In a perfect world, we'd all have workshops with four walls, a ceiling, a concrete floor, ample power and maybe even a fridge for snacks. But there are perfectly functional, lesser alternatives, ranging from the tossed tarp method, to a portable shed, a pole barn or a bow shed.

Many builders wind up renting commercial space to get enough height for their craft. Others work outside, which is not the best option, or use various makeshift covers. You don't necessarily need a building to last 20 years, but you want something to get you through two to three winters until you launch.

POLE BARN

This is a common farmers' solution for equipment storage. Set telephone poles in the ground and then put trusses across between them. Walls are optional, but you can use tarps or other temporary material. Often you can buy used, short poles from a local utility company.

BOW SHED

This a nice solution favored by many cold-climate boat builders. Use lumber to create bows, or curved rafters, that sit on the ground and join at the peak. Covered with plastic, you have a greenhouse-style building for as long as you need it, with sufficient height for most boats. Its shape helps it shed rain and snow well. In the winter, the greenhouse feature is a nice extra; in the summer you'll want to add some ventilation.

PVC PIPE FRAME

This idea is similar in concept to the bow shed but uses some common–and uncommon–PVC plumbing fixtures for the frame instead of wood. It should be quick to assemble, fairly inexpensive and tough. Specialty suppliers provide some fittings that a plumber wouldn't use, such as four-way connections, or you could mix and match normal fittings to achieve similar goals.

Remember that wherever you are going to build, there are zoning laws and covenants to consider. For some people, a temporary building is feasible if they can't put up a permanent structure. Make sure that you know all the rules and regulations that apply to your area.