There is something else I want to add. It was a question about modifications I received via email and what I thought I'd do different if I were to do it again.
As to 'modifications' - I must be honest with you. Until you actually build the boat, you don't realize how well thought out the bateau.com designs are. Any modification will undoubtedly complicate things in this regards, rather than keep it simple. For example, the marine foam filled into the keel box is really simple, and I really wouldn't try to do it any different. Actually, I should've filled the foam through holes in the sole (as per plans), rather than fill it up between the stringers and then sand it down...that was messy.
The ONLY thing I regret is that I didn't experiment with fillets before I started building. I wasted a tremendous amount of epoxy on the huge fillets I initially made. My tip: Fillets aren't what holds the boat together. Their ONLY purpose is to provide curvature for the fiberglass tape to make the bend smoothly in corners. Instead of the 7.5 gallons of epoxy, I used about 12 gallons. Reason of course, my big fillets and for 'fixing' gaps, etc. due to my not so precise cuts. None of it you can see now, but ...it does get expensive to 'fix' things. This pretty much falls in line with the philosophy that changes to the designs will complicate things down the road.
I'm even happy now that I built the console to specs, i.e. smaller than what most folks build and are used to. A big console would just waste space that now I'm happy to have. The same goes for adding weight at the stern, either through heavy engines, baitwells, etc. - All of which, from what I've seen and heard from other builders change the handling of the boat, which has to be 'fixed' through trim tabs, dol-fins, etc. The same goes for putting the gas tank under the center console seat, as stated in plans. I'm happy now that I'm doing that. Weight for one thing, and of course I have storage space under the casting deck that others who put their gas tank their don't have (EvilD. for instance, who now added a locker between the console and the casting deck).
My sincere tip is to stick as closely to the design as possible and to approach the project from a 'clean slate' (i.e. forget your prior 'experience' in woodworking, fiberglass, etc.). Jacques Mertens, even though he acts like an artist with an attitude at times (I still luv u, Jacques
), knows what he is doing. At least from my standpoint, I love the OD16 design...so, don't mess with it!
So, my tip: Chose the boat you want that comes with the design features and freedoms you want as described per designer. Don't take a "simple work-boat" design and try to make a ocean going fishing cruiser out of it. A simple change like making the console 6" wider will take away space in a boat like the OD16, which then will make you realize...that that is the space you could've used for stretching out in and taking a nap - or for that overnight fishing trip.
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just kidding about the ebay thing 
