Help selecting a boat design

[MamboChicken]

Nice looking boat, good work!

I can see what you mean, it does list a bit with you on the gunwale. But really, it's not that big of a swing. And there appears to be plenty of freeboard left. Did you use the optional 6" side extension?

My concern comes from some boats I've been on in the past where when I walk to the rail you'd swear a ripple would splash over. And without seeing or riding in one of these in person, it's hard to know how it'd behave.

Anyone in Western Washington got an FS17 and want to take me for a ride?

[Fuzz]

I had built a few glass boats before finding this site. So the first thing I built using plywood and epoxy was a tub large enough to run outboards for flushing. This let me get a feel for working with this style of building and I needed the tub anyway.
As for boat choice the FS17 sounds like it will work for you. The OD18 would also do what you are wanting. A number of us have them and are pleased with them. Do not let the flat bottom scare you. They do just fine in chop until it gets big enough almost all 18 foot boats need to slow down. As for how seaworthy they are Cracker Larry proved in the right hands they will keep going when 30-40 foot boats are going down.

[narfi]

Nice looking boat, good work!

. Did you use the optional 6" side extension?

Thanks!
Its the standard sheer, we didn't add the extra side panels.

[OneWayTraffic]

In the 17' size the C17 is a fair bit bigger than the FS17. The front cabin will keep you dry in chop. I am planing to lift my cabin roof slightly and get sitting headroom at a helm under, along with sleeping for two (tight but doable.) I have plans for the C17, FS17, OB17, PG20 and in the end the C17 was the easy choice. You could build it as a cc boat or with just the minimum cabin, but as designed is good too.

[TomW1]

I would go with the Ci7 it is the largest of the 17' boats for safety and has the best keel angle. It has the largest internal space also. You can use a 50-70 HP motor on it, your choice. It will handle any squirrly waves better than any of the others due to its 12 degree keel. You just make it a center console where the steering console is as shown on the plans, many have now done this.

The big thing I like about the C17 is that with kids it has higher sides than the others.

Well good luck in your decision, I know it is a hard one and a lot to take into account.

Tom

[Rmarsh]

I built a C17.. center console version...been using it for the last six seasons. Couldn't be happier....perfect for my use and needs. The amount of freeboard is great ....my favorite feature...that and the 7' beam makes it feel roomy.......and no water has ever come into the boat from the transom with the enclosed motorwell. I have gone out and fished with four good sized adults....doable but not great. Good luck with your build.

[imgur2]http://gallery.bateau2.com/albums/userp ... 428129.jpg[/imgur2]

[TomW1]

Duplicate

[MamboChicken]

A center console C17... I didn’t even know that was an option. I looked at the C17, but wrote it off as it was far more expensive and I didn’t want the little cabin.

But I really like the look of it with the console. If you don’t mind my asking... about how much did you spend on your build? I know costs vary based on local material prices, but I’m looking for a rough estimate. Trying to get my wife on board with the idea, and she likes to hear numbers.

[BarraMan]

But I really like the look of it with the console. If you don’t mind my asking... about how much did you spend on your build? I know costs vary based on local material prices, but I’m looking for a rough estimate. Trying to get my wife on board with the idea, and she likes to hear numbers.

The cost of a build is a tricky question!

I started out keeping a detailed record of what I had invested in my build - but gave up about halfway through! It depends so much on the quality of the materials you use and the complexity of the path you go down. I am in the fortunate position and time of life that the cost was not a big factor for me, so I spared no expense.

I do know that I have many more $$ attached to my boat than I invested in building the bare hull! I would estimate that I spent A$25k building the bare hull - ply, glass, epoxy, foam and paint. Different boat, I know, but I suspect the relativity would be similar for most builds.

My wife will tell you that I have spent at least A$400k on my 22' boat - but I actually have it insured for A$140k - hull, motor, trailer and electronics etc.

Four years along from the 'splash', its still not finished. I plan to wrap it, do some s/s work and build and install a small T-top! I guess my wife will add another $100k to the bill!

[Rmarsh]

A center console C17... I didn’t even know that was an option. I looked at the C17, but wrote it off as it was far more expensive and I didn’t want the little cabin.

But I really like the look of it with the console. If you don’t mind my asking... about how much did you spend on your build? I know costs vary based on local material prices, but I’m looking for a rough estimate. Trying to get my wife on board with the idea, and she likes to hear numbers.

I can only give you a rough estimate of my total cost because I did not keep an accurate record of every expense. My build took over two years and was "pay as you go"....only buying materials as they were needed.....instead of all at once. I got a real break (a steal really) on the cnc cut plywood kit from someone who bought it and never started on it. I would guess the cost "ballpark" for me was $6,000 for the bare hull...which is plywood, fiberglass tape, cloth and epoxy. Then you start to add in all the mechanical aspects and fitting out...painting etc. It does add up quick.....I bought a used outboard for $3,500 and a used trailer for $1,000...both of which needed work. I figure I probably spent just under $15,000....boat, motor and trailer.
My wife wasn't entirely supportive of the project (until she saw the finished product).