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DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide

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A brand-new cruising catamaran can set you back a hefty amount of money. However, a DIY cruising catamaran provides a more affordable way to own your own boat. While building a large boat can be an extremely challenging and time-consuming experience, nothing beats the pleasure of bringing your own boat to life. 

To build a DIY cruising catamaran, buy good design plans, determine your budget and find a working space. Next, choose your hull material, buy supplies and start building the mast beam. Build and sheathe the hull, install bulkheads, the interior, and finally, launch the catamaran boat.

In this article, you will find a complete guide to building your own catamaran. You will also find detailed information on why you may want to consider building your catamaran and approximately how much this project would cost. Finally, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of building a catamaran from scratch.

Why You Might Want To Build Your Own Catamaran

Most people might think that purchasing a used boat to repair and fix it up would be cheaper than a DIY cruising catamaran. But while building your own catamaran could be an enormous undertaking, it also comes with many advantages over buying something used. 

Other than the unique opportunity to create beautiful memories and experiences while cruising, sailing, and exploring beautiful coastlines, there are a number of benefits that come along with the DIY approach.  

Knowing Your Boat

Building your own catamaran provides you with intimate knowledge of your boat. You will know every corner, including where to find every bolt, wire, bulkhead, rib, hose, and support as you installed them yourself. This knowledge will enhance your confidence while at sea since you will have entrusted your life to a boat whose history you are aware of and deeply connected to.

Pride of Ownership

The satisfaction you get from crafting something with your own hands is immense. As a result, the knowledge that you built your boat from scratch will fill you with absolute pride and an immense sense of achievement. Furthermore, as an owner-builder, you get to keep and enjoy the boat for as many years as you wish.

Substantial Cost Savings

Building your catamaran will work out cheaper than buying a new or even gently used boat. Though you will likely require some additional labor since doing some things will require an extra pair of hands, if you are particularly good at DIY, you will save a significant amount of money on labor costs as a whole. 

Freedom To Create Your Own Designs

If you decide to buy a catamaran boat, it might not be easy to find one that meets your unique needs. However, instead of choosing from production boats that bear traditional and outdated designs, you can come up with an ultra-modern design or style for your catamaran. You also get to pick your layout, size, and equipment based on your taste and budget.

Great Learning Experience

Building your own boat will help you pick up numerous skills that will come in handy later when sailing your boat. As much as you might still require an expert to help you with specialized skills like carpentry or wiring, your new skills will serve you well. This will also be beneficial when it comes to your boat’s maintenance and fixing things for yourself. 

What To Look For in Catamaran Boat Designs

When deciding on the type of catamaran boat to build, you may want to choose a design that’s simple and easy to build. This is because doing so will allow you to spend a shorter time building the boat. 

You also need to have a set of requirements to guide you in choosing your design or what you might call an ideal cruising catamaran wish list. This is essential because, ultimately, you want to build a boat that offers outstanding qualities such as:

• Delivers good speed
• Affordable to own and operate
• Agile, strong, and easy to maintain
• Has a high resistance to capsizing
• Great for sailing and cruising
• Delivers a comfortable and easy motion underway
• Good handling ability and high performance under sail
• User-friendly embarking and disembarking
• Provides ample living and accommodation space 
• Presents a reasonable resale value

It’s worth noting that, in general, catamaran boats tend to offer a fair resale value mainly because of scarcity and the high price accorded to production models. So, if you build a well-constructed catamaran, you are bound to get a return that’s much higher than the cost of materials upon resale.

It’s also good to consider whether the design you settle on is from an established designer. This is significant because documentation of the building process is just as valuable when it comes to selling the boat.

How Much Would It Cost To Build Your Own Catamaran?

The cost of building your cruising catamaran will depend heavily on the size of the boat you plan to build and the skills you bring to the table. To give you an idea of probable costs, a professionally built 40 foot (12.1 m) long cruising catamaran could go for up to $300,000. 

Though building it yourself will undoubtedly be cheaper, most DIY boatbuilders tend to underestimate the expected costs. Your final costs should cover not only the cost of material and equipment but also the labor and time it would take to come up with the final product. 

If you were to build a 40-foot (12.1-meter) catamaran, your cost of materials would range between 20-30% of the total cost. Therefore, for $300,000 total, the boat’s materials would range between $60,000 and $90,000. The hull tends to range between 15-35% of the total build. Again, this depends on the finish and furniture.

But before you even start working on the DIY project, you will need to figure out where to do the work. If your home has ample space, then you can opt for a backyard building. But if you live in a small apartment, then you might want to consider renting a small garage at first and then move on to a boatyard later. This is one of the significant costs involved in building your multi-haul.  

What You Will Need

To get a clearer picture of how much the entire project would cost, let’s have a look at what else you will need to purchase.

• Good design plans
• Working space
• Ground tackle
• Matting and roving
• Equipment such as the engine, windows, rudders, deck fittings, mast, and rigging

In addition to the above, you also need to install plumbing and electricals. You may also want to consider going electric rather than using diesel. Not only will this drastically reduce your maintenance costs, but you get to use the regenerated power for all of your housing needs while sailing. 

Some catamaran boat designs help you save costs by advocating the use of less expensive corpus materials. Most of the material goes directly into making the boat, which means there is hardly any wastage on vacuum bagging . With this method, there are few molds and temporal building forms and fewer fillers to grind off as waste. All these factors reduce the time and cost it takes to build your catamaran boat.

That said, building a boat of any kind is a huge financial undertaking. As such, you still need to have the financial ability to keep building; otherwise, your project will stall or take much longer than anticipated. Instead of enjoying yourself and making memories cruising to faraway lands, you might end up spending all your time building a seemingly never-ending boat.

To reiterate, this project is more of a labor of love, given that it involves a tremendous amount of manual work. Calculating an hourly rate on the time spent building the boat and adding this cost to that of materials may make it seem a very pricey exercise. However, it is vital to understand that your time matters, and every hour you spend working for “free” should be included. 

With that in mind, you need to ensure that you are fully devoted to the boat construction project and are sure you want to do it before you begin. Stopping halfway because it seems like too much work would be incredibly costly.

How To Build a Catamaran

When it comes to building a cruising catamaran, you have 3 main options:

• You can buy an old boat and refurbish it.
• Purchase a bare hull plus deck molding for a home-boat building.
• Start from scratch and build everything, including the hull, on your own. 

