FS14 Low Sheer?

[BradleyD]

So I have already ordered the plans for the FS14 and contemplating the idea of cutting the shear down similar to shine's FS17 low sheer. I've been wanting a small back water boat for a while and the FS17 or FS18 is a little too pricey and time consuming for me right now, but the idea really spawned after seeing the Shipoke 14 (pictured below). The idea of course will to keep the boat as simple and light as possible with the only real extras being minimal electrical (bilge pump, nav lights, etc.), poling/casting platform, and a possible live well for bait. While I would like gunnels wide enough to walk on, I probably would keep them as desined and only increase the size of the front deck somewhat. I also currently have a near perfect 9.9 Merc four stroke for power where 3 gallons of fuel would be plenty 99% of the time. Max would be two people fishing with minimal gear, with the exception of live bait sometimes. What are the board's thoughts? Low sheer or keep as designed? Thanks.

[AtTheBrink]

Love it! I think it is a great idea. Go for it! I like the idea of a small, simple, easy boat with a touch of class and sophistication. Can't wait to see it come together.

[D2Maine]

nm

[gstanfield]

You can trim the center seat frames as long as you leave 3" of them. I think it would be kinda neat to build a low sheer FS14.

With the smaller boats you need to watch extra weight super careful or you're defeating the purpose. With a PPI of 220 every once counts

[D2Maine]

nm

[Prarie Dog]

Does the FS14 have stringers in it? We had to add stringers to T's GF12 before Jaques would sign off on it, it only had frames and no stringers originally. This pic shows the detail of how we did it on the GF.

[D2Maine]

nm

[Prarie Dog]

yes it does see below....

Thanks for the pics D2. You could put a light weight sole in it very easily by using foam under the sole formed in place parallel to the stringers to help support the sole. You could then use quarter inch ply, should be light.

[Randy]

Great Plan. The fun of building your own boat is making it your own boat. Add the wide gunnels, minimal extra cost, a suggestion on the livewell - convert an ice chest. There are several kits that include a recirculating pump and spay head, and it is portable.

[BradleyD]

you may not be able to open up the center of the fs14 like that.....the stringers and the center seat frames are structural....

decked in like that also looks heavier than the original design.....sure you lose some side height but you would be adding a lot of deck.....

The end product in my head would not be exactly as pictured but just the general idea. Right now (if I can describe this correctly) I am thinking of taking the front deck back to the front frame of the bench seat, ommit the seat top (if possible) and add a sole only from the stringers outboard. This will leave a deep area in the center of the boat running from the rear decl to front deck and the only trip hazard would be a small portion of the rear bench seat frame exposed, which will end up having a small cooler/seat/livewell/something lashed to it most times anyways. I like the idea of using 1/4" over foam as the sole...the main reasons I would want the sole is a place for foam and to eliminate the stringers from being ankle breakers! For access into the front/rear deck I was figuring to cut out as much as I can in the frames and have a canvas "access door" made, tracked on top and snaps on the bottom...have used this before and is usually pretty simple and convenient. I will not need it to be water tight or anything and think it would help save a little weight. When I get the plans I am going to do some calculating and if this appears it will be too heavy for what I want I will refigure my plan. Thanks guys...keep any opinions, suggestions, or concerns coming.