removing top shell on my 17' bowrider

[ShiftyOne]

I have a 17' bowrider and i'm currently doing the floor and I found out the stringers are beyond rot. I need to remove the top shell becuase it forms as the floor in the bow. Alot of different people say " I wouldn't, it will lose it's shape". So my question is will it be easy enough to put back togather?

 

[bounder4465]

Re: removing top shell on my 17' bowrider

The sides are fairly thin on most boats, and will bow in or out when the upper deck is removed. If you are concerned, you can place a couple of supports across the hull to keep it in the general shape. You can also place supports under the hull to help retain its basic shape(I use this method). To answer your question: They go back together, but it might take a person on the inside to push the sides to meet the upper deck.

 

[tgkBarney]

Re: removing top shell on my 17' bowrider

I agree with bounder4465- go for it! I did the same thing to my 15' bowrider this spring. The hull sides are flexible enough that when putting it back together, it took 2 of us just a few minutes to get the sides pushed into place and tucked under the edges of the top shell. The hull was resting on the trailer when we did this-

 

[67MIke]

Re: removing top shell on my 17' bowrider

I wondered the same thing about my stratos. I think I'm goping to go forit in the spring and replace my floor by lifting the top half off.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: removing top shell on my 17' bowrider

I did mine and it didn't bow out much at all. What you really should do is take measurements at floor level from one side to the other every two inches, and record the data. Remove top and all rotted structure, and take some sample measurements. If the measurements at floor level are good, glass in your new structure. If it has spread, then creative bracing underneath or strapping to squeeze the hull would be necessary. The top and bottom will not match well when you put it back on, but the sides are flexible enough to realign everything. Good luck...

 

[67MIke]

Re: removing top shell on my 17' bowrider

Thanks J, I appreciate the info.- Mike