I built one. I enjoy the boat, but always want "more" I modified the plans too. Where it calls for 8" side, I changed that to 10". It was easy to adjust the rest of the build based on the higher sides. I also added more support to the back end framing. I can't recall what thickness the transom is in the plans, but I built mine with 2 layers of ply laminated together for 1.5 inches thick. As many do with the Gator's, I over sized the motor. I run a 2 stroke merc 25hp. I beleive the plans or the site somewhere maxes HP rating at 18 or smaller??
If I could do it again, I would build a devlin. The gator has NO V, whereas the devlin designs have some or more. I originally thought working with epoxy and doing the stitch and glue technique of the Devlins would be hard. I ended up doing a lot of epoxy, glassing, and fileting on the gator, and realized I should have built a Devlin.
I don't take it out in rough waters either. Not that I would take a Devlin of this size into big waters, but I've never felt safe in the Gator in choppy water. Everytime I get into rough water, I wonder just how well every joint is going to hold and begin to question my carpentry. I read so many posts about rough water and wonder how some people define it. Lake Champlain is a big lake and can get ugly fast. 2-3 foot waves tend to not be spaced well and really beat the crap out of you, not a place for a small boat of any design. 2-3 foot rollers like on some of the great lakes would be much friendlier.
