Building a Searunner 37

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to build your own boat? To read drawings, cut wood, assemble parts. To work when it is just too cold, or too hot, or too wet.Too difficult for you? Read on to see how one stubborn guy, with not much talent, no time and less money, managed to build himself a pretty nice Searunner 37. 

It took me two years to get up enough nerve to start this project. I lived in Edmonton, Alberta. A fair distance from the ocean.I wanted a large trimaran to sail around the world with my family. I did not have enough money to buy one, so...lets build one. Not in Edmonton. 

Although, I mapped out a route to the Artic ocean from Edmonton and I could get the boat there if I did not mind a portage of 22 miles about half way to the ocean. They told me that they take 50 foot barges over the portage all the time. Thanks, but no thanks. Guess we will just have to move to Vancouver. My wife, two boys, our dog, and I loaded everything up in a U haul and our station wagon and headed to Vancouver. 

There starts the adventure. Did I enjoy this effort? You bet I did. Would I do it again? I sure would. It is the greatest feeling of achievment to be able to point to my boat, and say "Yes, I built it".

Memorial

I would like to dedicate this site to the memory of Dan Ryder. A boat builder, a sailor, a friend. I miss ya Dan.