I have decided to try to build my own boat this year. I have decided on a sneakboat style boat, and I've noticed that there are several places online that sell BBSB plans and patterns. I am a Welder by trade, and have decided that I want to build the boat out of Aluminum. I know that I will not be able to follow the plans word for word because of the change in building materials, but I am having a tough time finding out which plans to buy. I'm looking at plans from Devlin, Clark Craft, Glen-L, and Boatdesigns.com. I didn't know if anyone had any experience with any of these plans, and if anyone could recommend one over the rest. Also, I didn't know if there were other plans out there that I'm not aware of. I've decided to do this because I've wanted to try to build my own, and not out of the need for another boat, so I'm not looking to buy a boat. Any help, thoughts, or opinions will be appreciated.
First Post and Questions
- Thread starter AaronK
- Start date
Lee Harker
Well-known member
There have been several Devlin boat designs built out of aluminium by site members. I would think a stitch and glue design would be the way to go with aluminium.
I'm with Lee, Devlins designs woudl be where I woudl look. Were I to do it again, I would build out of alum .
If you look at Devlins little boats, be sure to ask here, some designs are better suited to certain conditions. Some have built designs and been unhappy whemn the specifics of the boat didn't match their needs.
T
If you look at Devlins little boats, be sure to ask here, some designs are better suited to certain conditions. Some have built designs and been unhappy whemn the specifics of the boat didn't match their needs.
T
I'm looking at the Broadbill, and the Mallard. I'm planning on using the boat to double as a layout for divers as well as getting me to where I'll be hunting puddlers. I've got a 17ft boat for when I hunt with friends, and am looking at this one to hunt out of by myself, with my dog. I'll be putting a motor on it (probably a 10 or 15 hp). I want it to be able to handle two foot waves at the least.
Bob B
Well-known member
AaronK,
I think you will be able to adapt any of the designs you mentioned to sheet aluminum const. I think you will have to give a few more details to get better help. My first question would be about the general locations you like to hunt. For layout in cold water conditions a real 2' wave is about the point you prob. should be thinking about a bigger boat. Some of the guys who layout more might offer better guidelines for choosing, like Lou or MarkR. Warm water hunts might buy you a little more margin, but I do know that a few here feel real strong about safety first and that as a first time boat builder questions about use will help guide your choices for the design.
There is a good book on building in aluminum and covers a lot of issues specific to the material. I will try to find the author and title for you. I like the material, but it, like any, has some limits which many boatbuilders have figured out and make some very nice boats.
I think you will be able to adapt any of the designs you mentioned to sheet aluminum const. I think you will have to give a few more details to get better help. My first question would be about the general locations you like to hunt. For layout in cold water conditions a real 2' wave is about the point you prob. should be thinking about a bigger boat. Some of the guys who layout more might offer better guidelines for choosing, like Lou or MarkR. Warm water hunts might buy you a little more margin, but I do know that a few here feel real strong about safety first and that as a first time boat builder questions about use will help guide your choices for the design.
There is a good book on building in aluminum and covers a lot of issues specific to the material. I will try to find the author and title for you. I like the material, but it, like any, has some limits which many boatbuilders have figured out and make some very nice boats.
David, I sent you a PM,
Bob B, I should have specified, under power I would like it to be able to handle up to two foot waves. I don't think I'd want to layout in that style boat in anything more than a foot. Basically I want a boat that I'll be able to take one to two dozen decoys, myself and my dog out on some of the lakes around here (anything from small reservoirs to Oneida and Ontario when they're calmer) to use for divers, but still be able to run some rivers and take it to some of the bigger marshes. Unfortunately I know there is no such thing as the "Perfect" duck boat (I already own two), but I'm looking for something lower profile that I can use in calm, bigger water as a layout, and also be able to grass and conceal for puddle ducks. As far as safety, I had a couple of instances a few years ago, and have been extremely careful since, also helped me learn my lesson about underpowered boats.
Bob B, I should have specified, under power I would like it to be able to handle up to two foot waves. I don't think I'd want to layout in that style boat in anything more than a foot. Basically I want a boat that I'll be able to take one to two dozen decoys, myself and my dog out on some of the lakes around here (anything from small reservoirs to Oneida and Ontario when they're calmer) to use for divers, but still be able to run some rivers and take it to some of the bigger marshes. Unfortunately I know there is no such thing as the "Perfect" duck boat (I already own two), but I'm looking for something lower profile that I can use in calm, bigger water as a layout, and also be able to grass and conceal for puddle ducks. As far as safety, I had a couple of instances a few years ago, and have been extremely careful since, also helped me learn my lesson about underpowered boats.
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