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Sometimes the hardest part of building a boat is actually deciding which one to build. After 60 years in the business of providing plans and patterns for the amateur boat builder, Glen-L does have quite a selection. In fact, we have over 300 different models to choose from.

Another component to the decision  is how much it will cost and how long it will take. We have a listing of these figures that was compiled from feedback from our builders on our website here.

I thought it would be fun to put together a list of the top 5 best selling Glen-L designs along with the items you can purchase from us plus an approximate cost and time to build. All of the cost and time to build figures were taken from the listing on our website, so please keep in mind that they are pretty broad. And, you may be able to spend a lot less on your build or you may want to up the ante a bit to get exactly what you want! All prices are in US funds.

Squirt built by Rich Stabler

#1 – Squirt – a 10′ outboard runabout
Plans & Patterns = $60.00
Bronze Fastenings = $96.99
*Fiberglass Covering Kit = $262.14
Poxy Grip Glue for assembly – 1 qt = $41.35
Total investment with Glen-L = $460.48 (plus shipping)
* Fiberglassing is an option (but recommended) and won’t be needed until the hull is completed–we also have a System Three version of this kit.

You’ll need to get: Wood, motor, steering & wheel, deck hardware, paint, etc.
Total approximate cost to build (includes above Glen-L items): $3,000 – $7,000
Approximate time to build: 300 – 1,000 hours

Zip built by Ted Gauthier

#2 Zip – a 14′ classic runabout

Plans & Patterns = $108.00
Bronze Fastening Kit = $149.35
*Fiberglass Kit = $464.20
Poxy Grip glue for assembly – 1/2 gal. = $71.75
Total investment with Glen-L = $793.30 (plus shipping)
* Fiberglassing is an option (but recommended) and won’t be needed until the hull is completed–we also have a System Three version of this kit.

You’ll need to get: Wood, motor, steering & wheel, deck hardware, paint etc.
Total approximate cost to build (includes above Glen-L items): $900 – $11,500
Approximate time to build: 340 – 500 hours

Barrelback built by Gary Schoenfeldt

#3 Barrelback – a 19′ or 20′ classic inboard runabout

Plans & Patterns = $232.00
Bronze Fastening Kit = $679.97
*Fiberglass Kit = $625.54
**Poxy Grip glue for assembly – 3 gal. = $327.45
Underwater Hardware – $1,950 (approximate)
Total investment with Glen-L = $3814.96 (plus shipping)

* Fiberglassing is an option (but recommended) and won’t be needed until the hull is completed–we also have a System Three version of this kit.
**This is a VERY rough estimate because this boat is cold-molded with strips of wood and several layers 🙂

You’ll need to get: Wood, motor & underwater hardware, steering & wheel, deck hardware, gauges, coatings, etc.
Total approximate cost to build (includes above Glen-L items): $20,000 – $40,000
Approximate time to build: 1200+ hours

Malahini built by Jeff Hovis & Don Witherspoon

#4 Malahini – a 16′ classic outboard runabout

Plans & Patterns = $120.00
Bronze Fastening Kit = $425.94
*Fiberglass Kit = $535.00
Poxy Grip glue for assembly – 1 gal. = $109.15
Total investment with Glen-L = $1190.09 (plus shipping)

* Fiberglassing is an option (but recommended) and won’t be needed until the hull is completed–we also have a System Three version of this kit.

You’ll need to get: Wood, motor, steering & wheel, deck hardware, paint etc.
Total approximate cost to build (includes above Glen-L items): $900 – $11,500
Approximate time to build: 400 – 600 hours

Tubby Tug built by Doug Wade

#5 Tubby Tug – 9′ Tugboat for kids of all ages

Plans & Patterns = $82.00
*Stitch & Glue Kit A = $170.06
**Fiberglass Kit = $185.33
Total investment with Glen-L = $437.39 (plus shipping)

*Kit B is needed if you don’t fiberglass and is $268.95
**Fiberglassing is an option (but recommended) and won’t be needed until the hull is completed.

You’ll need to get: Wood, motor, steering & wheel, deck hardware, paint etc.
Total approximate cost to build (includes above Glen-L items): $2,000 – $2,500
Approximate time to build: 100 – 200 hours

I came across some comments on cost & time to build that may help you in your decision making:

“The money outlay is spread out over time. My other boat is a 25′ Trophy and I cannot recall ever being complimented on that boat–it’s just another boat!” – John Loken, Malahini builder

“Discounting the value of time, I could have bought a decent classic mahogany runabout or a nice, nearly new 17/18-foot fiberglass bowrider for about the same money, but preferred building over restoring and liked having everything brand new. I always thought building it was exciting, entertaining fun and never work, so if I charge for the entertainment I had, maybe the boat was free??? Plus the many, nice compliments I get are priceless.” – George Redden, Malahini builder

“My time was well in excess of 400 hours but this is a guess because I did not record time and each and every hour was a pleasure.” – Doug Wade, Tubby Tug builder