Boat Builder Central

I keep checking the bilge, waiting for the sea stories??????????????????

I Love watching your builds. Lots and lots of pictures and documentation, and attention to detail second to none.

If you get it early in the build you can tailor the transom height to match. Also it's easier to find a good deal this time of year as opposed to spring or summer.

That's the beauty of building your own. You can customize pretty much anything non structural. They are the same boat, one simple, one with builder additions. Same hull shape and structure.

I would listen to Larry. When it comes to boat building he's one of the best there is. He's has definitely been there, done that .

Absolutely beautiful video. I would love a place like that to retire to.

Agreed. I believe we have given the OP enough to think about. Many good opinions and point brought forward. Kudos to all who contributed. For those of you that have never seen Lake Erie at it's finest. I give you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEn14ZUC5e8. Wouldn't want to be out in that on a 800' f...

CL, in the hands of an experienced skipper like yourself I believe with a D4 you could pilot it safely. The point I am making is the chop on Erie at least (where I spend most of my time) is of high amplitude and short period. A vee hull just rides smoother. I am sure the OD18 is a very capable and s...

Most boats under 19-20' around here only go out when the weathers nice and the forecast calls for more of the same.( Or stay within the breakwalls) 20' and up vees are the norm. But I do get a kick out of seeing people try and get out of the Niagara River into Erie, with a 17MPH current under the Pe...

I guess I brought up the topic of a dry ride in a cold environment. It's easy to misunderstand when you have not actually experienced being out in a boat when the water is 40-50° and the air is in the 30's or 40's or 70's for that matter. No argument, just a difference perspective and experience base.