Updating a classic cabin cruiser to a modern-ish day boat

I picked up a 1978 Marinette 32 flybridge sedan as a project boat. These were designed to be floating RVs but I want to convert it into a more modern day boat. These boats were all welded aluminum and beautifully made, so I think it makes a good candidate for an update.

Originally, I was going to just freshen it up with paint but now every screw I see, I want to remove.

I have some welding skill (I can weld and fabricate simple shapes) so I thought this might be a good time to update the looks. I'd be grateful for any recommendations or criticism.

I bought the boat a while ago, but I just started a website documenting the overhaul. I started the website in the middle of the project, so I'll start backfilling the content as I go. https://1978marinette32.wordpress.com

One thing I thought I might try was to reverse the slant of the cabin window opening and fill in an area between the cabin and cockpit.

 

Nice boat. If it were mine I would higher a person who has lots of experience about welded aluminum boats. Your boat is over 30 years old and every weld should be inspected by an EXPERT BEFORE you start dropping lots of bucks on it. This is just insurance......................This is a current topic on this site. http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/cl...elded-strength-aluminum-56243.html#post783392

 

Agree with rasor, knew of a guy who bought an aluminum boat and ran into a whole host of problems due to cracks,cracked welds etc

 

Thanks for the feedback. I was not going to make any structural updates, just cosmetics.