As mentioned above, renovating an existing boat may end up being more costly than starting from scratch. To build a catamaran boat from scratch, follow the below step-by-step guide.

Prepare the Essentials

Before you jump into such a large project, there are several important aspects to consider:

• Buy your plans from an established catamaran designer. You can also get inexpensive, easy-to-build catamaran designs online.
• Get access to a large working space or build a shed . Depending on your climate, you may need to opt for climate control to avoid an excess of moisture in humid areas. 
• Decide on your choice of hull material. This could be fiberglass, aluminum, steel, wood, or ferroconcrete. 
• Start working on a bill of materials estimate. Include everything that you think you need to get a better idea of the initial costs.

Build the Mast Beam

Using wood and epoxy, cut and glue together the pieces of wood that will form the mast beam. Most of the work at this stage can occur in a garage since it involves building small parts. Still, the work could take up to 4 months, so be prepared to put in long hours.

Build the Boat Hull

Now, it’s time to build the boat’s hull. A catamaran comprises two hulls which are connected with a deck. Below is a short video showing how to build a hull mold:

This work requires a larger facility, so you might need to move out of the garage and into a boatyard. If you don’t have access to a larger workshop, consider building a shed where you can work as you do the construction. Make sure there’s enough room to fit the boat and also allow you to work comfortably. To cover the shed, you can use opaque white tarps. 

Sheathe the Hull

Get all the materials you require for this stage in the construction, such as lots of resin, fiberglass, and foam for use in the hull cores. You’ll also require matting and glass roving to sheath the hull . 

Sheathing helps to make the hull impervious to water and other marine borers. But first, you need to prepare the hull using a rotary sander. To make it as smooth as possible, use light, sweeping strokes. This is a very dusty task so be prepared to wear a facemask and safety goggles. 

Install the Bulkheads

Next is installing the plywood bulkheads . You might need to call in friends to help turn the hulls or use a crane. In this step, you will need to laminate the hull sides on the molded hull panels and bond them above the bulkheads. Ensure the bulkheads are snug and sealed in place.

Construct the Interior Structure

Over the next couple of months, the boat work will involve joining the hulls together with the beams that you had made back in the garage. Then, install the cuddy cabin, decks , and the cockpit . Soon the boat will start to take the shape of a catamaran.

Next, proceed to construct the major structural components such as stairs, hatches, mini-keels, and the interior. Then comes the work of fairing the boat, which is quite labor-intensive. 

Finally, it’s time to apply primer on the catamaran boat and start the paintwork. Before painting the boat, you will need to do additional sanding to finish off the two layers of primer as well as fill all the pinholes. Since it’s a large boat, the catamaran has lots of surface area; thus, the sanding could get extremely exhausting—mentally and physically—at this point.

The painting can take a while, too. The hulls are the easiest to paint, but the topsides, non-skid, as well as masking and prepping could seem never-ending. 

The final stretch involves working on the center bridge deck cabin and other final touches like installing the engines, electricals, and plumbing. This is also the time to fix the rudders, rigging, mast, windows, and deck fittings.

Launch Your Cruising Catamaran

After many months or years of hard work, your cruising catamaran is finally ready to test the waters. After lowering the boat into the water, check carefully in case there are leaks. If none, you can set up the sails and take your catamaran out for your first cruise. 

Below is a short video that takes you through the entire boat-building process:

If you don’t have deep pockets, don’t despair. It’s also possible to build an inexpensive catamaran boat, as shown in this post from the coastal passage .

The Pros of Building a Catamaran

Though it will be a costly endeavor, there are so many things to look forward to should you decide to build your own catamaran:

• It can be lots of fun.
• You get to have a new boat.
• It’s an excellent hobby for DIY enthusiasts.
• The effort is rewarding.
• It offers a great learning experience.
• You get the exact kind of boat you want.
• You can alter building plans and tailor the boat to suit your specific needs.
• It might be cheaper than buying a new boat.

The Cons of Building a Catamaran

Though there are a number of positive aspects to a DIY build, it is just as important to keep in mind that it won’t always be easy:

• Maintenance costs can be quite high.
• It’s both mentally and physically exhausting.
• It might require some technical know-how.
• It can take many months or even years to complete.
• It requires a lot of commitment to finish the DIY project.
• It might be challenging as well as expensive to get insurance.  
• You will spend almost all your free time building the boat. 

DIY Cruising Catamaran Tips and Tricks

If you are new to boat building, it would be a good idea to build a small boat first. This would give you a good indication as to whether you’d enjoy tackling a more extensive project like building a catamaran. Again, if you are the handy type, fixing your own electronics could also save you a significant amount of money. 

Here are more tips and tricks to get the most out of your DIY cruising catamaran:

• Lower your costs. Bring down your costs even further by sourcing for parts and supplies at marine surplus outlets, Craigslist, eBay, or wholesale suppliers. 
• Enhance your resale value. Most home-built boats are not easy to sell since they tend to be too customized. To enhance your resale value, it’s advisable to work with a standard design from a well-established naval architect.
• Follow the design instructions. Make sure to follow the designer’s instructions regarding the type of materials and tools to use during the build to avoid making costly mistakes.
• Maintain your original budget. Avoid any additional customizations once you have started building the boat. Using good plans and sticking to them ensures that your budget doesn’t spiral out of control.

Final Thoughts

Building a catamaran is about more than saving money. It’s fun, exciting, fulfilling, and can be a great learning experience. While it might take many months of back-breaking work, comparative shopping and sourcing for materials will help you save a lot of money. Still, at the end of it all, you’ll have a beautiful catamaran boat, all ready for your first cruising adventure.

However, if you have neither the time nor the energy to build your own catamaran from scratch, refurbishing an existing hull might prove faster and easier. It also works out much cheaper than buying a new boat.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

One thought on “ DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide ”

Hello, I am a French Quebecer who is original, imaginative, creative and who finds that all boats and catamarans have a huge flaw and a very big lack of logic. I would have a brand new concept…. I am sending this message to any catamaran creator – designer to make those who have the opportunity and the intelligence to want to know about my innovative idea which will finally upset the market much richer. An idea that will totally change the concept of sailing, navigation and save so much worry!! All I would ask for is a small percentage of each sale of the new product. To be able to make me produce one when I have enough!! It is certain that like that, you just want to tell me: come on Mr. Lessard give us your idea but do not take your word to help me in return! But, if you are the kind of man to have only one word and maybe have a proof of your good faith if the realization of the project would make it… I will be very happy!! Giving it to everyone wouldn’t bother me either…. all I would like is to be able to find flax fiber (too expensive carbon) to be able to try to make my catamaran myself. Because not rich! Have a nice day and looking forward to having a message!!

