drop axle fish house design

[Frenchie]

looking at possibly building an 8 or 10 ft. drop axle fish house. looking for some ideas on what size steel to use? planning on using 2X3 11 gauge steel for the perimeter and 2X2 cross supports. Does this seem like it would be strong enough steel? I am going to be doing this as a project my welding class. any other ideas would be helpful.

thanks

Here is a picture of the frame design I have come up with.

[img:center]https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0c8bJeupXJIDs-B-FOWKtdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

[hovermn]

For that size, you'll be just fine with 11 gauge steel. I see no reason to beef it up any more, you'll just be adding weight. Now, for the pivot arms, you'll want 1/4" wall tube, or you'll end up with tweaked wheels. 2X3 for your exterior frame with 2x2 cross members will work fine. If you were going larger, I'd say use a heavier gauge tongue, like 3/16" wall, but I think you'll be fine with 11 gauge across the board.

Good luck with your build, and remember to take pictures through the build and post them. It's very easy to forget to use your camera while building.