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MyBoatPlans reviews are everywhere online, but many of them read like sales pages. If you are searching for MyBoatPlans reviews, you are probably wondering whether this collection is legit, safe, and worth $47. MyBoatPlans is a digital library of 518 boat plans, sold with video lessons, a design program, and several guides. This MyBoatPlans review covers the plan categories, the bonuses, the price, and the 60-day refund. It also explains the complaints some boat builders have raised. Finally, it shows what plans can and cannot do, because a plan alone never makes a boat seaworthy.
Brand Highlights
Editorial Rating: 2.4 / 5.0
MyBoatPlans scores below average because the offer is cheap and refundable. However, the seller’s credibility and the origin of the plans remain open questions.
In these MyBoatPlans reviews, we weigh what we could verify more heavily than what the seller promises. Our score may change if we gain hands-on access to the files or if the seller answers the questions below.
MyBoatPlans Product Box
MyBoatPlans | Price range: $47 one-time for the digital edition
Here are the key facts, based on the official sales page and public community discussion:
- Product Name: MyBoatPlans (sometimes written My Boat Plans), credited to “Martin Reid.”
- Format: Instant digital download, plus a physical DVD and book edition
- Key Features: 518 plans, 40+ videos, boat design software, and three guide books.
- Benefits: Large variety, low one-time cost, and many boat types in one place.
- Typical Use: Hobby building of small boats, from kayaks to cabin cruisers.
- Quality/Design Source: Credited to one builder, although some boat builders dispute the creator’s identity and the plans’ origins.
- Guarantee: 60-day refund promise on the official page.
- Best For: Hobbyists who want low-cost inspiration and will verify any design before building.
- Bottom Line: It is a real download with low financial risk, but treat the plans as unvetted.
Editorial Rating Breakdown
Each score below reflects what we could verify, not what the seller claims:
- Plan Quality & Detail: 2.5/5. The library looks large and organized on paper. However, we could not inspect the files, and builders question how current the designs are.
- Value for Cost: 3.0/5. At $47 with a 60-day refund, the money at risk is small. Still, value depends on whether a plan fits your project.
- Designer/Seller Credibility: 1.5/5. One boat designer alleges the author photo is really his. In addition, we could not verify the creator’s claimed credentials.
- Safety & Build Guidance: 2.5/5. The package includes a regulations guide. Even so, no one has engineered or certified these plans for your specific boat.
What Is MyBoatPlans?
MyBoatPlans is a digital library of boat plans sold at myboatplans.com under the name Martin Reid. The seller says it holds 518 plans for sailboats, rowboats, runabouts, cabin cruisers, and more. In addition, the package includes video lessons, design software, and several guides. A third-party retailer, ClickBank, handles checkout. Keep in mind that MyBoatPlans complements, but does not replace, professional naval architecture, engineering advice, and local boating and registration rules.
Our MyBoatPlans reviews research draws on the official sales page and public boat-building discussions. We did not receive free access or payment from the seller.
MyBoatPlans Customer Reviews: What Are Builders Saying?
Real feedback on MyBoatPlans is hard to find, and honest MyBoatPlans reviews are rarer still. Most pages that rank for MyBoatPlans reviews are affiliate pages, and we even found a template page telling publishers to swap in their own links. Therefore, we leaned on independent boat-building communities for our MyBoatPlans reviews instead.
Testimonials Shown on the Official Page
The official sales page displays several customer testimonials with names and cities. The seller calls them unsolicited, but the page shows no dates, ratings, or proof of purchase, so we could not verify them. We paraphrased each one below. SOURCE LINK: official sales page.
- Frank Holmes, Portland, OR: He praises the author’s guidance on wood selection and key dimensions. He also says the illustrations and photos are easy to follow, and that the collection convinced him he could finish a build.
- Eric Snyder, Oamaru, New Zealand: He calls it a great collection with enough designs for most builders. He says the detailed plans saved him weeks of searching, and he considers the price a bargain.
- Terry Chapman, Miami, FL: He says he is an experienced builder who started a boat in June and had it ready to launch in August. He also calls the author “the real deal” and shares a photo of himself in the finished boat.
- Todd Silva, Stafford, VA: He recommends the guides strongly and says the step-by-step photos make the instructions simple. In his view, nobody should start a boat without reading them first.
- Jacob Dawson, Brighton, United Kingdom: He notes that the designs include traditional methods plus glued plywood and taped-seam plywood. He also lists fishing boats, sailboats, rowboats, and powerboats among the plans.
- Matt Simmons, Compton, CA: He says he has bought many books and plans over the years. He rates this package the most feature-rich of them, and he mentions building a wooden boat with his sons.
The page also embeds two video testimonials, which we could not review in text form. In addition, it claims thousands of satisfied customers and more than 7,500 users. We could not confirm either number.
