What to build
 

I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should
be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build
in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable
for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I
would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in
the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow
it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am
considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest
anything better.

Have you checked out Phil Bolger's designs? They span the spectrum from
quick and easy to very attractive with some non-conventional ones too.

The fellows at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/ will be happy to advise
you.

Roger (building PCB's 20' lapstrake Chebacco at the moment)

http://home.earthlink.net/~derbyrm

wrote in message
oups.com...
I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should
be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build
in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable
for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I
would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in
the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow
it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am
considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest
anything better.

wrote:
I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should
be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build
in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable
for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I
would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in
the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow
it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am
considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest
anything better.

www.bateau.com

Excellent builder support forum

Disclaimer - I sell some of my boat plans there

Evan Gatehouse

Based on your description, here's what I expect might be the perfect boat
for you (proven over 3 decades in Alaskan waters) ...the Tolman Alaskan
Skiff:

http://www.mochamadness.com/skiff An example of one in your size range
http://www.fishyfish.com/bruce/index.html Another one in your size range,
but outfitted very nicely
http://www.fishyfish.com/jimshula/index.html Another very nice one
http://www.fishyfish.com/tolmanskiff.html A general site with links to many
many of these
http://www.alaska.net/~tolmanskiffs The designer's web site (I actually
prefer the fishyfish web site because of all the inspiration)
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/media/bo...lman/index.htm Where to buy the
book, and more Tolman links
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tolmanskiff A Yahoo group where you can speak
with real builders and owners to get feedback, construction advice and help,
and to help determine fitness to what you intend to use the boat for.

The boat is a quick build, light weight, modest deadrise/shallow draft,
proven inshore and off in all kinds of conditions. And speaking of support
forums, the Yahoo group is by far the very best I've seen anywhere. Renn
Tolman (Homer, Alaska), the designer, is also very helpful and will always
respond to your emails in a kind and informative manner.

Disclaimer: I am *NOT* selling anything and I have *NO* affiliation. I am
however building the largest of the Tolmans, the 22' Jumbo (see
http://www.reelboats.com ) and as such, have spent a lot of time researching
these and similar boats. Another boat you might look at, although the
Tolman is provably better is Tracy O'Brien's Predator or Headwater designs
(see http://www.tracyobrien.com and click the Marine Design tab at the top
of the page). The Predator is a V-bottom while the Headwater is a flat
bottom boat, both designed to meet the same goals that you've listed.

Brian D




wrote in message
oups.com...
I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should
be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build
in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable
for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I
would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in
the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow
it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am
considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest
anything better.

check here
http://www.clarkcraft.com/cgi-local/...g=015&cart_id=


wrote in message
oups.com...
I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should
be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build
in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable
for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I
would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in
the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow
it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am
considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest
anything better.