Building a Plate Alloy Boat

[Capt. Fred]

Very cool looking rig.

[Snapper Head]

Pete,

That thing looks extremely solid!! Is there any foam floatation anywhere in it?

I am looking forward to taking a ride in it


Big Al

[Daddy'O]

Awesome!

Thanks fo posting the pictures. Keep us updated on your progress.

Wayne

[peterbo3]

Originally Posted by Snapper Head

Pete,

That thing looks extremely solid!! Is there any foam floatation anywhere in it?

I am looking forward to taking a ride in it


Big Al

Al,
No foam. Fully sealed hull with several separate compartments. There is sufficient reserve buoyancy in each to keep the vessel afloat.

[Daddy'O]

Pete,

How long are those ballast tubes? And, do they significantly increase your draft when trolling or not moving?

Sorry if these questions seem a little retarded. I never have, or will claim to be the brightest lamp in the box.

Thanks,
Wayne

[Blue Water Runner]

That is a true work of art. Excellent fabrication.

[peterbo3]

Wayne,
The tubes run the full length of the keel to where the forefoot starts to curve upwards. If you go to the Fisher site via the link you will see boats at slow speed & stopped showing how they sit in the water. The tubes are approx 6" in diameter & about 18' feet long in my boat. At rest, some 450lb of seawater floods in in seconds & provides the lowdown ballast that deep V hulls need to stop them rolling. The water empties in a flash when throttle is applied as there are breather tubes attached to each tube. The breathers vent on the port side above the waterline.

[Daddy'O]

Thanks for the information Pete.

Looks like these boats draft (with engine up) 19.7 inches without the ballast & about 23.6 inches with the ballast tubes.

Those are some incredible looking boats on the link you provided. Very nice indeed.

Good luck with yours & keep us updated on her progress.

Wayne

[welder]

Any more pics you can post Pete ? and is there a clear coat on the hull when done or are ya leaving it alone.

Lester

[peterbo3]

There are more pics. Patience is a virtue. Hull will be uncovered. No Nyalac or the like. This a FISHING boat.