Common Praise
- Variety: Many boat types sit in one library, so builders can compare designs.
- Low price: The listed cost is a one-time $47, with no subscription stated.
- Instant access: Files download right after purchase, so you can start planning today.
- Video lessons: Beginners may like seeing basic techniques on screen.
Boat builders in public forums raise these concerns:
Common Complaints
- Creator identity: One builder says the author photo and backstory are not genuine.
- Plan origins: Critics claim the plans come from older or free sources.
- Bonus software: A builder alleges the CAD program is free elsewhere.
- Pressure tactics: The page repeats that the price will rise soon, which feels pushy.
Check Price on Official Website
How Does MyBoatPlans Really Work?
MyBoatPlans works as a download-and-build library, a point many MyBoatPlans reviews overlook. You pay once, open a members page, and pick a plan that matches your skills and budget.
3 Key Ways MyBoatPlans Is Designed to Work
The seller describes three main parts:
- A searchable library. First, plans sit in categories with an index for cross-referencing.
- Step-by-step instructions. For example, the seller says plans include cutting patterns, material lists, and photos.
- Learning extras. In addition, videos, software, and guides aim to fill skill gaps.
Note that results depend on your skill, tools, materials, and local conditions. Moreover, a plan that suits one boat does not automatically suit another build.
For example, a 12-foot rowboat and a 22-foot cruiser need very different tools, workspace, and safety checks. As a result, the same library can feel easy to one builder and overwhelming to another. Honest MyBoatPlans reviews should say so plainly.
MyBoatPlans Plan Library: What’s Inside?
The sales page groups its plans into categories. Below, we walk through each one and explain its role in the collection. Because many MyBoatPlans reviews skip this detail, we list the category counts exactly as the seller states them.
1. Sailboats
The page lists 34 sailboat plans, from 10-foot dinghies to a 27.5-foot cruiser. Builders may find small sailboats a gentler start than large ones. This category covers the widest range of sizes in the library.
2. Rowboats, Canoes, and Kayaks
This group has 46 plans, including skiffs, canoes, folding kayaks, and a pedal water bike. These simple craft often suit first-time builders. As a result, this may be the most practical part of the package.
3. Runabout Outboard Boats
The page lists 36 outboard runabouts for fishing, skiing, and racing. Powered boats raise safety questions about horsepower and load. Therefore, builders should confirm limits with a professional before choosing an engine.
4. Paddle Wheel and Inboard Boats
Twenty plans cover pedal-powered boats and inboard runabouts. Inboard designs involve fuel and electrical systems. For that reason, they demand extra care.
5. Cabin Cruisers and Houseboats
The page lists 12 cabin cruisers and 5 houseboats. These are the largest projects in the library. In addition, they carry the highest cost, time, and safety stakes.
6. Hydroplanes, Race, and Novelty Boats
This group includes 19 hydroplanes and race boats plus 9 novelty designs, such as a pontoon boat and an ice yacht. Fast boats need professional review. Novelty designs, on the other hand, may serve mostly as curiosities.
7. Building Methods and Video Lessons
The seller says the plans cover plank-on-frame, stitch-and-glue, and lapstrake building. Stitch-and-glue means stitching plywood panels together, then sealing the seams with epoxy. The package also lists 40+ videos totaling over 10 hours. Because wood and plywood behave differently, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory offers a free reference for builders.
Source Reference: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
8. Design Software and Safety Regulations Guide
The package lists boat design software and a guide on recreational boat rules. The guide may help you learn the basics. However, rules change, so check current federal and state requirements. For example, federal rules say a person who builds a boat for personal use must get a hull identification number from the proper issuing authority.
Source Reference: 33 CFR 181.23, Hull Identification Number Required
Package Summary
The library is broad, yet its category counts add up to only 181 plans, while the page claims 518. The seller does not itemize the rest. Therefore, check the plan you want before you rely on the headline number. SOURCE LINK: official plan list.
Takeaway: A big library offers choice, but only a verified plan makes a safe build.
Potential Benefits of MyBoatPlans
Key Benefits
If the files match the seller’s description, these benefits may apply, and they explain why some MyBoatPlans reviews sound positive:
- Wide variety: Kayaks through cabin cruisers sit in one library.
- Low entry cost: The listed price is a one-time $47.
- Instant access: Digital files let you start planning immediately.
- Learning extras: Videos and guides may help beginners grasp the basics.
- Ongoing additions: The seller says new plans arrive monthly at no cost.
However, the value of any plan depends on your preparation, skill, and materials. The plans themselves are not a guarantee of a finished, seaworthy boat.
In addition, a low price can tempt buyers to skip planning. Therefore, read the full plan, price out the lumber and hardware, and compare the total to a used boat before you cut any wood. Good MyBoatPlans reviews should remind you that materials often cost far more than the plans.