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A philosophic attitude behind the Wharram designs is that 'urban man' can, with a little financial saving and some handcraft work, create an object of beauty. This object of beauty can then, for a period of hours, days, weeks or months, carry him/her out of the urban world into a natural never-never land; the seas and oceans; to a time when the world was young; when Mankind was directly and intimately interacting with the beauty and power of nature. There are hundreds/thousands of Wharram builders or, as I prefer to call them, "Sea People", who have done or are now doing that!" - James Wharram

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How To Build A Catamaran? (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Are you excited about the prospect of building your own catamaran? With a little research, planning, and the right tools, you can turn your vision into reality in no time.

In this step-by-step guide, well show you how to make the most of this incredible boatbuilding project.

From selecting the materials and planning the design to constructing the hulls and deck and outfitting the boat, well walk you through everything you need to know to build a catamaran of your own.

So, grab your tools and lets get started!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Building a catamaran requires careful planning and a lot of patience.

The first step is to decide on the design and the materials you will use.

You will need plans for the project, along with lumber and other materials such as fiberglass and epoxy.

The next step is to build the catamaran frame, which involves cutting and fitting the wood pieces together to form the hulls and decks.

Finally, you will need to attach the decking, add the rig and sails, and finish the project with paint and varnish.

Benefits of Building a Catamaran

Building a catamaran can be a very rewarding experience.

Not only will you have the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, but you will also have a boat that is uniquely yours.

Catamarans offer many benefits over traditional monohull boats, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient ride.

These benefits include greater stability, more space, improved fuel efficiency, and greater speed.

Stability is one of the biggest advantages of catamarans.

The two hulls provide a wider base that helps to keep the boat from rocking and rolling in rough waters.

This makes for a much smoother and safer ride, even in choppy waters.

Additionally, the two hulls create an open area between them that is perfect for storing equipment, making it ideal for longer trips.

Catamarans are also more fuel efficient than monohulls.

This is because the two hulls provide lift, allowing the boat to glide through the water more easily.

This means you won’t need to use as much fuel to power your boat, allowing you to save money in the long run.

Finally, catamarans are faster than monohulls.

This is due to the increased surface area of the two hulls, which allows the boat to move more easily through the water.

This makes them ideal for those who want to travel quickly and efficiently.

Overall, building a catamaran can be a fun and rewarding experience.

With the right materials and tools, you can create a boat that is unique to you and offers many benefits over traditional monohull boats.

With the right planning and construction process, you can create a catamaran that will be the envy of your peers.

Selecting the Materials

Selecting the right materials is a crucial step in building a catamaran.

The type of material you choose will depend on the size and type of catamaran you are building, as well as your budget and experience.

Catamarans are typically constructed from wood, aluminum, or fiberglass.

Each of these materials has unique advantages, so it is important to research the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

Wood is the traditional material used to build catamarans and is often the most cost-effective option.

Wooden catamarans are strong and stable, and they can be custom-built to any size or shape.

However, wood requires a lot of maintenance and can be susceptible to rot and water damage.

Aluminum is a great option for larger catamarans, as it is lightweight and resistant to corrosion.

It is also relatively easy to work with and can be welded together to create a strong and durable structure.

However, aluminum is a more expensive material and is not as flexible as wood or fiberglass.

Fiberglass is the most popular material for building catamarans, as it is lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion.

Fiberglass is also relatively easy to work with and can be shaped to create unique designs.

However, fiberglass is also the most expensive option and can be difficult to repair if damaged.

Once you have selected the material, it is important to purchase the right amount for the project.

Make sure to measure the catamaran carefully and purchase enough material to account for any mistakes or waste.

It is also important to purchase high-quality materials that will last for years.

With the right materials, you can build an amazing catamaran that you will enjoy for years to come.

Planning the Design

When planning the design of your catamaran, youll need to consider a variety of factors, including the size, shape, and type of material youll be using.

Consider the size and weight of the catamaran and the type of water it will be used in.

Youll also need to think about how the catamaran will be used, such as for recreational or commercial purposes.

When it comes to the shape of the catamaran, the most common design is the two-hulled V-shape.

This shape is ideal as it offers stability and is easy to maneuver.

However, depending on the type of use, other shapes, such as the three-hulled catamaran, may be better suited.

The material you choose for your catamaran will also play a role in the design process.

Common materials used to build catamarans are wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and composites.

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so its important to research and select the best material for your project.

Finally, when planning the design, youll need to consider the outfitting of the boat.

This includes items such as decking, seating, and a helm station.

Make sure to think about the type of equipment youll need for your catamaran, and consider how it will be installed.

By taking the time to plan the design of your catamaran, you can ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

Doing your research, selecting the right materials, and choosing the right outfitting will all help you create an amazing catamaran that will last for years to come.

Constructing the Hulls and Deck

Constructing the hulls and deck of a catamaran is perhaps the most important and time-consuming step in building a catamaran.

You will need to plan the design of the hulls and deck carefully to ensure that your catamaran is strong, stable, and seaworthy.

When constructing the hulls, you will need to use strong and light materials that are suitable for marine environments.

Fiberglass is a good choice for this, as it is strong and lightweight.

You will need to cut and shape the fiberglass to fit the shape of the hulls, and you will need to use a strong adhesive to bond the pieces together.

The deck of the catamaran will need to be strong and stable enough to support the weight of the passengers and cargo.

You will need to construct the deck out of marine-grade plywood, and you will need to use a strong adhesive to bond the pieces together.

You may also need to add extra support beams to the deck for added strength.

Once the hulls and deck have been constructed, you will need to sand and finish them to ensure a smooth and watertight surface.

You may need to use a sealer or primer to protect the wood and fiberglass from the elements.

Finally, you will need to attach the hulls and deck together.

This can be done with bolts, screws, or other fasteners.

You may also need to use a water-resistant sealant to ensure a watertight connection between the hulls and deck.

