Q-14 (semi V) AeroCraft Project

[Scott Mac]

Found some time to work on the trailer so I added a front roller, wired the lights and adjusted the bunks and rollers so the boat is secure. I have to add safety chains or cables for the bow and the tow hook-up. I will also add some side guides to help align the boat in the trailer. Overall I am happy with outcome.

 

[wango]

Awesome job on your fishing machine! My coworkers and I were just checking it out, very nice. We have a couple questions. First, do you think you will have any handling/drafting concerns by adding the weight? Second, your battery, when it becomes available. Approximate price? Location to buy? We are in the Lansing MI area, Clare is a stop on the way to Houghton Lake for us. Thanks

Congrats on a very fine job

 

[Scott Mac]

Hi,
Thank you, I have been hard at it all winter. I am just waiting for a ramp to open up so I can perform a shakedown run. As far as the boat is concerned I do not anticipate any drafting problems with this set-up. I have done a few conversions and have found that the boat sits down nice and is not a tippy. Sure I give up some speed but I spend more time creeping around with the electric on the inland lakes and also as I drift the rivers. This boat is set up for two people but will be mostly used by just one (me). I searched around for this hull because it is rated for 860 lbs and rated to a 30 H.P. max. I can't wait to get out and bang some fish with it. As far as the battery, the 24 GC2 size will retail for $350.00. Compare that to 2 (two) 12 volt batteries and we are right in line. Add in the fact that our battery weighs 40% less each and will charge in 1/2 the time. We are currently getting production off the ground and they could be available within a month or so. Contact me at [email protected] and I will keep you up to date. Thanks for the kind words....Fish On!

 

[Scott Mac]

Ordered my bow light today and fitted the side guides for the trailer. There are a few more things I need to do to finish this project. I want to make a transom saver that will also keep the keel up for clearance while towing. I also need some rod holders and various ropes for docking. The Walleye opener is the last Sat. in April in Michigan and I plan to be on the water with a full functioning boat that morning. Fish On!

 

[DOBSONFLY]

You have a dream of a shop it looks like, clean and organized. Extreme props on the build also, I like your layout. I have you bookmarked to help me with ideas for my project. Good luck in the tournament!

Also favorite comment of the thread: "I will have to elevate the front floor but not too high because I do not want a high center of gravity up front" =D>

Some builds I think "this cant be fun to stand up on and cast from" etc.

 

[Scott Mac]

I think that this set-up will fish good. I plan to get it on the water real soon and will let you know how it feels. Thanks for the kind words. Fish On!

 

[wango]

Where did you buy the latches for your storage/hatches?

 

[Scott Mac]

Catch Grab pt. #1659A5 from McMaster-Carr $1.36 ea.

FYI....I also trick out golf carts...lol HAPPY St. Patty's Day.

 

[Pweisbrod]

Super clean, nice work!

 

[OklaAngler]

BLING!!! for no other reason. Told my wife it was for function....She's not buying it!

PLEASE post a picture of the inside of your rod locker with the lights on in the dark!!! I may have to do that on my new boat!!!

 

[Scott Mac]

Pushing hard towards the goal line dispite the weather (2" fresh snow this A.M.). Added cleats, bow light watts-up meter (monitors 24 volt battery) and velcro type rod holders. Placing an order for (4) rod holders from Bass Pro (on sale for $11.97 pair) til end of month. Come on SPRING!!!! Fish On!

 

[fender66]

Looks great!

 

[bigwave]

Looks real nice Scott. How much did that volt/amp meter cost?

 

[Scott Mac]

Hi Bigwave,
Watts-up meters sell for about $42.00 on e-bay. We use them at work so we buy several at one time and pay less about $38.00. Because it is for research on our batteries the company is supplying it. I made them well aware that extensive field testing will be required to assure the quality of the batteries. Hey...."anything for the company"...right? Fish On!

 

[bigwave]

I will volunteer to be a test subject...... :lol:

 

[Scott Mac]

Hi OklaAngler,
Sorry it took so long to post the picture you requested but this work thing keeps getting in my way. But here it is, like I posted it is for bling and not necessaryly for function but it does add light to the inside of the side compartment. I ended up favoring one side because the light is 6' long and about 40" of it is for the floor. I hope this helps. Fish On!

 

[Scott Mac]

I can't wait any longer...I will go in search of an open ramp so I can shake this rig down. I banged out a transom saver so I don't drag the motor on drives and speed bumps.

 

[arrowlaucher]

Great build, I am in the middle of my build on a 14ft deep vee blue fin..pics and built thread later,..I am going to steal your transom saver idea.. maybe see you on the bay somtime !

 

[Scott Mac]

Hi arrowlauncher,
Thank you. I tried out the transom saver last weekend and it worked great. FYI...The trailer attachment is a black pipe cap that I bolted to the middle rear roller bracket. I then screwed a 3" long nipple into that. Because the nipple O.D. was a very tight fit to the I.D. of the pipe I roughly ground the O.D. on a bench grinder until it went in with little resistance. Then I cross pinned the two and put a hitch pin to hold it on and also anti-rotate the assembly. My cost in that whole device was about $10.00 vs. $69.00 for a store bought unit. Fish On!

 

[simbelle]

This is as nice a build as I have seen on this site. Not saying it's the best, but in my eyes it's up there. =D>