"David Flew" wrote in message ...
Seems to me he needs a 'tinnie". Whatever ply boat you build it will need
much more maintenance than either fibreglass or tinnie, and I'd be surprised
if the weight difference of the rig will be more than a few kg. The tinnie
could well come out in front. I don't know if you have priced marine ply
lately, but it's not going to be as cheap as you might think. Second hand
tinnies can be very cheap - and you have the opportunity for him to try
launching one on his own before you buy - not possible if you build. I'm
assuming you are launching from a trailer - perhaps also have a look at
upgrading the trailer, perhaps motorise the winch.
DF

A cardfully built Diablo could come in at less than 225 lbs., I am
sure I could keep it under 200 but that's me. Diablo can be well built
with exterior plywood too. I can't imagine a fiberglass boat same size
at that weight. And as to maintanence, wooden boat maintenance is not
what it was 50 years ago, we make em' different now, paint once a
year, that's your maintenance...

"Backyard Renegade" wrote in message
om...
(peterMelbourneAustralia) wrote in
message . com...
My fahter, 72, is finding his 12ft fiberglass boat to heavy to launch
by himself and needs a lighter boat.

The present boat has a 5hp outboard, solidly built, seaworth and has a
deep keel, unfortunately it is also a little heavy.

Was thinking of the 12ft version of John Welsford's Trover (without
well).

Dad's boat must be fast to build (not complicated), for motoring only
(sailing boats need not apply!!!), seaworthy, light, easy to build (a
few panels of marine ply) and not overly expensive. Basically he needs
a ply version of what we in australia call a 'tinnie'.

Thr Trover (12ft vers) is 12ft long, 4'7 beam. In cross section it is
made of only 5 panels (narrow flat bottom and two panels on each
side). Flat bottomed punts need not apply.



N. Peter Evans

Look at a boat called "Diablo" at instantboats.com
Disclaimer, Dynamite Payson and Instantboats.com are clients in an
unrelated business.
Scotty