sorry guys I had to removed the pictures of the folding boat, i hope to have them back up soon.

Can't get photos to open. Any way to upload them thru photobucket?

That looks sweeeeeeeeetttttt

awesome!!

How heavy, how big, how much $??

It is 6’ long 4 ‘ wide and 1’ thick. I would guess it weight about 60 to 70 pounds, the material cost is less than 200 bucks plus a lot of time. This boat could be built lighter and cheaper, it just depends on what you wanted . The folding feature adds cost and weight, i am currently working on another design that should cut a little of the weight and cost.

Do you use a trolling motor or flippers or paddle or ........all of the above!

Would it be easy to register if you used a trolling motor?

I would think that you could use any or all of the above, I actually built a transom last night , I am also working on a design to shorten a trolling motor , and I am toying with the idea of making a right side steering stick or making foot controls to steer the motor so that my hands will be free for casting, I haven’t decided yet

in the past we have gotten sumular boats registered in VA, they are classified as a homemade boat and are titled as such,i think in all we have had about 4 homemade boats registered.

That is cool....

That's One Sweet Transformer!!!

I want one!!

I would luv one with a transom. What ya got cooking?? Folding isn't something that would be high on my list though.

That's a pretty cool float. I like the hinge. Why didnt I think about a hinge!

The folding feature is something that I done because I wanted to see if I could build a boat that could be transported on the racks of a ATV or in the bed of the UTV’s . I am currently working on 2 other non- folding boats that have a little simpler design but still protect the foam for being torn up on rocks and river bottoms, they should cheaper to build and lighter, they should have a cleaner more finished look, I plan to build these boats with transoms and battery racks ,

Bingoooooo... I'm in

I'd like to see the one with the transom too. Let me know when you get through building it.

I am about half way done with the first of the non-folding boats. I have the frame built, with motor mount. I also shortened a trolling motor the overall length is about 3 feet. I am working on relocating the speed controls and the steering to the right of the seat ,will post some pics of the progress if anyone is interested.

Interesteddddddddd

I talked to the Virginia department of game and inland fisheries and this is what I found out. I can build a boat I have to sign an affidavit stating that I am the builder of the boat . I then have to provide receipts for the materials and photos of the boat, they will then issue me a homemade title and a hull id plate to attach to the boat, Is this the same in Texas.

Here are some pics of the non folding frame with motor mount, you can also see the shortened trolling motor. also has a sliding adjustable seat and battery rack

SOOOOOO AWESOME!!!! Good Job man, they both look great.

What do you make your frame out of and where do you get it? Not trying to copy you, I'm working on a trailer project and like they way that steel looks and welds, it seem like it would be fairly strong and light weight too...

Sumo, where are you located?

it is electrical conduit. it can be gotten at lows or home depot. it is a little hard to weld, it is also galvanized so be careful if you weld it.

close to Bristol Viginia /Tennessee.

That will suck for the shipping charge to Dallas..

here is another foam boat i am working on i shoiuld be finished with this one by the end of the week. this one is 5 ft by 4 ft, more of a kick boat style. i will post pics of the finished boat when completed.

i tryed to put this back at the start of the post but i could not get in to edit it, but here is the first boat

That looks SOOO Sweet!
What is the pontoon made from? Sealed styrofoam?
Cannot wait to see your side mount controls - that would be the ultimate small water float!

the pontoon are made of Styrofoam that are covered with a rubber backed nylon fabric. similar to the stuff that inflatable kick boats are made of. On the small kick boat that I am currently working on, the foam will be painted and some camo covered sections added . painting the foam seals it and it helps with chipping but the frame takes most of the abuse. I was toying with making a side mounted steering stick on the first boat but have not got around to that just yet, I hope to have the 5 foot kicker done but the end of next week will try to get pics up asap.

Some competition maybe?

You have to admire the contributions of the worlds redneck engineers. I like this picture.

Here are the finished pictures of the 5 foot kick boat, it has a rear rack, sliding adjustable seat ,rod holders and cup holder this type of boat can easily be equipped with a motor mount, I also included pics of the 6 ft folding boat, and the white boat ( under construction) is the same boat previously posted on this page, I redesigned the seat raising it up a bit and adding a front basket rack, it will receive the same paint , camo, drink holder, nice seat that the other have.

Droollllllll

Thank-you for all the info I really like the 5 ft design hope you have a good Thanksgiving.

pics of the foading boat.

Pic of the green boat holding about 345 lbs, it floated level when i adjusted the seat. Message sent.

