Wm. Atkin's Good Luck

[Ethan]

Kind of a slow day here. I hate being bored. To make matters worse, it's perfect fishing weather outside.

I've been trying to convince a buddy of mine that he and his son should build a "simple" wooden fishing boat together. I think the idea's gaining momentum - his son called last night asking if I had any recommendations. When I originally made the suggestion, I was thinking of Wm. Atkin's Jeb, as can be seen here:

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Oar/Jebb.html

However, after perusing the Atkin site a little more, I got to thinking that maybe Good Luck would be a better choice. Here's Good Luck:

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Oar/GoodLuck.html

I'd be interested in hearing what observations the fishermen/women on the forum have with respect to each design. Most of their fishing will be done in ponds, lakes, and in shoals along the Gulf Coast. Spinning and casting, but Ron, the son, has expressed an interest in trying fly this summer.

Thanks in advance for every bit of fishing and boating distraction you can provide!

Regards, Ethan

[chrisk]

You may want to consider a boat from http://instantboats.com. Then you can get his Instant Boats book that will give them step-by-step instructions on how to build a simple plywood boat.

The "Fishermans Skiff" seems similar to the Atkin boats you mention.

Chris Kottaridis (chriskot@quietwind.net)

[Thorne]

Well, you've got two somewhat similar and somewhat different plans here -- a lot depends on the range and boating conditions they will encounter. If they will travel long distances to the shoals or on the lakes, something that will move faster and handle more waves/swell might be best -- meaning the GoodLuck design.

If simplicity is important for their skill or comfort level in building, you might consider similar plans from Glen-L, some of which are stitch&glue, and can carry a somewhat larger outboard -

http://www.glen-l.com/designs/outboard/outboard-images/dsn-utle.jpg

http://boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=371

http://boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=349

http://boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=517

[John Bell]

I've been really smitten by David Nichols Lutra Laker (http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/nichols/laker/index.htm):

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/nichols/laker/laker-4.jpg

The Atkin boats are OK, but the ability to go a little (lot!) faster with only a modest increase in HP would be useful at times.

[Ethan]

You guys rock! This is just the sort of mental diversion I need today...

Chris, I have to admit, I hadn't thought of the Payson approach. And you're right - it may be just the thing to get something together quick and get on the water. I'll definitely include that option amongst my suggestions. It's hard to remember sometimes that not everyone wants to make a big project out of a build.

Thorne, I like that boat! It looks like a little one man rocket. You're certainly correct that Glen-L should be considered - both for 1st timer build-ability and customer support.

John...I like it! If this was my project, it'd be hard to beat that boat if it truly performs as he claims. I like the look, I like the storage, I like the fact that I could practice what I claim is fly casting from it. I didn't see any construction or material details on the webpage...am I missing something?

Keep the comments coming folks - this is great!

[John Bell]

John...I like it! If this was my project, it'd be hard to beat that boat if it truly performs as he claims. I like the look, I like the storage, I like the fact that I could practice what I claim is fly casting from it. I didn't see any construction or material details on the webpage...am I missing something?

I asked Nichols the same question: 4 sheets 4mm, 4 sheets 6mm, and 4 sheets 9mm. There apparently isn't much dimensional lumber in this boat, so that's about it for materials. See also Nichols' Duckworks article: http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/designs/laker/index.htm