<dbohara@mindspring.com> wrote in message news:1117559185.288662.249850@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...>I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should> be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build> in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable> for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I> would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in> the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow> it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am> considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest> anything better.>
dbohara@mindspring.com wrote:> I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should> be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build> in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable> for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I> would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in> the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow> it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am> considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest> anything better.
Based on your description, here's what I expect might be the perfect boat for you (proven over 3 decades in Alaskan waters) ...the Tolman Alaskan Skiff:
The boat is a quick build, light weight, modest deadrise/shallow draft, proven inshore and off in all kinds of conditions. And speaking of support forums, the Yahoo group is by far the very best I've seen anywhere. Renn Tolman (Homer, Alaska), the designer, is also very helpful and will always respond to your emails in a kind and informative manner.
Disclaimer: I am *NOT* selling anything and I have *NO* affiliation. I am however building the largest of the Tolmans, the 22' Jumbo (see http://www.reelboats.com ) and as such, have spent a lot of time researching these and similar boats. Another boat you might look at, although the Tolman is provably better is Tracy O'Brien's Predator or Headwater designs (see http://www.tracyobrien.com and click the Marine Design tab at the top of the page). The Predator is a V-bottom while the Headwater is a flat bottom boat, both designed to meet the same goals that you've listed.
Brian D
<dbohara@mindspring.com> wrote in message news:1117559185.288662.249850@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...>I am now looking to build a power boat in the 16-18' range. It should> be reasonably easy for someone who has built 3 smaller boats to build> in a reasonable length of time. What I would like is a boat suitable> for rivers, lakes and near coast putzing around with my family. I> would like the ability to go about 4 miles from shore to an island in> the Gulf of Mexico safely and also explore shallower areas. I will tow> it with a Toyota Highlander 6 cylinder so it cannot be too heavy. I am> considering the GlenL Wee Hunk Pacific Dory unless somebody can suggest> anything better.>
