Alluminum Boat Modification

[mesajeeper]

I have a quick question for all you experts out there. I picked up a 14 foot fishing boat. The first several feet of the boat has a top on it. See the pictures below. I would like to remove this. Would this cause any structural issues with the boat if I removed this?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Alluminum Boat Modification

I will move this to the restoration section.

It would cause some slight issues but they can be overcome. One of the easiest ways is to make the cut and leave a small gunwale panel around the front of the boat.......... and depending on what you want to do with that space can make a significant difference too. If you install a bench seat then that will replace the structure.

Short answer - yes it can be done

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Alluminum Boat Modification

Look up Jasoutside, he did that with a 15' Starcraft. Purists love the looks of the deck though.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Alluminum Boat Modification

If you remove it and don't put anything back it will weaken you boat over a period of time, but since you want a fishing boat you can put a casting deck up there and it will give your boat the reinforcement it needs.

Just add a deck, pedestal seat, and a bow mount trolling motor and you'll be in business to put a hurtin' on the fish.

 

[Buckeyedude]

Re: Alluminum Boat Modification

I bet that thing flies with a 25 hp on it!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Alluminum Boat Modification

Ditto. My boat stated life as 50's style runabout that has long since lost its cap. I have since installed 2 bench seats and a casting deck and she's as solid as rock. You may want to brace the sides prior to removing the cap so the hull doesn't flex outward when the cap comes off. Otherwise, you should be fine. Just remember there are a few rules when it comes to tinnies. 1.) No pressure treated wood! Use non-PT plywood and seal it with either epoxy, fiberglass mat & resin, or several coats of Spar Urethane. 2.) Mount all wood using stainless steel hardware and/or aluminum pop rivets dipped in 3M 5200. 3.) Prior to paint, prime with a light coat of Zinc Chromate Self-etching primer, then apply top coat. That's really about it. You can get everything you need except the epoxy and f'glass supplies from Lowes/HD, which does carry Spar Urthane, so you could get everything in one trip, if that's the way you want to go. Good luck. Keep us posted. We love pics