Bow Platform - Yes or No?

[minuteman62-64]

I've been working my way forward on my boat - refinishing the plywood components and replacing the manufactured supplied cad plated hardware with stainless. Now at the bow seat with a decision to make. Prep, paint and refinish existing bow seat or replace it with a platform with storage under?

No big problem with existing arrangement. Just wondering if I could make it a little better. It is a 15'6" welded aluminum Bayrunner (by Valco/Westcoaster). Some of the similar models I see at the local launch ramps have an arrangement similar to what I am contemplating.

First photo shows boat underway with 2 passengers. Mostly used for fishing with 2-3 passengers or taking grandkids for a ride.

Second photo shows existing seat arrangement. Cavity in bow is used to stow anchor/cushions/etc..

Third photo shows cardboard template of my thinking. Platform would be either at level of existing bow seat (as shown) or maybe up to 2" higher (to allow for framing and a little more storage under).

Because of narrow hull/bow section it will not be a casting platform. Will continue to serve as a seat and a place to step aboard from the trailer when launching.

I've already determined that there are enough resources on this site to get me through any actual construction.

Appreciate any thoughts - pro or con.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

Sounds like a great idea...good, flat place to stand on, storage, some extra weight up front could be good. I built a 8x8 wooden deck on front of my 1870 Jon boat...great for fishing, shrimping, camping, etc....my platform is it's on top of gunwale.....

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

I don't see the benefit of the extra weight...

 

[MRS]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

I built one on the front of my jon boat(14ft.) and love it added a anchor box and a ice box. Plus the weight does help keep the bow down when I am fishing alone. I say go for it.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

Having a deck to walk on rather than the tin bottom is way better for stable footing and the front deck with a hatch is a great idea to stow ropes and such that can get in the way or tangle up in your feet.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

If it was mine, I'd deck it.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

I would put in the platform. You will love it.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

OK, I'm convinced to go ahead (actually, I was probably going to do it anyways - but the response kind of validates moving ahead ).

I'll document the work (and seek advice) in the Modifications section. In the meantime, I've dusted off my structures design books (its been a few years) to do some preliminary materials calcs.

Thanks, guys.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

Pressure treated lumber and stainless steel screws and fasteners.....just design/build it to suit your needs....

 

[AChotrod]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

Yes with a removable pedestal seat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

It iwll be very unstable for standnig up there but as long as you knw that, OK.

Pressure treated wood is not good with aluminum. But since it's such a simple cut, why not use exterior grade plywood and paint the top (not the bottom) and replace after 10 years if it gets soft?

A high-chair seat up there would be dangerous and defeat the purpose of a place to step.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

+1. Pressure treated wood is a no-no in aluminum boats. Instead just go with quality exterior grade, non-treated plywood and seal it with either epoxy, spar urethane or paint. However, you do want to use stainless steel throughout. Be sure to dip any through-hull fasteners in a bit of 3M 5200. Here are some pics of popular bow casting platform set ups that are very popular down here in FL for flats fishing as well as some other, similar rigs.

 

[AChotrod]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

It iwll be very unstable for standnig up there but as long as you knw that, OK.

Pressure treated wood is not good with aluminum. But since it's such a simple cut, why not use exterior grade plywood and paint the top (not the bottom) and replace after 10 years if it gets soft?

A high-chair seat up there would be dangerous and defeat the purpose of a place to step.

Agreed after looking at the size of his template. Not much space to make it worth while IMO. I would do it from the console forward and it could be awesome.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

It iwll be very unstable for standnig up there but as long as you knw that, OK.

Pressure treated wood is not good with aluminum. But since it's such a simple cut, why not use exterior grade plywood and paint the top (not the bottom) and replace after 10 years if it gets soft?

A high-chair seat up there would be dangerous and defeat the purpose of a place to step.

In 10 years I'll be 83 and probably won't know (or care) if it has gotten soft or not.

I used an ABX plywood when I re-did the aft seats and hatches. For this I'll either use the same (may even have enough left over) or may try MDO - which is what the factory original seats were made of.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

We have an old Lonestar 15 that is extremely unstable when moving about at the edges of the front seat To the point of throwing you out
or almost tipping the boat.I would test the setup before adding anything.
The boat also seems a touch on the small side for a 15.It may struggle if too much weight is added.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

Here's a link to a similar style build.

Lowe 16 flats refurb. - TinBoats.net

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

We have an old Lonestar 15 that is extremely unstable when moving about at the edges of the front seat To the point of throwing you out
or almost tipping the boat.I would test the setup before adding anything.
The boat also seems a touch on the small side for a 15.It may struggle if too much weight is added.

Stability is an issue - to the point where it will definitely not be a casting platform (I've tried standing on the existing front seat, both on the trailer and in the water - not a secure sensation). Only provide additional storage and a step for climbing aboard when launching (I board over the winch post).

I'm thinking aluminum framing to keep the weight under contril.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

It iwll be very unstable for standnig up there but as long as you knw that, OK.

Pressure treated wood is not good with aluminum. But since it's such a simple cut, why not use exterior grade plywood and paint the top (not the bottom) and replace after 10 years if it gets soft?

A high-chair seat up there would be dangerous and defeat the purpose of a place to step.

Curious as to why not paint all sides of the plywood platform? For the other components (mid-ship and aft) that I've replaced/refinished, I've applied CPES to all surfaces and then followed with an oil based paint. No issues to date. Is there concern with moisture being trapped in the plywood as a result of the paint sealing the bottom?

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Bow Platform - Yes or No?

If the wood is a concern have you thought about diamond plate aluminum? It is not cheap though and weighs more. Maybe a metal recycling dealer in your area has some. Or plastic? I found a site below that gives examples.

http://www.boulterplywood.com/PlasticandMetal_4.htm