I joined this forum last March, which led to me buying a Backwater SWOMP, a GTR, and an Uncle J Custom. Now I’ve decide to build myself a boat. Hopefully you guys can give me the same good advice and support. I’ve spent the last few weeks looking at build threads again and this time looking at details. I’ve sketched designs and ideas. I’ve made a list of material and sent it out for a quote. This boat will be for the 25GTR. My Uncle J is a 17x48, and built to last. I like the size and layout. The new boat will be slightly smaller, much lighter, and simpler. I’m still planning the build, but will likely order the material next week. Not getting rid of the Uncle J. I’ll find a 35 or big outboard for non-refugee and fishing use.

A few questions. It seems that either 5052 or 6063 will be fine for any interior bracing? Both should be able to be bent / broke without cracking?

Here’s the big top secret question. How do I determine where to start the rake? This will be a “one and done project” - trial and error isn’t much of an option. It will be a square chine, 16-17ft, and 46’’ bottom. The boat will potentially carry 2 hunters, dog, 3-4dozen decoys, and a pop up.

Missed this earlier, but this helps. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=49672

I'm leaning towards 6-7ft.

If you got the big boat/motor and are wanting an affordable means to hunt the hp restricted areas in SETX why not get a LT, copperhead, ect.. on an aluminum boat. If you need to be fast mod a small SD. But no hp restricted marsh needs much more than a 25hp mudmotor and a cheap aluminum boat.

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This doesn’t have anything to do with affordability. I have all the fabrications tool from building dirt track race cars, cages and bodies. I simply want to build a boat. I simply haven’t worked with aluminum much, and I’ve never built a boat. No need to make more mistakes than necessary if I can get some advice. A generic manufactured boat will work. I used one for years. It’s just not what I want.

I gotcha, just my .02

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I use 5086 for bottom and sides, 5052 for everything else so I can brake it. And all of your extrusions should be 6061.


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