Every boat begins as a dream.
Thirty years of building boats from scratch. Stories, detailed plans, and everything I've learned along the way.
Thirty years of building boats from scratch. Stories, detailed plans, and everything I've learned along the way.
Whether it's a 40-foot catamaran or a plywood runabout you can build in a weekend, this site has the stories, plans, and guidance to get you started. No expensive kits required. Just materials, tools, and the will to build.
Three paths into boat building.
Follow a 12m catamaran from first sketches to open-water sailing. The full story, in pictures and words.
Quick builds, big rewards. Weekend projects and backyard boats for first-timers and families.
Clear, detailed building plans with material lists and step-by-step guidance. Start building today.
"I didn't use exotic materials or advanced tools. Just ingenuity and a willingness to learn." Tim Weston, on building Tokyo Express
Tokyo Express is a 12-metre cruiser/racer catamaran. I designed the steering, assembled the mast from a kit, and fabricated most parts myself. Everything was built with practicality and affordability in mind.
It took two years and nine months. It changed my life.
Read the full story
If a 40-foot catamaran feels ambitious, start small. Build a plywood runabout in two weeks, or a sailing proa in your garage. The plans are clear, the builds are rewarding, and you'll be on the water before you know it.
Explore small boatsBuilding tips, stories, and lessons learned the hard way.
