modifications to gf 16 new build

[levicitus]

Greetings from Tn. to forum members, moderators, engineers and designers and to boat builders who collectively contribute to make this the best website forum I have found. I have met none of you personally yet feel I know some of you. 3 years I have visited this site, I bought gf16 plans over a year ago and yesterday I glassed my side panels up. I'm back in building boats.
By the bye, Cracker Larry, I cried when your pics flew away. Especially your gf builds, since I have chosen this for my first stitch and glue.
The topic is modifications and to make the boat I want, it has to meet specific needs. Within the restraints of safety and good sense. I am willing to add minimal weight to sole the boat. I want thwart seating at the aft on both sides, the specified height from original specs, 15" across the top, running forward 5' access from the front. I need the middle seat out leaving 3"around .
I will replace it with a seat/bait tank running across the floor joint on the centerline appx. 14" forward and aft of that line.
I have a stick steering system and will need to be far enough to comfortably reach controlls (apx 36-38").
I am adding an inwal running full length x 3.5" for rod holding attachments and to add strength.
I will be using my 76' johnson 25hp.
I usually fish alone or with 1-2 others at most.
I thank you in advance for any information you will be willing to offer. b happy

[snookiehunter]

Congrats on the new build! I'm so jealous, I wont be able to start mine for some time. I look forward to following your progress.

[Cracker Larry]

By the bye, Cracker Larry, I cried when your pics flew away.

Thanks, so did I I've still got them all, so if you want to see anything specific just ask. I don't see any problems with the mods you want to do.

[levicitus]

Today I got my frames cut and will start assembly. Question, I am planning a bait tank running on the centerline for about 28-30" crossing the floor splice about where the mid seat would normally be. I am thinking 35gal. I want to glass it to the bottom but I am concerned about the weight on that splice. Should I build it on top of the stringer/sole? I'd like to keep the weight low in the l floor if I could...comments please and thank you.. b happy

[Cracker Larry]

That is too large of a tank for that boat. Full it would weigh almost 300 pounds. That's about half the total carrying capacity. Big tank for a small boat With your other mods too, she will end up way too heavy.

You should put it above the sole, you don't want it to rest directly on the bottom. It's OK to span the splice, it's as strong as the plywood.

[levicitus]

Was feard of that..thanks

[levicitus]

Today I got the frames in. Scratched my head a few times during the "floppy" period but managed to figure it. String check says that she is dead on. I want to flip to glass the bottom and then re-flip to glass inside before placing frames and seat. Cracker Larry, this is where I needed your build pics. How do I keep the frames in place during the flip? Right now the string check tells me she's dead on. I hope to keep her there. Do I wood flour tack weld in key spots
Also, the rear stays level on the jig I scarfed her transom down to the jig top. The point she starts to come up is between mid frames. Does this sound about right?
Help from anyone is welcome b happy

[Uncle D]

I had my rails on when I did mine so I was easy to screw 2x4's across to hold everything then flip her right over.


Don

[Cracker Larry]

Do I wood flour tack weld in key spots

Yes, a few small tack welds and a couple of drywall screws will hold it together. Also temp screw the seat tops to the frames, this will help keep it all square. You want to put on the rub rails before the flip to give it some stiffness.

The point she starts to come up is between mid frames. Does this sound about right?

Yes, perfect.

[levicitus]

thank you both for the help. I'll have some porn coming up in a couple of days. I need my son the electronic whiz to help set me up. b happy