23' ACB Boat Center Console

Spoonplugger · 08-28-2005, 08:18 PM

We are having this boat built for next years tuna fishing--and of course all other sea dwelling fish...

Delivery date is November 2, 2005.

ACB emails us updates every Friday!

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week One:

Spoonplugger · 08-28-2005, 08:23 PM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Two:

Spoonplugger · 08-29-2005, 06:36 AM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Three:

Mid-way up on the aluminum chambers will be the self-bailing deck, you can see the lip on the chambers, which is the deck level. The sides will eventually be 32" high--storage all the way around above the chambers. The stern compartment is the fish box. The center comparment holds the 130 gallon fuel tank. The bow compartment is going to be reinforced with what they call a ladder bracket to strengthen the 1/4" hull.

There are 8 separate air chambers that are made of 3/16" aluminum. They render the ACB pretty much unsinkable.

Orca · 08-29-2005, 06:42 AM

You're killing us here. You are going to have a sweet fish killin machine.

skein · 08-29-2005, 08:49 AM

Man, does that bring back a memory or two! Watching it come together, and waiting, waiting, waiting. It's really cool to see it being built isn't it.

Always nice to see another new addition to the Salty Dog fleet!

Skein

CAPT KUJO · 08-29-2005, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Three:

Mid-way up on the aluminum chambers will be the self-bailing deck, you can see the lip on the chambers, which is the deck level. The sides will eventually be 32" high--storage all the way around above the chambers. The stern compartment is the fish box. The center comparment holds the 130 gallon fuel tank. The bow compartment is going to be reinforced with what they call a ladder bracket to strengthen the 1/4" hull.

There are 8 separate air chambers that are made of 3/16" aluminum. They render the ACB pretty much unsinkable.

Jerry,
Spoonplugger

I don't see any stringers. Been there done that, are there going to be any??

CAPT KUJO

Spoonplugger · 08-29-2005, 09:41 AM

CAPT KUJO

Yes, ACB calls the one in the bow a "ladder bracket". When we toured the factory they showed us how they were reinforced. The stringers in the bow are actually about 10" deep and then about 8" checker boarded. And made with 1/2" aluminum.

Under the gas tank in the center, the stingers are about 2" wide and 4" deep and extend longitudinally. On ACB's website they show a video where they drop a hull from 30' on concrete and doesn't crush the hull.
(Sorry, no non sponsor contact info)
Thanks for the concern,

rowmanholiday · 08-29-2005, 09:50 AM

Very nice. Sure hope pictures are posted when completed.

Spoonplugger · 08-30-2005, 06:09 AM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Four:

Now you can see the stringers installed in the center compartment where the 130 gallon fuel tank will be.

Under the perforated plate in the bow compartment is the ladder bracket. It is an extremely heavy duty 1/2" aluminum stringer system. They use the holes to weld the visible 1/4" aluminum plate to the stringers. The cavity between the visible plate and the deck will be storage. The actual deck will be at the lip level on the air chambers.

I have week 5 to post and that will bring us up to date. Friday, September 2, 2005 we will be receiving pictures for week 6.

Mark Mc · 08-30-2005, 06:35 AM

KUJO, when you said

Quote:

I don't see any stringers. Been there done that, are there going to be any??

CAPT KUJO

does that mean you tried building one without stringers at one time?

CAPT KUJO · 08-30-2005, 11:48 AM

Quote:

KUJO, when you said

Quote:

I don't see any stringers. Been there done that, are there going to be any??

CAPT KUJO

does that mean you tried building one without stringers at one time?

es,

If fact the SAV went through six hull evolutions before the finished product was made available to the military. I see ACB has copied our design. It should be very dependable.

CAPT KUJO

tomictime · 08-30-2005, 07:08 PM

SP:

cool, nice looking work and sweet tooling. brings back fond memories of having my Sounder built. I was able to make it to factory every week to tak pics and get updates - see the baby created. Nice to know what's really inside and where.

Keep us posted :smile:

JD

Sea Lilly · 08-30-2005, 07:39 PM

Sweeeeeet......keep the pics coming

Spoonplugger · 08-30-2005, 09:47 PM

Whether or not ACB is a copy of another design I really don't know. I do know that Stabi-Craft started building their aluminum chambered boat in 1987. ACB began building their boats in the year 1998 in Spokane, WA.

ACB currently builds its unique "patented" aluminum chambered designed boats in Bellingham, WA.

It is very impressive to take a tour through their facility. They are located at the ferry terminal in Bellingham, WA.

We actually drove one of their 23' ACB's for about an hour, jumping waves and the like. We only got about 5 drops of water on the windshield in all that time. They are very dry boats unlike the Zodiak and Avon type boats. At one time in about 2 foot chop we were going 45 mph and the salesman took his hands off the steering wheel and walked to the stern of the boat and then told me to go up and drive it.

