help wanted on take apart skiff design

[scubadude12]

I am about to purchase materials and start building the boat from the free plans at this link http://www.motherearthnews.com/menar.../186-054-1.htm

Since this is my first boat, I would welcome some advice and input. First of all, has anyone built this boat or known anyone who has. How well does it function?
I chose this boat because I love to fish, and many times will have to fish alone. I don't have a trailer or hitch on my van, and this would fit nicely in my van and should be easy to handle for one person. My main question is: How stable would this boat be? It seems to me (but what do I know LOL) that it is a little narrow for a flat bottom. Could I widen the hull and would I have to move any of the frames on the jig for the plywood to bend around them okay? Would widening the hull improve this boat or opposite effect? I plan to use my old 5HP outboard with this boat. I don't see any specifications on this boat as to weight, or load capacity. Can someone provide this info? I will be using the outboard, carrying trolling motor, battery, huge tackle box,anchor,cooler, etc. Will this boat handle the weight okay and and be steady enough to fish out of. I plan on doing a lot of crappie and hybrid bass fishing. I can only picture getting lucky and hooking a 40 pound striper and ending up fighting it from under water LOL.
Any input or advise on this project would be greatly appreciated!

[duluthboats]

I skimmed the article and didn’t see any mention of an outboard motor, my advice would be use a good set of oars or stick with the trolling motor. In rough numbers the boat will sink in the water 1 inch for every 90lbs. So add up all the weight, the boat, passengers, gear, everything, and you will know what your draft will be. It should be a fun project and painted up nice it will be an OK row boat for fishing or the kids to play with. But I wouldn’t put a motor on it.

Gary

[duluthboats]

Building boats takes patience, welcome to the forum.

Gary

[scubadude12]

Thanks for the advice, maybe I should look for a different boat to build. It does mention somewhere about him using this boat was the first time he had used a boat motor, but he did not specify what HP. So, If you think it will not handle a 5HP, I guess I should look for something else. Thanks again for the advice.

[scubadude12]

Or maybe I will build it and like you suggested just use the trolling motor. I want to get my first taste of building. I really like the unique quality of it bolting together. Easy for one man to handle without having a trailer. Thanks Gary

[scubadude12]

I still would like to widen this boat for stability while fishing. Do you think it would be okay to widen it, and if I do, what changes do I need to make to the frames on the hull, and by how much would you say I could widen it. Thanks

[duluthboats]

I just got on a different PC and I see its not 104 inches, but 10' 4", so let me redo the numbers. I'll be back.

[duluthboats]

The original hull was more like 140lbs per inch. With this simple plan I don’t see why you couldn’t use the full sheet width on the bottom. Then you’ll have 190lbs per inch. The reason I wouldn’t put a motor on this boat is the joint. There are a few two piece boats around but they have heavy joining hardware. Good luck

Gary

[scubadude12]

Gary,
I thank you for taking the time to provide me the info. Take care

[JR-Shine]

I think I would be a little scared to put an engine on a two piece boat. There are a lot of similar designs out there that are the same size and can handle a small outboard. Good luck.

Joel
Boatbuildercentral.com