Convert Fiberglass Runabout to Fishing style

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by hamz, May 17, 2006.

  1. hamz
    Joined: May 2006
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    Location: Ottawa

    hamz New Member

    Hi, I'm hoping someone has done this conversion or might have some info to it. I have a 14FT Runabout Fiberglass, and I was going to make the front into a platform kind and I am wondering if I were to remove/cutout the front top cover would it change the strength of the boat? Thanks. And if anyone has any links to someone who has? Thanks.
     
  2. vishnubaiju
    Joined: Mar 2006
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    vishnubaiju Junior Member

    send photo

    Front cover??? Is it the small deck in the front ? If possible send a photo of the boat. Does it have any partition bulkhead or tranverse strength member other than the front deck? I hope the seats are transverse.
     
  3. hamz
    Joined: May 2006
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    hamz New Member

    Hi Yes it is the small deck in the front, made of thin Fiberglass.

    "Does it have any partition bulkhead or tranverse strength member other than the front deck? I hope the seats are transverse"

    You got me there? There are 2 benches that cross the center which have swivel seats attached to them....See attached photo...
     

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  4. vishnubaiju
    Joined: Mar 2006
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    vishnubaiju Junior Member

    Modification

    The front deck gives you two things:
    It prevents water splashing into the boat and strengthens the hull transversely.I hope there is a vertical partition below the deck end. This must be watertight. This enclosed part gives a reserve buoyance which will protect the craft from sinking.
    If you remove this and give a new structure it must be watertightly enclosed.
    Horizontal platform may reduce the aesthetic appearance of the boat.Why not provide a removable type of platform? Inverted 'V' at the bottom close to the existing deck and horizontal at the top surface. Flanged at side to join with the existing deck.
    Bolting and removing.

    Okay. What is the purpose of this platform?
     
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