Recent content by IATGC

Okay, so how long do you think it will take to build it? If I have the money to do what needs to be done and I know what needs to get done, I'm not going to fool around. This design is really simple, so I have a really good idea of almost every step of the building process. For cost of living...

You're right, I wouldn't want an open bathtub. I was actually going to build the main cabin on the hull (40.5' x 11.5' x 6.5' interior dimensions) before I dismantled the shelter. It wouldn't exactly be an open bathtub. I am considering maybe adding a smaller cabin (19.5' x 11.5' x 6.5'...

Not sure where I specifically listed 1216 square feet in my updated numbers. The length is 56' without rub rails or "bumpers". Total length with the husky rub rails/bumpers would come to about 58'. The beam is 12' without rub rails. It would come to 12' 6" with rub rails. The hull depth is 3'...

So I satisfied my curiousity/cheapskate nature by looking at lots for sale in Omaha. There seems to be an abundance of 3-4000 sq. ft. lots that are around $5000 total cost. Most of them are within 2 miles of the Missouri river. My monthly mortgage payment after buying one of these lots would be...

That is an important part of the cost that I forgot to factor in. So there's a 15,000 sq. ft. fenced equipment storage/commercial lot in Omaha, Nebraska. It is less than 2 miles from the Missouri river (where I will launch the boat). It is around $750 per month for the whole thing. I think...

While I agree with you on the motors not being enough for a vessel this size, how is the rest wrong? My estimates (cost and weight) were for a bare hull without anything. No engines. No cabin. Nothing. It is a basic barge hull built with fiberglassed MDO and a common lumber frame. I can even...

I know that I made this thread about material choices, but would twin 25hp 4 stroke outboards be enough for this hull? Or should I just go with an inboard diesel around 50hp? I'd rather not sacrifice the ability to go in extremely shallow water, that's why I ask if outboards are feasible

I did a quick weight estimate for the bare hull and got these numbers based on what I have drawn so far: Approx. 6500 lbs for framing Approx. 2100lbs for 3/4 MDO hull sheathing Approx. 850lbs for 1/2 plywood used for decks (includes interior flooring) Approx. 250 lbs for enough fiberglass...

I would like to upload photos of what I have drawn so far to give everyone a better understanding of this design. My mobile phone isn't allowing me to upload anything. I don't have a PC or laptop. I don't have a drafting table. I'm drawing this with an engineer's ruler and a large sheet of 1/8"...

You're right, that's a very good point. It would be much stronger and simpler to build/design a monohull, not to mention the extra carrying capacity. I had actually decided to start sketching a monohull design before you posted that ironically. Are you familiar with a little houseboat design...

Again, thanks for all your help. You have given very good advice and you make some very good points. I would surely go with aluminum if I wasn't trying to build on such a low budget. I'm only 21 years old so my pockets aren't very deep yet. When I finally end up with an aluminum boat I will...

I'm curious, why do plywood/fiberglass houseboats have such a bad reputation? Are people just lazy and they don't take proper care of their vessels? Are these vessels designed poorly without proper ventilation? Do they not treat the wood with rot prevention chemicals? Resale value aside...

Thank you all for your advice. It is all very useful information. I will definitely strongly consider all options presented before I decide on something specific. Andre Turcotte with Build a Boat Pontoons emailed me back regarding the 56' pontoons. They are rather expensive as I had guessed. I...

Thanks again. You seem very knowledgeable. I don't really have much experience with vacuum formed fiberglass, or fiberglass on PVC foam. I'd prefer to stick to stuff that I'm familiar with. I can learn quickly but I think that method would also get expensive quickly. If this aluminum pontoon...

Thanks for your reply. I've been looking at aluminum as an option and it seems really pricey. I actually had already visited that website you provided a link to before I posted this thread. I don't think they make pontoons large enough to fit my requirements. Also I would prefer to build this...