Question:
Request: plans for small VERY CHEAP fresh water fishing boat.
I am looking for the cheapest easiest boat to build. Has anyone ever
thought of building a small personal pontoon boat? A flat bottom plywood
boat would probably be the easiest. Can you build a boat for under $200.
Answer:
- Check the last 3 or 4 issues of either Sports Afield or Outdoor life.
They had some end of winter projects listed and building a 12 ft. flat
bottom canoe was one project. As I recall, the materials listed cost
well under $200. and they also listed the name of a book that carried
the detailed plans also included in the total cost. Sorry I can't
recall the magazine. Looked like an easy weekend project.
-you bet. There's a personal pontoon boat in the current issue of
BoatBuilder magazine.
Under $200? Absolutely. How about a 6-hour canoe, glued up with 5200
compound? Or, a Bolger Teal (no sail, leeboard, or rudder/tiller), built
of lauan and 2X4 lumber, should be under $200.
Oh, you want to fish?
How about Brown's little dory's? Advertised in BoatBuilder magazine, and
also in Messing About in Boats. Easy and cheap, too, with excellent
instructions.
-y brother built a raft once to avert the no swimming policy on a local
lake. It was OK to boat, just not to swim. He and his friends took some
old inner tubes and fashioned a raft with a mast, sail and all. Then they
invited the girls to the lakes to check out the new boat. It got them all
in the lake on one piece for a day of swimming. They used it for a diving
platform mostly. As far as I know, they had no plans for building this
rig.
Sure, you can build a boat for under $200. All you will need is 2-3
sheets of plywood, just buy AC grade, some 2 X 4's for framing and a few
fastenings. You will also need plans. Check out plans by Payson, he has
several easy boats to build with economy in mind. I would buy a copy of
WoodenBoat magazine and check out the ads in the back for plans. You may
see some skiff plans that are what you are after. Payson has some plans
for a flat-bottom skiff, row boat, that could easily be built for under
$200. If you are interested, e-mail me and I will get you Harold's
address.
