How to Build a Firefly Boat

Check with your racing organization to determine whether there are specific building requirements for firefly boats. Select and purchase a set of building plans for a firefly boat. While firefly boats are typically less than 12 feet long, they can vary in width, depth and even design. Plans can be purchased through boat companies and naval architects.

Lay down a polyethylene drop sheet. Polyethylene drop sheets are suitable for this project because polyethylene will not stick to glue.

Put on protective gloves and goggles for safety when working with liquid epoxy.

Join marine-grade plywood sheets to create a single sheet of plywood large enough for the dimensions of the boat. To join the sheets, glue the edges of the plywood together with liquid epoxy. Cover the front and back of the seam with fiberglass tape. Use two clamps to hold the plywood together until the glue dries.

Use the dimensions in your plan to draw out the dimensions to full size on the plywood using a ruler and pencil.

Use the dimensions you drew in Step 5 as a cutting guide. Cut out each piece of the boat with a jigsaw.

Use a 3-millimeter drill bit to drill holes approximately 4 inches apart along the edges of the boat pieces that are to be joined to another piece, according to the plans.

Put the boat pieces together by tightly connecting the holes with plastic cable ties.

Mix liquid epoxy according to the instructions on the bottle. Epoxy provides a protective covering on the plywood and keeps water out of the boat. Once mixed, apply the epoxy to all the joints of the boat first, then apply generously all over the boat. Repeat for extra protection. Let it dry according to the epoxy's instructions.

Apply a marine enamel or epoxy paint to the boat. This not only provides a clean look, it helps seal out moisture. Let it dry according to the paint instructions.