sail to powerboat conversion project

I am new to the board, and as introduction I present my latest project for your assessment.
It all begins after I picked up this 'free boat' from Craigs List.
This sailboat hull is fiberglass only. Although there may be a small block of wood in the floor encased in fiberglass for a mast footing.
length= 12'0' beam= 5'4"
My dream is to convert the sailboat into a duck hunting/sneakbox.
First by removinng the daggerboard slot, beefing up the transom to accept an outboard motor and adding support up the spine of the hull from the transom forward for rigidity considering power from the transom. Oarlocks also needed.
Inside the cockpit (42"x70") I think I want to cut out the side walls to accomodate under gunnel gun racks, ammunition/gear shelves, and interior 12v rope lighting under both gunnels.
The floor will be raised, and 12v auto bilge added.
Forward the cockpit is a permanent fiberglass bulkhead. I need to access beneath the bow for needed storage, somehow this bulkhead has to be partially removed.
The bow decking, I want to transform into a large removable/lockable hatch cover which is strong enough to support a man walking accross it.

http://www.boatdesign.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5932/size/big/limit/recent

http://www.boatdesign.net/gallery/data/500/medium/sailboat_005image1.jpg

http://www.boatdesign.net/gallery/data/500/medium/sailboat_004image.jpg

http://www.boatdesign.net/gallery/data/500/medium/sailboat_001image.jpg

http://www.boatdesign.net/gallery/data/500/medium/sailboat_003image.jpg

http://www.boatdesign.net/gallery/data/500/medium/sailboat_002image.jpg

Any input to any of my plans are appreciated as I am not a craftsman of any sort, limited on construction knowledge, materials knowledge, and have limited tool selection.
I have a dream, will keep a pictoral trail, and will enjoy this project.

 

too much work for me. a sail boats hull does not lend itself to anything more than minimal power. My suggestion is to look for a power boat that needs tlc and work up from there.

 

That little sailboat looks like it may be able to plane, but I would keep in mind, you could easily over power her, in an effort to get more speed. You will be testing her stability at speeds over 8 MPH without adding some directional stability features like a skeg. She would make a fine duck boat if you keep her speed reasonable. A 5 HP outboard will be more then enough to test your nerves at wide open throttle. Cut the dagger board case off and plug the slot. A 5 HP will not require much reinforcement of the transom, but a piece of 1/2" ply, glued and screwed to the current one will be helpful. Maybe you can install a couple of knees to tie the transom to the bottom, but you do not need to get crazy about the reinforcement, it is only 5 HP. Put a camo paint job on her and have fun. When you do crack wide open throttle and she starts yawing and rolling, back off, unless you like to swim a lot, while you fish your gear out of the drink.

 

Someone as gutsy (or foolish) as I am only I am starting with a Sol Cat 18. I have a fair amount of building knowledge from the aerospace industry and have done fiberglass fab and repair, nautical knowledge is nonexistant so I probably have as many questions as you. I do know someone that has done my project tho on a smaller scale and with trolling motor for propulsion. Nothing against him but I hope I can make mine more aesthetically pleasing so it looks something more like a boat. Ideas I have but guidance is what I am also lacking and could sure use a real designer to lend some assistance.
GL to both of us,
GB
His, (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=230100176793&rd=1,1)
Mine, (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=220088754696&rd=1,1)

 

My original thought but refurbishment (tlc is not enough) runs into more money from the people I talked to before I stepped into this. When you get the "project" base at a price that makes the project doable there is too much to do to get to useable. For what LongWinded is doing he has a lot less ahead of him that I so he may have the easier road.
GB

 

Sailboat Conversion

:?:
Just curious, what do you really need the rope light for? Most places you cannot hunt till post sunrise so you lost me with that. As a duck boat why not just build a seat (glass over foam pattern) then put your shell/lunch storage between your legs? You (assumption) are going to have camo canvas of some kind so some things could be stored on the front deck.
If the weather is bad enough that you are taking on water then do you wanna really be out there (nix the bilge pump)?
Doubt that boat is really going to be stable enough to stand and walk on the fore deck so why not build a smaller hatch that you can open and access from the pit?
Any cutting you (don't remove all of the panel) can be reinforced to maintain strength. Avoid any square holes and make ovals or at a minimum radius all corners to avoid stress at those points.
Why raise the floor; mold your seat into the floor deck and into the rear deck giving added support to transom.
Not trying to redesign your idea but the more you do the more that can cause problems. If it really is not a necessity don't get carried away. Duck boats are fairly sparten unless your start with a real flat bottom boat.
GB

PS
Take a look at this; (http://boatplans-online.com/proddetail.php?prod=HK15).