Buying .a classic wooden boat is expensive…used versions of 23′ barrel backs run $75,000+.

The actual supplies are significantly cheaper, but it takes a lot of time to build.

A common cost rule-of-thumb for DIY boat builders for boats of this caliber is $1000/foot.   Given that, I would expect my 23′ Belle Isle to cost $23,000 in materials.  I have quite a bit of lumber and other supplies on hand, including an engine that I hope will work, so my estimate it $15,000-$20,000 in materials.

I estimate that this will take about 1500 hours to complete as well.

Given that, I’m going to make a cost-vs-actual spreadsheet for time and materials.  This is to give an accounting to my financial backers, with whom I’d be sharing this boat, and also for those who are coming behind me for their own estimates.