First Boat and doing it right.

Suthrn98 · Aug 31, 2010

Hey guys. I am brand new here. This is only my second post.

Anyhow, I did some horse trading, and ended up with a 1974 Quachita 14 foot Jon Boat.
I have always wanted a decent boat to get me started fishing like i've always wanted to fish, and this is gonna lead me up to the Bass Tracker I really want.

I will post other pics later, and as the build goes, but I am excited to show some teaser pics first.
I am planning on building this into a small lake/pond boat.

I scored a used Honda 4 stroke 7.5 horse motor for a steal, and my boat came with a 30 lb trolling motor. I have big plans to make this boat a great one, and then sell it for a down payment on a ProTeam 175 in a couple years.

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Howard · Aug 31, 2010

Good start and good find. :WELCOME:

Suthrn98 · Aug 31, 2010

Thanks. I actually scored the Honda motor for $200. Sorry I just feel the need to brag about it a little bit.

I hope to take it on it's maiden voyage the first weekend in Oct. Well, it's going, but whether I'm done or not is a different story.

BaitCaster · Aug 31, 2010

Nice framing job. Looking forward to seeing more on this project.

Froggy · Aug 31, 2010

You got the right idea!!

Suthrn98 · Sep 14, 2010

Well. I have got all my framing done. Looking for somewhere that has marine grade plywood. I need one sheet of 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch.

One full 4x8 sheet will work for my decks. 2 full sheets will work for decks and floor..
What do you guys suggest for the thickness? 1/2 or 3/4?

I tried uploading more pics and a pic of my "jackplate" and my motor, but I can't at work. Will have to wait til later on for that. Will do when I get home.

benjineer · Sep 14, 2010

I think 3/4 is overkill if you have plenty of framing (looks like you do on the deck). I think they make a 5/8 marine that is pretty tough. That is what was on the bench seats on mine. I think I'm going to use a good 15/32 with one sanded "A" grade side for mine. If it doesn't hold up, I can always replace it in a couple of years, but I want to keep the weight down. I'm using extra brackets and rivets to keep my framing flush at the top, so the plywood touches all the angle. I noticed that yours gets progressively lower. I wonder if you might be able to feel it dip down with thinner wood.