My Design Concept with PICS

[ben2go]

Please be kind.I am new to this.I have been researching homebuilt boating and plans.Our lakes are quickly drying up in upstate,SC.Many fishing and ski boats have been running a ground at speed due to unusual currents building up sand bars.I don't need a fast boat or a ski boat.I need a shallow draft recreational boat with the ability to camp 2 adults and 4 kids for a weekend and 2 adults for a week.Here is what I came up with.There's a spec sheet below.This is also my very first time using any design software.I used Google SketchUp.


Flat Water 19

Hull
Length Over All(LOA) 19'4"
Height Over All(HOA) 6'6"
Width Over All(WOA) 6'

Cabin
Length 14'8" including forward birth
Length 11'4" not including forward birth
Height 6' cabin walls can be built taller
Sleeps 4/6 with a canvas cabin encloser on aft deck
Aft deck can be made self baling for fishing.

Draft N/A
Weight N/A
Water Line N/A
Displacement N/A

Estimated Power 10-30HP out board

Useage: Day or weekend cruises with the family on
shallow lakes and rivers.Week long crusies with
the spouse.Shorten cabin and use as a fishing boat.

Building material choosen/off the shelf lumber with
fiberglass and epoxy re-enforcement/hull seathed in
fiberglass cloth/interior and exterior coated with
epoxy for water resistance


These are my ideas and sure to change.Opinions and
advice welcomed.I chose a flat bottom for room and
Our dring up lakes and rivers.We have problems with
bass and ski boats running a ground.I can pull the
motor up and pole my way through the shallows.

[freesail]

wow nice.

What program did you use to draw it?

[ben2go]

Thanks I used Google SketchUp the free educational version.I may get the pro version.Here's the linky. http://sketchup.google.com/ Please watch the tutorials.They really help.

[PAR]

Well, other then the aesthetic considerations she'll likely float, though I'd make the beam (width) 8' for increased stability and decreased draft, especially seeing how top heavy she is. With the modest power you're suggested, top speed will be about 6.5 MPH. 15 to 20 HP will get it done, with some reserve left over to punch through chop.

Of course with that much structure exposed to contrary winds, you'll not want to be out when it's rough, plus the flat bottom scow shape will pound much if driven hard into chop.

I'd also recommend you provide some "crown" to the foredeck area so it can shed water (much like what you've done with the cabintop). Also consider some sort of rub rail, so you can meet docks, pilings etc. without scrapping the whole of the vertical flanks across them.

If building in plywood, 1/2" bottom and 3/8" sides will keep her light (important). If you expect much walking around on the foredeck, then make this 1/2", ditto the cabin roof, but 3/8" will work if you don't plan on being up there very often.

Taped seams over well placed bulkheads and furniture would be my recommendation for structural elements. You could build it conventionally over frames, though it will add considerably to her weight. These frames could be on 16" - 18" centers and 1x3's with 3/8" plywood gussets (both sides) at the corners. Don't be tempted to "over build" thinking it'll be stronger, it probably will not be and the weight penalty is something you pay for, each time you fill the gas tank or get into shallow water.

The transom should be two layers of 3/4" plywood or better if 3 layers of 1/2", especially if you later plan to add more power (1.5" is standard for the outboard clamps).

[kenJ]

Most folks like to be outside when on the water. The aft deck is going to get crowded with 4, especially if you add some chairs. Think you want some more room back there. Nice "out of the box" concept.

[the1much]

Par.,,,wouldnt the bow be better if it was angled less?,,,i had an old home made square bow,,,,man it PLOWED,,hehe ;)

[Chris Ostlind]

Hi Ben,

I like where you are going with your solution. Interesting thinking.

A couple of years ago, I did the design shown below as more or less, a tongue in cheek tribute to Popular Mechanics Magazine and it ran on Duckworks Boatbuilders Magazine www.duckworksmagazine.com A casual glance would show quite a few similarities to your design except my boat has a medium vee hull up front that transitions to a flat run aft and the cabin structure looks like a distorted Art Deco house of sorts.