That is too Cool

I am thinking about building this next. This is close to the boats that we build years ago, it is 8 ft x 5 ft, puts you completely out of the water and it will have racks,motor mount ( maybe one on front and back. But I have to finish up the white boat first,

Um, there is a fee for using my design...

what is the charge

this one is about done. i dont like the shade of green but after you buy it you have to use it. This is the white boat at the first of the page. this boat is made of left over stuff i had laying around with the exception of the seat and camo.i will have to sent the paper work off to get it registered for use with a motor.







http://www.villagephotos.com/utils/image.aspx?u=2010-8\1359194\2011-03-18_19-26-54_235.jpg

I'm very interested in your speed and steering control modifications. As old and stiff as I am, reaching back is a real problem.

I have not yet built the controls. On the last boat I posted (green painted foam) I am going to put a motor mount on the front and the back. I can put the motor on the front and the battery on the back to distribute the weight and won’t have to reach back to control the boat. My original plan ( on the folding boat ) was to build foot controlled steering and relocate the speed controller to the right but I have not yet had the time to get it done and the fact the boat folds in half makes the task a little more complex. I have seen the foot controlled setup on some kayak pages and the way they do it is very simple. What kind of boat and motor do you have. I would be happy to help you if I can.

I finally got to try out the little kick boat, Me and my day had a great time using the little boats in the coves on South Holston lake in Virginia.

Few new pics. The green boat, I gave to my dad for father’s day . The frame is as a new boat that I am working on this will be number 4. I am thinking of putting foam under the seat and leaving the front kick area for my feet Like the water wagon but I haven’t decided yet.

This is the progress on number 4. I am thinking about making a detachable center section (under the seat back) of foam that I can remove if I am not using a trolling motor or do not need the extra buoyancy. I may just make the center section permanent, I have not yet decided. I can see advantages to both.

Well I decided to make the foam under the seat permanent. I welded all the frame work in last night. This should make it handle similar to a water wagon. Anyone know how thick a water wagon is. Now that I have all this additional buoyancy my mind is going crazy thinking of things to add on.

Frame of number 4. with frame work under the seat for the additonal foam. I think this thing is going to be alot of fun in the water.

Why don`t you shoot the Sandwhichmaker a PM .I read one of his Post where he has a couple of Water Wagons. I`m sure he would`nt mind giving his assistance.


Fishbonz

I`m thinking 6x3x12.LengthxWidthxDepth


Fishbonz

Number 4 with additonal foam under the seat. Looks like a armored water wagon. I am thinking of making a standing platform in the foot hole that will fold out of the way when i want to use flippers, if i can fugure out how to do it. I think that being able to stand up would be handy at times.

That would be my suggestion as well.
He bought my water wagon a few years ago and he had a couple back then.

I may do that, I was wondering how thick the water wagons were because I am concerned that I may sit to high out of the water to use kick fins but I will probably mostly use this boat with a motor.

What did you think of the water wagon when you had it.

I loved it. Once your out in it enough to get used to everything it's awesome. Mine was loaded. It had a fish finder, trolling motor, rod holders, the works...

I have never owned a Water Wagon but back in the early spring I purchased a one man pontoon from a fellow TFF`r.The cost was $200.It`s about 6ft. long and wide enough to fit in the back of my 99 chevy Tahoe easily.It`s incredible best $200. I`ve ever spent. Mine doesn`t have a trolling motor on it but I have one for it when ever I decide I wan`t to get the state involved.I have to agree with Kevlp. After a little TOW (time on water) it will be awsome.I took mine out last night.I never have to worry about pumping up bladders because the toons are plastic.They are available @ Cabela`s



Fishbonz

I have used the pontoon style boat that I have on here many times in the past, My dad built me my first one about 20 to 25 years ago. I have never used one with the additional foam in the middle and am curious if there will be much difference in the two designs. I love these style of boats ,counting this one I have 5 in total and my dad still has one of his originals . We always used these boats on the rivers where I grew up. I also have a 14 foot john boat and I would much rather use the foam boats for the type of fishing that I do. I have seen the plastic pontoon type that are sold at the stores and they are nice but I can build one at a fraction of the cost. I sure would like to get my hands on some of those plastic pontoons.

Great looking ride! The one I made does not have the tubing, but is working great. If your foam is 12" thick as mine is, I found that adding the seat made it too high for effective kicking with fins. I carved out a 2'x2' area another 4" lower where I sit. This would make the addition of the seat flush with the top of the rest of the foam and get you lower to the water for better kicking. Since I went with the shoulder straps for carrying, I decided to leave the seat off all together and install a foam kayak style seat with backrest (not seen here).

I made the seat on this one to adjust fort to back to equalize the weight when using a motor or different users. It also swivels so that you can turn your body instead of the boat. I think what I am going to end up with is a hybrid of sorts. My day used a kayak paddle the last time we went out on the folding boat and it work great. I wanted to get this one done to use this weekend but it ant going to happen. I would love to get a small outboard to put on this thing. Did you use cool seal on your foam if so can you get tented another color without any hassle .

