How to Make a Flat Bottom Boat Design
A flat bottom boat is just that: a boat with a flat bottom, at least two sides and maybe a transom. Flat bottom boats are less difficult to build than any V-hull design because the skin doesn't have bends and counter-bends in it, which means no fancy measures or cutting (called "fairing"). Flat bottom boats have another big advantage: they can float in less water than V-hulls, which makes them suitable for fishing in shallows and on mud flats the "prettier" V-hulls can't go near.
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Instructions
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Make choices about size--length and width--before beginning the design process. Remember that the flat-bottom configuration of the boat will allow you to begin shaping the hull using the shape of the bottom as the template. It also means that you can easily include foam flotation materials between the bottom and a separate deck, if you desire.
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Do some research. People have been building boats for thousands of years and have made every conceivable mistake along the way. Research will guide you around these mistakes with proven techniques. Research will also keep you from reinventing the wheel; when a technique works and saves time, money or effort, use it.
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Choose the construction material for the boat. Your boat, like most home-built boats, will probably be made from wood, although aluminum can be soldered to make a fine home-built boat, particularly a flat-bottom boat, like the classic jon boat.
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Select your power source with care. A flat-bottom boat is a displacement hull; it sits in the water and plows through the water, rather than skimming the surface like the planing hull of a speed boat. This means that, if you use an outboard motor for power, it will have to be aligned to keep the bow of the boat from burying itself when underway.
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Make your design in the way that works best for you. This means, whether you draw out a formal "design" so that your family can see what they're getting into, or you simply make notes on dimensions and write out materials lists, do it in such a way that the builder--you--can work with it efficiently. Use check lists; as you work your way into the planning, you know that certain things must be done before you can launch the boat. If you prepare checklists to keep track of where you are, you'll be less likely to forget details.
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Tips & Warnings
Boat design can--and should--be a family affair, just like boating. You may not have a rock-climbing wall like a cruise ship, but when all contribute, all will share the joy of boat ownership. Even though your boat is home-built, you'll still need all of the safety appliances, like life jackets, a radio, and emergency equipment, just as if you bought a yacht. Check with the local Squadron of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for information on required and recommended safety equipment.
