yeat another "what do i build" question

[emory70]

i just ordered a couple of books from the site to get my research started for my first boat build. i discovered this site over 10 years ago, and just now finally committing to getting started. i have a few boats in mind, including the tubby tug, picklefork, flying saucer, tnt...

my concern is that im 5'11" and close to 250lbs. i have read threads about what different boats can carry, but i'm thinking about how much the boat will lean with my big behind sitting off to one side. my dad has a 19' aluminum boat, and although i'm not a lot bigger than him, i can lean the boat to port by sitting up against the side of the boat. so as much as i adore the squirt, i'm afraid i'd flip it.

so i'm starting to think about a boat like the tubby tug that i can set of for center steer, or the pickle or tunnel mite. i'm pretty sure i'mm really pushing the weight envelope with the faster boats. so does that leave me with the tubby tug?

emory

[vupilot]

Why cant you set up a Squirt for center seating and steering?

[BORD]

Check out the Bingo. It's only a little bigger and it's center steer.

Oh, and good luck on your first build. I'm about to start my first build too.

[Iggy]

Hi and welcome! Glad to see another new builder starting off with the same questions I was asking a mere 3 years ago.

Have you looked at the Tuffy yet? I really love the lines of the hull and even big guys like us can fit in it comfy (and safe) with a 13' length and a generous 6' beam.



https://www.boatdesigns.com/13-Tuffy-ru ... ducts/367/

The cost increase in materials won't be all that much (in terms of wood), what might tip the scale is the outboard, but you might be able to source a good deal in the time you have to build it.

[Retroman]

when I am alone in my Flying Saucer, I just slide over on the bench seat, and sit in the middle.

[Bill CNC]

Hello and welcome,

Your asking from one end of the spectrum, to the other, A tug to a tunnel.

I have a couple of questions;

1). What are you looking to get out of the boat?
2). Are you looking for just something to make, something to put around in or something to fly in?
3). Do you mind if your always the only occupant, or do you want others to have a chance to join you?


Bill

[emory70]

someone sees how scatterbrained i am... bravo!

i've been around the pond enough to know that a boat only does one thing well. i like to do two things in a boat:
1) poke
2) go fast

seriously, i'm just looking to build something. this will be a primer for my next boat, something larger. i know i'll be riding solo in this first boat most of the time. most of what i will do with whatever i build will be in rivers or creeks. i'm also thinking it would be fun to build a hydro or tunnel to entice a friend or two to join me

[BORD]

If solo is the gig for this boat then I vote Super Spartan.

[pamelalynne1]

I have built the Squirt as a jet and now am finishing the Stiletto. I built the Squirt first to see if I could do it. It has a 550 Kawasaki motor and pump and does a little over 30 MPH. Let's just say I'm a pretty big girl and I don't have any problem with it. Even with my weight to one side it takes turns well and is a safe boat. I do shift my weight toward center when alone . It rides smoothly throughout the throttle range and you can poke, cruise or "fly" with the same degree of comfort. It is designed for protected waters, so keep that in mind.
My cost to build the Squirt came to $3235 including the motor and pump which cost $250. I could have spent less if I had not used mahogany for my stringers, sheers and chines. Or more if I wanted to double plank the deck with mahogany and go for new controls, motor, etc.
I currently have $3137 in the Stiletto and will have another $500 or so in a used Johnson 85 HP including the controls. Another $200 should finish the steering. The total should be around $3800 or a little more. A brand new motor would have brought the price to about $10,000.
The TNT, Tuffy and Stiletto are all similar style boats. The Stiletto is TNT's big brother.

[Bill CNC]

Emory,

If the build is primarily solo and just to cut your building teeth on, ... Yea, I would go with something that would be inexpensive, fast, and easy to build. Also, ... try to pick something that would allow you to use the same engine for your second build. Motors are not cheap, ... well for most of us at least, ...

Bill

[Iggy]

A question might be.... do you already have a motor to work with?

I like the TNT also. Looks good all painted, room for 2 but and still a good 5' beam.

[emory70]

dad had a 4hp merc in his garage that i could pry out of his hands for a tubby tug, but i don't want to base a boat project around an available motor.

after watching a few you tube videos last night, i'm starting to lean heavily towards the tunnel mite. i adore the super spartan, but i'm a bit big for it, and the need for calm water makes me nervous. the tunnel mite seems to handle small chop wonderfully.

the next question is... can i make it comfy to ride in?

[upspirate]

Comfy is relevant and in the eyes (or butt) of the beholder.

I've seen some raise the dash to give leg room under it, and use a small yard tractor seat for light-weight,cheap, fairly comfortable seating

[emory70]

yeah, i know. comfy is a VERY relative term. i rode a suzuki gz 250 to north carolina and back last year.

the things you mention are exactly what i have in mind.

[Bill CNC]

Emory,

A Tunnel Mite would be a PERFECT choice!

Bill