So I have been looking around here and Glen L for a while and have decided to build a plywood boat of my own. While I like the Zip, flying saucer and the Ski Tow from Glen L, I also like the PM38 and the Playboy as well as certain design features from other boats. I guess that is the reason most DIY boat builders build their own boat to ensure they get a custom boat to their liking.
I am probably going to build 2 of these and ship one to Spain to keep at my family summer home.
The following are things I need/want in my boat:
Length - 13'6" to 14'
Seating - 4-5
Outboard Motor
Rear swim up ladder/swim deck
front cockpit will have middle fold down seat with walk thru to rear cockpit.
I will be painting both boats and going the budget route as they will not sit out in the elements so I will use ASH instead of mahogany.
I don't do too much fishing so the need for an open deck is not high on my list. I plan on making a removable cover for the rear cockpit that will be padded to be able to lounge on.
I am new to runabouts and have done a ton of research but still have questions. Here are some questions I have:
1 - With Runabouts how do/where do you use/store anchors for tying off when not having access to a dock? Pictures please.
2 - In order to have a rear swim up ladder/swim deck with an outboard I was looking at adding tail pieces similar to the Torpedo pictured below. Has anybody had any experience with this? If not possible I was looking at smaller tail pieces to mimic the angle of the rear of the Van Dutch 40 also pictured(My dream boat) and still have the motor inset between the tailpieces slightly. I am worried about this causing porpoising.
3 - How low do you sit in a runabout like a Zip or Playboy? I was looking at possibly raising the deck and sides about 4-6 inches in order to sit higher. In spain, we have to deal with boulders below the surface close to shore and in this case I prefer to stand and steer at low speeds. Sitting higher would allow me to stand faster in case of shallow water. What issues would there be with raising the frame sides and deck?
4 - In order to mimic the Van Dutch 40 I was also looking at keeping the rear sides straight like the center frames as opposed to curving the tops back in toward the inside of the boat to eliminate the barrelback look and look like the ski tow to have flatter deck tops on either side of the outboard. Does anybody see an issue with this as well?
5 - Also I was wondering if anybody has built or seen a wooden runabout with an open bow/bowrider? This is just a thought.. I may just put a hatch up front for anchor/misc item.
6 - What options are there to protect the keel besides the pvc keel guards?
7 - In Spain you cannot pull up onto the beach so you have to anchor about 40 meters out and then swim/row in. Does anybody have a small tender boat with their runabouts? And if so, how do you transport them? attached to front deck or tow behind?
8 - I am also thinking about adding a bimini top to the boat. Is this overkill?
9 - Can anybody post pictures of their frame glue up/joints and gussets?
10- Windshield. I am thinking about either a windshield with a pass thru to access front hatch, 2 piece lexan with custom wood brackets, or a low wood windshield like this :
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzLKHiScr_jIYXpXtUtmnMxcDkm139h N-WUf7VLCqxLK6ODtKcFA
Budget Build:
11 - I have read a lot about Mahogany vs white oak vs ash debate. I am leaning toward using ash because of the following reasons: Price. will not be left out in the elements, and will be fully painted/sealed anyway.
12 - For this reason I was wondering about the need for Marine Plywood. I have used and really like Purebond plywood. Purebond has very few voids. and if it is properly sealed with epoxy inside and out, plus fiberglassed on the outside, why would you require marine grade plywood if it will be sealed from water?
I think that is it for now.
Appreciate any help out there. Please post pics if possible.
I am probably going to build 2 of these and ship one to Spain to keep at my family summer home.
The following are things I need/want in my boat:
Length - 13'6" to 14'
Seating - 4-5
Outboard Motor
Rear swim up ladder/swim deck
front cockpit will have middle fold down seat with walk thru to rear cockpit.
I will be painting both boats and going the budget route as they will not sit out in the elements so I will use ASH instead of mahogany.
I don't do too much fishing so the need for an open deck is not high on my list. I plan on making a removable cover for the rear cockpit that will be padded to be able to lounge on.
I am new to runabouts and have done a ton of research but still have questions. Here are some questions I have:
1 - With Runabouts how do/where do you use/store anchors for tying off when not having access to a dock? Pictures please.
2 - In order to have a rear swim up ladder/swim deck with an outboard I was looking at adding tail pieces similar to the Torpedo pictured below. Has anybody had any experience with this? If not possible I was looking at smaller tail pieces to mimic the angle of the rear of the Van Dutch 40 also pictured(My dream boat) and still have the motor inset between the tailpieces slightly. I am worried about this causing porpoising.
3 - How low do you sit in a runabout like a Zip or Playboy? I was looking at possibly raising the deck and sides about 4-6 inches in order to sit higher. In spain, we have to deal with boulders below the surface close to shore and in this case I prefer to stand and steer at low speeds. Sitting higher would allow me to stand faster in case of shallow water. What issues would there be with raising the frame sides and deck?
4 - In order to mimic the Van Dutch 40 I was also looking at keeping the rear sides straight like the center frames as opposed to curving the tops back in toward the inside of the boat to eliminate the barrelback look and look like the ski tow to have flatter deck tops on either side of the outboard. Does anybody see an issue with this as well?
5 - Also I was wondering if anybody has built or seen a wooden runabout with an open bow/bowrider? This is just a thought.. I may just put a hatch up front for anchor/misc item.
6 - What options are there to protect the keel besides the pvc keel guards?
7 - In Spain you cannot pull up onto the beach so you have to anchor about 40 meters out and then swim/row in. Does anybody have a small tender boat with their runabouts? And if so, how do you transport them? attached to front deck or tow behind?
8 - I am also thinking about adding a bimini top to the boat. Is this overkill?
9 - Can anybody post pictures of their frame glue up/joints and gussets?
10- Windshield. I am thinking about either a windshield with a pass thru to access front hatch, 2 piece lexan with custom wood brackets, or a low wood windshield like this :
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzLKHiScr_jIYXpXtUtmnMxcDkm139h N-WUf7VLCqxLK6ODtKcFA
Budget Build:
11 - I have read a lot about Mahogany vs white oak vs ash debate. I am leaning toward using ash because of the following reasons: Price. will not be left out in the elements, and will be fully painted/sealed anyway.
12 - For this reason I was wondering about the need for Marine Plywood. I have used and really like Purebond plywood. Purebond has very few voids. and if it is properly sealed with epoxy inside and out, plus fiberglassed on the outside, why would you require marine grade plywood if it will be sealed from water?
I think that is it for now.
Appreciate any help out there. Please post pics if possible.
