Build a Crabbing Machine

[JimRockfish]

Friends - I wanted to share something for those who may be interested. I've gotten into wooden boat building and I'm in the process of building a great crabbing boat for my two grandsons. The new marine woods are very strong, highly rot-resistant, new marine paints have been developed that are good for 10 years and 2 part epoxies make the joints as strong as steel. I've had glass boats for 35 years but this 18 ft. boat I'm building will cost about $1500 without the motor, draws 5 inches of water, will do 40 mph with a 40 h.p. motor and uses about a gallon of fuel per day. It's highly sea-worthy and the motto is "it will get you back in when you shouldn't be out there." They have been running the 20 and 22 ft. versions 40 miles offshore in NC for many years. I should have it in the water this coming summer. The plans were $40 from Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington, N.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Jim

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Try these links ...

http://www.capefearmuseum.com/simmons_skiffs.htm

http://www.simmonsseaskiff.com/ (photo galleries)

http://www.simmonsseaskiff.com/History/index.htm

[JimRockfish]

Here's a shot of where I am. Jim

[JimRockfish]

Here we are mounting the transom. The motor sits just inside, providing great balance.

[JimRockfish]

The stem is made of mahogany, 10 strips laminated - bent around a jig I made in a few minutes. The floorboards and keel are also mahogany. Source: Exotic Lunber, Whitehall Rd., Annapolis. Use silicon-bronze screws for everything below the waterline (NOT stainless steel). Source: Chesapeake Marine Fasteners, Annapolis.

[rj]

A crabbing boat sounds like a worthwhile winter project.
mine have always been made out of a boat that someone threw away. old tri-hulls being my preference. rebuilt many to my specs but never built one from scratch.
keep us updated on your progress
RJ

[stripertom]

Gonna try and find the plans now. Been wanting to try my hand at it, and those sound like some excellent specs. Definitely going to build one so my kids can run around in the creeks with it!!! Thanks for the "push".......Tom

Guess I'll google "Cape Fear Museum plans" and see what I get.....

[POLECAT]

Fantastic project to get the kids involved in. Many benefits and sense of satisfaction for many years to come. The kids will never forget helping build this great crabbing machine. They will talk about it for a lifetime. Countless hours and days will be spent having a good ole time with you now, while building, and in the future in that boat.

Enjoy!

[JimRockfish]

Look for Simmons Sea Skiff alsoGoogle the Website



Gonna try and find the plans now. Been wanting to try my hand at it, and those sound like some excellent specs. Definitely going to build one so my kids can run around in the creeks with it!!! Thanks for the "push".......Tom

Guess I'll google "Cape Fear Museum plans" and see what I get.....

[JimRockfish]

Try these links ...

http://www.capefearmuseum.com/simmons_skiffs.htm

http://www.simmonsseaskiff.com/ (photo galleries)

http://www.simmonsseaskiff.com/History/index.htm

[JimRockfish]

Here's a finished 18 and the center console is not necessary - optional.

[JimRockfish]

pic was too large. skip this post.

[rj]

for those that may be interested in building their own here is annother link to some boat plan & kit boat suppliers. some interesting read for the wintertime

http://boatplans-online.com/

http://plywood.e-boat.net/index.php