Boat building advise Zack Taylor ?

G

GREG BASS

New member
Hello,


I am thinking of building a boat.

I have plans for a duck boat named the "Whistler" which got I from D.N. Goodchild.
http://www.dngoodchild.com/divide_for_small_craft.htm
http://www.dngoodchild.com
Tons of boats plans available



I also have Zack Taylor's book "Successful Waterfowling" which has boat plans for the "Zack Taylor Widgeon" boat. I really like the design of the Widgeon boat.

Anyone know the weight of the Widgeon?? ~ 120 lbs?

Anyone have a rough idea of material cost to build the Zack Taylor Widgeon boat?



Any advise would greatly be appreciated?


Thanks!
 
In reading your threads, I don't think the ZT Widgeon is gonna work for you. Don't get me wrong, it is an absolute terrific little boat. Very versatile, comfortable and and seaworthy for it's size. You would have to have some wood working experience, and a basic knowledge of tools. You'll need a band saw, jig saw, hand and power planes, table saw, cordless drill or two and if I was to do it again, I would certainly use an air nailer and stapler, and less screws. The adhesives available today are at least as good as the advised resourcinol glue, but their ease and speed of use would help tremendously too. When I originally built mine, I estimated that I had about 140 hours in her, but the only power tool I had was a basic jig saw and old fashioned "corded" drill. Today, with the full woodworking shop I have, and the newer adhesives, I'll bet I could cut that at least in half.

Cost would be in line, I built mine about twenty-five years ago for about $350-$400, but costs of materials have gone up considerably since then. I would guess if you watch what you buy, you could build it today for under $1000. I also added three 1 x 2 runners on the hull of mine to take some of the abuse of everyday hunting.

The weight however would be an issue. I built mine pretty much to specs, and it weighs around 130-135 pounds dry and empty.

Coinsidently, I recently posted several pics of my build and boat on this thread-

http://www.duckboats.net/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=209264;page=2;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

For what you're looking for, I wonder if the smaller "Gunning Johnboat" might be the ticket? it's a lot lighter as well as much quicker and easier to build. With her flat bottom, she will be easier to pull acroos a dyke too.

Good luck in whatever way you go, and be sure to post pictures of your build. LOTS of picture!

Jon
 
Jon,

Thanks for all the info!

I may still try to build a ZT Widgeon to just use for hunting the rivers and lakes in West Michigan where a boat launch is available. I love the design of the boat and versatility.

I do have several of the tools you listed already.

Why use an air nailer? Just quicker?
Why less screws?

Do you have to store your boat indoors?

I have also looked at the Hybrid boat plans as well...but the boats look so plain, generic and not as durable.

I think I will build the smaller "Gunning Johnboat" first to use when just me and the dog go hunting. I think I read in Zack Taylor's book that this boat only weights ~ 80 lbs. ...should be easy to pull over a dike with my 25 lb 3HP Gamefisher outboard on it as well. I just hope this boat is large enough for me and my Chessie?


Greg
 
The original plans call for resourcinol glue, which is a two-part glue, powder and resin, similar to two-part epoxy. It's very strong, but a pain in the #$%& to constantly mix as it sets up quickly. you have to mix a batch everytime you go to glue two pieces together. I think 3M 5200 adhesive would be just as good if not better. it comes in a cauliking gun type tube, has a little longer shelf and working time and is just as waterproof and strong. I wouldn't be afraid of the "liquid nail" type construction adhesives either for that matter. I used outdoor rated PL 500 to build a layout boat over twenty years ago and it is still going strong.

As far as staples over screws, any of the above adhesives are going to be stronger than the wood itself. The screws, in most cases, are only clamps to hold everything together until the glue sets up. Staples would be so much quicker, but again-in most cases. Instead of screws on the plywood gussets, for example. I would still use a few screws where I might need to squeeze or tighten parts together for sure. Even then, the self-drilling type screws available today are far superior to the basic wood screws of yesterday. In the old days, the holes had to all be pre-drilled. Not so with the newer fasteners.

And for newer materials, The original plans call for 1/4 pine or fir plywood. I think that would be fine for the bottom, but I think 3/16" Luan would be fine for the decking. maybe lighten some of the other parts as well. I have a friend who runs little hydro Plane racing boats. He and his family have more trophys than I can remember counting. I am amazed at some of the construction practices they use on these little fourty mile per hour pumkinseeds. I know one of the things they use is Butternut for the framing. It's very lightweight and yet extremely strong, pound for pound.

You can always aske here for advice too. There is more info and experienced builders available on this site, than is imaginable.

As far as carrying capacity, I think the little boat will be just fine for you and Fido. My son has a little aluminum boat that has virtually the same dimensions as the Gunning johnboat. I am amazed at what his little craft can handle. We were messing with it one day and had me at 210#, him at 175#, my dog at 75#, 45# battery, trolling motor, guns, gunning bags, decoys, and a few incidentals. Had no problems. WOW!

I am seriously considering building one of those little boats myself.

I store mine both in and out. When out, I make sure it is all covered and out of the weather.

I hope this helps, and don't be afraid to ask if you have any more questions.

Jon
 
The plan I got from DN Goodchild for the "Whistler" which is the same boat as Zack Taylor's "Gunner Johnboat". The DN Goodchild plans were cheap..I think $5.00 and their is a isometric drawing of the boat which looks very similar to a Barnegat Sneak boat with the dodger, decoy rack, grass rails, shelfs under the cockpit...but estimated weight at ~ 80lbs. and only ~ 10 foot long and 44" inches wide at the mid-section. I was thinking I may be able to make some attachment for wheels where the transom decoy rack holder slide down.


http://www.dngoodchild.com
Tons of boats plans available

Thanks
Greg
 
Hi Greg,

I have a Z.T. widgeon style boat. I found the hull already done on Craig's List, this too before I knew this site existed, so I built it from plans in my head.... AND, my first attempt at building a boat.

That being said, great little boat for one person and gear, not sure if you have a dog or not, but I'm thinking a very tight fit or next to impossible and I'm not a huge guy, 5'8" about 165. I trailer mine when I use it, I did do the back of my truck for two hunts and then I bought a trailer, just not much fun horsing that thing around.

Covered or under cover is a must, IMO.

I do not have a motor on mine, I row to my spots when using that boat and it rows very well.

Here are a couple photo's, but remember, no plans...

SANY0220.jpg


SANY0226.jpg


SANY0261.jpg


SANY0274.jpg


SANY0046.jpg


Good luck, great little boat, too bad you weren't closer, selling this one as I use my Devlin Scaup much more often.
 
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