FLATS FLYER
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an 18-1/2' (*) Florida flats boat
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Build in
PLYWOOD
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CATEGORY: Sportfish - Open Cockpit
CONSTRUCTION: Sheet plywood planking
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Characteristics
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Length overall
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18'6"(*)
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Beam
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7'6"
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Bottom width
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7'0"
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Hull draft
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6"-7"
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Hull depth - fore/aft
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27"/24"
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Cockpit size:
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7'3" x 5'2" x 15" deep
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Average passengers
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2 - 3
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Hull weight (dry/approx.)
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800-900 lbs.
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Displacement at 7" draft
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1980 lbs.
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Fuel capacity
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40 gals.
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Horsepower range
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50-175(**)
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(*) 17'6" & 19'9" hull length
options also in plans
(**) 20" or 25" shaft lengths optional
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Lightweight & fast, yet stiff & strong!
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Easy to build - even for first-timers
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Loaded with features + 3 length options!
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17'6" & 19'9" length options also
included with the plans
If the high cost of factory-built flats boats is crimping
your fishing style, then build our FLATS FLYER. You'll
get a flats boat exactly the way you want it at a fraction of
the cost and will rival production boats in many ways. For
example, FLATS FLYER weighs hundreds of pounds less than
typical fiberglass boats. Which means less draft, better
access to skinny waters, easier poling, higher speeds with
less power, more range, and better economy. While max-rated
at 175 HP per the USCG method, most will find lower-rated
motors more than ample. For example, a 75 will put you in the
40's, while a 100 HP (plus or minus a bit) can get you
into the 50's depending on load.
Regardless of power, FLATS FLYER pops on plane in an instant
without noise-inducing lift strakes. The vee-hull features a
25-degree chop-deflecting bow entry decreasing to a 5-degree
transom dihedral for superior stability at rest or underway
with minimal drag.
Because FLATS FLYER requires less flotation volume than glass
boats (wood floats!), you get more volume for compartment
capabilities. So there's plenty of space for anchors,
batteries, coolers, dry storage, live wells, fish/crustacean
wells, tackle, and more. And you can stow several 10'
rods below the 14" wide gunnel decks.
Construction is specially intended for FIRST-TIME
do-it-yourselfers. The strong, stiff, yet lightweight, sheet
plywood hull is built over simple sawn wood frames from FULL
SIZE PATTERNS to assure an accurate bottom. This TIME-PROVEN
& FATIGUE-RESISTANCE form of construction is QUICK &
EASY even if you are working alone.
No special tools or woodworking operations required! Exterior
hull surfaces are covered later with epoxy/fiberglass for
durability, superior appearance, abrasion resistance, and
reduced matinenance.
Plans include FULL SIZE PATTERNS for all backbone members
such as frames, stem, and transom - NO LOFTING REQUIRED!
Plans also include sequential instructions covering all
aspects of the project, PLUS hull material listing and
fastening schedule.
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