SuzukiChopper
Senior Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2004
- Messages
- 782
Hey,<br /><br />I just bought a boat a couple months ago from a buddy of mine. It's a 16 foot Delray made by International Fiberglass. I like it quite a bit the way it is but I have a few things I'd like to do, a couple of them I need some opinions on.<br /><br />First off I need to replace the floor and the foam under it (my buddies dad just about sunk the boat the week before I purchased it). I know quite a bit of the floor is soaked (mounted some pedestal seats and they aren't that sturdy). This is fine, would like to run some PVC for wiring and such anyways below the floor. <br /><br />Second is carpet and storage bins along the side of the boat.<br /><br />Third is bench style seating in the rear, raised in the center for the battery and fuse block/etc to mount. Under each seat will be storage.<br /><br />Now here's where I need opinions/advice/help/therapy whatever 
<br /><br />I'm thinking of cutting open the bow to convert the boat to an open bow. I'm thinking of creating a raised floor so there's storage underneath. In doing this I'm going to need to cut the dash down the center and create siding along the new aisle, as well as cut the windsheild and use the old piece to create a swing open section. This I assume is an okay thing to do and if I take my time can turn out nice. I also was wanting to add 50 - 100lbs or so of bricks (secured of course) along the empty space on either side of this new area. My reasoning is the extra weight will help the boat cut through the waves better and create a mode stable ride. Also in the back section under the splash deck (i think it's called) I'm going to mount a gas tank from a Saturn or something similar with a filler spout to the side of the boat. Of course there will be mods that will have to be done to the tank to allow mounting the old fuel link hookup to it, etc, no big deal. Is there a better idea for a tank?<br /><br />Finally, my last big venture is I need a power tilt trim for my 100 hp johnson (1972). I'm getting really tired of lifting the stupid thing everytime I want to go into a channel where it's only 2-3 feet deep. Also at the dock when the waves are crashing into the back of the boat it's damn near impossible to do! Any idea where I can find the OEM parts to replace the manual cylinders with the hydraulic ones? (I'm looking for a cheap alternative to the $2500 brand new model). OR does anyone know of any water-proof 12v linear actuators that would do the job? OR can you convert the standard manual rams to be hydraulic? (drilling and tapping holes for fittings, etc?). <br /><br />And last but certainly not least *laugh* can a guy get rid of the *splash deck* once he has power tilt/trim and build the area up a little higher to create a platform for waterskiers/swimmers to *lounge*? <br /><br />Sorry for the long post, hope someone can help me out with some of this stuff or atleast point me to a good phsyciatric ward somewhere Take care!
<br /><br />I'm thinking of cutting open the bow to convert the boat to an open bow. I'm thinking of creating a raised floor so there's storage underneath. In doing this I'm going to need to cut the dash down the center and create siding along the new aisle, as well as cut the windsheild and use the old piece to create a swing open section. This I assume is an okay thing to do and if I take my time can turn out nice. I also was wanting to add 50 - 100lbs or so of bricks (secured of course) along the empty space on either side of this new area. My reasoning is the extra weight will help the boat cut through the waves better and create a mode stable ride. Also in the back section under the splash deck (i think it's called) I'm going to mount a gas tank from a Saturn or something similar with a filler spout to the side of the boat. Of course there will be mods that will have to be done to the tank to allow mounting the old fuel link hookup to it, etc, no big deal. Is there a better idea for a tank?<br /><br />Finally, my last big venture is I need a power tilt trim for my 100 hp johnson (1972). I'm getting really tired of lifting the stupid thing everytime I want to go into a channel where it's only 2-3 feet deep. Also at the dock when the waves are crashing into the back of the boat it's damn near impossible to do! Any idea where I can find the OEM parts to replace the manual cylinders with the hydraulic ones? (I'm looking for a cheap alternative to the $2500 brand new model). OR does anyone know of any water-proof 12v linear actuators that would do the job? OR can you convert the standard manual rams to be hydraulic? (drilling and tapping holes for fittings, etc?). <br /><br />And last but certainly not least *laugh* can a guy get rid of the *splash deck* once he has power tilt/trim and build the area up a little higher to create a platform for waterskiers/swimmers to *lounge*? <br /><br />Sorry for the long post, hope someone can help me out with some of this stuff or atleast point me to a good phsyciatric ward somewhere Take care!
