What is the smallest flat deck I can go with…

[SFC Hall]

I want to build a scooter type boat. A flat fishing platform that can run shallow. I have a trailer and motor… I want to keep the weight down, but be big enough and stable for two 200lbs guys.

So, I was thinking 15’ x 5’…is that wide enough? Long enough?

Also, for that wide, should I make a draft tunnel or would solid be better?

And what is you guy’s opinion of filling the closed haul with foam?

Thanks… I know I ask a lot, but I like to be smart on something before I jump into it…

Oh, and thanks for the links on my last post.:cool:

[Paul Pless]

What size motor you got?

The smallest flat bottom boat that I've comforatble fished two people out of was 14' long with a 4' wide bottom flaring to a beam of just under 6'. Was much more comfortable when I moved up to a 16 long boat with the same width. It gets you further away from each other and makes both casting and playing fish easier.

[SFC Hall]

If I go light like a Jon, I have a 10hp, If I go heavey like a Scooter, I have a 50hp

[SFC Hall]

by the way, the thumbs down was a goof...

[Paul Pless]

What river and lakes do you fish on by the way?

[SFC Hall]

The Black river in up-state NY, and there are 100s of little lakes...

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

Sarge, you came to the wrong place. You wanna' go here.

http://www.boatplans-online.com/

And here.

http://209.190.4.227/forum/

They have a line of S&G FLATS boats that cater to the Florida guys and are now developing additional designs to stop the complaining from the Texas crowd.
If you want conventional Jon boats they have them too. Flat bottoms, vee-bottoms, tunnels, pockets and whatever else is the current fad.
Be advised that everything they design looks like a boat. No plastic rafts, blow ups or kayaks with little flippers on the bottom.
You can state your case and get answers from the guy who designs them at bateau2.com's forum.

[Fnord]

Me, I'd prefer one of Atkin's flat bottom outboard skiffs. The one called Punch (http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Oar/Punch.html), a 17 footer, calls for an engine up to 12 horsepower. She draws about 6-1/2" and looks very roomy and stable. Not as easy to build as a raft type boat, I'll admit, but oh so pretty. And probably take less power to drive her at a given speed.

Or Welsford's Clarence River Dory/Fat Canoe design might be appropriate.

[openboater]

Jim Michalak has plans in his book or go to





http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/jonsboat/index.htm