Looking for an open boat.

I have a “project boat” with a 50HP 2 cylinder 2 cycle Evinrude, a Minn Kota PD V2 55lb 12v and a Humminbird Helix 5 DI GPS. The hull was a Bass Type Boat and I attempted to make it an open boat – with no (or very low) decks. The task has turned out to be a bit more complex than I thought it would be when I first started. Does anyone know of a boat company that builds a hull that would meet my criteria? I would like an aluminum hull,16’ to 17’, vee bow and at least a bit of a vee in the bottom, no cross seats, a side console and as I said no, or very low, decks.

Bring your credit cards...

https://www.lundboats.com/boat-models/1600-rebel/

https://www.alumacraft.com/Alumacraft-Boat.php?id=276

Maybe check out Weldbilt boats. You can get them made just about any way you want, and very affordable. But you get what you pay for. If you get a Weldbilt, get the thicker .100 aluminum.

Shaugh said:

Bring your credit cards...

https://www.lundboats.com/boat-models/1600-rebel/

https://www.alumacraft.com/Alumacraft-Boat.php?id=276

Click to expand...

I was surprised by the Lund at "only" $7K - but the Alumacraft is Tiller Only - no side console that I can see.

Might have saved the wrong link:

https://www.alumacraft.com/Alumacraft-Boat.php?id=278

shop around on those websites.. lots of other models. You can't go wrong with either company.

What kind of waters are you running on? Someone here within the last month posted pictures of their jon boat build (had slight V) where there were no seats athwartships - or side-to-side - but there was a large 'knee' shaped like an 'L' spread wider open a tad, that secured the topsides (sides of hull) to the floor, to maintain the hull rigidity and integrity.

If in calmer waters, albeit it sounds like you'll be moving out FAST, you could make your own or have them fab'd and installed for you. A low floor would be a relatively simple DIY install. Be sure to add foam underneath for deadening, support, and flotation.

You know ... I was thinking someone should make these and just found these aluminum 'gusset's on eBay for < $14 each, see: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Misty-Harbor-MMC1058-Silver-9-Aluminum-Boat-Mounting-Bracket-/191703163768?hash=item2ca2662378:g:lmcAAOSwuhhXW8UI&vxp=mtr ... and photo. That's the concept I'm talking about ... tie floor to ribs and topsides to the floor using something like these gussets/brackets; ties the the hull together almost like it's one piece!

wow Dale, you come through again !!
I need 3 braces for my Lone Star and was pondering making them
myself - - - this is a deal compared to the time and material it takes to
make it yourself. If it is not the correct angle, I will cut it and weld it back correctly.
Thanks man !!!

I am not looking for ways to make my boat an open boat but Make & Model of boats that are built open so I can search the classifieds to find one. I know I could have one built (Weldcraft and the like) but I am hoping to find a used one for a decent price. Not knowing which makes & models makes it difficult.

There are far fewer "open deck" aluminum boats around than those with mid-ship seats. Yet, most of the dealers offer one or more. They all use a different name or designation for the open deck type for which you are searching.

To add to that, 99% of the private seller listings don't give enough information to ascertain which boat the seller actually owns. Heck, 99% of the time, the seller doesn't know the designation or what it means.

I'd go to school on the various websites and see what each manufacturer calls his open boats.

Also, normally, the yellow tag on the inside stern of many tinnys will have the full designation. i.e. my G3 says 1652 VBW . I have learned that the V tells me it is a semi-V. the B seems to be the particular open boat style, and the W designates the 52-inch Wide width. Anyhow, that is what I think the VBW means.

Before you make a long trip, I'd ask the seller to take a picture of the yellow tag and send it to you. With your new knowledge of various manufacturer's offerings, you may be able to tell a lot.

regards, richg99

Lowe has their own way.
https://www.loweboats.com/jon-boats/