Mark_VTfisherman
Lieutenant
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,489
Hi- some of you will probably cringe at this post, but that is OK. I haven't cut it but I do consider it now and then.
I have a 1964 Niagara Deluxe. I would like some input from other MFG-ers about a thought I have had- and dismissed- on-and-off for about 10 years now. The thought? Modifying my 14' Niagara bow by removing the bow deck and windshield, and installing a walk-through windshield and underfloor fuel tank, with custom glass port and starboard consoles. I don't want to lose the nice protection offered by the nice MFG cockpit. I already have my 6 gallon tank under the bow, but would like a ten gallon tank. (I would make a custom aluminum tank)
I love the light weight and strength of my Niagara- I tow with a Saturn and it handles the boat fine. I also love how well it handles rough seas for a boat its size; two-footers are no problem. Other boats which do as well are much heavier.
I primarily use my boat for fishing, so access to the bow area would make using my planer mast easier, and the bow would be a great place to seat a third angler without crowding the boat. The boat will handle 3 or four adults OK but beyond two it is crowded.
Sorry if I have offended any of us who are purists, but other than the MFG historical purity, what do you think of making this modification?
I have a 1964 Niagara Deluxe. I would like some input from other MFG-ers about a thought I have had- and dismissed- on-and-off for about 10 years now. The thought? Modifying my 14' Niagara bow by removing the bow deck and windshield, and installing a walk-through windshield and underfloor fuel tank, with custom glass port and starboard consoles. I don't want to lose the nice protection offered by the nice MFG cockpit. I already have my 6 gallon tank under the bow, but would like a ten gallon tank. (I would make a custom aluminum tank)
I love the light weight and strength of my Niagara- I tow with a Saturn and it handles the boat fine. I also love how well it handles rough seas for a boat its size; two-footers are no problem. Other boats which do as well are much heavier.
I primarily use my boat for fishing, so access to the bow area would make using my planer mast easier, and the bow would be a great place to seat a third angler without crowding the boat. The boat will handle 3 or four adults OK but beyond two it is crowded.
Sorry if I have offended any of us who are purists, but other than the MFG historical purity, what do you think of making this modification?
peter