How to Make a Motorized Boat

Motorized boats can be fun and exciting, but they're also expensive. If you want to save yourself the expense of buying a boat, you can make one out of plywood and marine epoxy. The process of making your own motor boat takes a little time but results in a boat that is waterproof and can last you for years.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 sheets of plywood
  • Cable ties
  • Electric saw
  • Electric drill
  • Marine epoxy
  • Wood screws or bolts
  • Outboard motor and mounting assembly
  • Waterproof varnish
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two pieces of plywood, each 2 by 8 feet. Cut a third piece of plywood that is 2 by 4 feet. Place the two identical pieces of plywood on top of each other so that they line up exactly. Drill three evenly spaced holes along each short edge of the two pieces of plywood. The pieces are on top of each other so you'll be drilling through two layers of wood. Also drill three evenly spaced holes along each short edge of the third piece of plywood.

    • 2

      Tie the two pieces of identical plywood together by threading the cable ties through the holes you drilled along one short edge. Pull the cable ties tight. This will form the front of the boat.

    • 3

      Stand the two pieces of plywood (which are tied together at one short edge and for the moment function as a single piece) on one long edge. Pull the short edges that are not tied together apart about 4 feet. This end is the rear of the boat. Place the third cut piece of plywood at the rear of the boat and stitch it into place using the cable ties. These three pieces of wood form the sides of your boat.

    • 4

      Stand your boat on an uncut piece of plywood. Trace the outline of your boat onto this sheet of plywood. This will be the bottom of the boat. Cut out the bottom of the boat.

    • 5

      Drill holes every 4 inches along the entire edge of the bottom of the boat. Drill similar holes along the bottom edge of the sides of the boat. The holes should line up with each other when the sides are placed onto the bottom. Attach the sides to the bottom using cable ties.

    • 6

      Working from the inside of your boat, apply marine epoxy to all the seams of the boat. Use a liberal amount of epoxy to ensure a good seal. Allow the epoxy to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 7

      Cut the cable ties free and remove them. Working from the outside of the boat, apply marine epoxy to all seams. Allow this to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 8

      Turn the boat over so that you have access to the entire exterior of the boat. Cover the exterior with several coats of waterproof varnish. Consult the manufacturer's directions for number of coats and drying time between each coat.

    • 9

      Install the motor at the rear of the boat. Depending on the motor you purchased, the mounting assembly may already be attached to the motor. If it is not, bolt or screw the assembly into position then secure the motor. If the assembly and motor are already attached, simply bolt the assembly to the rear of the boat. Make sure the motor is centered along the rear of the boat for better control.