Tin Cup
Member
Well the Tracker Topper 1436 is rated for a 15 HP. The weight of the boat is approx 113 and the transom height is 16”. Max weight capacity is 580 lbs. So here are a few items that I have been told should be first on the list.
1. A custom battery box mounted just aft of the front lip.
2. One of two materials as a front casting deck. I am on the fence between marine grade plywood and aluminum composite.
3. Layout of conduit and electrical path and design.
4. Horse Power considerations.
I will start with the first 2 of these series of considerations.
I am going to build the entire infrastructure out of Aluminum. I am going to weld the “skeleton” in my machine shop and plan to “skin” it all with Aluminum composite.
I am in the sign and graphics business and have lots of tools at my disposal. A CNC router, 2 UV flatbed presses that allow me to print directly to the substrate as well as a fully operational machine shop.
Here is where my concern for proper balance and weight comes in. A 4’x8’ sheet of ¾” treated plywood weighs in at approx 100 lbs, non treated is 75lbs. A 4’x8’ sheet of 5MM Apolic(Alum Comp) weighs 8.5 lbs. I can finish both on the CNC router but the intricate details I am planning are a lot easier with the Apolic. I am planning on doing some custom slots for fly boxes as well as a waterproof fly box on the bench seat. Waterproofing all compartments will be easier with a "factory" egde IMO. Plywood is natural and shrinks and expands so that in my mind eliminates wood.
How do you “weigh” the options when it comes to infrastructure construction? I want the boat to be flat once up on plane and don’t want to lose power because I am weighed down with heavy materials. On the other hand I don’t want to be too light to where the aft end in much lower in the water. Sorry for the long winded post but I plan on investing some coin in this boat and as the rest of you, want it to be a one of a kind work of art. I am ears and eyes wide open to your council and criticism and so grateful I have discovered this board Thanks, Luke
1. A custom battery box mounted just aft of the front lip.
2. One of two materials as a front casting deck. I am on the fence between marine grade plywood and aluminum composite.
3. Layout of conduit and electrical path and design.
4. Horse Power considerations.
I will start with the first 2 of these series of considerations.
I am going to build the entire infrastructure out of Aluminum. I am going to weld the “skeleton” in my machine shop and plan to “skin” it all with Aluminum composite.
I am in the sign and graphics business and have lots of tools at my disposal. A CNC router, 2 UV flatbed presses that allow me to print directly to the substrate as well as a fully operational machine shop.
Here is where my concern for proper balance and weight comes in. A 4’x8’ sheet of ¾” treated plywood weighs in at approx 100 lbs, non treated is 75lbs. A 4’x8’ sheet of 5MM Apolic(Alum Comp) weighs 8.5 lbs. I can finish both on the CNC router but the intricate details I am planning are a lot easier with the Apolic. I am planning on doing some custom slots for fly boxes as well as a waterproof fly box on the bench seat. Waterproofing all compartments will be easier with a "factory" egde IMO. Plywood is natural and shrinks and expands so that in my mind eliminates wood.
How do you “weigh” the options when it comes to infrastructure construction? I want the boat to be flat once up on plane and don’t want to lose power because I am weighed down with heavy materials. On the other hand I don’t want to be too light to where the aft end in much lower in the water. Sorry for the long winded post but I plan on investing some coin in this boat and as the rest of you, want it to be a one of a kind work of art. I am ears and eyes wide open to your council and criticism and so grateful I have discovered this board Thanks, Luke