Building the aluminum NFZ.

Thank you all, for the kind words. I really appreciate it. This build has been a slow process of blood, sweat, and sometimes angry tears. Until now, I had never built a boat, wood or aluminum. I've repaired aircraft, and have built many racecars from the ground up, but never a boat. Brad and I have spent a lot of time on the phone with each other trying to figure something out that might have been a little different with the aluminum compared to the wood. But, it all worked out.
We knew the first one would take extra time, and I wanted to make good, reusable templates and patterns along the way. I also wanted to try to document and try to figure out a process or processes to make the build and future builds as efficient as possible. Yes, it has taken a little longer than what we first imagined, but I do have customers, (paying) jobs coming into the shop, and I don't have any employees, so that leaves only me and Brad, when he can help. There was also duck season, and a trip to NoDak. I also guide a little out in coastal NC during duck season. So, all of that made the total time seem a little long, when it will actually only be somewhere around 8-10 weeks total. Thats, if you could work on it start to finish without any interruptions or time away. Also, as we build more, our processes will become more efficient and faster.
Brad and I are still excited about building these boats from aluminum. There is definitely a niche market for these boats and we hope we can be a small part of that niche. All of the wooden models will be available in aluminum, and any other welding/fabrication work that needs to be done along the way.
The NFZ-A is at Toller Boatworks now, and Brad is adding the finishing touches to it. I'm sure Brad will update us all with some pictures soon...
 
I'm a sheet short on Hydroturf and need to install the front lights, but for the most part she is done.

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Brad
 
Brad- that came out really nice. Looking forward to seeing how it sits on the water and rides compared to the wood versions you have been building. Really looks like it fits the market segment of the Phowler sneak boats. How do you think they will compare?
 
Brad- that came out really nice. Looking forward to seeing how it sits on the water and rides compared to the wood versions you have been building. Really looks like it fits the market segment of the Phowler sneak boats. How do you think they will compare?
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Thank you. Looking forward to some test runs myself. As for the comparison to the Phowler sneaks, the first thing that comes to mind is the size. The Phowler sneaks have a max bottom width of 36" where as the NFZ is 48", also the PS longest models are 16' where again the NFZ is just over 18'. We have a few more features in the NFZ and IMO have a bit more of a finished look (and that is no slam on the Phowler boats, as they look to be well built.)

Brad
 
Well it's about time you finished that boat. Just kidding. Looks very nice.

Tom.
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Thanks for the kind words. No problem, thats how I feel too! Wish I could be doing it full time, teaching and coaching really gets in the way of boat building :)

Brad
 
Don't be in a hurry to quit your day job. It's very tough to make a living just making hunting boats. It's my primary work but I also make planitarium domes for another company.

Tom.
 
Don't be in a hurry to quit your day job. It's very tough to make a living just making hunting boats. It's my primary work but I also make planitarium domes for another company.

Tom.
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I can imagine. But I'll be honest, if I could bring in close to what I'm making teaching (which isn't much) I'd be there in a heartbeat for the flexibility. I wish you continued success, you make some nice boats.

Brad
 
Tested her out today using a Mud Buddy Black Death 5500. Primary goal today was some good action photos that are due this week in order to have the NFZ-A included in the equipment issue of American Waterfowler coming out later this summer.
I plan on putting her back in the water this week to take a look at the draft and few other things I would like to note. Draft is comparable to that of the wooden NFZ, looks to be about 6" at rest but I will double check it this week. Very solid when putting her through the paces, does slide a bit in the turns with the slick bottom but this was easily remedied with a little stick time and adjusting the trim. Saw 31 mph, but ran a consistent 28. Felt really solid on the water and had a blast.

Wish I would have had more time to run her but had an oyster roast to get to this afternoon. I will post some more pics as well as other info in the next week or so but just wanted to throw these out.

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Hope you guys enjoy!

Brad
 
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