FL11 and outboards

rikmoor · Post by **rikmoor** » Mon Sep 15, 2003 10:23 am

I have a couple questions regarding the FL-11. How do those of you with an outboard on it feel about the seating arrangement? It looks like the back seat is so far back that it will be uncomfortable (or at least awkward) to drive and difficult to turn in one direction – depending upon which side of the tiller you are sitting on. I am planning on putting a 5hp or so on there.

One thing I was considering doing was adding another frame to the design. Essentially I would convert the front seat to a platform with storage underneath (don’t think I’d ever need 3 seats on this boat), move the middle seat forward maybe 6-inches or so (looks like there is already good separation between the middle and back seats) and add another frame in front of the current transom seat frame. This would be the new front frame for the back seat and would leave some space behind the rear seat to put a leg while driving with the outboard.

I know that this may change the design and may not work – maybe this is just the wrong boat to try this on – but I have the plans for the FL11 already and want to build the small boat first prior to working up to the larger boats. And my gut feeling is that by adding another frame, I am making it stronger – question is about the potential change of center of gravity. Input on my design changes listed above or the driving of the FL11 with an outboard on it would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance! Rick

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Mon Sep 15, 2003 9:43 pm

I haven't finished my Fl-11 yet so I can't provide you with the best answers. I do have mine fully assembled though. I think that the rear seat would feel a little cramped when opperating an outboard. However, it is pretty deep and you could sit on the front edge without interfering with the motor. I think that it will mostly decide on the size of the operator. I'm 5' 9'' at 135 lbs and don't expect to have any problems.

As for changing the design, I'm just an amateur so I can't offer any answers. I would think that moving the center seat forward would possibly create too much stress on the bend of the front plywood pieces. If you do plan to alter the design, be sure to subtract some width from the center seat frames. Good luck and have fun!

Post by **jacquesmm** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 5:08 am

When alone in the boat, you should sit on the middle seat and use a tiller extension. A tiller extension can be a simple piece of PVC pipe over the outboard handle.
Do not change the seat location: if you sit to far aft, the boat will not perform well.

Bart · Post by **Bart** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 1:35 pm

I agree with Jacques.
My FL11 (see http://www.bartloeff.nl) performs much better when sitting on the middle seat, both rowing and when using an outboard.
And I'm using a relatively light outboard: a trolling motor with the heaviest part (the battery) underneath the middle seat.

Bart

Mike_D · Post by **Mike_D** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 3:42 pm

beautiful boat Bart...

kermitpup · Post by **kermitpup** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 3:46 pm

Bart,

If my boat only turns out half as well as yours did, I will still be happy......wonderful job!!

Lisa

rikmoor · Post by **rikmoor** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 4:31 am

Bart - Nice looking boat!!

I guess from what everyone has said, I'm going to look at this boat as just what I planned on it being - a practice boat for something bigger. I just don't have a whole lot of need for a row boat. But don't want to spend what it takes for the bigger boats without having some practice...

Thanks to all for the replies.

JeffS · Post by **JeffS** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 6:21 am

I thought you had already started that boat. Well I guess you may need to put it off for a couple more days. Hope we do not get slammed too bad this time. At least Isabel sounds nicer than Fran. Let me know how things on the building.

JeffS

PS There are a least a couple of builders in Cary/Raleligh. Maybe we should have a Lake Harris Nuclear get together this spring.

rikmoor · Post by **rikmoor** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 8:37 am

Jeff - I have had the plans for a while - decided to put it off and try the OB15 first after reading so many times that first time builders had built it without any probelms - then I did a cost estimate for everything to do the OB15 - my estimate came up at about $4500 assuming a used trailer and motor. That is a little more than I want to spend before I know for sure that I will enjoy building. That is what the FL11 is going to be for.

I have to be honest with myself here - when it comes to big projects, I am very good at the first 90% - it is the last 10% I have problems with. I would rather spend $200 or so on the FL11 to find out I don't like it, than the $2000 or so it would cost on the OB15 before deciding I didn't like it. But I'm hoping I do like it!!! Just not gambling on it with the OB15.

If you can't be honest with yourself...

As for Isabel, I hope she is kind to us - I'm supposed to be cooking a pig at a pig pickin' this weekend in Greenville - don't know if that is going to be a go or not.

JeffS · Post by **JeffS** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 9:24 am

I hear what you are saying. But if you complete the job, they are not projects any more. Good to hear from you again.

Remember, when cooking BBQ, direct people away from the ribs and the loin (save for self) and don't forget to chop in some skin.

JeffS

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