Adding Height to Hull of Fishing Boat

[nationalpatriot]

I have recently began using the small 12 foot aluminum fishing boat that I got, and have noticed that the walls of the hull sit somewhat shallow in the water (mostly when I have a decent amount of gear with me) I was wondering about two things

A) Could I attach Aluminum sides somehow (even if it was just to keep the over spray off)


B) Could I somehow weld sides onto the boat making the hull "deeper?

thanks!

National Patriot

 

[Mark42]

Re: Adding Height to Hull of Fishing Boat

I have seen this done on a larger aluminum boat. The problem is the hull is not designed to take the stress of having the hull pushed farther down into the water. The higher sides will make the boat more unstable.

All in all, its not a good idea. The hull was designed to carry the weight specified on the capacity label. If you try to raise the capacity by raising the sides of the boat, the hull might fail.

Best and easiest solution is to buy a bigger boat.

 

[nationalpatriot]

Re: Adding Height to Hull of Fishing Boat

Haha, alright thanks, I had a feeling that's what was gonna happen. I plan on building a small cabin skiff once I'm out of college (right now I can't hardley afford it)

 

[sasto]

Re: Adding Height to Hull of Fishing Boat

National Patriot,

Enjoy your boat, and if your like some of us that started out small and got big, you will always have fond memories of the first one. Good luck with your future........Capt. Mike

 

[nationalpatriot]

Re: Adding Height to Hull of Fishing Boat

National Patriot,

Enjoy your boat, and if your like some of us that started out small and got big, you will always have fond memories of the first one. Good luck with your future........Capt. Mike

Haha thanks Capt. Mike, I look forward to getting this boat out on the lake a lot more! any idea on replacing the transom? (I can grab pictures if you want)

 

[sasto]

Re: Adding Height to Hull of Fishing Boat

Post some photos and you will receive plenty of ideas that suit your boat and ability.

 

[nationalpatriot]

Re: Adding Height to Hull of Fishing Boat

Post some photos and you will receive plenty of ideas that suit your boat and ability.

Hey sorry it took me so long to get back to you with this picture (and sorry to bump but I'm still interested in this all!)

http://img828.imageshack.us/i/img20100822174419.jpg

Here is the boat with the bow and stern light attached, nothing else is all too modified. Come a free weekend I'm adding a small wood floor inside and maybe a small console to attach my GPS and fish finder, anyone got some more ideas on how to add height to the hull? again, it doesn't need to be submersible, infact I wouldn't want it to be, I want enough gap that if part of it did submerge it would leak to prevent warping or damage.