"October of 2001, following the tragic events of 9/11 ACB was declared "Mission Essential" under the U.S. Patriot Act. This led to ACB�s GSA contract (GSA#07F 0133M)." (Quoted from ACB's website) At that time they were forced to double their factory size.

When we toured the factory they were just getting ready to start building 66 boats for the Marines.

Anyway, tomictime and Sea Lilly we will post pics as we get the updates. Thanks for your interest.

Spoonplugger · 08-31-2005, 09:32 PM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Five:

Welding on the beaching plate. The hull thickness at the beaching plate is 1/2".

On the ACB the more rectangular air chambers form an actual sharp vee style bow, unlike the Zodiak style boats that have rounded chambers. Additionally, 12" of gunnels will be welded on top of the chambers, making a total inside depth measurement (from deck to top of gunnels) a full 32", contributing to a very dry boat.

Two large high volume scuppers for the self-bailing deck are seen on the transom, along with 2 transducer/zincs brackets. Notice the shape of the chambers compared to other air chambered boats, and the "Dead Rise" at 18 degrees.

This boat will be powered by a single 225 HP outboard which when loaded with 4 people and 130 gallons of fuel will travel about 45 mph.

Spoonplugger · 09-03-2005, 04:34 AM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Six:

Fish Box by the transom. Fuel Compartment next section.

Anchor Well and storage at the bow. Deck level is becoming apparent.

Just got these pics yesterday, (9/2/05) so we're now up-to-date.

Spoonplugger · 09-04-2005, 08:12 AM

23' Center Console
----------------------------------------------------------
Boat Information
Boat Type: Center Console
Hull Length: 23'
Overall Length: 28' (includes Armstrong bracket & motor)
Interior Beam: 6' 0"
Exterior Beam: 8' 6"
Hull Thickness: 1/4"
Tube Thickness: 3/16"
Max Horse Power: 300
Average Weight: 5500 (includes fuel)
Fuel Capacity: 130 gal
Load Capacity: 3500 lbs
Dead Rise: 18 degree

Base Boat Features
130-Gallon Under Floor Fuel Tank
3/16" Chambers
2000GPH auto bilge pump
Armstrong bracket (twin)
Armstrong deck hatches
Breaker panel (11 breakers)
Compass
Gunnels storage aft deck
Horn
Navigation lights
Non-skid on decks
Rub rail 1.5" (UHMW)
Self bailing deck (high volume scuppers)
Transducer brackets w/zincs (both sides on transom)
White paint (marine grade)
Aluminum cleats (6) welded
Anchor storage bin w/step & cover
Center console w/tinted window w/wiper
Console lighting (map)
SS Steering wheel (13")
Padded leaning post

Added Options:
Raised gunnels w/storage
Bolster seats cushioned (4 person)
Full width T-Top w/radar arch and 6 pole holders
1/2" aluminum beaching plate
Search light w/motorized control
Rear deck light
Auxiliary motor bracket
Raw water wash down
225HP Evinrude E-Tech @524LBS @WOT=22.4GPH

Bendman · 09-04-2005, 08:17 AM

Nice boat Jerry!

TheRogue · 09-04-2005, 09:56 AM

You know one of the things I like about it? Look at the shop. Completely clean, completely organized. A professional looking shop almost always equates to a professional build job!

Nice ride.

TR

Sea Lilly · 09-05-2005, 08:33 AM

Yes, I was thinking the same about the shop, Talk about clean WOW,

I have my own 5 man shop and trying to keep it clean can be a challenge. I love the Pics. Thank you for taking the time to let us see your Boat / fishing machine come together.
How long until it is complete?
Sea Lilly

Bendman · 09-05-2005, 08:42 AM

I think I remember him saying sometime in November if all goes well.

Spoonplugger · 09-09-2005, 01:29 PM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Seven:

Installed the raised gunnels.

Deck pretty much completed.

tomictime · 09-09-2005, 05:32 PM

cool, starting to actually look fwd to your Friday post...have itch myself to get something BUILT...

Keep em coming

JD

Spoonplugger · 09-17-2005, 09:17 PM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Eight:

Hand rails, cleats and storage in gunnels completed.

Armstrong Deckplates will be fitted in all openings for dry storage. Brackets on deck for T-top and Seats.

T-top/Console foreground and Bolster Seat background to left.

ACB told us yesterday that they are working Saturdays also so are ahead of schedule. Possible delivery by the 3rd week in October.

Sea Lilly · 09-18-2005, 03:21 PM

Weeeeeeeee..........
Its looking allot like a Boat now,
I bet its very exciting for you.