I was just trying to have a little fun and then something strange happened... I started to get serious queries from the far-flung readers of Duckworks. with most of them asking if a smaller version could be done for the mid-sized American pick-up truck models.

It never went any further than that, but it was sure fun producing the concept and getting mail from all over the place. Here's the direct link to the article. http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/designs/flippin/index.htm

Chris Ostlind

[snowflying]

more research have been done. for example, how about the seakeeping of the ship ? and strength of the stucture of the house

nice idea,

[Manie B]

Hi ben2go

here are plans for what you are looking for

these are tried and tested designs

http://www.bateau.com/products.php?cat=27

this one is close to your design

http://www.bateau.com/studyplans/HB18_study.htm?prod=HB18

enjoy :D

[kach22i]

shallow draft recreational boat with the ability to camp 2 adults and 4 kids for a weekend and 2 adults for a week.

Just so that you know there are other options out there. Hovercraft go on land too.

http://www.amphibiousmarine.com/
http://www.amphibiousmarine.com/BryExp33_800.jpg
http://www.amphibiousmarine.com/db_Cam0002011.jpg
http://www.amphibiousmarine.com/db_Taku11.jpg

Video:
http://www.amphibiousmarine.com/AlaskaPromo.wmv

I do like your boat design.:)

[the1much]

Kach.,,,,,your like a hovercraft drug dealer,,hahaha :D

[kach22i]

Kach.,,,,,your like a hovercraft drug dealer,,hahaha :D
That's my job around here.:D

[Butch .H]

Chris while you been messing around with designs and stuff have you any for a tender to suit a classic yacht mabe in your back poket ???:D Please:)

[chowdan]

Ben2go,

I live in the Fiji islands and have worked on many ships here. I like the design but I think you would be better off if you had more of a rounded bow(if your looking to get the most room on-board) or maybe have it taper down into a medium deep vee then as you go aft it flattens out to be a flat bottom hull as Chris said his design was. I would recommend at least a 25-40hp outboard if you are going to keep the flat head bow. The flat front will be like trying to push a door through the water. I've seen in rough water wooden boats of this similar design just get hammered, and often they call in asking for a tow. Maybe you should look into a catamaran style as another option?

this is just what i think,

Jordan

[ben2go]

I plan to do plywood bulk heads and use built in furniture to help keep the hull strong.I had considered going 8' wide and 24' long for more beam and length for a larger rear deck.My plans had changed to bow the front deck same as the roof.My main objective is a shallow draft for protected waters, low power requirements, and fuel usage.I don't need speed.I just wanna site see,fish and enjoy recreational areas with the family.If our lakes and rivers weren't drying up,I'd go for a V hull type full cabin cruiser.Here's a better side view that shows the slope of the bow better.I am planning to do an interior lay out and see how I can arrange everything to strengthen the hull.I'm trying to gather rough dimensions for everything.I just have to remember light and trailer able.It would be nice to do the Bateau.It's a nice design.When I do my next boat,I wanna be able to cruise the ICWs and Florida keys.If gas is still affordable.I looked into hoover craft and almost built one.I need more than they can handle.Not saying they're not loads of fun.I know they are.Thanks for the comments and suggestions.I will incorporate some of the suggestions mentioned here.Hope to report back soon with more.

[chowdan]

She looks very nice. I can't wait to see what she looks like on the inside and complete!

Will be very interested in how she turns out!

Can't wait.
jordan

[ben2go]

Just wanna give a quick update.I been doodling again and I am close to having another slightly larger.It's 23'4" long by 8' wide.I enlarged the rear deck and arched the front deck to match the roof.I incorporated some of the ideas expressed here.Shouldn't be much longer on getting new design pics. =^)

[chowdan]

Sounds pretty sweet!

As long as you build it the way you want it and it meets your standards, then that is what counts!

can't wait

[ben2go]

Please be kind.I am new to this.I have been researching homebuilt boating and plans.Our lakes are quickly drying up in upstate,SC.Many fishing and ski boats have been running a ground at speed due to unusual currents building up sand bars.I don't need a fast boat or a ski boat.I need a shallow draft recreational boat with the ability to camp 2 adults and 4 kids for a weekend and 2 adults for a week.Here is what I came up with.There's a spec sheet below.This is also my very first time using any design software.I used Google SketchUp.