Outfitting the Boat

Outfitting a catamaran is an essential part of the build process.

Once the hulls and deck are constructed, you’ll need to ensure that all the necessary components are in place for a successful voyage.

This includes items such as masts, sails, rudders, and outriggers.

It is critical to ensure that the boat is outfitted with the right components for its size and purpose.

For example, if you are building a small catamaran for speed and agility, you’ll need to outfit it with a light and responsive mast and sail.

If you are building a larger craft for comfort and luxury, you’ll need to outfit it with a heavier and more resistant mast and sail.

Additionally, you’ll need to select the right outriggers and rudders for the catamaran’s size and purpose.

Outfitting a catamaran can be a complex process, and it is important to do the research and plan ahead.

Taking the time to select the right materials and components will ensure that your boat is outfitted for success.

Additionally, it is important to use quality materials and components to ensure a safe and successful voyage.

With careful planning and quality components, you can outfit your catamaran for a successful journey.

Acquiring the Right Tools

When it comes to building a catamaran, having the right tools can make all the difference.

To get started, you’ll need a variety of hand tools, including saws, drills, sanders, and screwdrivers.

You’ll also need power tools like routers, biscuit joiners, and angle grinders.

It’s also important to have safety equipment like safety glasses, ear protection, and respirators.

You’ll also need a variety of measuring tools, such as rulers, calipers, and tape measures.

Finally, you’ll need a selection of glues, adhesives, epoxies, and sealants.

With the right tools, you’ll be able to complete your catamaran project safely and efficiently.

Researching and Planning Your Build

Researching and planning your build are essential steps in the process of building a catamaran.

The first step is to become familiar with the design and construction of catamarans.

Start by researching different types of catamarans, from the small and lightweight recreational boats to the larger and more luxurious cruising vessels.

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of catamarans and determine which type is best suited to your needs.

Once you have a good understanding of the different types of catamarans, you can begin researching the materials and tools you will need for your project.

You will need to choose the type of wood you will use for the boats hulls and deck, as well as the type of fiberglass and resin you will use for the hulls and deck.

You will also need to choose the type of engine you will use and the type of rigging and sail you will use.

Once you have selected the materials and tools you will need for your project, you will need to create a plan for the construction of your catamaran.

You will need to determine the size and shape of your boat, the types of joints you will use to construct the hulls and deck, and the type of engine and rigging you will need.

You should also plan out the sequence of construction steps, so that you can build the catamaran in the most efficient way.

Finally, you will need to research the best ways to protect your catamaran from the elements.

You will need to determine what type of paint or varnish to use on the hulls and deck, and you will need to research the most effective ways to protect your boat from the sun, wind, and water.

By taking the time to research and plan your build, you will be able to create a catamaran that is well-built, efficient, and beautiful.

With the right research and planning, you can create an amazing catamaran that will be the envy of your friends.

Final Thoughts

Building a catamaran is a rewarding experience that can be achieved with the right approach and materials.

With a clear plan, the right tools, and a good understanding of woodworking and fiberglass techniques, you can build an amazing catamaran to share with your family and friends.

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your own catamaran build today and all the rewards that come with it!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Category: Our Catamaran Build Kits

Recommended equipment.

Quality suppliers & manufacturers

The schionning team have a lot of contact with equipment suppliers and manufacturers, and hear feedback on certain brands or systems from our many customers. there are many schionnings cruising the world and testing products longevity and the customer service offered by the manufacturer., on this page we will list products and companies that we know to provide above average quality and service. it is always growing, and if your company provides equipment used on our designs and you would like to be included - please contact us., engines & drive systems.

Visit:  https://oceanvolt.com

Batteries, Power Management

LITHIUM POWER (VIC)

Back in 2013 I knew that my boat batteries were reaching the end of their lives, I had been researching LiFePO4 cells for a few years and decided that I should install them. Unfortunatly I was unable to find a local supplier. So Lithium Power was established.

Technical Information

The technical information page is a collection of documents (mostly in pdf format) on the materials and systems used in schionning catamarans. including data sheets, engineering information, strength comparisons of each core material and informative articles from jeff outling the design of certain system such as engine choices and main sheet systems., detailed engineering data for your research, we understand that getting your head around the process of building your own boat, or having one built, can take a little while. to gain a greater understanding of the materials used in our designs, the below data sheets have been supplied by atl composites, and contain all of the technical data you could need regarding the composites we use. in addition are articles or documents written by jeff about certain systems used on our designs and why., all technical information and data sheets on west system/duflex/durakore provided courtesy of atl composites. for more information please see the atl composites website here., documents library.

Information Sheet – CE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

• Mainsheet Systems for Catamarans
• Motor Choices for Schionning Designs
• Weight and Weight Distribution Schionning Designs
• Schionning Designs Sailing Performance and Tips
• Hull Shapes and Performance – Power Designs
• Outboard Engines VS Diesels – Written by Ross McCombe
• An Outboard Installation That Works – Ross McCombe Follow up
• Data Sheet – DUFLEX BALSA for Catamaran Kit Builds
• Data Sheet – DUFLEX FOAM
• Data Sheet – FEATHERLIGHT Paper Honeycomb
• Data Sheet – WEST SYSTEM R105
• Data Sheet – PUMP SYSTEMS
• Data Sheet – MICROFIBRE BLEND 403
• Data Sheet – MICROLIGHT 410
• Data Sheet – MICROSPHERES 411
• Information Sheet – USING FILLERS
• Data Sheet – KINETIX RESIN Thixotropic
• Information Sheet – DURAKORE PLANKS 413
• Data Sheet – DURAKORE PLANKING 414

Kit Materials Contents

Kit materials' contents, so if you order a schionning kit, what exactly is going to arrive see an overview of the materials you will receive, and what each is used for during the build process. fibreglass cloth or tapes microspheres, microballoons or microfibers take a closer look and you can answer these questions., our schionning kits are a no nonsense, common-sense approach to building a boat. we offer great service, fast delivery and access to anything you could need for your boat straight from the supplier to your door. our construction plans and kits are sold with 100% professional boatbuilder support via phone and email, any time you're unsure or just need a second opinion, we're here..

Our kits contain all of your basic materials to build your boat to a faired shell stage, ready for painting and fit-out. We have sail-away costing estimates available for all of our standard designs, and this will give you an accurate idea of the overall cost of your project. This costing varies depending on your level of finish, as you can imagine different options vary greatly in price.

