Glen-L.com

Hello all,
It's been a while since my last posting, quite a while actually.
I have purchased the Waterlodge plans and will be starting soon; after reviewing the plans I came across a question for the group concerning the motorwell/bracket.
Is there any reason on this boat why I couldn't TIG weld the entire assembly out of aluminum tubing, powder coat it and install as stated in the plans (with a resilient marine bedding) and hot dipped galv. bolts? It seems that it would be easier than fabricating out of wood and then having to encapsulate it and apply the 'glas.
Dimensions would remain the same as would the plywood transom clamp.
Just a thought as I have access to quite a bit of aluminum...

Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Don Gilliland

I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. It's done on aluminum pontoon boats all the time so why not?!

There is one thing though. The Waterlodge does not offer enough of a building challenge for its builders to be official full fledged members of this forum. If you build this design that's fine but you'll have to leave and find some other forum to belong to.

YEAH RIGHT. And if you believe that, I've got some ocean front property to sell. We're glad you're a part of this forum Don and if you decide to build this, please keep us all aprised as to the progress. This is really a GREAT, GREAT starter project for the person that wants to just get into boat building. I'd LOVE to see one of our forum members build this design and photo document the build for other potential builders.

_________________
Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

Thanks Dave,
You had me going there for a minute!
Actually this will be my second boat, my first was the Tunnel Mite, my pics and story are on the picture board. That boat was a challenge.

The Waterlodge is much more like home construction and I'm using that angle to get my brother,(who is a contractor), and my son involved with it. Should be a great plan. I'm sure I'll have many more questions for the group as I proceed.

Thanks, Don

My wife gets mad at me because she says folks don't understand my sense of humor. I probably should cool it a little.

Anyway, up until you started this thread, I hadn't taken the time to really look at the Waterlodge. You know, it's really a neat, neat idea. I can see where there would be a world of uses for it.

As moderator, anytime someone asks about a design I'm not familiar with, I immediately open a new window and go study that design. That has really opened my eyes to all kinds of possibilities in the world of boat building.

_________________
Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

Dave, you cool your sense of humor & I'll stop Debbie from giving you anymore guitar lessons!!!

Don,
I don't see any reason not to build the bracket out of aluminum.You could also make it full width like some commercial ones & incorporate a swim platform & folding ladder off to the sides with a nice non-skid deck

_________________
Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream

That's a great idea upspirate, I didn't think of that!!!
I would assume that I would have to "beef-up" the structural members to hold the extra weight and forces however. Can anyone share their thoughts on this?

Don

As long as you connect it to the stringers with bolts you will be o.k.

Tikimon
http://retrosurflounge.blogspot.com/