MyBoatPlans Drawbacks & Safety Considerations
The biggest risks are unverified plan quality and an unverified creator, not the $47 price.
3 Key Drawbacks to Consider
These drawbacks matter most to a careful buyer, and promotional MyBoatPlans reviews often skip them:
- Unverified source: Boat builders dispute the creator’s identity, so you cannot easily check who designed a plan.
- Unclear currency: Older designs may not reflect modern flotation, capacity, or powering standards.
- Thin support: The seller promises resources, but we found no proof of hands-on design help.
If instructions are unclear or a design question affects safety, pause the build. Then consult a naval architect, marine surveyor, or experienced builder.
Is MyBoatPlans Safe to Build From?
Buying the files is low risk, but building from them carries real physical risk. Therefore, certain builders should talk to a professional first.
Consider professional input if you fit any of these groups:
- First-time builders who have never read boat plans.
- Anyone planning to carry passengers or children.
- Builders choosing an engine or horsepower rating.
- Anyone unsure about load ratings, local registration, or hull identification rules.
- Builders working with epoxy, resins, or power tools.
Also, wear proper protection when you work with resins and saws. In short, treat every plan as a starting point, not a certified design.
Pros & Cons of MyBoatPlans
Here is a balanced look at what works and what does not. We kept this list short and based it on facts, so it matches the rest of our MyBoatPlans reviews.
Pros
- Low one-time price with a 60-day refund promise.
- Large variety of boat types and sizes.
- Instant digital access, plus a physical edition option.
- Videos and guides for beginners.
Cons
- Disputed creator identity and plan origins.
- Skill level required, since boat building is hard.
- Material and tool costs add up quickly.
- Large time commitment for any real build.
- No professional certification for your specific use.
- Limited hands-on support and repeated urgency messaging.
How to Use MyBoatPlans
Simple Directions
The official site describes a simple path from purchase to build:
- Choose your plan. Pick a boat that fits your skill, budget, and local waters.
- Order online. Buy through the official site to get instant access.
- Download the files. Log in to the members page and save what you need.
- Print and review. Check the materials list, tools, and local registration rules.
- Start small. Watch the videos, then begin building step by step.
MyBoatPlans Price & Offer
The official page lists a one-time price of $47 and says there are no renewals or recurring fees. However, it also shows crossed-out prices of $197 and $167, and we cannot confirm anyone ever paid them.
Current Pricing Packages
Best Value: The digital package, since it includes everything at the lowest listed price.
Buyer Tip: Confirm the final price at checkout and save your receipt in case you request a refund. The site mentions an exit-offer $20 voucher, and countdown-style language does not prove the price will rise.
Check Price on Official Website
MyBoatPlans Where to Buy
The official website is the safest place to buy, because lookalike pages and unauthorized copies exist online. In fact, one forum poster says many MyBoatPlans reviews are feeder pages that point back to the seller. Here are why the official site matters:
- Genuine files: You avoid incomplete or altered copies of the plans.
- Current content: Unofficial copies may skip updates.
- Refund eligibility: The 60-day promise applies to purchases made through the seller.
- Secure payment: The page says checkout uses 256-bit encryption through ClickBank.
Visit the official MyBoatPlans website
Bonus Gifts
The official offer lists five free bonuses with every order. Each one carries a “value” set by the seller, so treat those figures as marketing claims, not market prices.
Bonus #1: 40 Videos on Boat Building Lessons (Value $79)
This bonus has 40+ step-by-step videos totaling over 10 hours. Listed topics include the narrated build process, a simple canoe and sailboat, a fishing boat, forms and rivets, plywood skins, working with different materials, and boat repair. The seller also says it plans to sell the videos separately at $29.95 each, which we cannot verify.
Bonus #2: 3D Boat Design Software, CAD Design for Boats (Value $49)
This bonus is a CAD program for modifying a plan or creating a custom design. The seller lists templates, tutorials, a multi-PC license, and free updates. However, one builder alleges this software is free elsewhere, and we could not confirm which program ships in the package.
Bonus #3: Complete Boat Builder’s Guide, over 600 Pages (Value $39.95)
This illustrated guidebook covers how to build or refurbish hulls, decks, and superstructures. It also lists corrosion prevention, building from plans or precut kits, and the tools wooden boat building needs.
Bonus #4: Boat Building Secrets from Professional Builders (Value $59.95)
The seller describes this as a set of more than 16 books with tips and techniques for beginners and experienced builders. It claims to cover essential skills across different building materials. We could not review the books, so the quality remains unverified.
Bonus #5: Boat Safety Regulations Guide (Value $24.95)
This guide has three parts: regulations, boating safety circulars, and consumer fact sheets. Its compliance topics include electrical systems, fuel systems, ventilation, safe loading and capacity display, and flotation. It may help you learn the basics. However, rules change, so check the current federal and state requirements.
