[Sublime]

I don't think you'll find one yet as it is so "new". A 14 footer will save a little money over a 16, but not a ton. A 16 footer won't fit?

 

[bob_esper]

Unless you really need 14' for the way you fish I would strongly suggest a 16' or 17' as it will be more versatile. Build time and cost would be very similiar other than perhaps a slightly larger motor. You're signing up for a "boat load" of work, hate to do that and wish you'd done differently when you're finished.

 

[CoffeeRun]

I don't think you'll find one yet as it is so "new". A 14 footer will save a little money over a 16, but not a ton. A 16 footer won't fit?

If the cost is negligible, I'll certainly consider the 16'. I've never built...now you're going to make me remeasure my garage

 

[Sublime]

I've always wondered if a key slot transom could be done on the Conchfish. (Think of the Hells Bay Pro) That and recessed tabs would free up a lot of room in tight garages.

 

[DuckNut]

The cost you will save is 1 sheet of material, a few yards of glass and a gallon of epoxy. Build the 16.

 

[CoffeeRun]

I've always wondered if a key slot transom could be done on the Conchfish. (Think of the Hells Bay Pro) That and recessed tabs would free up a lot of room in tight garages.

Now that is an idea. I might have to discuss that with CR. These are the ideas I need as I share my garage with an amateur wood shop/ mini home gym/loft storage/fridge/etc.

I have heard of people storing their boats outside with covers, not sure how I feel about this. Would certainly prefer garage.

 

[jonny]

The cost you will save is 1 sheet of material, a few yards of glass and a gallon of epoxy. Build the 16.

Yep all the work and time would be the same. But you would only save maybe three hundred bucks.

 

[HeaveToo]

Could save a bit if you get a folding tongue on the trailer.

If you can angle a bit it buys you room as well.

The 14 will mean less weight, less hp, etc. you want to balance things out to needs, space, etc.

I couldn’t imagine doing a build. That is a ton of work. I am sure you save money but for the sweat equity involved is it really cheaper?

 

[Chrisbrocci]

If you could swing the space for a 16 I don’t think you’ll regret it. Now I still think a 12 or 14 conch fish would be a blast to run around solo in. Which ever route you go it’s a great community and plenty of info and advice on here and instagram with CMJ builds. Best of luck with your decisions

 

[Sublime]

I'll have about $22k in my Conchfish build

Motor $7,500
Trailer $3,400
Resin $1,800
Cloth $1,600
Core $1,300
Paint - $1,000
Jack Plate $1,000
Poling Platform / Lean Bar $1,000
Trim Tabs $700
Prop $618
Rub rail $300
Fuel Tank $300
Carbon Marine tiller extension $275
Battery $180

All kinds of fasteners , electrical parts etc etc $$$$

 

[HeaveToo]

Lol…I bought my NMZ for $3200. Big difference.

BUT….I would venture to say you have a better boat overall.

 

[mm4043]

Now that is an idea. I might have to discuss that with CR. These are the ideas I need as I share my garage with an amateur wood shop/ mini home gym/loft storage/fridge/etc.

I have heard of people storing their boats outside with covers, not sure how I feel about this. Would certainly prefer garage.

I have two boats in my garage. I pull them out with a trailer dolly when I need more space in the garage, a 16 ft boat is very easy to move around with a dolly.

 

[CoffeeRun]

I have two boats in my garage. I pull them out with a trailer dolly when I need more space in the garage, a 16 ft boat is very easy to move around with a dolly.

I was thinking woodworking days are "days I pull the boat out," fair weather days.

 

[CoffeeRun]

Lol…I bought my NMZ for $3200. Big difference.

BUT….I would venture to say you have a better boat overall.

Liking that price point

 

[Tarponhead]

A trailer dolly as stated, and some of the below and you can easily put it up against one wall to gain space.

1500 lb. Capacity Vehicle Dollies 2 Piece

Amazing deals on this 1500Lb Vehicle Dollies 2Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[HeaveToo]

Older Gheenoes are relatively cheap. Mine fits easy in my garage, works perfectly for where I use it to fish (protected bodies), costs a hell of a lot less to run than my bayboat, and is great for me as a solo angler. Keep them basic, there is no need to trick them out. Basic = light. Light = skinny.

On my NMZ I can stand on the front deck and fly fish by myself. I have no idea what it would be like with someone else in the boat because that hasn't happened yet. I can also paddle the NMZ with a SUP paddle from the front deck rather efficiently to move around in areas other boats can't go. I have punched it through some of the nastiest grass mats chasing snakeheads.

 

[bryson]

Difference in cost and effort between building the 14 and 16 will be minimal. Cost and effort between building a CF and buying a Gheenoe is monumental. Two completely different outcomes though, just depends what your goals are.

Also to add - even with the extra design effort extending the 16 to 17.8 and changing the transom (the 17.5 plans didn't exist yet), I still have no regrets whatsoever going for the extra length.

 

[K3anderson]

I modified and combined a couple versions of CM plans and others to build a skiff similar to what you will end up with. It really depends what kind of fishing you are doing and where. I wanted something like a solo skiff that I could take two people on, that could run much shallower, and get me into places I like to go faster than a solo. I wanted something small enough to fit where a solo or gheenoe could go as well, but, run shallower than either of them. No one makes this because there is no real market for it. The shadow cast was kind of close. I already have another HB for "regular" skiff duties. Something like this is really specialized. Gheenoes and solo skiffs cant run skinny. If you don't need that, get one of those.

 

[jonny]

I'll have about $22k in my Conchfish build

Motor $7,500
Trailer $3,400
Resin $1,800
Cloth $1,600
Core $1,300
Paint - $1,000
Jack Plate $1,000
Poling Platform / Lean Bar $1,000
Trim Tabs $700
Prop $618
Rub rail $300
Fuel Tank $300
Carbon Marine tiller extension $275
Battery $180

All kinds of fasteners , electrical parts etc etc $$$$

Yep the home builds are rewarding. But still takes a lump of cash to get it all together. Compared to buying new you will save $10k minimum. But it will also take you about a year for completion in most cases.