Below is a quick glance at what your Schionning Kit will include and what each item is primarily used for, we hope this is helpful and if you should require more detailed information please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

What do I actually receive?

DUFLEX PRE-LAMINATED PANELS

DuFlex pre-laminated panels are the main and most important material used in our kits, predominantly in the flat panel designs, however they are used in Strip-planked designs also, though to a lesser extent. These panels are 2400mm x 1200mm and are CNC routed to speed up build time on our Wildernes X Series, as well as some of our power designs. For internal furniture, a paper honeycomb core is used instead of the end-grain balsa wood core that is used for main structural areas. The use of this is purely to save weight in the shell and therefore produce a faster, more responsive catamaran.

KINETIX LAMINATING RESIN & HARDENER

WEST SYSTEM EPOXY RESINS

FIBREGLASS TAPES (DOUBLE BIAS)

CARBON FIBRE CLOTH

FIBREGLASS CLOTH

The kit process, building your own boat can be a daunting prospect, however to demonstrate each step in the kit assembly process, we've created this guide for you to study. as you can see our kits are the ultimate in building efficiency and have been streamlined over 30+ years to ensure that you're on the water faster and with less effort., how does it all go together.

The first step to building your dream catamaran begins with a strongback – this is a square frame used to position the temporary frames that will be used to form the hull shape. This frame will be set up and must be square and accurate, a string or laser level can be used to achieve this.

The forebeam is now installed along with the striker attachment fitting, as shown above. The bridgedeck is installed shortly after and taped onto the bulkheads with webs installed, this now completes what is a quite stiff and strong platform to work on.

Now that the bridgedeck is in place, the forward webs and dash will be fitted. At this stage, all furniture and internal work begins, with the main panels left off for ease of access when working.

Material Choices

Schionning material choices, solutions that work best for catamarans & why, our designs are based on cored composite construction techniques using west system epoxy resin and knitted fabrics. but given the range of today's composite technologies, which solution works best for catamarans and why written by jeff schionning, selecting the correct materials, resin choices.

It also fully protects the boat against water absorption and it can not develop the dreaded Osmosis.

We choose ATL Composite’s resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money.

Having worked closely with the ATL Composites team and their products for many years, we know we can stand by their material solutions, and rely on great service should something unexpected happen.

This may not seem important but when working with a material for an extended period of time, the small things make all the difference.

CORES Which One to Use?

• End-Grain Balsa – 150kg per cubic metre
• Superlight Balsa – 94kg per cubic metre
• Western Red Cedar – 360-380kg per cubic metre
• Foam – 80kg per cubic metre

BALSA END GRAIN (150 kg/cubic metre)

Balsa  has very good values and we can produce a shell using a very light laminate. It will be very stiff and very resilient to fatigue.

It has exceptional qualities including very high compression strength, extremely good sheer capabilities and fantastic sheer stiffness.

Compressive strength is the resistance to collapsing when pressure is applied perpendicular to the surface as when pushing directly onto the material with the point of your finger. Balsa is far stronger than Foam (80kg/cubic metre) in compression.

Balsa is also very strong in shear. This is when the core sample is held flat between your hands, one hand slid one way and the other slid the opposite way, when the core tears through the middle the core has failed in sheer. The amount of stretch you feel before the core shears is shear stiffness. To compensate for sheer weakness the core is made thicker. So 13mm Balsa may be equal in sheer to 19mm Foam.

(80 to 200 kg/m³)

There are many boats sailing that are built from foam as it’s mechanical properties are good for boat building.

• Initially one would expect this cat shell to be lighter as it is ½ the weight of Balsa. We do have to compensate for its weaknesses and will then add to the reinforcement the reinforcement on the outside to spread that compression load over more core and need a triaxial type weave to compensate for the veneer content that runs fore and aft on the Durakore.
• Secondly, we need to increase the Core thickness to compensate for the shear value, usually neutralizing the weight advantage.
• We only use structural foam core that is closed-cell and cross-linked.

The end result using foam core amounts to a very similar total boat weight. Professional builders can achieve a good result but usually use vacuum bagging and very good molds to achieve this.

Secondary Issues

Balsa can absorb water. It needs extreme neglect to rot (very unusual). Water soaks along the end grain quickly. It travels very slowly across the grain. We use balsa under the waterline especially because of it’s high compression strength for beaching etc. any core type must be sealed. Damage to all cores results in the same sort of repair. Notice a damp spot remaining when drying out to anti-foul… simply grind back the surface glass exposing the core, dry it out and re-glass – it’s that easy.

Timber cores are cheaper than Foam in most cases.

A light, high tech cat returns a far better (often 2 – 3 times) re-sale than lower tech materials. Often saving $10,000 on materials initially, loses $200,000 on re-sale – a serious reality.

Our boats can be built using Balsa, Foam or Western Red Cedar. Combine strength, stiffness, lightness and cost, with ease of use – it just makes good sense!

Tokyo Express

• Small Boats
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Catamaran & Small Boat Building

to my website. Here you’ll find photos, stories and information on building boats large and small, with tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way. I built this website originally to accompany my YouTube channel . The blog section has information on various topics.

A 12m cruiser/racer catamaran – 2 yrs & 9 mths to build – launched 15th August 1997. Details of the build.

Small boats

Small boats you can build in your garage.  A good family project and a way to get a taste of boat building. See how they were built.

Plans to build your own boat. Packed with information for the first time builder. Start building your boat now.

Where to start

Building your own boat and sailing off over the horizon, is a dream that lives inside many. Well at least that’s the impression I get from the many people I met while building Tokyo Express (TE) and the feedback now f rom the videos on YouTube.  After years of dreaming, at 39 years of age I finally turned that dream into reality with the launching of Tokyo Express. This website is about my journey.

You don’t need expensive kits

or exotic materials to build a boat. You don’t need expensive tools or a degree in engineering either. I fabricated most of the parts and systems on Tokyo Express (TE) from scratch. Steering system, steering wheel, doors, hatches, fore beam, catwalk, daggerboard, rudders, engine mounting, generator, electrical system and plumbing.

Even the mast I bought as a kit. I had more time than money so I built everything I could. There were no exotic materials used and yet I ended up with a robust, lightweight and extremely competitive boat that was lighter than a typical production boat.

