Which wooden boat should I build?

Discussion in 'Powerboats' started by boatboy123, Mar 4, 2025.

  1. boatboy123
    Joined: Mar 2025
    Posts: 8
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Orlando

    boatboy123 Junior Member

    I think I want to build a boat, as I can't find anything for sale in the price/size range that I'm targeting. My ideal boat is a small aluminum jet boat for 2 people, but the kits are quite expensive and I am much more comfortable with woodworking than welding.

    I am leaning towards the 10' squirt in the interest of garage space, but I think I can handle up to 12' of boat. Whatever I build, I am planning on a jet ski motor. The dyno jet obviously is designed for that, but I have seen several Squirts with jets and I think I am comfortable enough with my abilities to modify any boat to work (though I do not know what I will need to consider in terms of mounting and reinforcement to make it happen yet). I plan mostly on tooling around the local lakes, sometimes without passenger, and maybe some light fishing. I see in the Bullet description it is possible to pull a skier, which also peaked my interest, not sure if there's anything in particular about this boat that makes it possible that the others do not have, or if I might be better modifying another design to make it possible.

    I am looking at all of these from Glen L:

    Dyno Jet https://www.glen-l.com/11-Dyno-Jet-runabout-for-jet/products/212/
    Tiny Might https://www.glen-l.com/12-Tiny-Might-rear-cockpit-speedster/products/262/
    TNT https://www.glen-l.com/11-TNT-runabout/products/365/
    Flying Saucer https://www.glen-l.com/12-Flying-Saucer-twin-cockpit-runabout/products/324/
    Dyno Mite https://www.glen-l.com/11-Dyno-Mite-SG-deep-vee-runabout/products/320/
    Squirt https://www.glen-l.com/10-Squirt-runabout/products/360/
    Bullet https://www.glen-l.com/Bullet/products/727/

    I suspect I will probably be happy with any of them, but I am not a boat person and wanted to know if there are any things to consider which I may not have thought about before I pick. Thanks!
     
  2. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
    Posts: 7,739
    Likes: 841, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 300
    Location: Spain

    TANSL Senior Member

    Some time ago I designed this boat, a classic 5 m long runabout with waterjet propulsion. I also prepared the information for the builder to assemble the entire frame structure and elements to cover the hull and deck using strip planking. Perhaps you might be interested. If so, please send me a pm.
    Vistas 3D.jpg
     
  3. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 17,545
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    I think most of those boats have little initial stability, which is something to look for when fishing. Also, if you are using a jetski motor and jet drive, the bottom needs a flat surface to mount it, and none of those designs will accomodate it. Further, the designs consider the weight of the outboard. An inboard motor and drive will make them nose heavy.
     

  4. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
    Posts: 7,739
    Likes: 841, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 300
    Location: Spain

    TANSL Senior Member

    I can't think of any reason why that wouldn't happen.
    Why? The designer will create a hull that prevents that. In this case, and in all other boats that can be designed, one of the things the designer must achieve is that the boat, when at rest, floats with zero trim.
     
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