I used an elastomeric roof paint by BlackJack from Lowes. Cool Seal has similar, but it was not carried in any of my local retailers. The folks at lowes will tint whatever color you want. Says on the can to use something like 3-onces of tint to one gallon of paint.

how much did it take to cover your boat,

I did two coats with a little under a gallon.

I have not had much time to work on number 4 but here is a little progress, Added a plywood top that will be covered, also a Plano bucket topper is recessed into the Styrofoam. I also recessed a playmate cooler into the foam behind the bucket topper (not in this pic). I may add another bucket topper to the other side and I still need to add the cup holders. It is still a work on progress

pic with the cooler,

ever think about putting a pedal wheel in the front and adding a rudder? It would keep your feet out of the water, and you wouldn't have to worry about registering it.

Getting closer, just need to tear it down finish welding and paint the foam and frame. Added a cup holder and a couple of painted cake pans to the sides to hold stuff. Still need to make some rod holders. and add the retractable wheels to the back.

i have been thinking of a way to use peddel power to turn a prop, i have seen some yacks like that, but i have not worked on it yet, it only cost 37 bucks to register one here in VA. I would loved to find a small outboatd to go on one of these things. I think it would be a blast, trolling moter should be fun too.

Number 4 frame with retractable wheels. Just have to grind paint and put it all back together .

This one is about done. still need to add some rod holders, motor mount board and touch up some paint.

I really admire your tenacity and handiwork. Thats some goooooood thinkin' and workin'. If it was mine, it would no doubt have a trolling motor mount up front, and a place for a small tackle box.

Sumo your an artist. If you lived closer I'd have you build me one.

Logo i am working on,

A few last pictures of number 4 with camo finished, homemade rod holders and a cup holders added, only added the car style cup holder because it will adjust wide enough to hold a tub of worms. I figured out a neat way to flair the pvc for the rod holders, just heat the tip of the pipe until it becomes soft and shove it down on a beer bottle. Best part is emptying the beer bottle.

I want oneeeeeeeee

Thanks everyone for the positive feed back. I have a few people here locally interested me bulding them a boat. I have one interested in a version set up to duck hunt. with a little highher seat, gun holders and dog platform. I have a few ideas I hope we can work something out to get the project underway. Also have a lady wanting one. I may have to break out the pink paint.

i think that village photo has blown up, most of my pics are on their site but it seems that they have disappeared.

Took the new boat to the water for the first time. I was pleased with how it floated me. I cant wait to get a motor on this thing, it shoud be alot of fun. As i thought it sits a little high for flippers but with the trolling motor it will be fine.

What the hell is a water wagon

I was a foam type boat made years ago somewhere in Texas. if you look on this forum you you will see a few.Most people who had them seemed to love them.

I guess that village photo has went up in flames most of the pics that I had up of the other boats were hosted by them.

I am putting these pics up because village photo has went down and they took all the previous pics with them.

Well this is a little different. I built this for my brother in law"s mother in law for a christmas gift.I dont think she will have to worry about being seen on the water. I built this one in about 5 days. 1 sunday and 4 evenings after work. It was short notice but all and all it turned out ok.

She'll know if anyone steals it..

You are right. it would be hard to hide something like that.

Those are some sweet looking rides man!

Thank you. each one is a little different. i think i have as much fun building them as using them.

Where in world did you find foam that size, I live around the Detroit area. I can't find anything that size. See ya

I built all the boats on this forum with the exception of the folding boat from recycled shipping foam. If you go to tractor supply or anywhere that sells utility trailers they should have it laying everywhere. They use it as spacers while shipping the trailers.It is about 19 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches . Some places will give it to you other will not. I also can get it from a local hardware store where I live.

Working on another 5 ft kicker this one will have som additional foam under the seat for a little extra flotation for my big but. May add some wheels and a few other goodies.

This I the frame of number 6 this will be the third, 5 footer that I have built, this onw will hace additional foam under the seat.

YUUUUP!

This is number 6, it has a small cooler, additional foam under the seat
And it will have wheels, I am still working on this one,

Could you send your email address to splitends1@comcast.net. I would like to ask you a few things. Thank you Ray Boley

So are the frames like 1/2 aluminum tubing?

All my boats are make of a combination of 1/2 in and 3/4 in EMT electrical conduit

Sumo,


How do you keep the blocks of foam in place, do you glue them together? are you welding your frame?


thanks


drp

The foam blocks are gluedtogether, the frame also is made in a way that also prevents the blocksof foam from coming apart, the frames are welded.