Boat Builder Central

I am rebuilding my scooter boat with composite materials so I don't ever have to rebuild again. I have a couple of questions about Airex "Penske" board. The foamed polyurethane board comes in PXc (better shear stength) and PXw (better deformation modulus). I am confused as to which composi...

I've got a 16' 1984 Flatsmaster scooter. Typical Texas style scooter with a tunnel, keyslot transom, flat deck, etc. The deck and stringers are shot and neet to be replaced, but the transom is ok. I just put the boat on a new aluminum trailer that is nice and flat. My question is: during the teardow...

As I contemplate and plan my build, I have a couple of questions on motor choice. I plan on building an XF20 with the sole option. With a couple of fishermen and gear, cooler, ice, etc. (approx 750lbs) in the boat, what kinds of speeds can I expect from a 50HP, a 70HP, or a 90HP? I am not looking to...

Thanks, Richard. That's what I wanted to know. My scooter's tunnel does the same thing and I can jump up on plane in almost the length of the boat. I want to make sure the boat stays flat on take-off. Now, here's the next change I plan on making. Give me your thoughts. I plan on cutting the sides do...

Majorgator thanks for the info. Your comments are exactly what I want to hear. I would like to hear from XF20 owners about the shallow water performance. There is no doubt a jack plate will go on the XF20. I currently run a Bob's jack plate, and it is excellent. I have heard about the new fast CMC's...

Exactly. I want to eliminate "bow lift during acceleration." My thoughts are to move the tunnel forward and install it in front of the keyslot. I currently own a 16' Texas scooter style boat. Every true scooter has a keyslot transom, and a tunnel. My 16 footer is beginning to "go,&quo...

I study my XF20 plans over and over, and my biggest concern with a flat transom boat with the weight of the motor outside the footprint of the hull is the natural bow deadrise that occurs. I fish very shallow Texas gulf coast bays full of shell. The ability to "get up" in less than a foot ...

Just got back from the Houston boat show. I was talking with a manufacturer of a reputable boat line about core materials. He explained that they have started using a product out of South Carolina called "boat plywood." He explained that the factory rep came in and put a 1' x1' piece of me...

The literature from the manufacturer states that Komatex is a suitable replacement for wood in a marine application. It is 25-30 lbs for a 4x8 sheet. My concern is that it is too smooth to accept epoxy. Here is the link to the physical properties from the manufacturer. http://www.kommerlingusa.com/p...

I was at my plastics supplier picking up some parts for a current project. I asked my rep about the "foamed PVC" samples hanging on the wall. Brand name of Komatex. He said they did sell some of it to the marine builders in the Houston area, and it was excellent for marine applications. Ha...