1973 Chieftain

[bksah2]

Hey Guys Im back again with another structural question,, I just picked up a 1973 21' Chieftain .I want to remove the top and open it up to make it a center console ..Is there any structural weaking problems with the hull and gunnels afther removing the top and leaving it off,,THANKS

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 1973 Chieftain

You gonna make me cry, eliminating another cabin cruiser. I would doubt there would be any structural issues, under the floor looks the same as all the other starcrafts I have seen on this site.

 

[bksah2]

Re: 1973 Chieftain

Hi Elk I though about keeping the cabin but the top needs to much work with broken windows and a dented roof i am sure at one time she was a good looker,,, now shes reallys needs to lose some weight and trim down and hopelly i can gether back where she wants to be,,,,, in the water,,,,, Still in the very early staGes of what to do with her but what a Great hull she has

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1973 Chieftain

Yah, kind of a bummer to lose the top but it's all good. Especially if it needs a lot of work and you are needing more room to move around.

Nah, no structural issues taking it off. Though, keep in mind you'll need to build the gunwales on the bow side just like the stern side to git it the necessary strength it needs. Plus, some sort of casting deck or something to keep it ridged.

Have fun!

 

[matt167]

Re: 1973 Chieftain

IDK, straightening the top metal is not hard to straighten out. My dad straightened his out with a bottle jack and a 2x4 and a couple blocks of wood with a hammer. A tree actually fell on that top, busted the front windows and then squirrels made a mess of the inside.