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To make this project easier, you can have your timber pre-cut to size at your local Bunnings. Here's our cut list.
Cut the 200mm x 50mm treated pine sleepers to the following lengths:
Cut the 140mm x 19mm Merbau decking boards to the following lengths:
To make the basic shape of the pirate ship, lay down the 2 x 1800mm lengths for the sides. These are joined by a plank 1200mm long at the back. Next, inside the 1800mm lengths and flush with the open ends at the front, bolt an 1100mm length across.
To make the front of the ship, called the bow, cut a 22.5-degree angle at one end of all six bow lengths and the two short 160mm bow side bits. The 840mm and the 800mm lengths are the double-storied outside lengths and the 785mm and 720mm are the inside lengths that the bow floor will eventually be fitted to. Bolt the bottom storey of the bow together with bugle screws. A good tip is to countersink all of the screws on this project so that kids won't scratch themselves.
To build the back of the ship, called the stern, start by bolting 2 x 350mm joists into position with bugle screws. Then bolt an 1100mm length to the front of these to create a rectangle. This is the rear board of the sandpit. Now bolt the remaining 350mm joist in position in the centre of the 1100mm and through the back of the stern.
With the basic frame built, it's time to add the second storey to the bow and the second and third storeys to the stern using the remaining 600mm and 1200mm lengths. When attaching the wood to the timber below, drill the batten screws in on an angle to make it secure.
With the boat frame built, it's time to measure the bow area and poop deck for the decking. Transfer these measurements onto the decking timber and cut to size. All but one length of the decking for the bow will need mitre cuts.
Lay the decking in place, and then pre-drill the holes with the countersink drill bit. This will give you a smooth finish as the screws will sit within the timber. Screw all of the decking boards down.
Now it's time to give the boat a pirate feel. For the wheel, take the 300mm length of timber and cut the corners off one of the ends. Bolt this to the inside of the deck wall and fix the steering wheel to it. Bolt a 500mm length to the front at right angles, to make a mount for the telescope and screw the scope in position. Again, cut off the sharp corners. Lastly bolt the 500mm length to the centre of the front and cut off all the corners. You should also cut a 90mm circular hole for the bamboo foremast.
Line the bottom of the sandpit with plastic to stop weeds growing through. Pour the bags of sand into the sandpit.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
