Can I Cut My Boat?

[SteuryLover]

I have a 19' center console that I would like to take for over-nighters. The bow of the boat is closed and is currently used for storage. Is it safe to cut into the front storage and open it up to make bunks? Will cutting it mess with the integrity of the boats structure? Here is a shot of the boat, I would just like to cut the existing hole larger to access it. All opinions are appreciated. Thanks for everyone's time.

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

Here is an idea of where I would like to cut.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

You could but I think it ruins a good boat,
i have a similar situation and I'm making a plywood platform that sits on the center console bench seat and the bow platform,

I'll just take my little pop-up igloo tent on overniters.
Lay some foam on the plywood platform and sit the tent on it.

At least I wont be stuck with permanent modifications.

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

That sounds like a great idea, any pics of it by any chance? What materials are being used? Should I start a new thread for this subject?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

Who would sleep on the bunks? Munchkins?

I'd say that taking that much out might compromise the bow area integrity a bit - certainly the strength of the deck itself...

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

There is a similar model Steury cabin cruiser with bunks that go out like a V from the front leaving the center open. I would cut it out and run slim benches on each side of the boat. I would have removable planks about 3'x2' that when set down the sides with the open bow area would create 2 bunks approx 6 1/2' x 2'. Just enough to sleep on, but I do not in any way want to compromise the integrity of my boat.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

It won't create a problem cutting that area out, don't know if it will make it a great overnighter though.

 

[83vert]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

Who would sleep on the bunks? Munchkins?

I'd say that taking that much out might compromise the bow area integrity a bit - certainly the strength of the deck itself...

I was thinking the same thing. lol

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

Sure a lot of people with munchkins on the mind in this thread, let me clear things up a little more.

I have a 68"x36"x7' bow spray hood/dodger made of canvas that pulls up and gives me a fairly good size forward shelter. My T top is in the way of creating a full front platform to sleep on. Regardless, I currently have a front shelter that creates over 5' 6" of head room and is 7'x6' (see attached pic of spray hood). So if I could get a single foot more into the bow area I would overcome the t top issue. I just need a place to lay down, this is not a family boat, this is a fishing boat only. Our fishing grounds are 15 miles across a rough channel to the tip of the islands. Then another 10 or so to the fishing/camping grounds. There are no moorings at the islands period so it is anchor at your own risk. We like to leave one person on the boat with an anchor alarm just for good measure (the weather is very unpredictable). Hope this info clears a few things up with my particular application. Thanks for the input guys, even the munchkin talk.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

I'll give you a gold star for the amount of trouble you go to for a weekend of fishing. If you cut, leave at least 1" edge and glue and screw a 1 x 1 piece of teak or other hard wood for reinforcement.

Good luck

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

Thanks Les, still thinking over if im going to do it. Thanks for your time.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

I don't think I would recommend this. I think that deck area up there would need at least an one inch "toe rail" (for lack of a better term) to keep people from slipping into the hole. This seems like it would defeat the purpose of people sleeping with their legs in there. Or it would not be too comfortable.

You might also have to extend the deck horizontally into the storage area to make it flat.

All opinions are appreciated.

Good luck.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

I won't comment on whether its a good idea or not, he didn't ask that.

As far as cutting it, its not a structural part of the boat and can be opened up as needed. There may need to be a support or two put in a place, but this would be minor work.

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Can I Cut My Boat?

I appreciate the straight forward answer, that is what is I was looking for. Now if its a good idea or not, new thread