We have all dreamed of building our own sailboat and sailing off to explore the world. Ken and Carol Gillstrom from Midland, Ontario actually carried through and built a beautiful 45 foot aluminum sailboat in their backyard over a period of 14 years. You can read about their build process from their online discussion and browse through the build photos.

Source : Online Discussion
Photos : Photo Gallery

Here are some highlights from the Question/Answer:

• Designer Ted Brewer, #218 “The Dolphin”
• Total Build Cost: approx $300,000 CDN
• $40,000 of Aluminum
• Total weight 36,000 lbs
• Keel weight 16,000 lbs consisting of 280 lead bars weighing 60 lbs each
• Total Build time : approx 5-6000 hours
• Insurance appraisal for : $600,000
• MIG welded with Argon shielding gas

Ken Gillstrom is also an Advanced CYA Sailing Instructor that now teaches sailing and gives boat building and cruising clinics. You can find out more at voyageursailing.com