Another Opening The Bow

[drewmitch44]

I posted in the origional Opening A Bow thread and i kinda feel bad that i took over the thread. So here is my own thread. Ive been working on this boat for a couple months now and you can see what ive done on my shareaproject page from the link on the bottom. Well ive made some progress on opening up the bow. Here are some pics of before and after. Since i can only do a couple pics a post this post has before and the following one will have after i started cutting the bow. Im open for any advice that anyone can give me as i go along with opening this thing up. I was going to make a center console and open everything up but i think id like to have 2 consoles instead of the dash that was there when the bow was closed. And i dont think id like a center console on this boat although it is extremely stable in rough water and thats why ive decided to keep this boat and just make it what i want instead of buying something else used and not know what problems it might have. Like i said i would appreciate any input that you guys might have for me!

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Here is some of the after i started cutting into the bow. I just really so far have done enough so i can stand in there and work. Im going to be removing more from the edges. But its a start anyway. Also i have to build backs for the what are now going to be consoles. To support them to the floor and seperate the bow area from the center section of the boat on eather side. Like i said any sudjestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

ok I realize that i have a lot to do but you get the idea of what its going to be when im done. I have a lot of work to do now but my parrents are letting me use their garage so i can work on it all winter and be somewhat warm. I will keep my shareaproject page updated as i make progress. Im doing this on my spare time and i dont have the most time in the world. Thanks for any input!

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

nice job there, drew. you've done justice to that boat. can't wait to see the finished product. good luck.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Bump ....

 

[maxum247]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Is this anything like your trying to do? Maybe this will help!

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

That is almost the same thing i am trying to do! Thanks for the pics!!

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Made some progress today. Here is whats up.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Looks like good thick fiberglass to work with. That helps alot!

 

[billh1963]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Does that weaken the bow in any way? I would assume that the bow "cap" adds rigidity to the hull and would keep the hull sides from flexing. How would you add that strength back?

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Going to support it with plywood glassed under that edge all the way around. Then i think im going to close the sides and add foam along the sides as well. The glass top was about 1/2 inch thick man that was some thick stuff. everything seems solid still but im going to reinforce everything still.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Another Opening The Bow

Man i went looking in the floor today and looking for the gas tank and i ended up tearing up the whole floor. Shoveling wet foam and what not. The stringers are solid it looks like someone did them not too long ago but the foam is soaked! Time to rethink things and start over!