Anyone modify a boat like this before?

[BigB9000]

I'm getting a 14' Gregor welded aluminum boat in the next few days.
the open bow, 3-bench fishing type (see pic)

Anyone ever convert from the Tiller steering, to a remote steering in a boat like this?
I'm not a big fan of tiller. (Center console for the win!)

 

[5150abf]

Re: Anyone modify a boat like this before?

It depends how you do it because you can't remove the seats without reinforcing the hull somehow, the seats are what give the hull all its rigidity.

I'm sure it canbe done but it is going to be a job and it is always risky to modify a hull because if it doesn't work you are kinda screwed.

 

[RicMic]

Re: Anyone modify a boat like this before?

The seats are also where all the floatation is, a friend of mine took the front and middle seat out his 14' aluminum and when it sank, the only thing that marked the spot was the nearly empty six gal gas tank.

 

[Flukinicehole]

Re: Anyone modify a boat like this before?

First thing you dont want to add to much weight. This would be a pretty simple project as kits are available. They have them right here on iboats. I think kit p/n ss14812 would be good for you. Then you have to consider how to hook it up. It would be pretty simple to build a steering mount out of some plywood fiberglass it and bolt it to one of the seats. We built a center console for a 13ft. Whaler that worked great. You just want to keep it as light as possible. This can be done and would be a good offseason project. I would say a center console is a no go unless you want it to have the depth of a bass boat inside. First thing you would have to do is put in a floor which would move the center of gravity higher and make the boat more unstable. Stay with a rotary steering kit and it should be fairly easy.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Anyone modify a boat like this before?

Go for a stick steering setup:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=382293&highlight=stick+steering
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=429776&highlight=stick+steering
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=385598&highlight=stick+steering

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Anyone modify a boat like this before?

Go for a stick steering setup:

That was my first thought.

But that stick steering is $300+ IF you can find it

I already have the Controller, cables, and engine hardware, along with the transom steering tube and bar.