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Playboy mk2 seat configuration
Dear all,
We would like to start a playboy build as a father and son project.
My son Cédric likes the GR model more but the utility model would offer more space to bring along some gear during the trips
Would anyone happen to know if it would be possible to add a transom well tot the utility version like featured in the GR version and altering the seat config in the back to front and back instead of side by side?
I was wondering if this would make the boat to heavy at the back or disturb balance.
Any advice on desired engine power would be great as well. At the moment the 40hp short tail from a previous zip build is allready in our inventory so if possible I would like to reuse this one.
kind regards,
Josh and Cédric
I don't have a definitive answer for you, but I can share that I am planning to do something similar. My plan is to start with the GR plans, but extend the cockpit forward so that it stretches between frames 4 to 6 to allow for a second (small) row of seating. This idea is inspired by the old Nissan Z cars with 2+2 seating layout... 🙂 My hope is to maintain the look/vibe of the GR (including the transom well) while addressing my wife's request to maximize seating capacity.
Hi Christian,
Thx for your reply.
That´s a very interesting approach.
My Son had a similar idea for the GR plans. He opted to incorporate a hatch in front of the GR cokpit to provide room for fender and gear storage.
It might be possible to enlarge this space to incorporate small seats or a small bench. The problem I see with it is how will the boat behave in the water when you alter the balance by adding a passenger in front of the intended seating space?
Does anyone have any experience or opinion on this?
Regards,
Josh
Hi Josh,
I think the balance will be okay because the description of the GR plans says that its design is the same as the utility version below the water line. I take this to mean that the Playboy hull shape is sufficiently robust to accommodate any layout bracketed by what is shown in the plans for the utility and GR versions.
Interested to hear what others have to say, but that's my 2c...
Hi Josh,
I am currently about two thirds of the way through the Payboy MK2 GR version and I have chosen to increase the seating space between frames 4 to 6. This has resulted in enough space to have a rear bench seat at frame 6 and I have chosen to use two swivel pilot seats in the front. This meant cutting out the the top rail of frame 5. It has not been that easy, as I have had to make new floor bracing and rear bench seat supports and create a new dash board, but I am happy I did it this way. Have included some photo's. Incidentally apart from the Pilot Seats, I have done all of the upholstery as well.
Regards
Mike
Uploaded files:
Quote from Mike on 1st September 2025, 5:03 amHi Josh,
I am currently about two thirds of the way through the Payboy MK2 GR version and I have chosen to increase the seating space between frames 4 to 6. This has resulted in enough space to have a rear bench seat at frame 6 and I have chosen to use two swivel pilot seats in the front. This meant cutting out the the top rail of frame 5. It has not been that easy, as I have had to make new floor bracing and rear bench seat supports and create a new dash board, but I am happy I did it this way. Have included some photo's. Incidentally apart from the Pilot Seats, I have done all of the upholstery as well.
Regards
Mike
Hi Mike. I'm thinking of doing the same as you with this boat. I'd really love to see your progress.
Thanks,
Damien
Hi Damien,
I can't show you where I am currently, because the boat is upside down, as I am getting ready to paint the hull. I have documented my construction from the beginning, but these are mostly video's which I can't post on this forum. If you were to ask Dan for my email, and sent me yours, I would be more than happy to share them with you. Please note Dan, I agree to allowing you to give Damien my email, so I can send him some video's
Quote from Mike on 22nd January 2026, 4:03 amHi Damien,
I can't show you where I am currently, because the boat is upside down, as I am getting ready to paint the hull. I have documented my construction from the beginning, but these are mostly video's which I can't post on this forum. If you were to ask Dan for my email, and sent me yours, I would be more than happy to share them with you. Please note Dan, I agree to allowing you to give Damien my email, so I can send him some video's
Mike, you are a gentleman. Dan, if you could do that I would really appreciate it?
Thanks.
Quote from Mike on 22nd January 2026, 4:03 amHi Damien,
I can't show you where I am currently, because the boat is upside down, as I am getting ready to paint the hull. I have documented my construction from the beginning, but these are mostly video's which I can't post on this forum. If you were to ask Dan for my email, and sent me yours, I would be more than happy to share them with you. Please note Dan, I agree to allowing you to give Damien my email, so I can send him some video's
Damien
Hi Damien and Mike
For some reason I can't work out what your emails are unless you send me an email directly, it doesn't seem to be able to let me make the connection between your forum username and details on the website so I'm flying bling on this one. Mike if you could ping me an email then I will make the connection.
Cheers
Dan