Launched

-Ripple- Ultralight dinghy from scratch build

by Mark Elwell · Jensen Beach, Florida · Message Mark Elwell

I have been thinking about a dinghy for my boat. After looking around for a commercial built dinghy under 50 pounds, found that I may have to build it. So I ordered the PDF files from Chesapeake light craft to build the ultralight 6 foot dinghy. I am going to build it from scratch with no kit, maybe save a little bit of money in the process. Hopefully I can keep the weight under 45 pounds.

1 Make a book Feed The whole log, 1 entry and every photo, laid out as a book to print, bind and keep.

Entries

260

Hours

n/a

Written up afterwards

Photos

$977

Spent

Oct 2025

Started

All steps Plans & Lofting Stitch & Assembly Fillets & Taping Glassing & Epoxy Hull Exterior Interior & Cockpit Hardware & Fit-Out Launch Day Sea Trials & Shakedown

Oldest first

Tue 21 Jul 2026 Hardware & Fit-Out 24 h 1 Link

Rub Rail with Accents

I decided on a rope hemp 3/4" inch rub rail to save on weight and to keep the traditional looks of the boat. It is mounted with 1 inch stainless steel screws that are spaced. 5 inches apart. I wrapped the handles in leather to secure the rope rub rail and accents to the finish boat. I plan on storing this boat inside 90% of its life. It came out way nicer than I would've expected.

Matt 2 weeks ago

Absolutely beautiful, great build!

Nobody else here is logging a Ultralight Dinghy yet. See the boat.

What it cost

$976.67

$662.70

Into the boat

$313.97

Tools & gear

Item	Qty	Supplier	Cost
Chesapeake light craft digital plans	One PDF file download	Chesapeake light craft	$89.00
Router bits	3	Amazon	$58.56
Harbor freight, Palm router	1 router	Harbor freight	$90.94
3mm door skin plywood	2 sheets	Home Depot	$30.00
1/4 " sheets of birch plywood	2 sheets	Home Depot	$160.03
16 gauge wire steel	1 roll	Home Depot	$13.47
4 ounce fiberglass cloth	3 yards	Amazon	$21.39
Slow cure high UV resistant epoxy resin	1.5 gallon kit	Fiberglass supply depot, Fort Pierce, Fl.	$217.54
2" x 8" x 8' Western Cedar Plank	1 (picked up in damaged bin) half price	Lowes	$21.39
6 ounce fiberglass cloth	3 yards	Family donation to project (free)	$0.01
Sea Dog Line Oar Sockets (bronze)	2 sets	Amazon	$72.34
Non-waxed white gel coat	1 gallon	Fiberglass supply depot	$76.49
Rust-Oleum gloss almond enamel paint	1 quart	Home Depot	$18.62
Rust-Oleum gloss hunter green.	1 Quart	Home Depot	$18.62
Tape, paint brushes, rollers, misc.	24	Home Depot	$32.00
Rubber Oar Sleeve	1 Pair	Amazon (Oar-Deal brand)	$23.21
3/4" Manila Rope	20 foot	Sailorman, Ft. Lauderdale Fl.	$16.05
#6 x 1 1/4" SS Screws, Leather	100 screws	Amazon	$17.01