Troutguy

Lee G..... check your PM's.

At last, I cut out a full-size pattern of the boat today... both ends, sides and rocker on the sides. Now, as soon as the marine plywood arrives next week all I have to do is trace it onto the wood and get my boat built. I heard about a fine smallmouth river on this board... I can't wait to use the new boat on it this spring!

The Jackson kayaks apparently have a three-year hull warranty, and the Wilderness Ride's have a lifetime warranty. I wonder why? That would be enough to convince me if I wanted a new kayak.

There is one last option that I may go with... marine plywood sides instead of the 16' boards.

I cant get good side boards... tried twice.

You know I'll be ready...

A good float trip will come together by spring...

I'm west of Atlanta, and want to fish anythere there's a good float/camping trip for smallies.

There's so many threads on this forum, I simply don't know where to post this message... please move it if need be. I am looking for a "spin-fishing smallmouth guide" to take me on a smallie float trip next spring/summer. To be honest, I can't afford to pay $300 a day for his service... so if anyone can direct me to a guide that I can afford, or if anyone wants to go fishing on a weekday... just let me know. I've been fishing over 50-years... and simply prefer a spinning rod/reel these older days. I prefer river fishing and even own a wide-stable fishing kayak at my age! Thanks in advance for your help.

I have the boat building book from Larry... thanks

Big delay on my boat building... It took longer to dry my fresh cut side boards than I expected this time of year. One more week of drying and then I can start building the boat, finally.

Hey Woodman... Let's talk about epoxy. Are you talking about fiberglasing the boat, or just coating it with a layer of epoxy, like painting it? I really don't care to spend the extra $$$ on a boat that is so cheap to build. I can build another boat for the cost of the epoxy, or less.

Real nice video... Flat bottom wooden boats:

I really don't see why a quality 35-year, paintable silicone would not seal a boat well. The old guys used butyl-rubber caulk, and it's still available.

The drift boat guys recommend 3M5200 caulk as the very best for boat building, but there's none in my area. What type of caulking do you like? Thanks

The decking screws are great... but I can't find any shorter than 1-1/4".

What kind of screws (or nails) are you using to build the boat? Brass, Stainless, Galvanized, etc.? Thanks

I just checked Old Town canoe's... they run 13-14", so I will go with 14".

Since talk is free... what do you guys think would be the perfect side height? I notice that a Shawnee boat (much wider) has 19" sides. My friend with the sawmill will cut me cyprus boards at any width I want. I like 16", but that may be too high on a narrow boat. So, 14 or 15" may be the best overall. Ideas?

I owe you big time... THANKS

Thanks so much for the info, I have all my wood and now ready to start sawing... finally.

That's what I was thinking... 24" bow, 36" center and 30" stern. gotmuddy... I simply don't need a rig that long, 16' will be all I can haul without a trailer. Thanks

Hey Lee... Since the plans I ordered are pitiful as far as a river jon goes, can you please give me some dimensions that you like on the rest of the boat? I'll go with 36" wide... what do you like for the bow and transom bottom width? Thanks

One of the best old-timey designs I've seen is this boat. It has plenty of rocker to take on rougher water. I have to build one to see how it handles... http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/periodicals/bittersweet/wi73b.htm

Here's one of the best looking wooden jon boats that's on the web. I'm not saying at all that it is a river running boat, nor would it be one to float class-II rivers in... but it sure is a nice flat water fishing boat. http://www.unclejohns.com/jonboat/images/griner/default.htm