cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

[atcra]

The family and I love our boat but this winter will be replacing the floor and stringers. We have friends that have a bowrider and we love the extra room and additional people. Is it possible to transform a cuddy cabin into a bowrider? Thank you!

 

[oops!]

Re: cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

hi....welcome to iboats.

yes it is possibble. and its your boat you can do anything you like to it.

bear in mind.......it will cost you more money and time than the boat is worth.
chances are, it will not look like a factory job, and therefore devalue the boat so that after the project is finished. you will have a boat worth 2 grand.

i am not trying to dissuade you......we will show you how to do it. but there are lots of hours in it.

if i were you. (and i didnt want a major project) i would do the transom deck and strings. sell the boat for top dollar (as it will allmost be a new boat) and buy a deck boat or a bow rider that will suit your needs.

if you want a look at what you are getting in to......read the thread in my sig. if you choose to do the conversion. there is valuable information there. from making molds to gellcoating and glassing.

also look up drewmitch44. he did a closed bow to open bow conversion. have a look.

cheers
oops

 

[oops!]

Re: cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

lol....that yellow boat is either a rinell or a bluewater.....(kals custom glass)
i rebuilt a blue water identical to that one this fall....great boats.

 

[cwcollins06]

Re: cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

I kind of want you to do it just so I can see it done. That sounds like exactly the sort of ambitious project I'd really enjoy watching someone else do. Hopefully I can build up the skill and expertise to feel comfortable actually doing that sort of thing someday!

 

[atcra]

Re: cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

Oops! I completely understand where you are coming from...by time i finish with floor, engine, and outdrive it will be also most brand new...i just know this boat very well and that cover off would allow for sooo much more room and the rest of the family (mine - hers- ours). I just was not sure if by removing that cover if i would be putting the boat structure in harms way?

cwcollins06 - i too would love for someone to do this so i can see the outcome and weigh the looks against time and $$. I will get back alittle later on once i find some good places to assist me with this project if i do continue with it. Thanks!

 

[cwcollins06]

Re: cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

Really the only difference would be the way the deck goes in and the cap, right? Keeping in mind that I know absolutely nothing about anything at all, I wonder if there's a Bowrider from the same manufacturer that you could salvage a cap off of and marry your hull with a bowrider cap. I know with my bowrider the bow area seating is part of the cap. Again, keep in mind that I know absolutely nothing about anything...just a totally uninformed thought.

 

[oops!]

Re: cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

actually.....speaking of the structure integrety.....an open bow is stronger if glassed correctly.

if you just cut a hole in the bow....add a floor.....and some plywood boxes for seats.....then yes...it will weaken the boat.
but if you start your glassing at the cut line, round it....then down into the seat benches, you will be far stronger.
the only problem.....is getting the bend in the glass all nice and pretty.
there are several difficult curves in the bow. and after you glass it ......you have to gellcoat it (or at least i would)

one way to do it. is to use pvc pipe around the front cut out. this will give you a nice smooth round edge to glass over.....then arbourite down to the seat benches. you can use any plywood form for the benches....and glass the whole shabang....

as far as the walk thru....standard plywood verticals.....pvc for the corners.
with the inside corner (gunwhale nearest the windsheild) you can peanut butter that and glass over the uncured gype.

bear in mind....i give this a difficulty rating of 10. it aint gonna be a walk in the park. but it will be fun !

you best read my thread....there is tons of techinical info there for you.....everything you need to know. including making a mold for your seat benches.

cheers
oops

 

[atcra]

Re: cuddy cabin to bow rider...possible??

Oops...thank you Sir...will most definently be reading alot before i attempt this (if i do...i do love to use it for storage). We'll see...thank you again!