The Impulse was originally designed as DIY boat to be constructed by the average handyman. In essence not much has changed in its 30 odd years of existence. Today some of the materials have become more exotic, but a new Impulse is not beyond the skills of the average sailor and handyman.

A basic Impulse can be built from from 4mm marine ply with a small amount of solid timber utilising the stitch and glue method. Five sheets of 2400x1200mm plywood are sufficient for the task. If you desire to be a little more advanced an Impulse can have closed cell foam laminated to its ply floor, or if you are experienced it is quite possible and legal to home build an Impulse completely out of closed cell foam sheathed in fiberglass. A well built Impulse will be equally competitive no matter what the construction material used; it is really  the builder's skill and experience level that dictates the chosen construction method.

The Australian Impulse Association will provide all necessary documentation to build a  plywood boat using the stitch and glue method. This includes full size paper templates, complete building and rigging instructions, as well as a sail number for your "new flyer" and a measuring service when it is finished. Build your own boat, it is a very satisfying way to go sailing! There are quite a few experienced Impulse builders in your state who are more than happy to assist you throughout your building project if you need any guidance. There are various commercial builders which include Tim Wilson in Victoria.

Contact the Australian Impulse Association Registrar, Mike Howell, on 03 9878 4363, or mandelhowell@optusnet.com.au to begin your new boat building project. You can also download the Class Rules here (3.4Mb File). You should also check out the profile on the D2 sail.

Traditional construction, stitch and glue featuring plywood and timber battens			Composite construction, plywood with laminated closed cell foam
Complete closed cell foam and fiberglass construction
					543 ready for the decks to be installed. This boat was built in the composite manner.
	The finished product. Three weeks after being launched 543 sailed into fourth place at the Victorian Championships at Safety Beach Yacht Club, 2005. & 2nd at the Victorian Championships, 2006. Royal Yacht Club of Victoria

You can also check out www.mccran.org for some great information on building an Impulse.