12' fishing boat using PMF

[Maritime]

So Holly really likes going fishing. We use the canoe sometimes but when it's just the 2 of us it's hard for old dad to handle the 16' Old Town on and off the Pilot etc. thanks to you tube and interwebs I discovered the cool process of "PMF" Poor Mans Fiberglass and we're starting a build. Doing it over a few months as we are on a budget and can only spend $40 a week. Had 2 weeks worth saved and we went and got 3 sheets of foam and some adhesive. Started cutting and gluing and so far it's been fun. Once we get the layers all glued and then sanded to the final shape the whole shebang gets covered in Titebond 3 and old bedsheets and then painted with exterior paint a few coats to seal it all and stick it all together. I'll be using plywood in some spots for strength and mounting things like handles and a cheap trolling motor. This should end up being light enough for me to put on the roof and take off without needing another person or wrecking my back LOL.

 

[ridesolo]

That's very cool! Sounds like a fun and worthy project. Just be sure to post a prominent "NO SOLVENTS!" sign!

 

[Maritime]

Lol yep. Have to be careful until its coated. I'll be in about $300-$350 depending on how much paint cost will be. Hoping to score mis tint paint. Motor and battery will be another $300 from what I can see on FB marketplace and amazon. Chsapest boat I could find used was over double that in aluminum and plywood is too heavy.

 

[cbrianroll]

That’s cool! Looking forward to seeing how it does..

 

[Maritime]

Slow and steady. we have 4 layers laminated now on the sides and bow 4" x 2.5" in a step pattern. Next is to decide how high to make the gunnels and buy another sheet of 2" for those. Glue that and the transom up and then flip it over and sand the steps off to a smooth finish. build the seats and then it will be ready for the titebond III and the cloth.

 

[adventurco]

Awesome, I'll be watching.

 

[JustinLonghorn]

This sounds like a fun family project!

 

[Maritime]

So blew this weeks budget on the titebond. Need more foam to keep building but the goal is to work a little every day so today was sanding the steps off. Looks like if will work well.

Plan to reinforce some spots like the bow and stern with some 1/4 plywood. And the gunnel tops etc. Will put that on after the fabric and stain and clear it as accents. We are taking a trip to Maine for an ovenight in Bangor so I will be hitting all the Mardens looking fod deals on paint and stuff.

 

[Luugo86]

This is a cool project, looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

 

[Maritime]

Thanks. It can't sink but could break if I don't get it right LOL

 

[Maritime]

Just scored a gallon of mis tint exterior porch paint for $10 @ HD. Enough to do the 2 coats plus for sealing the cloth after glueing.

 

[TresCuatros]

What's the overall angle here? Saving money over other lightweight options or saving weight over other affordable options?
I'm very intrigued by the project, but find myself asking....why?

 

[Maritime]

What's the overall angle here? Saving money over other lightweight options or saving weight over other affordable options?
I'm very intrigued by the project, but find myself asking....why?

Fun, saving about half on a used similar boat and seeing how the pmf works for other uses.

 

[toglhot]

Any chimpanzee can buy a boat or canoe, it takes skill and time and imagination to build stuff yourself. Well done!

 

[Maritime]

Just scored a Min Kota 30lb thrust 12V motor for $100. Like new and about half of a new one. Picking up tonight. I can use it on both this and the old town canoe if I want.

 

[Luugo86]

Just scored a Min Kota 30lb thrust 12V motor for $100. Like new and about half of a new one. Picking up tonight. I can use it on both this and the old town canoe if I want.

Good score man! You got me wanting to get my fishing gear ready for spring time.

 

[Maritime]

Just need a deal on a battery now. Want to go LiPo if I can for weight and I can also use it for camping with my inverter.

 

[benroloff]

Can get LiFePO4 batteries with pretty decent capacity for pretty cheap. Batteryhookup.com has some 35ah for sale right now for like $50 each and they’re only 10lbs or so I wanna say. I think they pull them from medical equipment backup power supplies so you can pretty much guarantee they’re basically brand new and in good shape. Not a bad deal if you ask me

 

[Maritime]

Can get LiFePO4 batteries with pretty decent capacity for pretty cheap. Batteryhookup.com has some 35ah for sale right now for like $50 each and they’re only 10lbs or so I wanna say. I think they pull them from medical equipment backup power supplies so you can pretty much guarantee they’re basically brand new and in good shape. Not a bad deal if you ask me

Thanks! I'll check them out.

 

[Maritime]

that's a good site, If they still have those next week I'll grab 2 for $136 Shipped to Maine and that will give me 60AH of capacity to use for boat and camping.