If I hadn’t been designing and redesigning many parts of the boat, learning for the first time how to do things and building a shed, the boat would have been finished a lot quicker.

On the Tokyo Express page

page you will find an overview of the steps I took building TE. If you are thinking of starting a similar project, this is a good place to start. It was a lot of work, but it was also the most rewarding project I have undertaken. It was well worth the sweat and tears. Please look around. Email me if you have questions…

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Everything electric boats and boating

Turning Nissans and Teslas into a DIY electric catamaran: Part 1

Read how UK marine electric propulsion consultant Jamie Marley designed and built his dreamboat ‘Ohm’s Law’, a DIY electric catamaran, powered by twin outboard electric motors using Nissan EV motors and Tesla batteries.

A mission to promote electric boating

Jamie is a Southampton-based marine electrical propulsion specialist who has consulted and worked on dozens of projects for boatbuilders of all description for two decades.

Along with a passion for the sea and sailing, he also has a passion for protecting our marine environments and decided early in his career that replacing ICE technology with electric propulsion would be an essential part of helping achieve that goal.

In 2014 he joined electric propulsion pioneer Torqeedo as Senior Field Service Engineer and worked with them until 2018, as Project Sales Manager specializing in electrification of new and existing passenger ferries worldwide.

With interest in electric boating starting to take off, Jamie realized he wanted to work hands-on with a wide variety of projects and have the freedom to use the most appropriate suppliers. He left Torqeedo to put up his own shingle and start Marine Electrification Solutions , an impartial and independent electric and hybrid marine propulsion consultancy.

His mission is simple and straightforward: To promote safe, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable zero emission propulsion systems through cooperation .

There are few people with as broad a knowledge of electric propulsion as Jamie, and he has consulted on many major projects including the first RS Electric Boats model, the Spirit 111 which carried Torqeedo’s 100,000th motor and the electrification of Queen Elizabeth’s ceremonial rowboat ‘Gloriana’.

In December 2020 he started work on a project for someone who could be his most demanding client ever. Himself.

Making the plans: what size boat?

Planning an electric boat refit is much like figuring out how to buy any boat. The first step is figuring out the use case:

• What will you be using the boat for?
• Where will you be going?
• For how long?
• At what speed?

“I was looking for something our family (Jamie is married with two boys, 10 and 14) could go out in on a sunny day off the coast of Southern England” says Jamie. “We have a few favourite places where we have a picnic and a swim, maybe go paddleboarding…and the boys love a quick run on a tube or small boogie board.”

So he didn’t need any sleeping berths, a dayboat would be fine, and none of their activities require extreme speed: top speed for safe tubing is about 15 knots (≈ 20mph / 30 kmh).  What Jamie and his family need is a steady, reliable hull for the occasionally choppy waters and enough space to hold the equipment, a cooler and a spread-out towel for lying in the sun.

Ex-workboat, 6 metre planing catamaran

Jamie figured something about 6 – 7 metres (20-25 feet) would do nicely. He started scouting around the local marinas and classified listings.

He spotted a 6 metre (20 ft) catamaran hull made by Hunter, a UK brand known for quality and durability. With a centre console and beam of 2.5m wide (8 ft) there was lots of space for the family and the water toys. It had been used as a workboat before, so the insides had taken a bit of a beating, but the structure was all in good shape.

One of the other things that attracted Jamie was the space beneath the deck. “Because it’s really a commercial catamaran hull, the deck was flush, no seams sticking up or anything…completely sealed, and all the cargo and tools would have been on the deck.” This gave him flexibility below on where to place the batteries and the access hatches.

Now it was time to think about the propulsion. From his long experience electrifying boats he knew a planing catamaran was a great hull to work with. The two pontoons mean less water resistance and drag than a monohull, which translates into smaller power requirements and increased range.

The other advantage is that the power requirement can be split between two motors, one on each side. That was good for two reasons. One is redundancy – if there is any issue with one of the motors, the other can propel the boat. Also, he would be able to experiment and tweak each motor separately when he built them, to find the optimum set-up.

Doing the calculations: use case

Let’s look at the power usage for the boat. To do that, we need to begin with calculating the energy usage. And to do that, we need to look at a use case.

Typical use case: It’s a sunny weekend day so the family wants to get out to one of their favourite spots for a nice lunch, some swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding and maybe some tubing. The tubing and planing speed are what require the most energy in a boat.

Let’s start our energy need calculations with that.

With 10 minutes at planing speed they would be able to travel about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from port – plenty for what they need. Once there, the boat would use almost zero energy during swimming and paddleboarding, would need energy for the 10 minutes of tubing and another 10 minutes at planing speed to return home.

That is the upwards end of the energy required. There is every possibility that on a sunny day they would be quite happy to enjoy a leisurely cruise out to and back from their swimming spot. And at cruising speed the spots they could visit would be considerably farther from port.

Planing: 2kW of power per 50 kilograms of boat

A rule of thumb is that it takes about 2kW of power per 50 kilograms of boat to get it planing. It depends on the shape of the hull, and a catamaran is going to be more efficient than a monohull, but this is a rule of thumb. (This equation roughly translates as 2.5HP for 100 pounds of boat). Calculation:

Jamie figured the hull and two outboard motors would weigh somewhere around 1,500kg (≈3,300 lbs). That’s 30 ‘parcels’ of 50 kilograms, so multiplying that by 2kW of power means 60kW for planing speed.

This turns out to be a fairly easy number to work with, because if getting the boat on plane takes 60 kiloWatts of power, in an hour of planing it will require 60 kiloWatthours of energy – which works out to 1 kWh per minute.

So the thirty minutes of planing Jamie might need is going to require 30 kiloWatt hours of energy. He will need batteries with at least that much capacity. To make sure he always has enough energy, let’s double that and say Ohm’s Law is going to want a battery – or batteries – with 60kWh of energy storage.

Next: Battery weight

Part two of the calculation is the weight of those batteries. For that we need to understand energy density – how much energy can be stored in what weight of battery. A good rule of thumb for a lithium ion battery is that it takes 5 kilograms of lithium ion battery to store 1 kilowatt hour of energy.  So 60 kWh of energy is going to be stored in (roughly) 300 kilograms of battery.

