IFish Fishing Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

DIY Aluminum Boat Build

1 reading
Jump to Latest
21 - 40 of 84 Posts
#22 ·
So this is a complete kit with all the pieces pre cut and formed? Obviously not the gentle curves but where pieces can be sheared and broke they are? Chines? Windows? Hinges/latches? Also with what appears to be some jigs to get the correct angles? Sorry if dumb questions, I’ve never heard of this.
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
S Radke said:
So this is a complete kit with all the pieces pre cut and formed? Obviously not the gentle curves but where pieces can be sheared and broke they are? Chines? Windows? Hinges/latches? Also with what appears to be some jigs to get the correct angles? Sorry if dumb questions, I’ve never heard of this.
Click to expand...
Yeah this is a kit like you described minus windows, latches, and hinges. There are no jigs for this boat, as it’s called a self jigging construction where you use the cross members and longitudinals to form the boat. Everything that could be bent to shape was via a cnc break. It has ink markings on every piece to show locations where other pieces mate up to them and which part number it is.

There is a company in Australia that called cnc marine that is a one stop shop, but most of the places either in the NW or BC sell plans then you go to an aluminum supplier and then they cut, bend, palletize, and ship it. I used specmar, but the other bigger names I found are Cope Marine, and Conrad Yachts. I actually liked the design of the Conrad probably the most but the boat of his I wanted to build was a 29x9.5 which was just to big for me right now.
 
#24 ·
The Edwing build we did started this same way. Two 22' hull sections with the bends forming the hull and a pile of cut material labeled and stacked on a flatbed. Put this together to make a 'Glider'. Then spend another $65k for engine, controls, and all the finishing parts to make it a boat. Ed sent the files over to the aluminum supplier and they cranked out the kit.
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
NorthPlainsDrifter said:
I know pictures can be deceiving, but are you going to be able to build the whole boat in your shop? It looks tight already.

Looking forward to following your build!
Click to expand...
It is tight, but I will be able to do everything except put the cabin on. I plan on wheeling it out when I get to that point and building the cabin on the shop floor, then using our excavator to lift it in place.
 
#29 ·
messmaker said:
It is tight, but I will be able to do everything except put the cabin on. I plan on wheeling it out when I get to that point and building the cabin on the shop floor, then using our excavator to lift it in place.
Click to expand...
That is what I had to do on my Tolman build, except instead of an excavator two friends and I just carried the pilot house roof out and put it up on the hull.
 
#31 ·
Love build threads! DIY is very cool. At least nobody but you (assuming you don’t tell the better 1/2) can complain about change orders. Hahaha.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#32 ·
Looking good, pretty awesome biting off a project of that size 👍 looks like you got some great help with you! He'll prob learn a lot hanging around giving a hand in that shop. Looking forward to following along and seeing it all come together.
 
Discussion starter · #35 · (Edited)
Yeah I’m only full welding joints that will be more difficult to get to after the side go on, but I am trying to bounce around the hull as to may add too much heat in one location. I want as much structure/bracing in place before I go to start full weld out.
Image


Chines are on and the next item will be the sides and gunnel caps.
Image
 
Discussion starter · #37 ·
I feel like this part of the build, is like the framing part of a house, looks like lots of progress and is exciting with all the big changes, but the 100’s of feet weld to come, wiring, and all the rest will be the slower part. I’m hoping that by next summer it will go under its own power though. The wife has been understanding the last couple weeks with me disappearing every free moment but that patients may run out. Haha
 
Discussion starter · #39 ·
Califbill said:
What equipment and size wire are you using? Did you already have capable welding equipment? I look at a good setup to be in the $10-12000 range.
Click to expand...
I’m using a millermatic 255 with an Alumapro push pull gun with 25’ lead. The wire is 3/64 5356. I’ve played a lot with settings on this machine, and I’ll probably be looked down at for saying this, but the autoset settings are what I ended back up at. The welder was on sale when I bought it for $3900. I’ve seen multiple since then on Facebook for $2000-2500. The push pull gun was used only once and looked to be brand new and I got it for $1900 so all in I’m at $5800 with a free $300 miller welding hood, and I had a 150 argon bottle for my tig machine. The Miller 255 does pulse and maxes out at 350 amps so it’s more than capable of welding out this project and many more.
 
#40 ·
messmaker said:
I feel like this part of the build, is like the framing part of a house, looks like lots of progress and is exciting with all the big changes, but the 100’s of feet weld to come, wiring, and all the rest will be the slower part. I’m hoping that by next summer it will go under its own power though. The wife has been understanding the last couple weeks with me disappearing every free moment but that patients may run out. Haha
Click to expand...
Looking great! Hope all goes well! On both instances! Haha
 
21 - 40 of 84 Posts
About this Discussion
83 Replies
32 Participants
Last post:
MessengerMarine
IFish Fishing Forum
posts
7.1M
members
90K
Since
2000
A forum community dedicated to anglers and fishing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
🎣 Ifish Fishing Life in General Ifish Hunting The Salty Dogs Boat and Motor Tech