ob15 low sheer questions

[Cefoam]

well i have the plans and materials already to go. but am cautious about how i want to go about building this boat.
im looking to build a hardcore flats boat. i want the lowest possible sheer (for easy poling) with a full deck layout. i decided to go with the ob15 so it could fit in my garage and was it has a narrower beam then the ph series. i read a thread a couple monthes back that recommended building the hull with standard frames and creating a stringer system similiar to the fs18 or fs17 system.
this image was by another member and this is almost exactly what i wantto do.



well any input? would it actually work? i really dont want storage compartments, just maybe under front deck battery and portable gas tanks. i also plan to run minimum hp motor with tiller steering to reduce weight also. the only feature would be a poling platform i wish to have.

what do you think? also any input on how to minimize draft is good too (i know the decks will add weight)

[tech_support]

You mention one major draw back, not much storage. Just judging by the profile drawing you may only have 8" (or less) of freeboard. If you OK with those compromises then go for it

[Cefoam]

What about keeping the stock stringers (which are flat boards laying on the hull) and not installing raised ones. That should add extra freeboard. The image seems too show the stock floor (sole I believe is the correct term). Howwill that effect performAnce and strength of the boat. Pretty much built too plans exactly then just trimming everything Including hull and frames too 18" tall? And then adding decks? Will the boat have weaknesses I should be aware of?

[tech_support]

thats how the stringer sin the PH15 work. Use 2 layers of 3/8" plywood epoxied together. Your stringers will just be the height of the casting decks, then a lower cut out where the sole is located. The casting decks and sole will be epoxied down to the tops of the stringer. Its very strong this way.

[Cefoam]

I don't really undestand how the stringers would be the height of the casting decks thouGh? I guess I'll check out some ph15 build pics to understand

[tech_support]

stringer would look like a frame, not level on the top.

[John A.Harp]

Unless you plan to stand on the sole to pole,I don't really see the need to lower the sheer to absolute minimum!! I would stand on the deck or a platform and keep the higher sheer to reduce water coming into the boat while running!!

[TomW]

Cefoam stringers the height of the deck would support the deck and you would not have to add other supports in that location. I believe that is what Shine is refering to. Why cut and paste when you can have a solid peice holding up the deck.

Tom

[tech_support]

reasons for me lowering the sheer on my FS17 were mainly windage (slows your drift while fishing), and the eases of getting in/out while wade fishing. That being said, 5" off the OB15 is VERY low

[TomW]

I totally agree. I would cut the transom for a 20" engine and then level the sides to that. That gives you only 14" above the water given it's 6" draft. This is lower than a lot of other flats boats.

Tom