To Build a Boat (any boat)

[CalicoKid]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

Question Wimper: The minimax instructions include a piece of steel to join the ends of the slit cut into the front of the hull. Did you follow this step or substitute a wood batten or something else?

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

I followed that step yes... it was just easier todo it that way... other option was to screw a couple of blocks to the outside next to the splits and use a clamp. either way you get holes tofill

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

i used a beer can and a ratchet strap---it did not work like i would have liked

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

ratchet strap? beer can? to pull the split on thenose together? This I gottahear. lol details tracker details.

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

i couldnt find a serviceable piece of iron, and my buddy would kill me if i used his aircraft AL so i looked around, and found that i was holding the perfect strap, folded the top and bottom over. thus the can was flat, folded it in half(with a vise) lengithwise. and then drilled the perscribed holes in it and wala' there you go. the rachet strap was used further back to hold the shape of the bow. it had to be fastened to keep it from scooting foreward. without those tools, i dont think i could have made it work.( i highly reccomend the beer can technique, it gives the finished product chracter)

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

You left the beer can in the hull???

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

I bolted the strap to the outside of the hull on mine and removed it after I got the nose support glued and screwed in place.

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

me too, outside of the hull

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

ok here is the link to the pixels<br /> http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/discus/messages/80205/324673.html?1131925687 <br />it is so fast, see the bottom pic i had to cut off 1/2 inch from the motorboard, and i think i still need to cut off more like 3/8

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

Folks... for any of you considering building a minimax, this should push you over the edge and into a lumber yard to buy materials. Any inspiration to anyone wanting inexpensive speed on the water lol. <br /><br />This is tracker in his 40 mph minimax. <br /><br />

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<br />this pic is not edited... I did enhance around his gps screen to make it easier to read. <br />

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

guys this boat was so fun to build, it is even more fun to drive. i think any one with a little woodworking skill and mebbe a shop could build one. i think it could be done in a backyard(part of mine was)but temps need to be right for the resin to cure.<br /> a few basic tools are needed and some more advanced tools are helpful. the assembly was quick and i had a little help, but most was done by just me. i had lots of advise from the guys on this forum. PUT A BIGGER KEEL THAN IS SHOWN. MINE IS TWO INCHES DEEP, IS FULL LENGITH, AND THE BOAT STILL SKIPS DURING A TURN<br /> the resin was the most time consuming part. i like beer so it worked out well for me. apply resin, wait. apply resin ,wait. EVERYTHING must be resined, skip nothing. <br /> here's the fun part. driving this thing is sooo much fun. it takes some getting used to. it is very squirrely. i tried it with a 3hp first. it helped to figure out how to turn. getting the motor right was the tricky part. i am running a johnson 9.9 with a 10 pitch prop. a person must start the motor, put all his weight foreward, get the boat started to plane, and then shift everything back. get as far back as you can(close to the transom). now while you are doing all this manuevering, rembemer to keep the boat straight, the slightest turn on the tiller will get a response. it takes a little finesse and tweaking to get this boat to run properly, but when it is all there, wow, will it ever move. we had to cut the motorboard down 1/2 inch in 1/4 inch increments at the lake. i will take another 3/8 inch off so i can trim the motor up another notch. mebbe ill go 80 <br /><br />happy boat building post any questions or comments here in TBAB any of these guys will be more than willing to help

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

Holy cow that's nuts.... so how fast does 40 feel in a tiny little boat like that???<br /><br />Glad the results were good

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

it is faster than you can imagine. 20mph is like 35-40 in my big boat, 40 not real sure? it is just real fast.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

Wow 40! I think fins are used on the sponsons for turning Tracker. That thing looks like a surfboard with a motor, too much fun! You're tempting me...

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

build it

 

[joblo33]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

What happened? No posts in like 19hours!<br />Wimp, Seaworthy is open today! I'm going to price out those motor parts in a couple hours.<br />Eric

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

very cool and thanks eric.

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

guys--i know i have been all about the 'fork, but i have been looking @svensons and i kinda like these<br /> http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=HydroPlanes/CabOver <br /> http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=HydroPlanes/DingBat <br /> http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=HydroPlanes/SportsHydro <br />so help i need ideas, one of these or the fork from glen-l. so any ideas or opinions<br /><br />dave i think the sea babe needs to be on hold, and this one needs to comeup front<br /> http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=MechanixIllustrated/Caballero

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

your looking at some major differances between all those hulls. The dingbat is one redneck looking toy. I'm thinking the hull size and shape is going to act very much like your minimax with diff seating position. still made out of a 4 x 8 sheet. then the cabover is 14' long with the same basic shape.. then the sport hydro is a tunnel hull much like a classy looking picklefork. <br /><br />I guess it depends on what your going to use it for?<br />you need to ask you some questions.<br /><br />how many people will I have on/in it at once.<br />what size motor will I use.<br />am I looking for speed or versatility<br />do I want quick and easy or more detail and labor<br />how much space do I have to store it (8' vs 14')<br />and last but not least... which one do I like to look at more.<br /><br />Answer those questions and I'll bet you narrow it down pretty quick.

 

[trackersocha]

Re: To Build a Boat (any boat)

no more that two people, i want to use the twin 9.9's,or the 40 hp that is in spur,tx, i want it to go as fast as possible. i like the fork, but i wanted to mebbe look at the sports hydro. i like the 'fork becauseit will fit in the back of the truck, but i dont know,<br /><br /><br />btw whappened to chat last night? Ishould be on after 8:45 central tonite