Flat Water 19

Hull
Length Over All(LOA) 19'4"
Height Over All(HOA) 6'6"
Width Over All(WOA) 6'

Cabin
Length 14'8" including forward birth
Length 11'4" not including forward birth
Height 6' cabin walls can be built taller
Sleeps 4/6 with a canvas cabin encloser on aft deck
Aft deck can be made self baling for fishing.

Draft N/A
Weight N/A
Water Line N/A
Displacement N/A

Estimated Power 10-30HP out board

Useage: Day or weekend cruises with the family on
shallow lakes and rivers.Week long crusies with
the spouse.Shorten cabin and use as a fishing boat.

Building material choosen/off the shelf lumber with
fiberglass and epoxy re-enforcement/hull seathed in
fiberglass cloth/interior and exterior coated with
epoxy for water resistance


These are my ideas and sure to change.Opinions and
advice welcomed.I chose a flat bottom for room and
Our dring up lakes and rivers.We have problems with
bass and ski boats running a ground.I can pull the
motor up and pole my way through the shallows.

Here's some interior shots of the 19'4" by 6' that I originally posted about.I'm still working on the 24'4" by 8' interior.I have thoughts on a longer 8 foot wide model with a central split level but I believe it would be to heavy and tall to trailer.It could be built and kept at a marina unless the builder lived on the water.It could possibly be a live aboard for 2 that wanna boat for a lake or river.Well here's the pics.I have a few more detailed pics.

[chowdan]

Hey Ben,

How is she doing??? have you started construction??? I sure hope you've got her fully built! and is already taken her out!

I want to see photos!!!!! It'd be awesome to see what you've created!

[ben2go]

I forgot all about this post.My computer crashed a few months back and I lost everything.I didn't back up my files to disc,like a dunce.The pc crash required a total reinstall of Vista. I had gotten to the point, that I had laid down a chalk outline of the interior on my drive way.I was reconfiguring things for a little better flow.I haven't given up.Right now I am dealing with health issues and I'm putting things off a little while.I hope to get back on it probably mid summer,if things go right with my health.I don't know if I will build the boat the way I want.I may just build it as a small cabin cruiser with an open cockpit.I'll keep plugging along.

[chowdan]

Oh man! That sort of thing makes you hate computers, but then again, what would it be like if we didn't have them?

And I'm sorry to hear about your health! Hope you get better and can complete this project!

[duluthboats]

Good ideas never go away.
http://www.dngoodchild.com/5806.htm
http://www.dngoodchild.com/5181.htm
http://www.bateau.com/products.php?cat=27

[ben2go]

Oh man! That sort of thing makes you hate computers, but then again, what would it be like if we didn't have them?

And I'm sorry to hear about your health! Hope you get better and can complete this project!

Sometimes I wanna walk away from technology.

Thanks.My health will get better as soon as my insurance company quits being a pain and I can get the tests done.

[ben2go]

Good ideas never go away.
http://www.dngoodchild.com/5806.htm
http://www.dngoodchild.com/5181.htm
http://www.bateau.com/products.php?cat=27

I had also considered these from Beteau.
http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=GT23
http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=GT27
Never saw the others.

I was planning to use a narrowed bow like the GT23 and GT27 in my design.I call that bow a mod V,some call it a scow bow.My framing was going to be different to allow for under floor fuel,water,and wast tanks.The plan was to line them up down the center.Fuel at rear then waste,then water.

[Morro]

The design from bateau.com is very similar to this old design, free plans available:

http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=MechanixIllustrated/BudgetHouseBoat

[chowdan]

Hey Morro.

I think those two boats look pretty good. I think ben should be taking these designs and putting them towards his!

And lets hope your health insurance will get better soon!

[ben2go]

I like those designs but I am building to maximize space.That means dead flat sides and no walk way around the cabin.