We’d better circle back here, because our calculations were based on the boat weighing 1,500 kilograms. Now we’re at 1,800 kilograms and we haven’t got Jamie and Vicky and the kids and paddleboards and the lunch on board yet!

Let’s say the people and their paraphernalia add another 300 kilograms. Now we’re at 2,200 kilograms and we need to revisit our planing power.

2200 kgs is 44 ‘parcels’ of 50 kilograms, so we are going to need 88 kilowatts of power…but then we are going to need more battery…you can see how this can be a bit like chasing one’s tale, but it is a calculation that needs to be done.

In the end, when Jamie worked out his use cases and built in some extra capacity for more planing or unexpected emergencies, he decided to go with 120 kilowatt hours of battery storage – 600 kilograms of battery weight – to make a total boat weight of 2,500 kilograms.

Total weight: 2,500 kg / 5,500 lbs

You’ll notice that we haven’t talked about the power of the motors yet. The reason is that we needed to know the total boat weight before we could figure out the power requirement and we couldn’t figure out the boat weight until we figured out the energy requirement.

We now know we’ve got 2,500 kg of total boat weight, which is 50 parcels of 50 kgs. When we multiply that by 2kW we need 100 kw of power for planing speed.

Finding the motors

Even though Jamie was not going to be doing a lot of planing, there are lots of reasons, you don’t want any drive train – electric or fossil fuel, on a car or a boat – working at maximum output all the time. Jamie knew he needed extra power available above 100 kw, and figured that 120kW of power would give him plenty to do any planing and easily handle the cruising speeds.

One of the nice things about a catamaran is that it naturally has two motors – one on each pontoon – so the full weight of the boat doesn’t always have to be borne by one motor.  Two 60 kW outboards would fit the bill for Ohm’s Law. And for redundancy, if he did happen to have any problems out on the water with one motor, he could easily get to shore running with just one.

Creating the electric outboards

The power of a Nissan Leaf motor matches up nicely with what Jamie needed. One EV motor for each outboard. Time to start looking in detail at that.

Fossil fuel outboards have a combustion motor – the powerhead – under the cowling at the top of the setup. That motor turns a vertical shaft in the lower leg – or lower unit as it is called in North America – which in turn uses a right angle gear connection to turn a horizontal shaft with the propeller on the other end.

To convert it to an electric motor, the ICE powerhead will be replaced with an electric motor.

Simple concept, but in practice it is more complicated, because it involves precise engineering to link the existing spline on the lower leg’s shaft with the one on the electric motor to match up exactly as the original combustion motor did. It also involves calculations about the RPMs of the original motor and the new electric one.  Finally, the torque properties of an electric motor are different from ICE, so that will need to be looked at.

Jamie had the Nissan motors, the hunt now was to find the casing and lower units from a petrol /gas motor. He found what he wanted at a sale of marine equipment at the UK Ministry of Defense, and picked up a pair of used Mariner Optimax outboards.

He wasn’t concerned what shape the powerheads were in, of course, but he knew that since the  motors had been used by the Ministry they would have been well maintained with gear lubrication and all of the other things that would assure the lower shafts and gears were in good shape.

Getting ready for Part II – putting it all together

We’ve covered a lot in this article. To recap: Jamie has found his boat, done his energy/power calculations, and sourced a couple of outboard casings. Basically he has taken an assortment of ‘shell’ components for a boat that ran on fossil fuel and is now going to clean it all up with electric propulsion.

We will pick up the next stage of the Ohm’s Law journey in a Part II  Plugboats article. It will cover the details of finding the Nissan motors and Tesla batteries, converting the outboards to electric, placing the batteries in the hull, testing, re-testing and getting Ohm’s Law ready for her maiden voyage.

If you found Part 1 of this article through social media, Part II will also be posted there. Keep your eye out.

Or, why not sign up for the Plugboats newsletter below and you’ll get Part II and all the latest electric boat and boating news delivered to your mailbox every couple of weeks.

Enter your email address and click ‘Subscribe to Plugboats’ to be added to our mailing list.

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DIY Styrofoam Catamaran

Introduction: DIY Styrofoam Catamaran

This is a Styrofoam catamaran i built. I had been wanting to build this for a while, then in the last few days of summer i decided to build it. This only took 2 full days to build and one day to test. The catamaran costed me around 200 dollars (sail not included) and this is comparable to a store bought catamaran which would cost 2000 dollars

In this instructable i have included a few schematics (located on the last page) , a materials list, and various pictures and descriptions for all steps.

If you plan to build this project i suggest you check out the video and if you like this project be sure to check out my channel or my website for more projects like this.

Step 1: Materials

The materials i needed for this project were:

2"x4"x8' pieces of wood - 2

2"x3"x8' pieces of wood - 1

2"x2"x8'pieces of wood - 6

1”x2’x8’ Styrofoam sheet - 5

1.5”x14”x4’ Styrofoam sheet - 5

½’’x2’x4’ piece of plywood - 2

½’’x4’x6’ piece of plywood - 1

Sail and mast - 1

Epoxy (dollar store epoxy is cheapest and works well) - 7

Step 2: Assembling a Pontoon

The catamaran will be composed of 2 pontoons. These pontoons will have a frame filled with the white, less durable Styrofoam in the center; then we will later add the pink Styrofoam to the outside.

To start off i lay out two 2x2 pieces of wood with the white Styrofoam pieces in the center. This will be the inside of the pontoon. Next i add a front triangle onto the pontoon. As you can see in the third picture i added 2 struts near either end of the pontoon. Once that is finished i fill the pontoon with white Styrofoam and cut it to fit in the gaps.

Step 3: Finishing the Pontoon

to finish off the pontoons we must first cut 4 pieces of Styrofoam to size (2 for each pontoon). To cut them all at once i clam them together and use a reciprocating saw to cut the height from 2 feet to 17 inches (the height of the pontoon).

After that i use 1 - 1.5 tubes of epoxy as adhesive. I spread the epoxy on the wooden frame and then lay the Styrofoam down onto the wooden frame and add weight to it so the Styrofoam stays tight to the frame as the epoxy hardens. After that i use the saw to taper the bottom edge. I also add Styrofoam to the front triangle and taper that as well. Once complete you should go ahead and do that for both pontoons.

Note: The strut layout in the second pic is different then the layout of the of the struts in the previous page. The layout in the previous page showed the correct positioning of the struts.

