Building the aluminum NFZ.

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

are you going to start making these for sale in addition to your wood boats?
that boat is awesome, i just bought an aluminum bbsb this year but that would be perfect for if i want a buddy to go.
i guess ill have to start saving up again,
money doesn't make you happy, a lot of duck boats do

Correct, all of the models I build out of wood will be offered out of aluminum.

Brad

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

It would be great to have the skills required to take on a project like this one, I am envious.
Mike

Thanks Mike. It is neat learning the metal working skills and seeing how it is similar and different from building out of wood.

Brad

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

A few new pics...

Front of the boat. The sides will be tapered to match the boat once we determine where they need to meet. There will also be a rub rail that is on the front and sides similar to the wooden version.

Top deck mocked in place. There will be a semi permanent hatch that will allow access to the built in tank in case there is ever a need to replace the sending unit or fuel lines.

Looking down the boat. Again, the outside of the bow compartment will be filled with emergency floation.

Gas tank in place. Fitting will be installed within the next couple of days.

Brad

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

Couple of more just to keep you posted. We have some more but aren't off the camera yet.

Front deck. LED running lights (both front and rear), gas fill installed.

Semi-permanent cover over the gas tank. Allows for easy access if needed.

Will post some more real soon!

Brad

 

[Chris S.]

you guys are using a mig welder right?

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

Some, all of the top side welds will be done with TIG.

Brad

 

[scott barmby]

Nice boat!!

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

Thanks Scott.

Few more pics.

Lower sides installed.

Some removable bracing over the fuel tank to add support to the front deck.

Looking down the boat with the lower sides installed. Obviously the welds will be ground down smooth. Definitely a different process than adding the sides in the wooden version and turned out to be a little bit of a sticking point.

Small utility shelf on the starboard side of the boat.

Just another quick view of the lower sides. Exposed conduit will be for running fuel line from permanent tank.

I know I've said it before, but it looks like I will have it here at the house this weekend to start running the wiring. We really hope to have her completed by the time we leave for NoDak on Nov. 4th.

Brad

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

A few more.

Front compartment sides on and lights out. I'll be pouring emergency foam, doing some painting of areas that need to be painted before installing components and running the wiring.

Rear running seat, with partial false floor in place.

Removed, small amount of hidden storage under here.

Another view.

Floor installed and wiring ran for LEDs in bench seats.

Bench seats about to be installed.

Beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Brad

 

[Al Hansen]

This would be the perfect duck boat for Elephant Butte Lake down by Truth or Consequences. Fantastic job, Brad.
Al

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

This would be the perfect duck boat for Elephant Butte Lake down by Truth or Consequences. Fantastic job, Brad.
Al

Thanks Al, greatly appreciated! But, I'll have to take your word for it, as I have never heard of either

Brad

 

[Scott Farris]

Wow! Keep the pictures coming, I love watching her come together.

Scott

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

Thanks Scott!

Headed to Toller Boatworks for foam, some paint and electrical. Working on the short rows now!
Pretty good view of the interior.

Load her up!

Brad

 

[David Ellis]

Wow that boat is coming together really nice! Great work, and i cant help to notice how clean and organized the shop is.....

 

[Chris Finch]

jeeze its not done yet, my graduation is in may.
i dont have any school loans so for the full college experience i guess i need to buy something i can't afford

the boat looks awesome, i cant wait to see it rip with a monster mud motor on it

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

Sorry it has taken so long, the real job, a NoDak trip/hunting, keeping up with a 4 year old and trying to keep Momma happy have made it tough to get the NFZ ready to send back to Hi-Caliber.

Anyway, I did a little "body work" on the inside to give it a polished look. Did a partial paint job, I will come back in and finish once the sides are on. The floor will be covered in Hydro-Turf.

The wiring is done except for hooking up a few components. Again, a little more welding needs to be done to install them but everything that wouldn't be compromised is in place.

Emergency foam is in place and will be topped off once the sides are on and some braces are put in the rear deck.

I know we keep saying it, but completion isn't too far away.

Cont...

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

Brad

 

[Mark Harter]

Brad,

You finally posted some more pics! I got my fix. That boat is incredible. It appears you spent some money on the wiring, quite an upgrade. Are you going to put any kind of bumper or form on the knees. They look like like a real clean edge.

Can not wait to see the finished product.

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

Brad,

You finally posted some more pics! I got my fix. That boat is incredible. It appears you spent some money on the wiring, quite an upgrade. Are you going to put any kind of bumper or form on the knees. They look like like a real clean edge.

Can not wait to see the finished product.

Thanks Mark! It's been killing me to get some pictures posted as well, but finding time to get some work done has been a bear. The edges of knees have somewhat of a bull nose and aren't sharp at all, it also helps that they are made from 3/16" material. However, we have discussed putting vinyl edging on them. To me, wiring it's definitely not a place to try and cut corners to save a dime. It is all tinned wire, all butt connectors are the waterproof heat shrink type, and all components are top of the line.

Brad

 

[Chris Finch]

man that boat looks awesome
cant wait for some more pictures

have you started thinking about which motor you are going to put on it?