Alright guys, here she is, the second generation of 'MotherShips'.
For those not in the loop, the first 'MotherShip' was a 2000 model year 1872 SeaArk I tore down and rebuilt from the hull up. It was my first 'real' build, and despite not knowing jack about boat building, she turned out pretty good for a garage build. After several years I decided to sell the original and begin a newer version, mainly because I wanted a 'beefed up' model, able to more appropriately handle the waters of Lake Erie, and the constant impacts I was experiencing since switching to a kicker motor.
Since the original, Ive learned a LOT more about what specific needs I have out of a boat, the unique forces applied to a bowfishing rig, and how to better reinforce a hull to deal with those forces. This version WILL be heavily armored, but will also be heavier overall-hopefully I can find a balance between the two!
This build wont be a fast one; due to some serious health issues in the family, time and money are harder to come by this time around, but Ill post any updates that Im able to. Again, my main reason for posting the pics is for others to learn from, and for any advice yall wanna give me-Ive never claimed to be an expert fabricator, and I always welcome any input I can get.
Before I start posting pics, let me say a huge THANKS to Dallas Scott, who is letting me use his shop yet again-neither of these builds would have happened without him. I cant thank the guy enough; he's been beyond generous and patient, surrendering his shop for days at a time while I work some mojo. I also have to thank my GF, who is also being very patient while Im away from home for days and days...and NOT giving me a hard time about it!
This began several months ago, when Lou purchased the entire original MotherShip from me. I originally wanted to sell just the hull, but Lou convinced me to let go of everything but my trailer. It was hard watching her go, but I know Lou would keep her on the water.
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A few weeks later I drove down to Monicello AR to pick up my new project-in hindsight I wish I woulda just had it delivered! I spent 30hrs on the road, and somehow stayed up for the entire time. But I did get a tour of SeaArk's factory, which made the drive worth it! SeaArks general operations manager personally gave me a one hour tour, and had even given me his personal cell number-he told me if nobody was there to load my boat, (I got there on Saturday AM) to give him a call and he would come down himself. THATS service!
![Image]()
![Image]()
For those not in the loop, the first 'MotherShip' was a 2000 model year 1872 SeaArk I tore down and rebuilt from the hull up. It was my first 'real' build, and despite not knowing jack about boat building, she turned out pretty good for a garage build. After several years I decided to sell the original and begin a newer version, mainly because I wanted a 'beefed up' model, able to more appropriately handle the waters of Lake Erie, and the constant impacts I was experiencing since switching to a kicker motor.
Since the original, Ive learned a LOT more about what specific needs I have out of a boat, the unique forces applied to a bowfishing rig, and how to better reinforce a hull to deal with those forces. This version WILL be heavily armored, but will also be heavier overall-hopefully I can find a balance between the two!
This build wont be a fast one; due to some serious health issues in the family, time and money are harder to come by this time around, but Ill post any updates that Im able to. Again, my main reason for posting the pics is for others to learn from, and for any advice yall wanna give me-Ive never claimed to be an expert fabricator, and I always welcome any input I can get.
Before I start posting pics, let me say a huge THANKS to Dallas Scott, who is letting me use his shop yet again-neither of these builds would have happened without him. I cant thank the guy enough; he's been beyond generous and patient, surrendering his shop for days at a time while I work some mojo. I also have to thank my GF, who is also being very patient while Im away from home for days and days...and NOT giving me a hard time about it!
This began several months ago, when Lou purchased the entire original MotherShip from me. I originally wanted to sell just the hull, but Lou convinced me to let go of everything but my trailer. It was hard watching her go, but I know Lou would keep her on the water.
A few weeks later I drove down to Monicello AR to pick up my new project-in hindsight I wish I woulda just had it delivered! I spent 30hrs on the road, and somehow stayed up for the entire time. But I did get a tour of SeaArk's factory, which made the drive worth it! SeaArks general operations manager personally gave me a one hour tour, and had even given me his personal cell number-he told me if nobody was there to load my boat, (I got there on Saturday AM) to give him a call and he would come down himself. THATS service!
Im almost debating on just welding most of my kockpit panels from behind, and just sealing the outter seams with 5200 for a super clean look. Not sure on that yet. 
