Diablo Construction

[Thomas Williamson]

Hello all,

I am almost finished with my Simmons Sea Skiff and was considering building the Diablo from Dynamite Payson's book describing the New Instant boats. After the Simmons Sea Skiff, I figure that this one should be pretty easy but I was wondering if anyone had any idea exactly how much time is involved in its construction.

I would also like to hear anyone's suggestions on anything else about this boat smile.gif

[Mr. Know It All]

I remember forum member Memphis Mike has built the "Diablo". Hopefully he will see this post and drop in for a chat. smile.gif

Any photo's of the Simmons Sea Skiff?
Mighty Fine boats they are.
:cool:

[Bruce Taylor]

I built Diablo last summer. It took me a couple of months, working whenever I had a few minutes of free time. The boat itself has been marvellously versatile -- fast and nimble, when I want it to be, burdensome when I need to haul heavy gear and passengers, safe and stable at all times. Truly a delightful skiff.

Building it was dull work, though. It was an "easy" boat to build, in the sense that I didn't have to learn anything new in order to do it; however, it was a relatively "hard" boat to build, in the sense that I had to spend tedious hours filling gaps with thickened googe, fairing out taped seams, and sanding fibreglass. I don't regret the effort, since the boat is just what I needed, but I'll be very reluctant to build in tack and tape again.

[Thomas Williamson]

Mr. Know it all. I will try to get some Sea Skiff pictures posted soon. Seems that I always forget the camera when I head over to the shop.

Bruce. Thanks for the advice. It sounds like just what I need for my intended purpose! What type and hp motor are you running on your Diablo? I have a 15" shaft 15hp for another boat that stays garaged most of the time. I would really like to be able to use this same motor on the Diablo. If I cut down the transom a bit do you think that I will need to add a slop box?

[ 07-10-2003, 09:44 AM: Message edited by: Thomas Williamson ]

[Bruce Taylor]

I'm using a Suzuki 25 hp, long shaft. It's an excellent match for the boat.

I don't see why you couldn't cut the transom down a bit, but it's worth pointing out that some folks who run Diablo w/ a long-shaft motor have found it necessary to add an inch or two to the transom w/ shims. When Mike Huddleston finds this thread he'll elaborate on that.

I'd be inclined to build the boat as Bolger designed it and tinker with the transom after you've had a chance to play around with it.

While we're talking about the transom...I'd beef it up a bit, and reinforce the taped joints where the (structurally useful) rear seats attach to the spruce crossbar. I'd also consider adding some meat to the 1/2" bottom, which flexes in a chop (it's not really unsafe, but it freaks out the passengers). A couple of reinforcing beams would stiffen it up nicely.

[Wayne Jeffers]

Originally posted by Thomas Williamson:
. . . If I cut down the transom a bit do you think that I will need to add a slop box?IMO, you definitely need one if you cut down the transom.

Because Diablo's flat bottom is only 24" wide at the transom, it will sit lower in the water than most other skiffs when at rest. With a motor, gas tank, and maybe a battery in the stern, you won't have much freeboard at all at a shortened transom.

Wayne

[oldriverat]

Thomas, check your email.

I wouldn't cut the transom any lower. It would make it more prone to swamping from a transom wave. Use a long shaft {20in} and add transom height when you build.

[ 07-10-2003, 12:01 PM: Message edited by: Memphis Mike ]

[oldriverat]

http://www.diabloboat.homestead.com/home.html

Here's a neat link Thomas. My boat is in the "Other Diablos" link.

[Thomas Williamson]

Reply,

Thanks for the helpful information Bruce, Mike, and Wayne. It seems like it may be best for me to invest in a 20" shaft motor.

That is a great looking diablo on that link you sent Bruce.

When I get started I will post some pictures of the progress.

Thomas

[Bruce Taylor]

That is a great looking diablo on that link you sent BruceI think you mean "Mike"...my Diablo has a tasteless pink and blue colour scheme smile.gif

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid29/p87c07c499ad1b966965d3bc214e5a5d3/fd589a2a.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid30/p03a094eb41100b13e1d87282e9a054c7/fd4f1453.jpg

[ 07-10-2003, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: Bruce Taylor ]

[Wayne Jeffers]

Originally posted by Bruce Taylor:
...my Diablo has a tasteless pink and blue colour scheme . . .But it hasn't yet been stolen, right? ;)

Wayne