Hello all,
I wanted to share my boat project with everyone. Since this past August, i have scouring the net and these forms to put together my plans to build the best little boat i could. I will have many photos the coming days as the project is now near completion.
The boat will be used for river fishing trotlining and spring crappie fishing. It should be able to fish 3 comfortably (tho gear will have to be light) and i will take youngsters with me so it must be safe. That said, the major issues are
1. Small Boat (12 foot) - yes i know, according to most 14 foot is the minimum size - but i disagree. Do your research and you will find many dinghy's (Boston Whalers) etc are about 11 to 13 feet is all - and these things go on the ocean. (and, my dad already has a 18 footer)
2. Wide Boat (48 inch min floor) - if i could go wider i would have but stability is vital.
3. 20 inch Transom
4. Affordable - not cheap but not top of the line materials either. I want to do this project at a reasonable costs.
5. Lightweight - lightweight and affordable are oxymorons in boating - but i did my best
So i was on the lookout for a 1248 flat bottom (modified V's take up too much front room). Researching the options, it was down to WeldCraft and Weldbilt. I went with Weldbilt based on price (I actually got mine for $1165 brand new.
A few posters say that Weldbilt didnt offer a 20 inch transom, but i got one. I think they added this feature in 2013.
I promise a few suprises to you as you follow the post..
I wanted to share my boat project with everyone. Since this past August, i have scouring the net and these forms to put together my plans to build the best little boat i could. I will have many photos the coming days as the project is now near completion.
The boat will be used for river fishing trotlining and spring crappie fishing. It should be able to fish 3 comfortably (tho gear will have to be light) and i will take youngsters with me so it must be safe. That said, the major issues are
1. Small Boat (12 foot) - yes i know, according to most 14 foot is the minimum size - but i disagree. Do your research and you will find many dinghy's (Boston Whalers) etc are about 11 to 13 feet is all - and these things go on the ocean. (and, my dad already has a 18 footer)
2. Wide Boat (48 inch min floor) - if i could go wider i would have but stability is vital.
3. 20 inch Transom
4. Affordable - not cheap but not top of the line materials either. I want to do this project at a reasonable costs.
5. Lightweight - lightweight and affordable are oxymorons in boating - but i did my best
So i was on the lookout for a 1248 flat bottom (modified V's take up too much front room). Researching the options, it was down to WeldCraft and Weldbilt. I went with Weldbilt based on price (I actually got mine for $1165 brand new.
A few posters say that Weldbilt didnt offer a 20 inch transom, but i got one. I think they added this feature in 2013.
I promise a few suprises to you as you follow the post..