Glacier Boats of Alaska - Builder's Forums

Great Alaskan and Boat Building => Introductions - Are you new here? Say hello! => Topic started by: Easygoing on May 09, 2015, 09:01:40 AM

Title: Robert from CA
Post by: Easygoing on May 09, 2015, 09:01:40 AM
Hello guys, Robert from central California here.  I've been a member of this forum since January 2013, a member of FishyFish longer than that.  I purchased Renn's book late 2011 or early 2012, and the plans for the GA in 2013.  I check this forum at least daily, if not multiple times a day sometimes, trying to learn and keep up with everything new.  Last year I partially built a model GA out of heavy posterboard.  It turned out great and was a good way to familiarize myself with the building, lofting, etc.  Plus, it has allowed me to plan out in 3D how I want to position all the interior.

Last fall I purchased a small ranch that had a 40 x 60 shop that was built in 2009 and fully insulated with R22.  Step #1 for the build checked off.  The insulation is such a huge asset!  I can work out there in the summer or winter and be comfortable.

Now I am to the point I need to make the final decision before starting on the build.  Is this the right boat for me?  I have yet to hear from someone who doesn't like their GA, and I suspect it is.  But before I commit 1000-2000 hours, I want to know with certainty this is what I want to use for offshore fishing for the next 50 years of my life. I'm looking for a boat that is stable crossing the Golden Gate bar, running out 100 miles for tuna, etc.  I will build to 28+ feet.

I would absolutely appreciate an opportunity to ride on any GA's or larger Jumbos.  I am located in central California, but I get up to Dallas/Salem Oregon 4-5 times a year (family), and am not opposed to driving into Washington if needed and we can schedule it.  For any who give me a ride, I will have a nice gift for them to compensate for their time.  It is worth it to me to spend a few bucks now to determine whether this is the right boat or not. I am particularly interested in riding in offshore conditions if possible.

Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on May 09, 2015, 09:37:04 AM
Butch in Oregon has a 26-footer that he built out of aluminum, and it's weight turned out to be similar to what it would be if building from wood/glass/epoxy.  He takes his offshore all the time ...perhaps you could coordinate with him to ride in his?  I can ask him if it's OK for you to contact him via email if you like...

Brian

Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Easygoing on May 09, 2015, 10:27:26 AM
Butch in Oregon has a 26-footer that he built out of aluminum, and it's weight turned out to be similar to what it would be if building from wood/glass/epoxy.  He takes his offshore all the time ...perhaps you could coordinate with him to ride in his?  I can ask him if it's OK for you to contact him via email if you like...

Brian
I would appreciate it, Brian.  I'll be up there in June and July.  Thanks
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on May 09, 2015, 10:52:35 AM
Done.  I just sent him email to see if he's open to the idea.

bd


Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on May 09, 2015, 10:54:28 AM
Another guy you can contact would be Adrian P. of Top Notch Machining in Gresham, east of Portland.  His contact info is on his web site at http://www.topnotchmachining.com.  His is a 26-footer with 2' sponsons that are actually an extension of the hull on either side of the motor (similar waterline as a 28-footer but with the 'notch' for the motor on the stern.)

Brian

Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Easygoing on May 09, 2015, 11:11:31 AM
Another guy you can contact would be Adrian P. of Top Notch Machining in Gresham, east of Portland.  His contact info is on his web site at http://www.topnotchmachining.com.  His is a 26-footer with 2' sponsons that are actually an extension of the hull on either side of the motor (similar waterline as a 28-footer but with the 'notch' for the motor on the stern.)

Brian
I sent Adrian an email last year and never heard back. Perhaps I should try again.
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on May 09, 2015, 05:03:38 PM
PM'd...
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Rbob on January 10, 2017, 09:35:16 PM
You can ride in mine as soon as I get it done, just gotta get it done first.  I live in Olympia but occasionally fish out of Ilwaco.
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Easygoing on January 11, 2017, 10:49:54 AM
You can ride in mine as soon as I get it done, just gotta get it done first.  I live in Olympia but occasionally fish out of Ilwaco.
Thanks for the offer!  I will be glad to talk with you after you have launched...
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on January 11, 2017, 12:55:45 PM
I'll meet you in Ilwaco!  We used to fish out of a 19-1/2' Arima, launching in Chinook or Ilwaco, for B10 fishing ...it's been awhile and I'd love to do it again :)

Brian

Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Rbob on January 11, 2017, 09:53:52 PM
Its a deal!
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on January 12, 2017, 06:02:03 AM
Its a deal!

No kidding... I WILL keep that in mind!  I'd love to come over and go fishing!

bd

Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: sayswho on January 15, 2017, 09:23:50 PM
One day there will have to be a GA meet up in chinook. That's where I launch when fishing B10
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on January 16, 2017, 07:05:50 AM
One day there will have to be a GA meet up in chinook. That's where I launch when fishing B10

You must know 'the route' then ... On one foggy morning, a friend and I grounded out in about a foot of water. Got it pushed back into deeper water, slowed down and figure out the markers, then worked our way out... Chinook can be dicey if you don't know the way out or can't see the markers in low-vis conditions (like early morning)....

bd
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: sayswho on January 19, 2017, 07:32:50 PM
Yeah, it can get skinny in a hurry. I always see a few hotdogs (really just guys that know the route) just get on plane and go!!! Speaking of that, with stern drive, while my draft be greater or less than with an outboard?
Title: Re: Robert from CA
Post by: Brian.Dixon on January 20, 2017, 08:30:21 AM
Yeah, it can get skinny in a hurry. I always see a few hotdogs (really just guys that know the route) just get on plane and go!!! Speaking of that, with stern drive, while my draft be greater or less than with an outboard?

The draft of a sterndrive is very similar to that of an outboard ...and on a boat with an outboard mounted right on the transom, they'll have similar drafts.  That said, most people mount an outboard on some type of bracket.  The water in the wake rises behind the boat, hence the higher mounting of outboards on brackets.    The further back the outboard is due to the bracket length, the higher you'd mount it so that the cav plate is running near the surface of the water.  So, the short answer is 'it depends, but yeah, the typical outboard mount runs a little higher than a sterndrive'.  The difference won't be more than an inch or two at most though ...not worth worrying about.  The bigger differences between the 2 power options are initial cost (30% more for a sterndrive), gas mileage (50% higher miles per gallon with a sterndrive), and higher maintenance costs (over time) for sterndrives if they are left in brackish or salty water all the time.  The higher mpg sounds good, but consider that's also diesel compared to gasoline in most cases, and diesel costs more, so this is a range issue more than a cost savings issue.

I like sterndrives if you can afford their initial cost, your boat is a trailer sailer (not kept in the water 24/7), and you want extended range for the boat.  Most people are best off with a good efficient outboard such as a modern 4-stroke or a TLDI 2-stroke, and carrying extra gas in a few box tanks when you need it (or work some under-the-settee box tanks or under-the-sheer saddle tanks into your build).  Lots of good options on tankage out there...

Brian