Advice on Pontoon (fly fishing flatskiff design)

[Hacklebellyfin]

Hi,

The idea is to build two floaters out of small steel barrel (chemical or oil style).
like :http://www.rahwaysteeldrum.com/new_drum.htm

On that build a platform and poling tower and ice box for seat etc... and mount a longtail motor.

Maybe 15 ft long and 4ft wide.

Would like to use it on lakes and streams.


What should I be aware of ?

What about the draft or what if get stuck in mud?

What about pontoon capsizing in this case?

Shall floaters have sharp pointed bow an stern?


What about sharp pointed stern floaters and motor, poling platform , and a heavy guy at the same place?

What about the center of gravity if a guy on a poling platform and another guy at the bow on a elevated casting platform?

This design is referencing to this kind of boats:
http://www.newwaterboatworks.com/test.htm

Thank you

Originally Posted by Hacklebellyfin

Hi,
Would like to use it on lakes and streams.
What should I be aware of ?

Welcome Hack!
Although both styles are shown in the first picture, I see some minor difference between:
http://www.newwaterboatworks.com/hullpattern.jpg

and:
http://www.rahwaysteeldrum.com/new_drum.htm

is it possible to state more precisely your approach?
Regards
Richard

[messabout]

You can build and use a raft of that sort of course. Ultimately it will be merely a raft. You will get more pleasure and usefulness from a real boat. Real boat does not mean complicated boat. A simple flat bottomed scow will perform better, weigh less, go faster, maneuver better, and will not cost much, if any, more than the steel drum raft. The scow will need considerably less water to float than the drum thing. If you use the dragon tail, Mud Buddy, or similar motor, the thin water issue is moot. If you build a real boat it is still permissable to use your Mark Twain style screen name.

The raft is eminently suitable for a stationary swimming, partying, or mooring structure. Also suitable for floating a young lad and his companion down a muddy river. A poor substitute for a boat however.

[Hacklebellyfin]

or something like a cataraft made of barrels...