In our MyBoatPlans reviews math, the five bonuses carry $252.85 in claimed value. Notably, the page says “4 bonuses worth $252.85” and also lists a $397 total value, so its own numbers do not match. The page also says the bonuses are time limited, and we found no proof of a real deadline.
MyBoatPlans Money-Back Guarantee
The seller promises a full refund if you contact support within 60 days of your order. It also says you may keep the bonuses. To start a request, use the contact page on the official site, or contact ClickBank, the retailer. Always read the current terms before you buy, because policies can change.
In practice, refund promises work best when you act early. Therefore, open the files soon after purchase, compare a few plans against your project, and decide within the first few weeks. If the plans do not fit, ask for your money back instead of waiting until the deadline.
Is MyBoatPlans Legit?
Partly: MyBoatPlans is a real, downloadable product, but the creator’s identity and the plans’ originality are disputed.
5 Reasons MyBoatPlans Counts as a Real Product
These points show the product exists and is sold openly:
- Working storefront. A major retailer, ClickBank, processes orders.
- Published refund promise. The 60-day terms appear on the sales page.
- Itemized plan names. The page lists specific boats by name and length.
- One-time payment. The page states there are no recurring fees.
- Contact details. The site lists a contact page and a Wisconsin address.
On the other hand, some details raise doubts. For example, the footer link reads “About Dave,” while the author is “Martin.” Also, the category counts do not reach 518.
Quick Verdict
Legitimate does not mean guaranteed results or a guaranteed seaworthy boat. In short, you will probably receive files and can request a refund. Nevertheless, verify every plan with a qualified professional before you build.
Put differently, the honest answer in most MyBoatPlans reviews should be “real, but unproven.” The product exists, and the refund promise lowers your risk. However, the open questions about authorship and plan quality are exactly why we rate it below average.
Final Verdict: MyBoatPlans Reviews
Our MyBoatPlans reviews research shows a real product with a low price and a clear refund promise. However, boat builders have raised serious questions about the author and the plans’ origins. We could not resolve those questions, and we have not tested the files ourselves.
The main appeal is variety at a low cost. A curious hobbyist can browse hundreds of designs for less than the price of one professional plan set. That appeal fades quickly if the plans prove outdated or incomplete.
Expect realistic results. A plan is a drawing, not a finished boat, and success depends on your skill, tools, and materials. Therefore, start with a small project, and consult a professional for anything that carries passengers or an engine. If you still want to try, use the refund window wisely.
The 60-day refund lowers the risk, so buying is a modest gamble. Even so, boat-building communities offer free advice, and modern designer-supported plans may serve you better for a serious build.
Ready to Try MyBoatPlans?
FAQs about MyBoatPlans
What is MyBoatPlans?
MyBoatPlans is a digital library of boat plans sold online. The seller says it includes 518 plans, videos, software, and guides. A third-party retailer handles checkout.
Is MyBoatPlans legit?
It is a real product that delivers files, and the seller promises a 60-day refund. However, some boat builders dispute the creator’s identity and the plans’ origins. Treat it as unvetted and verify before you build.
Is MyBoatPlans safe?
Buying the files carries little risk, but building a boat does carry risk. No one has certified these plans for your specific use. Therefore, consult a professional, especially for powered boats or passengers.
What are the benefits of MyBoatPlans?
The main benefits are variety, a low one-time price, and instant access. In addition, videos and guides may help beginners. Results still depend on your skill and materials.
What are the drawbacks of MyBoatPlans?
Drawbacks include the disputed creator, unclear plan currency, and limited support. Material and tool costs also add up. Moreover, the pricing page uses repeated urgency language.
How long does a boat build take with MyBoatPlans?
We found no verified timeline. Build time varies with boat size, skill, and available hours. A small kayak takes far less time than a cabin cruiser.
Can MyBoatPlans replace professional design advice?
No. The plans complement, but do not replace, advice from a naval architect or marine surveyor. In addition, they cannot replace local boating and registration rules.
Do I need to register a boat I build from these plans?
Often, yes. Federal rules require a hull identification number for boats built for personal use, and states set their own registration rules. Check with your state boating agency before you launch.
Where can I buy MyBoatPlans, and can I get a refund?
Buy from the official website to protect refund eligibility. The seller promises a full refund within 60 days. Confirm the current terms before you pay.
Who is MyBoatPlans for?
It suits hobbyists who want low-cost design ideas and will verify plans before building. It is a poor fit for builders who need engineered, certified designs. For example, anyone building a passenger boat should seek professional plans.
Disclaimers
Safety & Professional Disclaimer: Boat building involves risk. Plans are provided for informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional engineering, naval architecture, or legal advice.
Results Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Nothing here guarantees a finished, seaworthy, or legally compliant boat.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings and findings in these MyBoatPlans reviews stay independent.