Spoonplugger · 09-19-2005, 06:12 PM

Sea Lilly...You are right...I feel like a little boy in a situation where I have never been before. Like seeing a butterfly for the first time and having at least a hundred questions.

Like Skein said above, "Man, does that bring back a memory or two! Watching it come together, and waiting, waiting, waiting. It's really cool to see it being built isn't it."

I just about fell to the floor when ACB told me they were rushing things, recreational wise, because of Government orders, that were pressing. October 15th isn't that far away.

Thanks again for the response,

As yet un-named · 09-20-2005, 08:20 AM

SP, can you hear me panting? Damn, that is one fine looking craft. I'll definately be taking a close look at something similar to that next time I'm boat shopping. Question for ya... What is this boat replacing? Just kind of wondering how big a step up you're taking? Living vicariously through other's on the internet... Wondering how big of a step I'll be able to afford/justify on my next one...

WaterDog · 09-20-2005, 09:25 AM

Quote:

You know one of the things I like about it? Look at the shop. Completely clean, completely organized. A professional looking shop almost always equates to a professional build job!

Nice ride.

TR

Yeah, definately not an edwing shop.

Spoonplugger · 09-23-2005, 03:40 PM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Nine:

ACB figures 21 days left...so about 10/15/2005

Spoonplugger · 09-30-2005, 11:05 AM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Ten:

Starting to really take shape...

Mr. Fisherman · 09-30-2005, 03:26 PM

Hey! Thats a motor hanging back there! It won't be long now. I can't wait to see the decks bloody.

Zodiac-Fisherman · 09-30-2005, 05:29 PM

Lookin great!

You might be able to put some longfinners into the boat this year after all!

bobber_boy · 09-30-2005, 06:14 PM

E-tec, sweeeeet

Looks great!

Spoonplugger · 10-10-2005, 08:16 PM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Week Eleven:

Got word today that she is basically done. Three days to fit trailer, a few finishing touches and to finish their final on-the-water testing. This boat is the first 2006 model center console that they have produced--the 103rd 23' boat that they have built. They seem to be awful proud of it. Marty told me today that the performance of this boat is downright awesome. Can't wait to try it out for myself.

I can't pick it up until October 14th. Our plan is: we will be there the second they open. My Son, Jared and my Nephew, Jabin will spend 4 hours with them Monday going over all the features and running it on-the-water near their facility. We'll take pictures and keep you posted.

Bendman · 10-10-2005, 08:21 PM

Congrats Jerry . Your going to let Jared drive the boat?

Spoonplugger · 10-10-2005, 08:28 PM

Bendman,

RELUCTANTLY!!!

Not really--Jared actually got his Oregon Boaters License before I did. The only reason I got it now is because my insurance agent said that we could save money if I had it too. The understanding between us is this: If we become uncomfortable with ocean conditions, THE OLD MAN GETS TO DRIVE!

Spoonplugger · 10-15-2005, 06:29 AM

Aluminum Chambered Boat (ACB) Taking Delivery:

My Son, Jared on the left. My Nephew, Jabin on the right.

Aft deck

Rear seating

Helm

The entire bow, from the keel to the top of the gunnels, consists of 8 separate aluminum air chambers. While we were driving it today Marty told us that one of their techs have taken these boats from the top of an 8 to 10 foot wave, full throttle down into the base of the next wave and has never completely swamped one yet. (I don't intend on ever even trying it!) Also, they have filled them to the brim with water, scuppers sealed, and can drive them away from the dock. The 25 square inches of scupper can drain the completely filled boat in less than 5 minutes under no power.

Spoonplugger · 10-15-2005, 06:35 AM

Next step is ours: Electronics, downriggers, pole holders and all the other goodies.

We are looking forward to fishing with all you salty dogs this next season.

We will be posting open seats from time to time. Looking forward to meeting some of you personally.

tomictime · 10-15-2005, 08:55 AM

Jerry:

Looks super :smile: have fun "drilling and filling"

JD

backlash442 · 10-15-2005, 09:32 PM

Saw a 26' Police boat out on a lake the other day and it was pretty windy. The boat would stop in the middle of the lake and drift. I was surprised how stable it was. I was trolling and getting bounced around pretty good while their boat didn't even move. Very impressive. Heard very good things about them.

Sadie-Lynne · 10-17-2005, 01:35 PM

SP Now thats a nice looking boat. Hope to see it out on the water.

