Cavman138's PolarKraft 1648

cavman138 · Post by **cavman138** » 01 Feb 2010, 00:04

After viewing several different builds on here I started my project. I have a 16' Polarkraft that has a 72" beam. I scored about 110 feet of 1"x2"x1/8" aluminum tubing along with another 10 feet of 2x2x1/8 angle from a scrapyard for very little money. I have started building the front deck. Just been working on it on a couple of weekends and made a little progress. When Its done it will have plenty of storage along with a rod locker, on board charger, livewell-that I got for free, and a few other options. I will try to post some pictures soon to show you guys how its going. I got some great ideas from the guys on here. Won't be long before I finish the metal work on the front deck and move to the back. Rivets have saved my life so far. Can't wait to get started on the plywood work and move on to the final touches with the carpet. Still have a long way to go. First day of spring is the goal to have her on the water. Not sure yet if that is attainable.

RStewart · Post by **RStewart** » 01 Feb 2010, 00:55

Sounds like it will be nice. Cant wait to see some pics.

Bugpac · Post by **Bugpac** » 01 Feb 2010, 00:57

Pictures, Is it a mod v? I have a polar Kraft Mod v, Havent seen a whole lot of them on here yet...

dyeguy1212 · Post by **dyeguy1212** » 01 Feb 2010, 22:10

Rule #1 of Tintboats: Pics or it didn't happen.

And welcome

cavman138 · Post by **cavman138** » 02 Feb 2010, 18:45

Here are the pics of the boat itself. Others coming

cavman138 · Post by **cavman138** » 02 Feb 2010, 18:49

Here are the pics of the front deck in progress. I have made more progress since these were taken. I've been working on it in my girlfriend's, brother in law's garage and keep forgetting to take more pics.

There ya go dyeguy1212, be patient my friend

dyeguy1212 · Post by **dyeguy1212** » 02 Feb 2010, 23:06

Looking great.. thanks for the pics.

Whats the layout going to be like?

cavman138 · Post by **cavman138** » 08 Feb 2010, 23:29

I will take some more pics when I get a chance, then I'll be able to give you a better idea of the layout

dyeguy1212 · Post by **dyeguy1212** » 08 Feb 2010, 23:45

look forward to it

cavman138 · Post by **cavman138** » 20 Feb 2010, 11:20

I've recently been thinking about adding foam to my boat due to the added weight of the metal, plywood, livewell, etc. Is this something I should be concerned with? I have only removed a small amount to make some more room for my rod storage and may remove a little more in the front seat to add a storage compartment. Any thoughts?

dyeguy1212 · Post by **dyeguy1212** » 20 Feb 2010, 12:03

Might not be a bad idea. I'm not removing any from mine, but I'm adding a couple "flotation boxes" in the rear storage.

cavman138 · Post by **cavman138** » 21 Feb 2010, 19:22

What do you mean by flotation boxes?

Rat · Post by **Rat** » 22 Feb 2010, 14:57

cavman138 wrote:I've recently been thinking about adding foam to my boat due to the added weight of the metal, plywood, livewell, etc. Is this something I should be concerned with? I have only removed a small amount to make some more room for my rod storage and may remove a little more in the front seat to add a storage compartment. Any thoughts?

Yes, you should add foam to make it unsinkable as well as achieve upright and level flotation according to USCG rags.

The formula:
Vessel weight / 60 = Cubic feet of foam

The foam weighs 2 pounds per cubic foot, water weighs 62 pounds per cubic foot, so the foam gives you 60 pounds of flotation for every cubic foot. So if your vessel weighs 200 pounds you will need 3.3 cubic feet of foam or, a one gallon kit.

200 / 60 = 3.3

The specs I quoted (60 pounds of buoyancy) are for Hi-Bond foam, which is what I use, your foam may be different.

Also, your plywood will give you some buoyancy as well, find the specs online to calculate your ply buoyancy and then subtract that from the overall amount of foam needed.

270Handiman · Post by **270Handiman** » 22 Feb 2010, 17:11

Rat wrote:
cavman138 wrote:I've recently been thinking about adding foam to my boat due to the added weight of the metal, plywood, livewell, etc. Is this something I should be concerned with? I have only removed a small amount to make some more room for my rod storage and may remove a little more in the front seat to add a storage compartment. Any thoughts?
Yes, you should add foam to make it unsinkable as well as achieve upright and level flotation according to USCG rags.

The formula:
Vessel weight / 60 = Cubic feet of foam

The foam weighs 2 pounds per cubic foot, water weighs 62 pounds per cubic foot, so the foam gives you 60 pounds of flotation for every cubic foot. So if your vessel weighs 200 pounds you will need 3.3 cubic feet of foam or, a one gallon kit.

200 / 60 = 3.3

The specs I quoted (60 pounds of buoyancy) are for Hi-Bond foam, which is what I use, your foam may be different.

Also, your plywood will give you some buoyancy as well, find the specs online to calculate your ply buoyancy and then subtract that from the overall amount of foam needed.

I assume that vessel weight includes entire load including motors, gas, batteries, gear, and people (assuming you don't jump out of the boat before it sinks)?

Rat · Post by **Rat** » 22 Feb 2010, 19:40

270Handiman wrote: I assume that vessel weight includes entire load including motors, gas, batteries, gear, and people (assuming you don't jump out of the boat before it sinks)?

Everything but people, they should have their own PFDs.