Boat Builder Central - Builder Forums

Hey Everyone,

It's official!! I've started my PH18 build. After lurkering on this site, Bradley (Doc_dyer) talking me into a build and test driving Muddlers PH18 on Crystal River at the 09 conclave this last spring, I' caught the fever and have been itching to get started. (Thanks Muddler) I got my wood and epoxy a couple of weeks ago and got a slow start, but now going full steam ahead.

I plan to do some minor modifications, such as increasing the deck space and have a smaller cockpit. I may install a tunnel, but probably won't.(I don't think I could cut the hull.) I primarly fly fish so the front deck will be as clutter free as possible. I will be using it on the local lakes and the couple of salt water trips I take to the gulf / atlantic each year.

A little about myself, I've built a Freestone 16 drift boat a couple of years ago, so I'm familar with the sew & stich methodology and epoxy / fiberglass.


Freestone 16 build - Bradley posing on the maiden voyage




So far, I have cut out the mold bulkheads and bow mold for the stongback. I've started drawing out the real bulkheads and will be cutting out the panels etc.. I know I'll have plenty of questions and will appreciate the help along the way. Here are some pics so far.

The Journey begins with a bottle of boat builder beer. The second will be opened when completed.




Bulckhead E



Bow Mold



An imtemidating amount of epoxy




Andrew

First off, Welcome!

I love the PH models. I look forward to seeing it come together.

Matt

Welcome Andrew. Glad to see you get it going. Enjoy the build.

Tom

Hey Brad,
That is one beautiful Drift Boat, good luck on your build and keep us posted.

Joe H

Hey Brad,
That is one beautiful Drift Boat,

Welcome Bradley. Glad to see you get it going.

Yall, that's Andrew, not Bradley Welcome Andrew, happy to see you get her started.

It is a fine looking drift boat! I've always like the way they look.

Sorry Andrew, where did I get Brad??

Still love that drift boat!!!! I went and checked out there website. I think I know what my next build is going to be, a few years down the road of course.

Joe H

Sorry Andrew, where did I get Brad??

I think Bradley is Doc_dyer, his friend.

Matt

Good luck with the build. Can't wait to see her coming together.

Will

Joe,

No problem. Bradley needs to take credit too. We both cut the panels, glassed and stiched it together. I finished out the interior.

Joe H wrote:Sorry Andrew, where did I get Brad??



Still love that drift boat!!!! I went and checked out there website. I think I know what my next build is going to be, a few years down the road of course.

Joe H

Thanks, It was a fun build and the plans were very good. Those are a great bunch of guys.

Andrew

Andrew, what is the arched brace across the drift boat for?