Backyard Boatbuilders is a family owned site dedicated to people who are interested in either building or restoring boats.
We are Sandi & Lee and we have been building and restoring boats since the 1980’s. We started amateur boat building because we wanted a boat and found we had more sweat than dollars!
Since 1980 and working full time we built from scratch 3 houseboats, restored 2 and currently restoring an older Aqua Chalet pontoon houseboat.
We have found that building or restoring a boat is an adventure. Especially a family adventure. Our family helps us with our projects and now they have their own boat projects. Boat building is an awesome way to share common interests.
On this site we have our links where you can purchase items for your project. The proceeds from these sales help us keep this site going and 90% of all commissions go to charity.
West Marine Magazine Article about us
When we were building the SandiLee houseboat we were contacted by West Marine who wanted to interview us.
Here are excerpt from the West Marine Article by John Gregg
Watsonville, Ca.- Just when you think that the world is about to spin off its axis, well, you happen to meet a couple like Lee and Sandi .
At times, world events seem to want to swallow us up, everything seems a little less certain than it once was. However, if you spend any time with this pair, suddenly life becomes a little more reassuring.
Lee is a senior engineer who helps to develop software for large communications firms and his lovely wife, Sandi, is a retired director of a convention service company. Together, and I mean together, they build boats
So we are talking about serious projects here, an endeavor that continues to keep humming along.
The sound of hammers fill the air while laughter flows with ease. It’s true; occasionally someone gets glue stuck in their hair, but progress and funny stories are all part of the adventure.
Lee is the first to point out that Sandi was not only instrumental in the conception of the project, but she has worked side by side with him since day one. They have spent a number of evenings after working on their boats, picnicking on the shores of waterways, enjoying each other’s company, and dreaming about the day they put their boats in the water.
Their children are grown and married, yet they do lend a hand when visiting their folks. Family members have been instrumental, but by and large these have been mostly a two-person project.
We hope you enjoy this site. Our goal is to be a help to you.
We wish you
