Ideas for a custom build.

MotorCityHTPS · Feb 8, 2014

I'm in the planning stages of a build that won't be started for a while, I'm just trying to hammer out all of the details way in advance so that when the time comes, I'll have all of my carp in a row.

I'm looking to have something built in the 1770-1778 range w/ 28" sides and pods. I'm looking for info on hull design. It'll be a jon style hull with a flat front or an "airboat style". These are a few of the details I have yet to work out.

Ribbed hull or slick-bottom w/ poly? And what kind of hull thickness on the slick-bottom?
tunnel or no tunnel (on a ribbed of course?)
Standard outboard or OB jet?

I'm really just looking for advice or perhaps pros and cons of going either direction from people who are currently running similar setups. Since I know this will be asked, I am not planning on putting a pusher fan on this rig. It'll be running a 24v trolling motor.

I fish mostly Erie and a few local inland lakes, so relatively shallow water, muddy bottom with the occasional rock or stump that I come in contact with.

MotorCityHTPS · Feb 11, 2014

so my conclusion that I've come to is ribbed hull with gator glide, surface drive (at least a bd5500) with remote steering on the deck for an alternative to trolling, and empty pockets lol. Thanks guys.

CPrice · Feb 11, 2014

Why would you want a ribbed bottom with gator glide. If you plan on putting a fan on it, a slick bottom will not grab on the bottom while turning. A ribbed bottom will grab and limit you too turn it. Slick with gator glide and you will be a proud boat owner.

carpmjh · Feb 11, 2014

I'd go with a slick bottom if you're going with a surface drive. Or at least look into the cost of each.

spineshanker88 · Feb 11, 2014

Sounds like you have a boat plan! I agree with poly being heavy and unnecessary for grass and mud. I'm putting poly on mine but only because we have a gravel bottom in a lot of places here and poly will slide across it easily while giving my boat the protection it needs from the all the cypress stumps and oyster beds. Looking forward to seeing your build pics.

DeadCenter · Feb 12, 2014

you are going to be sorry if you put poly on the bottom of that boat...

MotorCityHTPS · Feb 12, 2014

no fan, just a surface drive with remote steer so that I can run it from the front deck and a 24v troller.

for sure it'll be a 3/16 bottom, I'm just not positive on ribbed or slick.

carpmjh · Feb 12, 2014

Not sure if you can even get a 3/16 ribbed bottom?

MotorCityHTPS · Feb 12, 2014

I'm not sure either. I'll have to talk to the builder and see.

Nailin scales · Feb 19, 2014

Subscribed!

DCronk · Feb 20, 2014

If you sell your 16' let me know. I may be interested depending on the timing. And I don't know where you fish on Erie, but if it's anything like when I go with Dave I couldn't imagine taking my mud motor. That would be a long, slow boat ride. Love my mud motor for smaller stuff and rivers duck hunting though.

Ideas for a custom build.

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