Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

[speckman6408]

Hello Good Neighbors: I am wanting to cover the above aluminum boat and
I want to put 1/16" X 12' sheet aluminum starting at the back and covering 12'
toward the front. I am planning on using white pine 2"x2" for framing post and
2"X4" for framing the roof. All of the post and rafters will be on 24" centers. Oh
yes, I am going to prime all the posts and rafters and put a good coat or two of
epoxy over the primer. My questions are: Will this be to much weight and will
my 60HP Mercury push this "rig" at a pretty good "clip"? I am also going to put
some kind of canvass on the sides and in the front and back side so that if it
rains I want get soaking wet when I am catfishing. These will be roll up type of
canvass so that when it is not raining it will be open. Would appreciate any input
or advice. Thank you so much for the help! Merry Christmas to everyone"
ISN'T GOD GOOD!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

I wouldn't make any kind of a roof structure out of 2X2 & 2X4 wood framing on an aluminum boat, put a 60hp Merc on the back & expect to go anywhere:

at a pretty good "clip"

on land (presumably via a trailer) or sea.........

What 5'X19' boat hull? Got any pix of what your working on?

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

I wouldn't expect it to plane out at all. Not only are you adding alot of weight (pay attention to your USCG capacity plate). The amount of drag created will be insane.

 

[speckman6408]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

Thanks, Guys for the input. Another question--What if I just covered the front 8' of
the boat and used aluminum framing--would that work? I will try and get a pic some
time tomorrow of the boat and post it. I am not trying to build something that looks
good--I am 69 years old and when I am gone it will probably never be used again--I
just am trying to build something that I can go catfishing in, in Lake Ponchatrain and the
Mississippi River and if it rains I want get soaked. Thanks again for the input!

 

[speckman6408]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

Good Neighbors I just thought of another thing. I am not want something that will go
real fast--I am just old enough to plug along--my racing days are over. As long as I
could go 15 to 20 MPH would be fine with me. A fellow just lost his life a week or so
ago near here, because he lost control of his boat(probably speeding)and hit a tree on
the bank. Will listen to all suggestions. Thanks and God Bless!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

I'd use aluminum tubing an have a canvas shop sew up a cover. Something like this...
With some well placed zippers you could open and close the areas you wanted.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

I'd use aluminum tubing an have a canvas shop sew up a cover. Something like this...
With some well placed zippers you could open and close the areas you wanted.

That ^^^ looks like a bimini top to me w/ side curtains added, but more as an anchored enclosure, not something to be left up while motoring much above a fast troll............

Again, pix would help. Even bad cell phone pix are better then none...

What boat? Tiller steering might be a challenge to pilot w/ an enclosure up of any size, even w/ a clear front panel....

PM any one of us if you'd like info about posting pix, but at least let us know what kind of a boat.

Open w/ bench seats, tiller steering:

Open w/ benches, but remote steering:

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

Your best bet would be to invest in a good light rain suit like Frogg Toggs or something Gore-Tex, and maybe a motor cycle helmet to keep your head and face dry.

I would expect a 5x19' flat bottom bayou runner would roll over and capsize with a structure on it with just a medium gust of wind. Y'all got any wind down there on the bayou?... of course you do.

A good set of Frogg Toggs are cheap and a heck of a lot cheaper, easier, and safer than trying to modify your boat.
Frogg Toggs Suits

A motorcycle or ATV helmet will keep the rain out of your face and eyes.

Bye you.

 

[speckman6408]

Re: Covering for a 5' X 19' Aluminum Boat

Thanks Guys for all of the help! I have decided that I will not cover the boat with the
sheeting. Instead I will make me a frame and put a cheap tarp from Walley on it to
keep the rain off. You Guys are great--probably kept me off the bottom of the lake
and the river! Thanks a million and GOD BLESS!