What is your opinion on this boat???

[Marcus Robinson]

I am trying to find a boat to build. What is everyones opinion on this boat and the plans for it??? Thanks for all the help.
Marcus

http://www.anyboat.com/herring/skiff.htm

[capt jake]

Marcus, it all depends upon what you want to build! If this is the craft you like, and it suits your needs, go for it! I on the other hand, can'nt seem to decide 'what' to build. Many plans in hand and still get swayed one way or the other.
She's a Beauty! If she serves your needs, go for it.
Stay tuned for more info, as I am not 'always' right! http://media5.hypernet.com/~dick/ubb/biggrin.gif

[John Bell]

The first question you need to answer is what do you need you boat to do? Followed by where you plan to do it, then how you plan to power it whether by oars, sails, or motor? Then you need to ask is it going to live on a mooring, a trailer, the back of pickup, or the roof of a Geo Metro?

Give us some guidance about what you want your boat to do, and it will be a lot easier to point you to some good designs.

JB

[Marcus Robinson]

Alright, I want the boat for fishing and hunting and just riding in it. I could build it in my basement or my garage, either one. I will have to be the power for now, and row the thing until I get enough money for a motor. I would like it to be able to just fit in the back of my truck because I have no trailer. I don't know what a mooring is. But there is what you asked, if it helps any. This is aggervating, and I know I didn't spell that right. I find a boat I like and then I find one I like better but then there is somethin wrong or I can't build that one for some reason or another. But any help is appreciated.
Marcus

[Wild Dingo]

okay purpose out the way mate, now length? max you have room for and beam? again max you have room for in your shed/garage/shop {this is now to be known as the "boatshop"} how many souls aboard? overnighters? weekends? large net fishins or just rods and reels?... what waters? river protected? oceans unprotected?

Thing is if its just gonna be you and a few rods or reels for a bit of arvo fishin then maybe your going too big and a jon boat would be enough... quick easy to build and out there row or small outboard... not much good beyond 2 people.

If its gonna be over 2 but under then 6 then something along the lines youve posted would be okay, the plans there to me at least are a bit "artyfarty" and there are better ones out there... you may find its better to find some plans that you pay $ for that will give you a far better overall construction method and explainations demensions lines etc...

For some old designs ie jon boat and others svensons has the plans for free of the old science and mechanics magazine

http://www.svensons.com/boats/

Try having a look around at Hankinsons site he has a pretty wide selection

http://www.boatdesigns.com

then theres Glen L

http://www.glen-l.com

and also clark craft

http://www.clarkcraft.com

And That should keep you busy for awhile and just give us a yell if you need more we gots plenty!!! http://media5.hypernet.com/~dick/ubb/biggrin.gif
Of course you do realise that now that you are hooked the level of your confusion is only equal to your level of addiction dont you?

Take it easy
Shane

[PugetSound]

Marcus, the boat you were looking at is a fine looking skiff that is designed primarily for power. As the owner/builder has indicated, it can be rowed but the fact is that, compared with a boat specifically designed for rowing (aka pulling) it is an indifferent rowboat. If you are to be the primary source of power for the first two years of use, I would recommend you build a boat that will row better. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that your boating needs are likely to change over 2 or 3 years of use. Also, it is better to build a boat that isn't quite as large as you think you need (many friends will show an interest in boating but few will actually show up).

Personnally, I have found that I get alot of use out of the 7 1/2 foot pram I built and I prefer to row than to use an outboard. Rowing is very relaxing and dependable. Outboards may breakdown on you but you can always depend on the oars.

Check out the Woodenboat catalogs for basic pulling boats. There are several skiff designs which I think would be of interest to you. As always, you should build a model from the plans first in order to better decide if you really want to build that boat. Also, try borrowing or renting different boats so you can get an idea as to what you really want.