trying to build wizcat 130 need help

[pataa]

hi im new to boating and do not want to spend much money on my first boat i found the wizcat 130 online saying it can be build for under $500 and i was wondering if it would be smart to build this for my first boat. Will this boat be any good, or should i look for a different boat? any suggestions would be helpful, thanks. http://www.citylites.com/foamboatplans/index.htmll

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: trying to build wizcat 130 need help

Welcome to iboats pataa

That is interesting boat and I can see how it could be used, It would work fine in some areas. A pond or smoothth water conditions. In waves or rough water I don't think it would do very well at all, it would toss you around real bad and with out any sort of sides or rails some one is going swimming. IMHO a 5 hp would move it around decent but honestly a 50 hp motor would be insane.

Can you do it, yes of course you can. Can you do it for 500.00, I really doubt it, before you start into it price out fiberglass and resin as a pure guess I would think your looking a minimum of 500.00 just for the glass n resin. I have rebuilt the floors, stringers and transoms in 2 fiberglass boats and that is a lot more is surface area and it ended up around 700.00 for just the glass work material.

However all of that being said, I am far from a expert and I sure many others who know a lot more than I do will comment. I do belive you would be a lot better off and a lot safer finding a used alum jon boat aound local to you.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: trying to build wizcat 130 need help

Use google and search for:

homebuilt boats
foam or plywood boat building
backyard boat building
Stitch & glue boat building

It didn't take me long to find a plan for a knock down plywood boat from Ken Simpson. His designs fit my needs, but probably not yours.

Might ask a moderator to merge this thread into you other 'Building a boat suggestions' thread. Based on starting that thread after MH's post, it seems you agree that the wizcat may not suit your needs very well either.

There are quite a few sites that offer study plans inexpensive or free, some that offer entire plans free. I really like the boats at Glen-L, but don't have the space, or funds to build one that in depth & that expensive.

If money is a major consideration, I'd look for plywood stitch & glue boats. And keep an open mind, an inexpensive, simple construction boat may not meet all of your expectations, or the 'look' you were hoping for. But you can adapt some plans to better suit you, or make small additions that make it 'yours'. Ken was very helpful as I started my build, and made helpful suggestions along the way. I would build another if the opportunity arises. Possibly the same 1 again. It cost me about $500, and much of the walnut & underlying structure materials I had on-hand already. That is without buying a battery & trolling motor.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: trying to build wizcat 130 need help

I forgot, welcome

I do belive you would be a lot better off and a lot safer finding a used alum jon boat aound local to you.

And that ^^ is absolutely an option. Boat, motor & trailer for less then $500, Craigslist & other free ad services. The good condition ones & the inexpensive ones go fast.....

 

[Water logged]

Re: trying to build wizcat 130 need help

Welcome aboard Pataa. I have no usable info for you, but please keep us informed of your decisions and progress.

Glenn