Building a tiny boat from the ground up is equal parts challenge and reward. In this full walkthrough, Mike Iaconelli and his son Vegas take you inside their custom build based on the Pelican Catch Intruder 12, sharing exactly how they transformed a simple hull into a fully rigged, tournament-ready fishing machine.
Watch the Full Tiny Boat Build
Why This Tiny Boat Build Matters
This project wasn’t just about performance. It was about time spent together, learning, building, and problem solving.
“This is a project that was awesome, amazing, frustrating, but very, very, very grateful I got to do it with my son.” — Mike Iaconelli
That balance of challenge and reward shows throughout the build, and it’s exactly what makes this setup so relatable for anglers looking to start their own tiny boat project.
The Platform: Why the Catch Intruder 12 Works
The Pelican Catch Intruder 12 is an ideal foundation for a DIY build. Its lightweight polyethylene construction makes it durable while still easy to modify.
According to Ike, “If you're watching this and you want to build a tiny boat, this is the platform.”
That combination of stability, weight, and simplicity gives anglers a blank canvas to customize for their exact fishing style.
Power and Performance with the Newport NT600
At the heart of this build is the Newport NT600 Electric Outboard Motor, delivering 3000W of serious power in a compact package.
Vegas breaks it down simply with key specs including a 48V system, transportable design, and six horsepower equivalent thrust output. Paired with the right battery setup, this motor pushes the fully rigged boat to impressive speeds upward of 12+ mph.
The upgraded color display and runtime tracking also make it easy to monitor performance on the water, adding confidence for longer runs.
Smart Battery and Deck Layout
The build features a dual battery system with a 48V battery dedicated to the motor and a 12V system powering accessories like lights, pumps, and electronics.
Custom decking built from CUSA board creates a lightweight but strong platform. While more expensive than traditional materials, it offers durability and ease of customization that makes it worth considering for serious builds.
Storage is fully integrated with TH Marine hatch compartments, keeping batteries, gear, and wiring clean and protected.
DIY Features That Make This Boat Tournament Ready
One of the standout elements of this build is how much was done with simple, accessible components.
The livewell is a perfect example - Built from a basic storage container, it’s fully functional and integrated with a TH Marine aeration system.
Other key upgrades include a control panel with lighting and pump switches, a Power-Pole Micro anchor system for precise positioning, and integrated navigation lights for early morning or night fishing.
Electronics and Fishability
Up front, the boat is equipped with a Newport NV55 trolling motor and a fish finder setup designed for simplicity and efficiency. The system delivers essential sonar and forward facing capabilities without complicated installation.
Everything is positioned for easy access, allowing Vegas to focus on fishing instead of managing gear.
Custom Trailer Setup
To support the added weight and functionality, the build includes a custom Fish TX trailer designed specifically for small boats like this.
Features like LED guide poles, a stand-on platform, full size tires, and integrated storage make loading, unloading, and transport significantly easier.
Built for Performance and Memories
This tiny boat build proves that you don’t need a massive rig to create a high performance fishing platform. With the right components and a clear vision, a small boat can deliver serious capability.
More importantly, it highlights what these projects are really about.
“Definitely one of the funnest tiny boat builds I've ever done in my life.” — Mike Iaconelli
If you’re considering your own build, this walkthrough offers both inspiration and a practical roadmap to get started.