AF4 Grande Opinions

[jigngrub]

This is a home built "plan" boat being built by a guy on another site. It is 22' long.

When I first saw it I thought it was some kind of replica/decoration someone was going to put in their house or a restaurant or something, but is being built with plans bought from a magazine and is intended for use on the water.

To me it looks flimsy and less than durable, I'm probably wrong about this and just want to see what others on here think.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: AF4 Grande Opinions

The hull looks pretty thin by the door in the front. Is it being built for a parade float or some kind of regatta?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: AF4 Grande Opinions

I wouldn't ride in it--even on land! It's got bad "scantlings." Oh, OK! It might be suitable for a farm pond.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: AF4 Grande Opinions

You guys need to get out more...the AF4 is a popular and proven design among the home-built boat crowd...Google Jim Michalak for more details. Not my cup of tea in terms of shape/lines, etc. but lot so folks love them.

 

[NYBo]

Re: AF4 Grande Opinions

Properly 'glassed plywood, even 1/4", is a lot stronger than you might think, and that looks to be a lot thicker than 1/4".

I'd love to see the finished project!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: AF4 Grande Opinions

Me too NYbo. I like the A4B (breve) too, which is the 14', smaller sister to this design. Most folks run them with motors between 10-20hp with great success. Assuming it's built properly, I think it would be fine. It's not fit for being out in blue water, but I bet it would be fun on a lake, river, or out on the flats. They also have little "birdwatcher" style cabins that allow for overnight trips and/or bringing lots of gear out for a day on the water. Here's a link to some more of them.

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/michalak.htm

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/af4/index.htm

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/af4/breve/index.htm

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/af4/grande/index.htm