liveaboard communities.  This would be a good investment in a college town for student housing.......