Case Study
Kurt – DIY Builder
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Time : 150hrs to sea trial.
Experience: No aluminium welding experience
Goal: Build a boat for Christmas
- Kurt started the planning process by sketching layouts and studying other CNC boats which refinded his plans.
- With no aluminium boat building experience.
- Deposit was placed mid-June 2025. 2 Months were spent on design and finalising modifications.
- Kurt spent around 150 hrs to sea trial, with another 50ish hours spent on custom bar work, looking at it and drinking beers, and re‑doing sections that didn’t quite feel right.
- He utilised evenings during the week, most Saturdays, and one intense week of annual leave where he worked long days to push the project forward, while continuing his daily job.
- Kurts takeaway- The effort was worth it. Not just for the boat itself, but for the satisfaction of ending up with something that suited his fishing, his family, and his way of using a boat- not someone else’s idea of “close enough.”
To See More Of Kurt’s Build Journey:
Want the full story?
CNC Marine Podcast – Episode 19: Inside a Custom Build: Real Stories, Real Timelines, Real Boats.
In this episode, we sit down with Kurt and other experienced builders to get the real facts about building a boat. We cover timelines, how to get started, the step-by-step process, and what you need to know before beginning your build. Whether you’re just considering it or already planning your project, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you get started the right way.