Boat Competition Build

I built and tested a boat out of thin plywood, epoxy resin, and thin trim. Eventually, after achieving the boat I needed, I took it out with some friends and won a school-wide competition.

Project notes

What this project shows

This boat started as a school competition project, but it quickly became a test of whether my design would actually survive the water. I had to keep the boat light enough to move fast while still making the seams strong enough that it would not leak.

Most of the build was simple in theory and harder in real life: cutting the plywood, pulling the sides into shape, sealing every corner, and waiting to see if the epoxy and fiberglass would do their job. The first float test was the moment where all of those choices finally mattered.

The best part was taking it out with friends and seeing it work. Winning the competition was exciting, but the more important part was realizing that careful little decisions in the shop can make a real difference once the project is under pressure.

Build sequence

Start to finish

13 photos in numeric project order

Boat Competition Build progress photo 1 — Step 1
I started by cutting out all the pieces for the sides, stern, and bottom. Then I began wood-gluing and nail-gunning the 1x1 corner-joining pieces into place.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 2 — Step 2
I cut the other 1x1 pieces to length so I could join the bottom of the boat to the sides and stern, while also pushing out the interior to create that classic, secure boat shape.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 3 — Step 3
I joined the front of the sides with wood glue and nails to create a proper, consistent seal.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 4 — Step 4
I added the stern to the build and joined it to the sides using the same method: wood glue and nails. To make sure everything was secure, I also added braces to every corner and the front.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 5 — Step 5
I bowed out the sides with supports in the center to create the optimal surface area for the boat to operate on the water.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 6 — Step 6
Finally, I added the bottom and sealed the inside with caulk. It was ready for epoxy.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 7 — Step 7
I started preparing the boat for epoxy. First, I added fiberglass cloth to every corner to create a stronger and more watertight seal.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 8 — Step 8
I began applying epoxy to the boat, working it into the seams to create a tight seal.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 9 — Step 9
I continued the epoxy process, making sure the plywood and fiberglass cloth were fully coated and protected.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 10 — Step 10
I finished sealing the boat with epoxy so the structure would be stronger and ready for testing.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 11 — Step 11
It was time to test. I put it in the water, and it floated perfectly without a single leak.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 12 — Step 12
I started to create the paddles. I cut out the paddle shape, planed down the sides so it could cut into the water, hollowed out the inside to improve water-catching ability, sanded the whole thing, and finally epoxied it for extra strength.

Boat Competition Build progress photo 13 — Step 13
The boat was done. I just needed to add secure handles to the paddles and add trim to eliminate the possibility of anyone cutting themselves.