My first boat

Ok nothing fancy, but this is my first 8' boat. I am going to do another with some more improvements and with marine grade ply.

Can't seem to upload image here using ipad, so added link from Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...1781575797400.52069.1779613288&type=1&theater

 

Looks fine for a first boat. It appears that you have done a good building job.

The pictures do not show the essential details of the design. It appears to be a mini Jon boat. The cut out on the transom implies that you will use a small outboard. The transom needs to have a slope of about 14 degrees (a bevel of 0ne on four) to accommodate the outboard. Can't tell if you have given it the needed slope. All is not lost if if the transom is plumb. You can fix it by adding a wedge shaped bit of wood .

What is the main intended purpose of the boat? Fishing, rowing, or ....?

 

Fishing and cruising. Not sure what you mean about the 14 degrees? Are you referring to the sides of the boat or the transom tilting backwards?

 

The transom tilting backwards. All outboards are built with brackets tilted to 14 degrees

 

We'll shoot, see I sure learn a lot from you guys. Ok next built transom must be tilted 14* backwards. . Dumb question, but can I ask why they are tilted?

 

I actually don't know. It became the standard many decades ago. Motors from the 30's are already setup like that.

 

It allows the motor to tilt (trim) and tuck in tighter to the hull if the top of the transom is overhanging the bottom.

 

Thanks for the info. Will make sure to add that to my next attempt. Working my way up to doing a tugboat, and giving these away as I do them.

 

Btw I love your little mini chugger boat Steve. Nice to see a cool variation to the same old same old boat designs. . Might try my hand at that one if you do not mind me using your idea?

 

Generally the small outboards - 2-3 Hp suitable for this pram type craft have adjustment to allow for mounting on a vertical transom. So I would not get too concerned about the 14 degree angle seen on larger craft.
However, it would be beneficial to have a 'packer' maybe a slung over the stern piece (two pieces connected by two ropes) which act as a protective pad and thickener for the outboard mount bracket. If you look at other mounts you will often see aluminium plates or semi sacrificial plywood pads used in this application. When mounting a motor, the screw downs will leave marks. Don't forget to put a thether on too, just in case you drop the motor in the water accidentally, or hit something that knocks it off.

 

Do you have a photo I could peek at to see what you mean about "two pieces connect by ropes". I wondered that myself how to take on and off motor without beating up my transom wood. Just don't work with metal at all so no clue where to even get and cut that material.

 

Below is a very rough picture of a protective pad, that acts as a reinforcement and packer for mounting small outboards. The ropes should be knotted and the knots sunk in the counterbores. Although it is shown as solid, usually dense plywood is used for this type of application. It will protect and support the transoms of small dinghies and other light craft reasonably well. Make sure the faces that contact the transom are sanded nice and smooth. It may of course be varnished/painted but ensure no dirt spots on the contacting faces to the transom.

 

Its a standard to allow for safe turning.

Ever wonder why motor boats 'bank' into a turn like a plane ?

Its because when the motor is turned on an angled axis, the propeller also gets trimmed up slightly, to force the inner side of the boat down, and consequently the outer side of the hull up,

 

rwatson: the angle of the pivot is not dependent on the transom. The bracket can be manufactured to any angle.

 

Thanks guy for the info, such a cool helpful group. I promise in a year my skill level will be up to par, and I will be creating some cool unique boats.