i've been very interested in building my own flat bottom boat. i work at a Ranger dealer and contacted my ranger sales rep which is also an xpress boat rep on building me a 2472. aluminium is ridiculous right now, but someone said they had a 20 x 8 marine grade .125 sheet which they were building, if you google what i just said you can read the thread, and his boat is amazing. a 25 ft break is real hard to find, unless you know people (mirrocraft is in gillet, wisconsin) but its still hard to get them to do personal chit, even when they know you. i say go for it, and let me know how you do....! there are a couple of guys that make air boats on here which could make a wicked pusher boat, but its gunna cost you...

 

I think I know the thread you are talking about. I just read it. That was a great boat.

I dont mind the cost of aluminum if I get the boat Ive always wanted by building it myself.

I just dont know the process....it doesnt have to be step by step but some direction of building a boat. I sure would love to have my own built rig though

 

the press break is going to be your killer..... if you can find that somewhere your on the right track. horizontal support is key. tigs are cheap in the scope of a 20k boat. and i understand completely on what your saying, a boat that is EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT. i can get alum from mirro, my local boat manu, but in still stuck on coast guard regs, i contacted our local station but have not heard back on homemade boats over 20 ft. (not hp restrictions) this is my next hurdle.

 

Im looking to do a small build right now around 17-18 feet and 50-56 inch beam so nothing as big as yours at the moment.

Do you have any pictures of any builds? Just trying to get an idea of the process still

 

Check out the ******* section you can probably get an idea from looking through some of our pictures, a boat with a 50" beam is pretty small and depending on your side hight could likely be a plate boat which will save you some trouble. Get yourself a spool gun if you dont have one and if anything over build it with bracing

 

gbollom,

Thanks so much! Ill check out the ******* threads. For none commerical use what welder with spool gun for you guys recommend?

thanks

 

Millermatic 252

 

This, :clap: I love mine!!!!

 

gbollom is there anymore pictures of the mud hulls? Thats what im after but theres only a select few. Im not running a mud motor just like the design

 

Just the ones i have posted in there, I will likely be at the shop monday evening and can take some more pictures of the mud hull so you can get a better idea! Definitely think a plate boat would be the way for you to go as it would greatly minimize the welding you would have to do

 

sounds good i look forward to the pictures

 

Sorry im just getting back to you, the wind was blowing like crazy before i left so i didnt end up going back to the shop. Maybe clark will take some pics when he goes

 

thumper thats what im looking at getting at the moment actually