Monday, August 27, 2012

Good Looking Boats...


We splash and tested my boat, going to make a couple changes.  She needs the bottom stiffined a bit... I think we will add a 4/4" X 3" keelson.  This will help with tracking also...her bow likes to blow around when its windy.

5 comments:

  1. I like your Diablo. Can you post some more pictures on of the console as is attaches to the boat? I just received plans for mine and hope to start building soon but wanted a console of sorts. I came across yours and really like it. How is it having the casting deck? I like the idea but am not sure if its worth giving up seating.

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  2. I'll try and find a couple pictures that "explain" it better. This layout works very well, still comfortable to run with 5 aboard and the casting platform gives you great storage underneath and a huge lounging/seating area. By removing the middle seat and in effect bringing the front seat way back the boat is much more usable ...the draw back is you need to stiffen the bottom, I did it after the fact by adding the keelson...3/4" bottom would work also. As far as consoles go I made it to the side and tall...comfortable to sit behind or stand and run the boat. The Diablo is not a very good desighn for a center console as the only walkable area is 2' in the middle, otherwise your walking/slipping on the steep side panels. We built two at the same time... one traditional three bench seats and mine with the open center (mines way better;)

    Which ever way you go this is a great little boat!

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  3. Awesome, thanks for the info. I think yours is better. My fear with the designed layout is space but I came across your interpretation of it and was intrigued. When you stretched the boat did you just add 6" at the stern? I agree that a center console is out of the question and the more I thought about it the more I wanted a console as tiller steering just didn't interest me. Do you have a picture of the keelson? I've seen multiple people add them to their Diablos so I figured I would be doing one if only to help with tracking. How do you like the 30hp? Moar Power!

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  4. Yes, just added the length at the transom... I'm not sure why they didn't make the boat longer using all the plywood length to begin with? I also curved the transom by laminating two 1/2" ply panels...this was just for aesthetics...also I didn't care for the transom shape so I did more of an old school shape. Keelson is a couple pcs. of mahagony laminated and then epoxied on. Did this after the fact as the bottom flexed (the regular design with the three seats the bottom will flex also when you push it with a bigger motor) If I where doing another I might try a 3/4" bottom. The keelson is good regardless... for centering on my trailer roller when ramping and beaching which I do often...

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  5. You win. Best Diablo I have seen.

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