Step 4: Completing the Pontoons

Now you can see both pontoons side by side. To complete them i add a wooden triangle positioned at the top, and lined up with each strut, this will be used for mounting the frame. To add some more buoyancy i also cut a full 2' x 8' piece of Styrofoam in half lengthwise (giving us two 1' x 8' pieces). I use epoxy to mount those onto the inside of the pontoons.

Now both pontoons combined give a buoyancy of 460 lbs when fully submerged. This seems like a lot but when you consider you wouldn't want more then 60 percent of the pontoon submerged (then you would be uncomfortably close to the water) and you might also have you weight towards one side of the pontoon then it seems this 460 lbs is just enough for one person to float comfortably. (i fit 2 full size people on but it sits very low). If you wish to be able to make this a 2 person boat you can add more Styrofoam sheets to the outside. Each 1"x 2' x 8' sheet once cut to a height of 17" provides 62 lbs of buoyancy when fully submerged.

These calculations are fairly simple to do on your own. First calculate the volume of the object (length in meters x width in meters x height in meters), this will give you volume in meters cubed. Then multiply the value you get by the density of water (1000 kg/m cubed) this will give you how many KG the object can float when fully submerged.

Step 5: Making the Frame

To make the frame i cut my 2x4 s to 4.75 feet long and attached them to the pontoons using screws. I chose that width because it was just small enough that i would be able to fit the frame (when separated from pontoons) in the back of my van. Next i add the 2x3 piece down the middle of the boat. This is both for structure and to mount other parts off of.

Step 6: Adding the Keel

Now i cut out the keel out of a piece of plywood. Using the plywood, i also glue a slot so that the keel can be slid in and will be able to slide up and down within the slot.

The keel is an essential part of the sailboat and helps to turn the force provided by the wind into thrust in the forward direction. This is also the pivot point when you turn your boat

Step 7: Adding the Rudder

The rudder will need to rotate so i decide to mount it off of a hinge. I add a hinge to the back of the boat and then cut the rudder out of the piece of plywood. The rudder should be fastened in place with 2 bolts and the bolts should have a washer in between the nut and the wood of the rudder. The bottom bolt will have to be taken while the boat is out of the water so that the rudder can pivot upwards when it is on dry land.

To finish off i add a handle made of plywood. The handle is to only have one bolt through it so that it can pivot up and down.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

To finish up i cut a piece of plywood to size and fit it on top of the catamaran to use as a seat.

After that we need to make somewhere to mount the mast of the sail. To do this i obtain a small piece of pvc pipe and heat the bottom of it so i can squeeze it down and make it thin. Once that is done i simply mount a few screws in it to attach it to the frame of the boat.

Step 9: Setting Up the Sail

Now i use a mast and sail that i had laying around and slide it into the pvc pipe. I secure the mast with metal cables that attach to various points on the boat. Once the mast is in place i rig up the main sail and the jib and it is now ready to sail

Step 10: Testing Out the Boat

Now that the boat is complete you can go ahead and take it out on the water and test it out. Be sure to wear a lifejacket and bring a paddle just in case you have a hard time getting it in using the wind.

To see the test you can also check out the video

Step 11: Schematics

Here are a few schematics of the boat, they are not to scale. Beside the schematic picture i also attached a real picture of the boat

In order we have a top view of the boat, a front view, a side view, and a picture of the rudder and keel. All measurements of the schematics are done in meters.

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Sunrise Yachts Sponsor 2011 Moscow International Boat Show (MIBS)

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Written by Mike Smith

Sunrise Yachts, a luxury yacht building company which is based in Turkey, has been made a main sponsor of next year’s 2011 Moscow International Boat Show (MIBS). The four-day Russian yacht show event is currently scheduled to run from April 14-17 at the Moscow’s Crocus exhibition centre.

moscow boat show

MIBS is organised by the ITE Group and it is one of Russia’s leading boat shows and is an internationally recognised superyacht event. The show covering everything from small parts and accessories to large superyacht with over 9,000 people and 178 exhibitors attended the last year show.

The Paolo Scanu-designed Sunrise 45 yacht is an ocean-going cruising yacht that was released in 2009 to much acclaim at this was the group’s first-ever model.

Sunrise Yachts was founded in 2007 by the German entrepreneur Herbert P Baum along with the French-British yacht builder Guillaume Roché. The luxury yacht group is based in Antalya, Turkey and utilises a 10,000sq m shipyard facility. Sunrise has two sheds measuring 100m (328ft) x 16m (53ft), as well as a 70m (230ft) x 16m (53ft) fully acclimatized paint shed that can accommodate new-build and refit projects up to 65m (213ft) in length and 1,200 tonnes displacement.

The sunrise 45m superyacht by Sunrise Yachts

Along each side of the yacht-building facility, space is available for long-term sub-contractors with the latest equipment and logistics capabilities, along with air-conditioned storage, ventilation and extraction plants. The shipyard is organized as an “assembler,” based loosely on the car industry’s model, with a small, yet powerful project management team charged with running all the in-house long-term sub-contractors.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Sunrise Yachts Sponsor 2011 Moscow International Boat Show (MIBS)".

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EXPERT MARINE

Joined us: 6 years ago

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EXPERT MARINE presentation

Check out EXPERT MARINE, our professional in MOSCOW to discover a panel of services for you and your boat.

EXPERT MARINE is also distributor of the following brands: BENETEAU, LAGOON.

EXPERT MARINE è iI nostro professionista a MOSCOW.Il suo mestiere è quello di accompagnarti nei tuoi progetti nautici, grazie a tutti i suoi servizi.

EXPERT MARINE è distributore dei marchi : BENETEAU, LAGOON.

Découvrez notre professionel EXPERT MARINE à MOSCOW pour bénéficier d‘un accompagnement complet pour vous et votre bateau.

EXPERT MARINE est également distributeur des marques suivantes : BENETEAU, LAGOON.

Descubra a nuestro profesional EXPERT MARINE en MOSCOW para beneficiarse de un acompañamiento completo para usted y su barco.

EXPERT MARINE también es un distribuidor de las marcas siguientes : BENETEAU, LAGOON.

In MOSCOW finden Sie bei EXPERT MARINE vollständige Unterstützung für Sie und Ihr Boot.

EXPERT MARINE ist auch ein Händler von folgende Marken : BENETEAU, LAGOON.

Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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