Buying an Explorer

Self-build projects are quite feasible with a plywood single-chine hull. However there is a lot more to Explorer than a dinghy, including the cabin, hatch, lockers and heavier construction, particularly the load-bearing keel case. Therefore material costs and build time will be considerably greater. But you end up with a small yacht!

Precision in construction

It should be noted that some parts of the Explorer such as the keel case must be built with a certain level of precision, in order for the keel to operate smoothly. Therefore the self-builder should be prepared to undertake fairly accurate work in some areas of construction. This could be by having some experience in carpentry, or by having the patience to take their time in getting the important bits right. If neither experience nor patience and time are available, it may be better to purchase a completed hull, and conduct the fitting out of the vessel.

Purchasing spars and sails

Construction plans give instructions on how to make the hollow Douglas-Fir mast and boom, or they can be purchased from Mitchell Yachts. A set of cruising-grade sails comprising slab-reefing main and roller-reefing genoa with uv strip are also available.

Purchasing the Swing Bulb Keel assembly

Stainless steel fabrication is sufficiently complex that the self-builder is recommended to purchase the Swing Bulb Keel from Mitchell Yachts. This is fabricated by Irons Brothers - World-class yacht keels and castings - in 316-L marine-grade stainless steel, and comes complete with shafts, lead bulb, pins, bushes, and retraction-wire rollers.

Self-build prices

Price list for self-build

	£ Sterling
Study Plans	25
Construction Plans	175
Complete Swing Bulb Keel assembly	1,500
Hollow Douglas-Fir Mast and Boom	475
Mainsail and Genoa	975

Material costs

The material costs of building the Explorer using brand-new components can roughly be estimated:

Material costs

	£ Sterling
Marine Ply and Douglas-Fir	1,250
Rigging and Fittings (including roller reefing system)	1,000
Paint, Glue and Fixings	750

These costs can be reduced by purchasing fittings second hand or from boat jumbles etc. and also depend on the level of finish desired.

Kit-form

Mitchell Yachts intends to make the Explorer available in kit form at a later date. Please register your interest if this is the case.

Partially completed vessels

A good ‘middle way’ between a self-build project and purchasing a completed Explorer is to obtain a bare hull, and conduct the fitting out of the vessel. This reduces the size of the project and also saves considerably on cost. A bare hull comes sheathed in epoxy-glass, with hatch and locker lids and keel bushes installed. A full set of plans is included in the price, to make the rudder, tiller, mast, boom, legs and oars, or these can be purchased. The task then is to fit windows, rigging and deck fittings, and paint and varnish.

Partially completed prices

	£ Sterling
Bare hull with hatches and bushes	5,945
Complete Swing Bulb Keel assembly	1,500
Hollow Douglas-Fir Mast and Boom	475
Mainsail and Genoa	975
Ground-Legs	200
Splitting Oars	300
Rudder	100
Tiller	100
Pintle and Gudgeon assembly	200

Prices

Prices correct at January 2007; not including delivery; no VAT currently applicable. Swing Bulb Keel subject to London Metal Exchange prices.

Ordering study plans

We strongly recommend ordering study plans before plans, to acquaint oneself with the nature of the project.

To order a set of study plans, please make a cheque payable to Mitchell Yachts and send to Mitchell Yachts, Rat’s Castle, Clovelly, Bideford, Devon EX39 5TF, England. Please add £2.00 p&=amp;p in the U.K. (For orders from the EU, please add £4.00 p&p.)

For further information, please contact us here: