new to boat building any help is appreciated

[cajonred]

Building my first ever boat and need any tips anyone may care to off. First off I'd like to know if a 6.5 hp will even push a 10 foot plywood/fiberglass hull with two people on board. Not looking to zoom across the water just want a decent steady pace. And do I need a gear reduction or can I run a straight shaft. I have my hull design and will start construction tomorrow. again any and all help is appreciated

[Papee]

I've never messed with anything lower than 8hp. Thats a little low but would push you around if you dont have any current.

[cajonred]

I've never messed with anything lower than 8hp. Thats a little low but would push you around if you dont have any current.

Thanks. My boat is going to be 8 long and 4 wide with a transom height of 18 inches. What size motor and prop would be adequate

[Papee]

Eight foot is going to be small. The motor and prop will take up about three feet of the boat right away. I doubt you could get two people in it.

[cajonred]

Top side I'll have ten feet overall length

[Papee]

Yes you have 10', 3ft or a little more taken up by the motor and prop. Another three feet for the drivers seat. that puts the front seat at 6ft. You bow rake is going to be around three ft. which puts the passenger seated on the rake. I wouldn't go shorter than 10 foot. 8 hp with a 36x17 prop would push it along. More hp doesnt do much good, If you have more thrust and hp you start to push more water and slows you down. You can achieve about 8 mph if set up right.

[cajonred]

Ok. So if I extend the bottom to ten feet and the top to twelve feet will what size motor and property would you recommend. And thanks for the info

[Papee]

When I mention lengths I'm referring to total length measured from transom to bow. Eight hp as i mentioned above would push it. I have a video on hulls coming out soon. I have it all shot just editing now but it takes a while.

[cajonred]

Oh ok. I'd like to see that when your done

[cajonred]

I'm going to go ahead and buy a new 12 hp engine. I'm not sure how to post pictures on here. But when my hull fabrication is done in a few days, and before I prepare it to lay fiberglass I'd like to post a picture and see what you or anyone else see that could improve on my design.

[Papee]

I'm going to go ahead and buy a new 12 hp engine. I'm not sure how to post pictures on here. But when my hull fabrication is done in a few days, and before I prepare it to lay fiberglass I'd like to post a picture and see what you or anyone else see that could improve on my design.

Here is a video I did on posting photos. Link to the thread where it is posted.
http://miniairboatassoc.com/forum/sh...ll=1#post32763

[cajonred]

Thanks. That simplifies it for me