wooden boat kits

I got a phone call from my older brother this morning. He wanted to know how hard I thought it would be to find an old SN drivetrain. It seems he is interested in building his own wooden boat. A couple of years ago I built a Factory Five roadster Cobra replica, so I figure his wheels have been churning ever since.

For back ground, we are both quite mechanically inclined. I like cars, engines, welding and metal stuff. He has always been very wood oriented. Builds beautiful furniture, dashboards, etc.

I looked at some plans online that he was considering and they look really neat. I could never do it, but I am certain he can.

Has anyone here ever built one or have any advice about them? Forums? Just thought I would ask some of the experts! Summer is finally here and we have water in the lake! Thanks.

ernest

Why not just do a restoration on an old wooded boat in need of a lot of repair? You basically, just use the old one as a pattern and you rebuild it from the frame up. Then if you loose interest when complete you may have a easier time reselling it then if it is a one off.

JMO,

Donald

Threadjack. Pics of the Cobra? What powerplant did you put in it? How did you like the Factory Five kit, and what made you decide on their's vs. others out there. Did you use a donor or buy the complete kit? I plan on building one of those some day, would love to hear more about your experience.

Thanks for the replies. My bro tells me he found an old CC, late 50's, that is complete, but it is rotten. I will let you know if he pulls the trigger on it.

As for the factory five cobra. After doing a good bit of research, it seemed F5 really had the complete package. Great frame, lots of builds, good support from F5 and online, and a history of racing the cars. The side by side bare frame comparison was a big selling point for me. I have heard a few horror stories about some other companies. I dont think I have spoken with anyone that was very dissapointed in F5.

My build is a non donor complete kit. Ford 351W (sound familiar!), tko 500 tranny,ford racing rear differential, independent rear suspension, coil overs with Koni shocks and springs. Wilwood pedal box and power steering. It dyno'd just under 400hp. Plenty of power. It took me about six months to complete. It really isnt hard. F5 gives you a very good kit and good support. FFCARS.com is a great forum. A lot like this one. Lots of good information and great people. I have no regrets going with F5. Superperformance has a great product, but you are buying a complete rolling chasis, and you just add the motor and tranny. I really wanted to do the whole build.

Here are a couple of pics right after I finished...I have changed a few things, like the bright yellow coil wire! But this is basically how it ended up.

ernest

what do you figure it cost in parts non donor and what it would have cost with say a 5.0 donor car in parts