JEM Watercraft

SSSSAAAWWEEEEETT!

Man, I hope my wife don't see this post, I would instantly be building another boat . . . for her.

I have done a little more on this boat. It seems like I work on it everyday but have little to show for it. I finally have it figured out, I think. I have the livewell and seat base glued in. I used a 1 1/4" aluminum tube for a drain from the front to the back. The other aluminum tubes are for the steering lines and electrical cables.



I fitted the livewell hatch and floor for the area where the batteries will be.





This boat is really starting to come together like I wanted. I really think the second boat will go quickly. I spend more time thinking and planning how I want things than actually building. I am still debating where to put the depthfinder transducer. I think I will put it under the seat instead of on the transom. I have never liked having a transducer on the back of the boat. But, on the other hand, I don't like the idea of cutting a hole in the bottom either. Even filled with epoxy and covered with cloth, I still think it will be a weak spot in the hull, and sooner or later, that spot will hit a stump. Still thinking about it.

Good grief... very nice!

tw541 wrote: I think I will put it under the seat instead of on the transom. I have never liked having a transducer on the back of the boat. But, on the other hand, I don't like the idea of cutting a hole in the bottom either. Even filled with epoxy and covered with cloth, I still think it will be a weak spot in the hull, and sooner or later, that spot will hit a stump. Still thinking about it.

I cut a hole in my Sabalo hull filled it with thickened epoxy then glassed over it when I glassed outside of the hull........ also glassed the inside

The boat has a pretty rough and tumble life and Ive had no problems with the cutout

Nice build by the way

was this made from a set of custom plans from JEM ?

If done properly, (as I can see you'll do), I wouldn't hesitate cutting in your transducer. Would you please post the finished weight?

I hope to get back to work on these boats soon.

Yes, these are from a custom set of plans from Matt. It is based on the TV, but is quite a bit wider. When I get closer to being finished, I will weigh one of them and post the weight. It will be pretty heavy for a 12'6'' boat, but I have planned from the beginning to trailer them. I put in a lot of reinforcing to support the weight of two deep cycle batteries when on the trailer.

I think I'm going to go with your plan but keep it a little lighter. I'm going to use one battery and a 30lb thrust trolling motor.Ideally I want to transport in the bed of my truck.
again great job !!