transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider

[thehound]

I’m considering transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider .To do this I well have to cut a triangular pattern roughly 3 inches from the sides, cut out a large enough passage way through the acrylic windshield and reattach with hinges. <br />I’m trying to find trim to go around the edge of the cut outs. <br />If anyone has attempted such a project or has a suggestion I would be interested in how it was approached and finished. Thanks The Hound

 

[JasonJ]

Re: transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider

Just make sure you have acounted for the structure that the bow deck provides. Your finished project should retain that structure by whatever means, or the front of the boat could be too flexible, which is not a good thing on a tin boat. Good luck...

 

[gewf631]

Re: transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider

You might want to look over at The Aluminum Boat Repair Board <br /><br />That same question has come-up before, so you should be able to find something.

 

[Mark42]

Re: transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider

Hey hound,<br /><br />How old is it? If it is a classic or antique you might want to leave it be, or sell it and buy what you need. Otherwise, go for it!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider

I agree strongly with Jason. Bowriders have structure in the bow area, desguised as seats, consoles etc. This structure keeps the sides of the hull from collapsing inward. If you are cutting a triangle hole in the deck, first round off the corners and pad the edges, so no one is injured, then add some structure to the underside of the remaining deck. A frame of pressure treated 1 by 4 or 1 by 6 lumber to transfer load from gunwale to gunwale seems to be a good start. I also think you will need to reinforce the deck completely cutaway near the windshield. That's where my SeaRay Bowrider flexes the most. Perhaps a floor in the bow section will give it the necessary strength. I would also attach the remainder of the dashboard to the floor to add rigidity as well. Good luck.

 

[steelespike]

Re: transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider

Before trying anything I would put say 300 lbs in the bow and see how it handles.Then figure your going to add even more with the seat,braces etc.

 

[Triton II]

Re: transforming my15ft aluminum runabout into a bowrider

I have a mate with the same basic 475 Quintrex hull but instead of the cuddy cabin he has a bow rider version. His boat is fine in perfect weather, but much wetter and rides nose down in a following sea compared to the cuddy - which is scary enough when the waves are more than 6ft but outright dangerous in the bowrider. However his kids are younger so they only go out when it's fine and so I guess it's horses for courses. What I'm saying is, you'll probably have to keep a better watch on the weather than before if you do this conversion.