Enclosing open bow..hmmm

[CodyGrizz]

Ok, I have a 1989 Bayliner Capri 19' Bowrider I am customizing and am going to enclose the bow as I prefer the look and peoplesitting up there gets in the way of my vision. Now I have done glass work on bikes and audio, but this is different. My thoughts were to put 1x1" wood about 1/2" below flush. Then I thought about putting 1/4" strips across to get the shape I wanted then put a piece of 1/4" fiberboard on top of the strips glued down the cover that with a few layers of glass. Think 2 is enough or should I go up to 1/4" thick of glass? People wont be standing on it as I doubt it would be strong enough but how do you think that would work out idea wise?

Any other ways should I look into? I mean would love to make it strong enough to stand on, not sure if it would though. Will use the area for storage for skis and safety equipment. It will mbe straight across, as itsa flat area. I think it will look nice and allow me to change the windscreen like I want to or could be. Thanks folks!!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

People "will" stand (and jump) on it, so you need to make it strong enough to hold up, use good plywood or it will be mush after the first season Cut some ribs to the correct shape and bend the plywood over it, make it removable, then you can glass each side easily.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

i agree, someone is going to stand on it. or want to lay on it. how are you going to deploy and retrive the anchor?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

Ive given this a great deal of thought, most of my boating accour's with the family and freinds. However i do some fishing on the bar and 4' chop is common so a bow cap is in order.

I beleive one could take a large peice of styrafoam and form it like a template, the stuff's easy to use cheap and very moldable. I would think it would be as easy cutting it out,
routering the corner's for cosmetic's and from there just trace it out on 1/4" plywood then glass it up in the same fashion as a floor.

It wouid be very easy to brace up the underside for supprot, you'd already know the angles for the routering work and when your done just gel-coat the thing........... sound's easy huh???????? .....

But that's a bit off in the future for me, unless i really get the bug this summer.........

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

If you just want a dry storage space and nodody is going to stand on it, then just a fabric bow cover that snaps in place will do 90% of what you need.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

I agree with ondrvr. It shouldn't be anything permanent. Just as soon as you finish it, you'll have a need or desire to have the open bow again. I am of the belief that a boat should be as flexible as possible as far as usefullness goes. I have learned through the last few years that my needs change, and I have changed my boat accordingly. My end goal is a boat that fullfills all my needs adequatly. In your case, a snap-on cover would prevent people from sitting, or standing, it would provide dry storage, and it would prevent any handling issues due to adding weight up front.

 

[CodyGrizz]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

Thanks for the replys folks. I had posed it on another board and someone suggest I make it removable, which I had thought about, but had decided why bother. Now after thinking about it, I am going to do that. Then I would have an open bow when wanted, closed when wanted. I like the closed bow look but to be honest its more for my ability to see. When someone is in the bow, it sits so high they are RIGHT in your line of sight. So I figured to kill 2 birds.. looks and visability.

I will go the foam route I believe. Foam to size/shape (its straight across) then glass it, how many layers do yall think would be needed to get the desired strength? I think if I redesign the bow pads it could rest on them safely for support then just fasten it down. I was thinking some sort of slot up front and hooks hidden in the back side, so all was hidden when used. And if I went somewhere and needed it off, could just put it in the bed of my truck. Heck even better would be to make a split piece that each half could be stored in the side storage of the boat!

So question is.. how many layers (top and bottom) and what size should I go with? Thanks again for the reply fellas!

 

[DJ]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

If you just want a dry storage space and nodody is going to stand on it, then just a fabric bow cover that snaps in place will do 90% of what you need.

I also agree. You are going to curse that piece you are contemplating making becasue you can't remove it, on the water.

 

[CodyGrizz]

Re: Enclosing open bow..hmmm

I generally only will have me plus 2 people, my boat is licensed for 8..just dont need/want that many people. The new layout will allow 5 with the bow covered, I can always remove it if I know I would actually take out more than 4. I have the snap-on bow cover..hate it..looks like crud honestly.

I think the removable fiberglass is the way I am going.