If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

[ShawnQ]

My boat is a 1968 chrysler commando 151, 15ft. It has it's fair share of floor rot, and the transom is a little softer then I would like in a few spots, but still has a few good years in it.<br /><br />I think I am going to go ahead and replace the floor and the transom this winter/spring, even if I do buy a newer boat (this way, I'll be able to sell the boat for a little bit more, and I will have the experience should I ever need to do it again.)<br /><br />Here's my first question: The boat has a 'center console', although it isn't really a center console. You CAN walk thru on one side, but you CANNOT on the other. The front seat that is part of the center console connects to the other side of the boat(passenger side if in a car). It makes it a pain to fish more then 2 people, because the same people always have to walk thru the same side. I could very easily cut that side of the console/front seat off, and make the boat a true center console. My only question is this: Is this part of the boat 'Structural'? Will it affect the boat if I do this? I plan to fill in the hole that I would be leaving from cutting it out., if that matters.<br /><br />Here is how it looks now:<br /><br />

<br /><br />Here is how I want it to look:<br /><br />

<br /><br />Would this be a problem? It doesn't appear to have any wood or structural pieces involved, just fiberglass.<br /><br />Let me know what you think.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />shawn

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

Another thing that I dislike about the boat is all of the wasted space in the rear.<br /><br />There are two large flat surface areas, at least 18"x24" on the rear of the boat. I have been wanting to put a small cooler on one side (for water/food, etc.), and a small baitwell on the other. There is plenty of room underneath both sides to keep my gas tanks, and have 2 pretty large storage boxes/baitwells up top. The top of this area is already sturdy enough to stand on, it's very rigid. I would definitely put some vertical support on the underside of the boxes, so that I could still step on the box lids if I had to. Here's the area I am talking about.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Would putting a small baitwell and a small cooler be a problem here? I think with the few things I want to do with this boat, I could make it 100% more usefule and the form follows function.<br /><br />One other note...see the piece of trim that is going around the battery box? That stuff is all the way around the inside of the boat. It is obviously not factory, so I assume someone has replaced the floor in it before, would you think the same?<br /><br />Would it be best to reuse this kind of stuff, or just re-glass the interior sides to the sole? I think the second would be better. Re-Glassing everything would make it more water tight rather then running a piece of trim with caulk all the way around the seam.<br /><br />I have also thought about shortening the front deck to allow more freeboard, more walking space...But, the dry storage would be minimal already with the center console being chopped, so I would have to contemplate that some more.<br /><br />Any tips/tricks/pointers? <br /><br />Any CRITICISM? I'm open to any constructive criticism, tell me I'm an idiot for doing this if you have a good reason to support it.<br /><br />Thanks guys! I'm starting to get more anxious about rebuilding this one!<br /><br />Shawn

 

[JasonJ]

Re: If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

This used to be a regular bowrider with walk-through windshield. The consoles were part of the structure. I put in a new transom, stringers, floor, and converted it to a center console. It is as strong if not stronger than original. I also modified the splashwell for more room as well. You should have absolutely no problem with what you propose...<br /><br />

<br /><br />

<br /><br />This is what it used to be.<br /><br />

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

looks great! That makes me feel a little better about it...<br /><br />Doesn't it feel like a 100% more useful boat now?<br /><br />Shawn

 

[JasonJ]

Re: If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

It is much more useful...

 

[DJ]

Re: If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

ShawnQ,<br /><br />I think the boat has plenty of potential. If it were mine I'd do it. You'll have a custom designed center console sitting on a decent hull that is entirely unique-cool!<br /><br />I would do exactly what you are thinking with the back deck areas. I would make both a cooler with overboard, or at least to the splashwell, drains. Just because they ar coolers, doesn't mean you have to use them that way. They work great for dry storage too.<br /><br />Yes, I would glass the sides to the sole. It will stifen up the hull considerably.<br /><br />You are not talking about a boatload of money to do all this either.<br /><br />Put on some new paint and you're in business.<br /><br />Oh, one more thing. I agree about taking out the side seat. you can replace it with one in front of the console. I would raise the console by building a box to set it on. Then, you can put batteries or fuel tanks under it. Plus, it will give you better weather/wind protection and make stand up driving much easier.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

Heck Yeah!....I'd do it... Thats a cool boat that would be even better by doing what you propose to! <br /><br /> Only ? is about the trim piece... Could that be a seam where the floor and sides meet and the trim is just there to cover the fasteners?

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: If I modify this, will it affect structural strength/stability?

Snapperbait:<br /><br />The trim is there to cover a cut that the previous owner (or one of them at least) made along the whole interior of the boat. I assume they repaired the floor, and instead of pulling the whole liner off the top, they only pulled the sole out of it by cutting along the sole/side seams. Then, when they were done with the floor replacement, they laid the sole back down and put this piece of trim around to cover the cut that they made. They then used caulk to TRY and keep water out, but I assure you it isn't working.<br /><br />I went and looked at another boat today, and we'll wait and see what the banks says. If I am approved for it (should be), I will get it and have two boats for a while, and probably hand this one to someone in the family.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Shawn