Adding a walk through to transom

Discussion in 'Projects & Proposals' started by Dean Baumeister, Sep 16, 2018.

  1. Dean Baumeister
    Joined: Sep 2018
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    Location: Fort St. John BC

    Dean Baumeister Junior Member

    I have a 1990 Carver Riviera cruiser. It was redone in 2005 with new stringers, canvases and gel coat by a previous owner. My father had it for 10 years and I have for 2 years. It's in above average condition and is a great vessel, but... even with an oversized swim grid, entrance is difficult. It requires climbing a 5 rung ladder in the center, then three steps down to the cabin deck. It's not ideal for my aging parents or young grand children. The steps are over top of a single berth (aft cabin) which had never been used. I'm wondering if it would be possible to cut in an entrance on the starboard side,forsaking headroom in the single berth (it would become storage). The majority of the removal would be the ceiling of the berth and step area, though ideally approximately 10 inches of the transom would be removed as well for better access. Would structural integrity be jeopardized? I've read a bit about having a stainless steel plate fabricated to help with this. Feasible or fantasy? We've thought of selling it and buying a convertible style but don't want to inherit someone else's problems. Thoughts and guidance would be appreciated.
     
  2. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    fallguy Senior Member

    Your description sounds like you want to remove a corner of the boat.

    Not done, unless I have misinterpreted.

    Hire a designer.
     
  3. Dean Baumeister
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    Dean Baumeister Junior Member

    No, i don't want to remove a corner only a narrow area in the back. The area is like to remove is approximately from the right side of the ladder area to the right side of the rear port window in the picture. Screenshot_20180916-124059_Chrome.jpg
     
  4. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    For boarding, the nicest thing is to walk onto the sole from the side.

    It looks very possible to do it either way, but you need to hire a designer.

    A boarding door in the side also seems possible without intrusion into living spaces and for lower cost unless you want it for swimming as well.
     
  5. Dean Baumeister
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    Location: Fort St. John BC

    Dean Baumeister Junior Member

    Sounds good. Thank you. I'm searching for a qualified individual in our area to see if it's viable.
     
  6. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    There are plenty of naval architects out that way.

    I think you'll find someone to help you.

    It is a relatively straightforward project and if required you can even use structural hinges.
     
  7. JamesG123
    Joined: Mar 2015
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    Location: Columbus, GA

    JamesG123 Senior Member

    I don't see how going about your described (expensive) modifications really solves your problem. Anyone going to from the swim platform still has to scale a ladder to get there. One step isn't going to make much difference. Hacking into your boat, even if you have it done by professionals, is going to have a detrimental effect on the value/ resaleablilty of the vessel.

    You probably should just sell it and get one with a transom more conducive to your needs.
    [​IMG]
     
  8. Dean Baumeister
    Joined: Sep 2018
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    Location: Fort St. John BC

    Dean Baumeister Junior Member

    You may be right. That's what I'm struggling with. However I'm not sure you understand what I'm asking. There will only be one external step ftom the swim grid into the boat. The intent is to get rid of the ladder altogether. The previous picture was one I pulled of the net. This is an actual of the back of my boat. I'm asking if I cut the transom down to the top of her name " My Gem" and then walk directly into the existing deck, if that would result in a loss of structural integrity of the transom. I have an oversized swim grid that we use for fishing, so the project will provide ease of access to the cabin area .
    Resaleability is not a concern as I would take a huge loss on it if I were to sell it. The market won't support what i need to sell it and buy one that will cover my needs/ wants. 615.jpg
     
  9. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    I think saleability would be less affected with a port door.

    Could you build the entry on the port side of the boat forward of the radar arch or is that a staircase down to the for'd cabin?

    You'd be into glasswork, but might save the aft cabin.
     
  10. Dean Baumeister
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    Location: Fort St. John BC

    Dean Baumeister Junior Member

    There is a dinette on the port side, all I would lose from the aft cabin is the single berth. Would still have the double and half head. Front cabin had lots of room with king size dinette v berth head and full galley. The intent is to make easy access from the swim grid that we use for fishin, to the cabin without having to climb a ladder.
     
  11. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    I totally get your plan.

    Building a custom 32' boat and it will have boarding doors.
     
  12. kapnD
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    kapnD Senior Member

    Sounds like you know what you want, and I totally agree with you on the resale value thing, it’s your boat, chop it up to please yourself!
    I’ve always modified my boats to suit my needs, and have had no problems at resale time, I’ve heard buyers ask why the manufacturer didn’t think of that.
    I don’t see any major weakening as a result of the cutout, as long as everything is glassed in securely.
    If that boat were mine, I’d probably just eliminate the stern cabin in favor of a big deck!
     
  13. JamesG123
    Joined: Mar 2015
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    Location: Columbus, GA

    JamesG123 Senior Member

    This is probably the easiest, best option. Rip everything out, cut down the transom, reinforce the corner (soles?), and then glass in a self-bailing deck. Maybe put in one of those lift/ crane like things for hoisting dingys and other toys up on deck. Of course then it starts to look like a commercial boat. lol.
     
  14. Dean Baumeister
    Joined: Sep 2018
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    Location: Fort St. John BC

    Dean Baumeister Junior Member

    Thanks guys. The more people I talk to (that know the boat) feel it should be ok.
     

  15. Justright
    Joined: Oct 2021
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    Location: Metcalfe ON

    Justright New Member

    Dean, I know this thread is old but I'm curious to know how your plans worked out. We have a Riviera and want to address the same issue. I'm considering a spiral staircase from Stainless Outfitters in Barrie, or having one fabricated out of aluminum. It would require a larger swim platform, which we also want. I think the one you have looks ideal. Obviously a lot of thought went into it. Do you have a design for it? Thanks, Chris
     
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