FS18 Build- "Insufficient Funds"

[seaslug]

I built the low sheer plan than cut the sheer down from there. It was 3 years ago, but my best recollection is I cut it down 3" at the transom to zero at the bow. I just measured mine, and it's exactly 15" from the bottom to the deck at the transom. I wouldn't do anything differently. I think the boat has great lines, rides and poles beautifully, and is shallower draft than most flats boats. Taking a circular saw to my newly glassed hull was pretty scary, but it turned out ok. here are a few shots to give you a better idea of the finished profile. Your build is looking very nice. and will look great whether you lower the sheer or not. This is just a sexy looking hull regardless. Mike

[OrangeQuest]

That is a beautiful boat. Looks like from the prop it gets in some skinny water!

[gyarbs]

I built the low sheer plan than cut the sheer down from there. It was 3 years ago, but my best recollection is I cut it down 3" at the transom to zero at the bow. I just measured mine, and it's exactly 15" from the bottom to the deck at the transom. I wouldn't do anything differently. I think the boat has great lines, rides and poles beautifully, and is shallower draft than most flats boats. Taking a circular saw to my newly glassed hull was pretty scary, but it turned out ok. here are a few shots to give you a better idea of the finished profile. Your build is looking very nice. and will look great whether you lower the sheer or not. This is just a sexy looking hull regardless. Mike

Thats a fine looking boat, think were going to end up doing the same and cutting down a few inches. Now, we may be getting ahead of ourselves here but how has the 20hp motor performed on your skiff? We were thinking of going the same route and getting a 20hp jet but have had some thoughts of upsizing...

[seaslug]

Thanks for the compliments. With just me at 175 pounds, with a stainless prop I'm getting 29 mph, but cruise a bit slower, and with another guy the same weight about 25mph. The motor weighs 156 pounds.

[Jeff]

Yeah Mike, Your FS18 is just a beautiful build!!! Never get tired of seeing her!! Jeff

[Capt UB]

I built the low sheer plan than cut the sheer down from there. It was 3 years ago, but my best recollection is I cut it down 3" at the transom to zero at the bow. I just measured mine, and it's exactly 15" from the bottom to the deck at the transom. I wouldn't do anything differently. I think the boat has great lines, rides and poles beautifully, and is shallower draft than most flats boats. Taking a circular saw to my newly glassed hull was pretty scary, but it turned out ok. here are a few shots to give you a better idea of the finished profile. Your build is looking very nice. and will look great whether you lower the sheer or not. This is just a sexy looking hull regardless. Mike

Mike,

So you had room to install a fuel tank and battery up front?

Going back to look at your build thread.

Bob

[seaslug]

I had Speedy Tanks build me a 5 gallon that just barely has enough head room for fittings and fill hose. There was not enough height because of the low sheer to use the stock 5 gallon from Boyd's Welding in Ocala that's only $100 bucks. I planned it out so when the forward hatch is opened the front edge of the tank is not in the way of the storage area. I shortened the cockpit about 12" by adding a bulkhead, making the open cockpit area 97" long, plenty long enough for 7' rods without the need for rod tubes. Only 1 rod tube per side for fly rods. The small 12" compartment created is where I have my dinky wheelchair battery, that a buddy gave me 3 years ago, and it was a used one. Still has a full charge with just the little bit I run the outboard. I've never had the need to charge it.

[gyarbs]

May have screwed up bing time here... We started with a straight sheer build plan and planned on cutting down the sheer a few inches. We measured 13 inches down from the bottom of the boat, laid a chalk string down the length of the boat up to flush the tip of the bow. We got ambitious and went ahead and cut our line and started freaking out as it looked like we had cut off wayy too much, particularly in the mid section of the sides. Im afraid our string was bowed up towards the bottom of the boat when we popped it. We took the hull off the strongback to get a good look at the profile and were not sure what to think... HELP

[Fuzz]

Good news, not all is lost. A little glass tape and epoxy and you can put the sides back on.
Sorry the devil is making me ask this. Did the beer come out before or after the cutting?

[gyarbs]

Good news, not all is lost. A little glass tape and epoxy and you can put the sides back on.
Sorry the devil is making me ask this. Did the beer come out before or after the cutting?

After I swear hahahah