Fisher-Marine Auminum decks

[samtech]

I have just purchased a 80's model Fisher-Marine. Boat is 16t long and at it's widest point (side to side) is 68". The bottom is 48". My question is this,would boat be stable enough to put raised decks on it. Previous owner has removed seats and boat is down to bare hull. Boat is in great shape, just wanted to know if boat would be somewhat safe.

 

[jigngrub]

When you say seats, do you mean bench seats that go from one side to the other? If so you need to do something to shore the sides back up and raised decks would be a good option.

 

[Watermann]

Aluminum as a deck choice is problematic if that's what your wanting to do, that's why manufacturers don't do it. I have an older 16' SeaNymph that is decked and it's very stable so I wouldn't be worried about that. Check out the link in my sig line to see how it's laid out with just recessed seating in the center with the rest elevated casting decks.

 

[samtech]

Thanks for reply. Yes, They were bench seats in the boat originally. The way I worded my topic was worded wrong, I never intended to use aluminum for decking,sorry. I'm not sure what you mean sig line? Would like too. Thanks Again.

 

[jigngrub]

A 1648 is wide enough to be stable and safe with raised decks, and your boat needs to strengthened back up to compensate for the removal of the benches. Those bench seats were the backbone of your boat and without them your hull sides will be floppy out on the water. Those bench seats also contained the floatation foam that would keep your boat afloat if you had an accident, without that foam your boat will sink to the bottom like a rock.

So yes, you should add decks and floatation foam to your boat to make it seaworthy and safe... or reinstall the bench seats.

 

[Watermann]

Sorry, "sig line" is the signature at the bottom of my posts. 1978 SeaNymph SS160 Restoration

Sounds like you're on the right track adding some decking to the boat. If you have double decks (bottom and upper casting) like I do in my SeaNymph that should make the boat stronger than ever and give you lots of options for livewells and storage.

How about dropping a couple pics of your boat for us to gawk at. :joyous:

 

[gm280]

I certainly would install some type of side to side platform setup, but not at the very top of the sides. The higher you go with any platform, the more tipsy it becomes. And that is because it changes the C/G (center of gravity) of the boat. So any little rocking wave action will be exaggerated. And therein is the problem. A person leaning to one side will effect the entire hull more then with seating setting a little lower. I'd go a few inches to half a foot or so below the top side of the hull. Then you get a better height but also keep a little more stability. And once you install the platform(s), use some type foam (close cell type) to give you the floating ability incase things go wrong and it fills with water... Better have the hull sitting on top of the water then at the bottom of the lake... As stated above post some pictures and we can understand your plans better. :thumb: