Skid boat build kit/article

I remember a DIY skid boat build article in one of the "Popular ..." magazines in the 60's. I can't find it.

If anyone can point me to the above article or, to any other skid boat build article / plan out there, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Tom

 

Not enough information.

 

OK, they call them hydroplanes. There are a lot of hits on Google using that name.

 

Popular Mechanics was a very widely distributed magazine that has been published for over 100 years. Popular Mechanics - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popular_Mechanics They often had articles telling readers how to build boats of various types. Some of those were small Hydroplanes. I think what you are looking for is this Build Your Own Boat: POPULAR MECHANICS, March 1965 https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/a189/1277141/ It was in the March 1965 issue.


You can also find a similar boat from Popular Mechanics on You Tube at

 

Ike, Many thanks for the citations! This will get me started.

Tom

 

Tom the boat you are looking for, from a 1960s magazine, is surely going to be obsolete. The building methods were not the same or nearly as efficient as they are today. The old design boats were, for starters, heavier, did not have the advantage of 60 years of development in design or construction....... or of more easily obtainable modern materials.

 

Hi messabout - thanks, you are right. And the article wasn't helpful without full-size plans.

After I realized they are called "hydroplanes" I got a lot further in my search. I'm looking at the Clark Craft "Bobcat 8" and "Wetback 10" - I assume they are more modern builds.

 

They are pretty obsolete designs. What is your goal? For example, maximum speed, amount of passengers, maximum size, etc.

 

Hi Gonzo,
Good questions!

I fell in love with a hydroplane when I was a kid but now, a runabout, as suggested by someone I met on line, really fits the "build/drive" needs I have in my mind.

Thanks for asking the questions that needed to be asked!

Tom Alborough