7.5 hp Merc but what boat to build?

Matt_n_Barb

Matt_n_Barb

Well-known member
Hello to one and all....

My brother-in-law gave me a 7.5 hp Merc from the early 70's and it is in very good shape. The question is....What boat should I build? Of course there are numerous parameters and usage factors, such as the indented use, fishing or ducks or both, number of bodies (human and doggies) and so on. The idea here is to convince me that your idea is the best fit for a 7.5 Merc, either multipurpose use or otherwise. So give it your best shot and lets see the results.

Matt
 
Don't build a boat based on what you have for a motor. Build a boat based on what your requirements for the boat are.

70's Merc....sell it on craigslist and don't put any money into it. I was having trouble finding parts for a mid 80's 7.5 merc. If you don't do engine work yourself, just tuning the motor, new waterpump, changing the lower unit oil will cost you twice the value of the motor if not more.

Free motors and free boats are usually worth what you pay for them.....
 
Yes maintenance is an issue, and yes I already stated the obvious about requirements.. I am curious as to what would be a good fit for that motor seeing it is on the smaller side of many of the conversations in this forum..
 
I have been debating building a simple little boat from Bateau.com. I want to eventually build a Devlin Honker but thought I might tune up by building either the Fast Skiff 12 or the Flat Skiff 12. Both will work fine with a 7.5 which is a requirement for me as I also own one. I am leaning towards the Flat Skiff as I really don't care about going fast but I would like a boat that rows well for use on the local river. Yes, I realize this is not a duck boat but I'm sure you could easily turn it into one. :)
 
Paul,

Thanks, I will put that on the list. I just went and looked at both of those. The are very similar to a boat I owned 30 years ago that I used to shoot plenty of ducks out of and fly fish for bass. I have thought about just selling the motor as was suggested, but I think that would be creating some sort of family disturbance of the evil kind.

Thanks again.

Matt
 
Bob,

To obtain clear cedar in northern Utah....pulling teeth, a special order, and pricey.

Matt
Click to expand...

I didn't have clear cedar for my build. Just 16' deck boards. There were knots, but most were tight. The places that weren't, I didn't use. An extra layer of glass might be more important. Use two, not just one layer of 6 oz.
 
I built this.

float0001.jpg


It is a scull, but I mainly use it for decoy hunting out of. 16' long by 42" wide. A 3.5 hp has more than enough power for it. I reach top speed at about half throttle. I have a trailer now. It was way too much work without one, even at 85 lbs.
 
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