Sears Gamefisher 14'

[Vendetta]

Hey all, new to the site and also a first time boat owner. I do have to say this site is beyond detail on information for boats and equipement, glad to be apart of this site. So as of right now I know what I got, just have no idea where to start, lol. I do have some idea's running around in my head, but don't know where to go with them.

As for the boat, I know what I want to do with 90% of it. It's the front half I am having a hard time trying to figure out, mainly what kind of support materials I should use for the deck. Was thinking of going with using 1x's and 2x's to support the deck, which I was thinking of using 1/2 or 3/4 Marine Grade Ply for the deck itself. I do have a sketch going on what I want to do with the boat and I will put that on here as soon as I get finished with it within the next day or so. So can't wait to see what everyone thinks.

 

[LeviStevenson]

I used aluminum angle and tubing on my front deck supports..all 1" 1/8" thick. If on a budget a lot of users on here have used 2x2" wood. I would go with aluminum only because it is forever...I used wood two years ago..sealed it properly with fiberglass resin and am replacing with aluminum as we speak. Don't let aluminum intimidate you...I had little experience and it was pretty easy...though frustrating at times...like wood. The building is far easier than visualizing the concept of your idea. I have spent quadruple the hours staring and thinking as opposed to the actual constructing. As far as storage..I only made two hatches up front..just large ones..and that is the only wood on my boat. Back to material...if you are like me and enjoy building and thinking..do wood this year..try your layout....you will definetly redesign after using...then construct with aluminum when you get the bugs out of your initial design. Just a thought.

 

[Vendetta]

Thanks for the advice Levi, I will be sure to check on the aluminum prices around here see what I can find. But like you said I am going to try this out with wood at first then work my way to using aluminum.

As I said the other day I will have a sketch up so here it is let me know what you think. One more thing, at this time I only have a trolling motor, Minn Kota Turbo 65 36lbs Thrust. I am on the look out for a nice cheap gas motor in my area, but if I were to get this project done before a gas motor would the Kota be able to push this around alright or would it be a pain.

 

[LeviStevenson]

Looks like a good start to me. I use a 40# tm on the bow after reaching my destination with the outboard and it move the boat very well. I broke my pull start last year and had to rely on the tm to get me back to the dock...I was about four miles out and we got home just as quick as my buddy next to me with his 14' vhull and 4 hp johnson. So yeah they get ya around fine. I had already used the tm most of that day and still had about half battery after the four mile wide open ride back. As far as the wood thing goes I'm wishing I had done one more trial with the wood. I am now about three hundred bucks into aluminum and finished...and unhappy. Oh well good excuse for a 1652 mod v.