FS19 build. Have a couple of questions.

[AdamG]

I have the FS19 plans, though it may be some time before I can get started, and this build will be slower than the last. I have a couple of preliminary questions. The DL file didn't actually list the number of sheets of plywood of each thickness, though I think the BOM from the website does. I am going to assume the BOM of 9+2+9 is accurate.
Also, I was a bit confused about the fuel tank location. It seems to show it inside or under the center console, but there's a vague dashed rectangle, and a tank drawn in that space. I get that it should be placed centerline between the stringers, but I was curious if this would include, for a long flat belly tank under the sole, to eliminate that portion of the frames, or if it implies there should be a vertical box shaped tank inside the center console. I'm looking at ~30 gallon capacity for sufficient range with 70-90HP power, and was wondering what the limitations on tank placement should be. I'm also very leery of holes in the sole for access, because stuff that gets under it is extremely difficult to get out of there. I prefer that space to remain as sealed as possible, and am not experienced with placing a tank in an accessible space underneath a sole with limited access to it. Maybe it should be inside the console above the sole?

My OB 15 has the tank placed in the bow as far rearward under the front casting deck as possible, and it balances that boat OK, but it is only 12 gallons. I can also remove it completely for maintenance and repairs. The FS19 is a much larger boat, but I am keen to get the balance as good as possible.

Thanks!

[Browndog]

Congratulations on your choice of the FS 19. It is a great size for inshore and near shore fishing.

The FS 19 that I built for my brother is being used regularly on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in Virginia. It has a great ride and is very fuel efficient. It has a lot of interior space. It feels as if you are in a 21 foot production boat.

On the FS 19 that I built the fuel tank was placed below the sole. I installed a 35 gallon tank. With the 115 Yamaha 4 stroke motor on the boat the range is easily enough to last several days of hard use without refueling.

The plans show the tank in the console or under the sole.

The stringer height as designed makes it difficult to put a tank under the sole. I raised the sole by 1” as that was enough for the custom fuel tank to fit.

Unless you build yours on the light side, I would suggest raising the sole by at least 1” if not more. The depth of the cockpit is generous even with the sole raised an inch.

My build thread documents the bulkhead and frame adjustments made to accommodate the fuel tank as well as the fuel tank placement and installation.

As indicated in the build notes, the hull interior must be reinforced with additional fiberglass under the area of the fuel tank.

I would also suggest reinforcing under the sole above the fuel tank to help stiffen the sole in the span between the stringers.

Depending on how you configure the interior you may want or need additional plywood for the console and decking.

Please feel free to contact me after reviewing my build thread if you have any additional questions.

Best wishes on your boat building project.

[GuyP]

I’m about to splash an FS19 in central Georgia (USA). Don’t have my records with me but the list of plywood in the study plan was accurate. I went rouge and installed a 22 gallon fuel tank between frames A and B under a bow seat/casting deck. My build thread is FS 19 (-5%) in Ga in the Power Boat section. I scaled it down 5% and ended up exactly at 19 ft, 6” short of the plan. Here’s a photo of tank location. Fuel fill is on port gunwale near the tank. Have fun and questions are welcomed.

[AdamG]

Just doing some preliminary numbers for grins. Unless I stumble across a Yamaha 99-2004 or so 2 stroke 90 in great condition that I like (lighter than a modern 4 and punchier, and easy to repair and maintain), I'll probably go with a 4 stroke 90, but I am keeping an eye on both weight and cost. The Yamaha 70 looks nice but it seems like it might be a bit low on the power end and it appears to only come in a 20" shaft, which could be done, but I would prefer a 25 for a boat this size. Still, its also about 80lb lighter than the 90Hp, and about $1800 cheaper, new.
This hull looks like 90HP would be ideal, but sadly, most 90HP and 115HP share the same design, and therefore the same weight. It pains me to hang 350-400lb on the back of a light boat. The bigger outboards are mindblowing with their weights.

[Browndog]

In my build thread, towards the end I post performance numbers for the boat with the Yamaha 115 Four Stroke.

As I understand it, the boat was designed for efficiency and ease of planing, which I can confirm. The drawback is that top speed is limited. Top speed recorded for me was about 42 MPH. Cruising speed around 30 MPH with very good efficiency. Planing as low as 12 MPH.

Very dry and stable ride with the optional spay rails. I intentionally did not install a skeg and the boat will slide in turns because of it, which may or may not be desirable to you, depending on what you want the boat to do..