Aluminum 16 Ft V-Hull Modification, but how

[Scott Danforth]

16' is too small to sleep in, even if it had a cuddy.

 

[Seaworm1982]

This is not a discussion on pros and con about making this. Its about what materials would be best. Yes its going to be small to sleep in, but I dont plan on doing it thats my business. What this whole topic is about which some are not still getting is what material should I use? I decided aluminium will be best. What gauge would be best

 

[Woodonglass]

I TOTALLY agree with you!!! It's your boat and you are free to do with it as you see fit. We do like to guide you to ensure that it will be safe and sound but as far as how it looks and how you intend to use it...That's totally up to you and WE should have nothing to say about it!!!!:nono:

As I previously stated in Post #15 I think if you scrounge around at the salvage yard you can find some large salvaged Interstate signs for CHEAP. Members have used them before and they work GREAT for things like this. They're about 1/8" to 3/16" thick.

 

[rickryder]

well 16 ga = 1/16" 11ga = 1/8" here is a chart

http://www.metaltrone.com/metalgauge-chart.pdf

I would go to a place that sells sheet aluminum and look at it to see how rigid the panels are and choose from one of them....

 

[Watermann]

This is not a discussion on pros and con about making this. Its about what materials would be best. Yes its going to be small to sleep in, but I dont plan on doing it thats my business. What this whole topic is about which some are not still getting is what material should I use? I decided aluminium will be best. What gauge would be best

I'm not sure you understand fully how these things work. You need to think about making a structural frame first of all. You'll need some specialized tools for working with AL since you've decided to use it. Look to use .080 5250, it would be easiest to work with. Some tools needed are a metal brake, special saw blades, welder, rivet guns and tubing bender for the frame. If not done correctly this could be your own home made tin coffin or a hood ornament for the guy following you to the launch..

Good luck Worm

 

[Seaworm1982]

Thanks you for the advice, I called a shop $80 hour labor and im not asking for a huge box just something where I can fit inside and steel the boat on a seat dome shape if you will. I would have to more the steeling wheel up of couse. I dont have a breaker to form ot so I think since the project is very small to add a topper is should take 2-3 hours labor to design the thing. I will post pic when its complete

 

[Scott Danforth]

just remember to keep track of all the weight you are adding to the boat. every pound you add, subtracts from the gear you can carry.

My recommendation for materials would be a custom aluminum frame bimini with a custom Sunbrella top and eisenglass sides where the eisenglass can be rolled up when not needed.

 

[GA_Boater]

project boat of 16 AL boat, I want to built a small pilot house enough to fit in case hard rain comes. This is my first project and would like to know what should I use? Marine grade plywood? I need some ideas. https://www.flickr.com/photos/seawor...7649969542272/

project boat of 16 AL boat, I want to built a small pilot house enough to fit in case hard rain comes. This is my first project and would like to know what should I use? Marine grade plywood? I need some ideas. I dont need the pilot house tall just short for shelter and drive the boat in the pilot house.

We are asking questions because you changed design goals between the two threads you started.

This is not a discussion on pros and con about making this. Its about what materials would be best. Yes its going to be small to sleep in, but I dont plan on doing it thats my business. What this whole topic is about which some are not still getting is what material should I use? I decided aluminium will be best. What gauge would be best

I disagree, this is a discussion also about you and your passengers safety and how this change will affect the seaworthiness of the boat. No one has asked nor do we care about the sleeping arrangements - You're right, it's your business. But asking how often you plan on using the boat for overnights does affect what type of shelter you should end up with, either a permanent or a take-down type.

Thanks you for the advice, I called a shop $80 hour labor and im not asking for a huge box just something where I can fit inside and steel the boat on a seat dome shape if you will. I would have to more the steeling wheel up of couse. I dont have a breaker to form ot so I think since the project is very small to add a topper is should take 2-3 hours labor to design the thing. I will post pic when its complete

Now it sounds like the helm will be moved to inside the shelter. Are you going to drive on your belly, pretending it's a one-man sub or a sit-down helm? Sit-down adds height, weight and expense, along with stability issues.

What is your budget? Hope you share that and the final payout with the pic. My last recommendation - Sell this and buy a boat that fits your needs. Good luck.

 

[Woodonglass]

Wow!!! The previous pics you posted do not lend themselves to enclosed steering with adequate visibility, IMHO. There are Plenty of examples of 16' Closed Bow Fiberglass boats with "Hard Tops" that you could possibly get some design ideas from. Here's one that comes to mind. Again if your "Tinner" does not have deep sides I would Not think this would be a safe build and safety should always be your first consideration. Or like the others have stated just buy a boat that has this kind of configuration. It might be a bit easier!!!

or Heck You could go all the way and do something like this...

 

[Seaworm1982]

I been searching online and can find any 14ft or 16ft... where did find that pic? What size boat in the pic?

 

[GA_Boater]

The green topped boat is a 19' Aristocraft.

 

[Woodonglass]

GAB beat me to it.

Here's a pic of a 16 footer with a hard top that one of our members recently restored.. Does your "Tinner" have a windshield??

 

[Woodonglass]

DUH!!! I just saw the Flicker pics of your boat. The sides are certainly deep enough, IMHO so if you got rid of the deck in the bow section and then enclosed the bow and then fashion a windshield and a hardtop similar to the Glass boats you might pull off some kind of a "Sleeper" craft. But again, It might be easier to do like the guys are suggesting and just buy one already configured this way. Buy hey, if you wanna jump in and see what you can come up with, that's what this forum is supposed to be all about. I've seen some pretty amazing transformations by some pretty amazing craftsman on here. Who's to say you won't be one of them. A guy by the name of Sleeper-6 took an old closed bow fiberglass boat and turned it into one of the sweetest looking bass boats you'd ever want to own. http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...ishing-machine
Better than most factory jobs!!!! Like I said before, If you really want to try this...GO FOR IT!!!!

 

[64osby]

Saw this today, made me think of this thread. It's a 19'er.





http://swmi.craigslist.org/boa/4819309290.html

 

[Bartine]

Just find an old aluminum pickup topper and make something from that

 

[powerplant454]

Its a good idea to stay high and dry, usually only see a bimi top on those kinds of boats.. But if you want a hard top/enclosed kind of thing I would try to find a boat salvage around your area and you might get lucky and find something. That might already fit with some or very minor modifications and even get a windshield in the process