• If you log in, the ads disappear in the forum and gallery. If you need help logging in or getting registered, send request to: webmaster@southernairboat.com

Planning First Mini

Thinking something around 20hp. Nothing crazy. Wanna keep it small and simple just to fish and gig from. Dont need a speed demon or anything.
 
with 20 hp you better plan on as light as possible. I wouldn't plan on full decks and 2 people.
 
Thanks for the reply Gary, seriously! I've decided not to fo full deck, and gonna use 1x10 for stringers and sides and back. 1/4" ply on the bottom, emt tubing for cage. Does that sound reasonable?
 
have you checked out the mini builds on youtube? https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mini+plywood+airboat

you will see how the different sizes & engine configurations perform :salute:


[youtube-video]https://youtu.be/ac9lmuihxYs[/youtube-video]


https://lonestarhovercraft.com/reduction-drives/
 
Centralflmini said:
Thanks for the reply Gary, seriously! I've decided not to fo full deck, and gonna use 1x10 for stringers and sides and back. 1/4" ply on the bottom, emt tubing for cage. Does that sound reasonable?
Click to expand...
Hey Centralflmini welcome to SA! I don't know alot about mini's but I seen a few builds on here. A common mistake is not making them wide enough, makes it real hard to get on a plane. I don't think 4' is wide enough, and not sure what the magic number is. Do some research here and youtube, good luck and be safe!
 
Dude, and I mean that politely, you are learning at a rapid pace, that is cool :thumbleft:

3 days ago you were gonna go to Home Depo and build the heaviest piece of crap going. Seriously, 2x12 lumber, deck over with hatches and cooler mounts and, and, and on a mini :?: I use 2x12 lumber for my spare parts loft because hey, I don't have to push it, not my boat :violent1:

Centralflmini said:
For my sides, back, and stringers, would it be best to use 2x12 or 1x12 lumber? I've seen both used. Or 1x10/1x12? Also for the bottom would 3/8th ply be too heavy? Should I stick to 1/4? I may or may not glass the outside of the hull. Last question for now, is an 8x4 hull big enough for 2 people and alittle gear? Probably 400lbs max. Planning full deck and hatches. And the adult passenger would likely be very rare, usually it would be me (175lbs) and my 4 year old son.
Click to expand...

Now we are looking at heavy 13 foot fiberglass hulls with a 75 Hp rice burnin Vespa engine from the 70's to push it.

So here is the deal, the general rule of thumb for big boats is 6 lbs/Hp. On a mini in the 50 Hp class 8-10 lbs/Hp will work. So take 75 Hp x 8 you have a weight budget of 600 lbs, 750 with the driver, give or take the young buck catching frogs on the nose.

With what you have right now, I would go buy a 5 x14 jon or mud boat and give er hell with the old rice burner, hell yah I'd soup er up :violent1: I grew up on the river all around there with a Gheenoe and a 7-1/2 Hp Sears Ted Williams outboard, wish I had a CB 750 and and air prop to push them shallows back then :cheers: But don't add anything but beer, bait and ammo. Sometime you might have to empty the ammo box to get home because you got too many Snipe :albino:

On the other hand, if one was a motor head with time to plan and is set on a motorcycle powered rig, those $100, 13 foot hulls start to look attractive. Traveling the US I am sure you find opportunities for a wrecked Nija etc. Something making north of 150 Hp but light. Buy a hull in reasonable shape and search for the power. Run the beat hull until you sink it, then find/build an aluminum rig with a dialed in engine/gear/prop so your Nija can show its stuff. :salute:
 
Yea I'm gonna go back to researching and ill keep the rubber on the highway for now. Appreciate the help. This thread can be deleted now. Its trash lol.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top