Question for the wood scratch builders

[T.C.]

This is for the guy's that scratch build from plans or from wood kits.
Do you build for others and what do you charge, doesn't have to be an exact number just a ballpark figure.
This would be less radio, motor and paint, but setup for or with the strut and rudder.

Reason I ask is, people are always asking me if I would build them a boat and I have no idea what to charge as I have only built for my son and myself.
T.C.

[yurkanip]

I build a lot of wood boats. only own one fiberglass hull, which is nice due to its rigidity and ease of repair. My opinion on building wood hulls, say for someone else is....I would charge a flat $150-$155. For a decked hydro, just building fee, not the cost of kit. Less for a rigger.....these numbers are a ball park. (considering mainly the cost of buying new west systems or similar epoxy at $65, that is if you don't already have a few cans of it lying around). Its not exactly a money making event, BUT I see it as a good opportunity for getting others into the sport. (I am partial to built boats for the beauty of hand crafting, rather than rtr)

Just thought I would chime in. Hope this helps.

[Jesse J]

Hey TC,

I am on the same boat as yurkanip, I don't look at it as a money making event. several reasons: don't want to turn my beloved hobby into "work", and if they don't pay me, they can't complain!

That said, if I charged my hourly rate... I would have a bunch of unsold hulls. I would also agree that $150-$200 depending on complexity and quality of materials needed. I too like to get people into the hobby and have a problem charging more than half to three quarters what something is worth in a sale. Keep in mind that materials could run $150 or more, so the customer should be prepared to drop $300 or so to have a boat with hardware (maybe even painted - another whole issue).

In the end, it isn't really worth it for the individual to buy a hand built model nor the one building it, unless the enjoyment of building is payment enough, and one really wants a wood model and doesn't have time/materials/experience...

[T.C.]

Thanks for the replies:
That's just what I wanted to know, believe me I'm not going into business building boats.
My son keeps me plenty busy building for him, and I see a 1/10 scale in my future. (for me)
I've had a few racer friends ask me about building them boats and didn't have a clue what to charge.
The boat parts would be hand cut out of ply with possibility of some carbon fiber parts and would either be rigger's or LSH type boats in the 27"- 40" range. (no kits)
As far as paint, no paint, paint equals BIG money.
Like painting a car, most people havent a clue what it takes or cost to do a quality paint job.
I mite seal the boats for them but that's it .
I can relate to the hourly deal, I have already decided I wont work for .50 an hour, my time is to valuable to me and there is to little of it.
Also as Jesse said "I dont want to turn my hobby into work"
Thanks for the replies T.C.

[JimClark]

Ah the fun of it is the building as far as Ia m concerned. I would offer to show them how it is done and get them hooked on building their own boats.

Jim

[Jesse J]

Ah the fun of it is the building as far as Ia m concerned. I would offer to show them how it is done and get them hooked on building their own boats.

Jim

[T.C.]

I totally agree with you all, I would rather build.
I'm sure they can build if they have the time and really wanted to .
I'm not sure of there situations, so I really couldn't say?
T.C.