chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

[jagsfan811]

I am new to this site, but i just recently aquired a 1960's chrysler boat roughly 14ft 6in in length and i am in the process of fixing it up, (it is fiberglass). during that process i had a crazy idea to lower the top of the boat behind the foot plate because there is all dead space and make more room to sit on top by adding a split windshield. if anyone has done this before or knows any information anything will help me.. thanks

 

[keepNitreel]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

Love those old school boats, pictures are worth a thousand words, post some of the boat and the area your talking about and I'm sure you will get some answers on how to go about what you want to do.

 

[Mark42]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

Not sure what you are describing. But a lot of those old Chrysler boats had solid foam under the deck. No stringers, just foam. Really strong and rigid.

Post some pics so we have a better idea what your thinking.

 

[jagsfan811]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

i apoligize for the poor explanation but you will see in the pictures posted that i would like to make a bow rider and drop the bow infront of the windshield.. i want to try to use up the dead space under there.

 

[Mark42]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

Converting that old Chrysler would be a shame. Its a nice unique boat that should be restored, not converted. How about just looking for a bow rider?

 

[jagsfan811]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

yeah its looking like for now i wont change the chrysler.. any ideas how to use the dead space under the bow though?

 

[coolguy147]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

storage

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

Jagsfan I am gonna guess your in Fla. I have a nice RESTO ready 74 Larson Bowrider I will give you such a deal on . I agree that boat is a classic and needs to be restored back ( close ) to original .


Rick

 

[jagsfan811]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

nope I am from CT, thanks but ill pass for now I am going to put my time into the chrysler and try to get it back to working order

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

Jagsfan was just messin with you about the Larson . I wouldnt drive across country for a project boat unless it was a really great and unusual boat . I currently have the 74 Larson a 1964 Crestliner Del Rio a 1960 Cutter runnabout aaaaaaand this weekends find a 1970 Starcraft Jupiter V . I have enough projects to keep me busy for yeeeeaaaaaaaars LOL.

Rick

 

[jagsfan811]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

haha yeah i figured.. nice how far along are you on them? any water ready?

 

[jonesg]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

I have the bigger brother of that boat, mine is 20foot, they ride nice, the glass is thick.

The bowlight is gone, thats why theres a gap on the nose, the light on top (green/red) is a later addition.

You can use some dock corner molding to cover the nose, seal it first.

I wouldn't change anything, its a chick magnet
(redneck chicks)

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

haha yeah i figured.. nice how far along are you on them? any water ready?

LOL Jagsfan I am still in the Collecting phase of BAS ( boat aquiasition syndrome ) . I actually hope to get busy on the new Starcraft this weekend since it should be by far the eaisiest resto of the bunch . The Crestliner is sold just waiting for the buyer to make room for it and the Larson is listed for sale right now . The Cutter will make a nice winter project as it will fit nicely in my garage and still leave room for other projects. I still scour Craigslist daily hunting for the elusive 21' Starcraft Holiday at a great price .


Rick

 

[jagsfan811]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

so i was working on the boat today for a little after work and i began thinking about what i should do with this.. well used to be boxed ledge on the inside of the boat.. now it is just 2 fiberglass pieces sticking out from the flooring and the side.. what should i do? build another ledge or just cut them and sand them to the flooring.. here are some pictures

 

[jonesg]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

Thats the side drain, I have the same thing on both sides, I left it alone.
Its to stop water from running into the foam, it drains the bow area too.
They should drain into the bilge if you follow them,

if you remove them consider how you're going to accomplish the same thing.

 

[jagsfan811]

Re: chrysler 14ft 6in boat.. question regarding fiberglass reconstruction

Thats the side drain, I have the same thing on both sides, I left it alone.
Its to stop water from running into the foam, it drains the bow area too.
They should drain into the bilge if you follow them,

if you remove them consider how you're going to accomplish the same thing.

oh ok so i would need to box it out again with 1/2 in plywood and fiberglass over it and i will let it be.. thanks