Rapid Robert 16 footer horse power

Hi , I currently have plans I bought from River's Touch for a 14 rapid robert , before the 16 foot came out (long ago) never built !!  I am Wondering what are the major dfferences are in the two ? Can anyone tell me the the outboard rating for the 16 footer ?  is the beam the same as the 14 ?

 

Thanks ,

 

Matt

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Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on January 27, 2010 at 9:08pm
The Rapid Roberts are wonderful boats in both 14' and 16' lengths. I have a 16'er and run a 15hp Merc which weighs 75lbs. The 10hp version weighs the same so that was an easy decision. I run mine on Yellowstone Lake so the 15hp barely makes 10hp at 8,000 ft. Guys running around sea level do fine with a 10hp. The 16' version is a big boat. Mine was built from a Ray Heater kit and has a 54" wide bottom. The 14'er has a 48"bottom and seems much smaller. The 16 easily handles 3 passengers, the 14 is at it's best with 1passenger, a little crowded with 2 but doable. Both are excellent drift boats for class 2 water and in the hands of a good boatman class 3.
Both motor very well especially when a Doalfin or similar stabalizer is attached to the motor. This is arguably the most verstile of all drift boats.
Permalink Reply by M Quinlan on January 29, 2010 at 11:58am
AJ thanks for the info , sounds like a need it to be a 16 footer for the three people . However only have plans for the 14 footer . Now on a lake will the 14 footer palain with three people ?
Matt
Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on January 29, 2010 at 1:10pm
I've never been in a 14'er under power. Ray Heater is the man when it comes to this. Maybe he will jump in here and give you the answer. My guess is that 3 in the 14 is a bit much when under power.
Permalink Reply by M Quinlan on February 1, 2010 at 9:23am
AJ, based on the info you provided (thanks). To get my wife and two kids out on the river with me , I will need to build the 16 RR . Planning on buying Roger Fletchers book ! Once purchased, will I be able to adapt the 14RR plans I already bought for the 16?
Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on February 1, 2010 at 9:49am
For a family of 4 you will be better served with the 16. Those kids won't be getting any smaller. Yes you can modify the plans and extend to 16. I would suggest widening to 54" as well. When we alter plans we like to model it first on a 1' to 1" scale. Much cheaper to make your mistakes or changes in this scale. At this point you are now creating your own plans but the process remains the same. Roger's book has all the necessary info for this. You will have to read between the lines but this is where the fun begins. Frame locations may change a bit as well as the bevels but things will become obvious as you begin the modeling process. I'm sure that several old hands will jump in here and give you the encouragement and answers to the questions as they arise. This is a very doable project. Have fun.
Permalink Reply by M Quinlan on February 2, 2010 at 10:27am
Aj , thanks ! I just checked my wood inventory and I only have 2 4X8 pieces of Merati plywood for the bottom and 2 1/4 inch pieces for the sides and a 1/2 for the back . Unfortunetly it is tough finding Marine in Atlanta .
Look like I am short ! Matt
Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on February 2, 2010 at 11:06am
If you scarf 2 the 1/4' meranti sheets you will have enough for side panels. They will be 15'8" long. Good enough. Just model it to these dimensions. Marine fir 1/2" would be best for the bottom but many have used meranti for bottom panels with ok results. Use 6oz. S Glass on the inside of the bottom panel and 20 oz. triaxial on the bottom and you will have a good tough bottom. You will still need a few sheets of 1/4" and 1/2"maranti to build seats, seat backs, decks.
Permalink Reply by M Quinlan on February 2, 2010 at 12:39pm
I have two sheets of 3/8 Meranti for the bottom. I need three pieces for the bottom , right (54")?
Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on February 2, 2010 at 4:10pm
3/8" is a little light for the bottom panels on a boat of this size that is capable of carrying a heavy load. 1/2" fir would be the lightest I would use for this bottom. If you do it right this is a boat that will last your life time and more. You are going to need more plywood anyway so do yourself a favor and get the good stuff. Yes you will need another sheet to bring it out to 54" wide.
Permalink Reply by M Quinlan on February 3, 2010 at 7:36am
So do I go 3/8 Meranti on the sides, 1/2 inch Meranti transome ? I found some AB Fir Marine plywood in 1/2 locally. Or do i need a higher grade ? AJ I appreciate all your help.

I am planing on oiling most of the boat. This is crazy , I couldn't get the 14 RR off the ground with plans , now I am going off plan. wow

Matt
Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on February 3, 2010 at 9:17am
AB marine fir should be fine for the bottom. Now days I think most is 5 ply, the best would be seven ply. 6 oz. S Glass on the interior side and the heavy 20+ oz. triaxial on the bottom makes it a good tough bottom. Use your 1/4" for side panels, 1/2" maranti for seats and double up your 3/8" for the transom. The transom needs to be beefy since you plan to hang a motor on it.

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