Ultralight Dinghy · new build
LaunchedI 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.
These pictures show the taping that went in for the interior paint job. A gel coat of the inside deck for more durability and scratch resistance. On the sides, I painted with almond Rust-Oleum "out of the can enamel" from Home Depot. Nothing fancy or expensive, just wanted it to work, and look good.
This is when I installed the bench seat. The bottom has fillets underneath to the strong back. The front and back parts are flooded to the stern bulkhead and bow bulkhead. I was able to get a workout in during this time. Notice the white gel coat in the floor for durability and ease of cleaning.
Struck a waterline, more taping for the green accent, stripe under the rub rail.
| 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 |
| 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 | n/a | $32.00 |