Spindrifter · 10-21-2005, 06:13 AM

Jerry,
Wow, super nice boat. It really turned out good. I'd love to take a ride on that sometime

Have fun filling it up with goodies

Fisherman_Mark · 10-22-2005, 09:17 PM

Man that is a nice ride. I just know you are gonna have a great time driving it.

bajadan2000 · 10-22-2005, 09:58 PM

Holly *#&%, that is one beautiful boat. Unbelievable!!!! You are in for a gooooood time. Congradulations.

tommyboy6933 · 10-25-2005, 01:43 PM

what a bueaty that is awesome

hetchy · 12-22-2005, 07:04 AM

Hi Jerry

Just wondering how you are liking your ACB. I imagine you love it. I've been interested in those since I ran across their website a while back. Just saw your step by step of your boat being built. She is a beauty. I've been emailing Marty at the factory about a 23' 2326 Waverunner. I think the specs. would be like yours pretty much except its a closed bow with a wrap around windshield. As soon as Marty email me a photo of that boat I was hooked. I have a really nice 2005 Duckworth but going out of the Golden Gate down here gets pretty hairy and same with the big lakes like Tahoe and Pyramid. Those ACBs must be about the safest thing on the water. He said they are going to be at the Seattle Boat show. My guess would be that they are going to have more orders than they can handle.
Anyway if you get a chance could you drop me a line and let me know how your boat is working out. Thanks Bob Davis
my email address is rf_davis@myway.com

hetchy · 12-22-2005, 04:31 PM

I thought I was sending a PM on that last post. Oh well, how are you liking the ACB. Thanks for any imput you might have.

C.J.D · 12-23-2005, 03:39 PM

Great looking boat.
It was a real thrill to watch the progress.
I watched most of it thanks to I-FISH.
I bet your a haaaaaaaaaapy camper. Or should that be boater?
Thanks for sharing.

Spoonplugger · 12-25-2005, 09:10 AM

Bob,

We have been really enjoying the boat. It performs exactly like ACB indicates in all their info. We have had it in 4 foot chop and dramatically flew through it at 35 mph with no discomfort. We could have done it all day long.

I highly recommend ACB. There is a waiting list. I know that they just started a 66 boat order for the Marines.

Have fun,
Jerry Crofoot

AWH · 06-03-2007, 07:04 AM

In Australasia ( Australia and New Zealand) ACBs are called Pontoon Boats or RBBs (Rigid Buoyancy Boats).

SamBen · 06-03-2007, 07:45 PM

I saw this boat out at bannana flying past me. It looked awkward at first but I did noticed that it was riding much smother then my trophy.

My first thought was that because it was open i wandered if it had scuppers question answered.

It looked narrow also is it 86" or 76" or is it the shape that makes it seem slim?

Needless to say if it saves your kidneys on the rough days and you are happy then all is good.

Spoonplugger · 06-04-2007, 02:00 AM

SamBen, the exterior beam is 102". And yes, the dual 4" scuppers allows the river to flow out the stern on those really rough days. One nice thing about the flow of water through the boat is, its clean of all blood and guts, when we get back to port.

earlybird007 · 06-04-2007, 08:14 AM

My next boat may be an acb.......I have got the broshure and the cd and I will tell you all it is very impressive.

Just curious if the fuel economy is what they say........If it is then

What have you been getting for mileage?....

A very nice looking boat.......

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

>>>------->

Spoonplugger · 06-09-2007, 12:28 PM

earlybird007,

Year 2006 we went through 1013.36 gallons of unleaded gas and operated for 268 hours. Equals 3.78 gallons per hour average. But remember, that includes trolling for tuna also. Much better mileage trolling than running.

PHK · 12-23-2007, 09:37 PM

Jerry,

Would you be able to share the pictures of your build with us again? They are no longer showing up in this thread (which is a bit old). Alternatively, could you email me the picture?? Please??

Thanks,
Paul

hetchy · 12-25-2007, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoonplugger

earlybird007,

Year 2006 we went through 1013.36 gallons of unleaded gas and operated for 268 hours. Equals 3.78 gallons per hour average. But remember, that includes trolling for tuna also. Much better mileage trolling than running.

Hi Jerry Nice to see you here, I gotta Flo Scan on mine now so I'll be able to figure out the sweet spot on the RPMs.

I want to come up that way for Tuna sometime, perhaps we could run out together.

Happy Holidays.

I'm waiting for everyone to get up so we can open gifts. Its different without small kids around that are so excited they are up by 4:00

Spoonplugger · 03-12-2008, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHK

Jerry,

Would you be able to share the pictures of your build with us again? They are no longer showing up in this thread (which is a bit old). Alternatively, could you email me the picture?? Please??

Thanks,
Paul

Paul, comcast finally got there upgrade completed. The pictures are up and running again. If you need anything else let me know.

Hetchy, I am looking forward to our trip together. We are modifying the seating arrangement slightly. I'll show a picture when we are completed.