Bow Deck Modification – '76 170

[boatnamesue]

I fish in the Tampa Bay area, and 99% of the time I use my boat for fishing.  I live bait fish the majority of the time, which means netting bait on the flats.   The only hull feature I would change on my boat is having a flush bow casting deck, like the 17' classic mako angler and 18.5' classic Albury Brothers hulls have.  So what I'd like to hear from those with hull restoration/rebuilding experience is what in particular are we talking about here, in terms of how difficult a job this would be for those with experience of fabricating such a deck to look like those pictured below. 

The only additions I would add that you don't see on the bows of the boats below are 2-3 flush mounted storage boxes.  So basically,  the 3 current deck elevated boxes and deck would be removed (first picture below).  Mold the new flush bow casting deck to lower deck and port-starboard wrap around cap.  The flush deck would join the lower deck in the same location aft as the current mid level deck with boxes does.  This is not a fabrication I would do alone because I lack the experience.  I'd either rely on someone with experience to help, or have it professionally done.

Forward view of '76 170





18.5' classic Albury Brothers







17' classic mako angler

[mshugg]

It would be no small bit of fabrication, but it should work.  You could even preserve the forward hatches and gutters building them into the new raised deck.

[boatnamesue]

It would be no small bit of fabrication, but it should work.  You could even preserve the forward hatches and gutters building them into the new raised deck.

I was thinking the same.  In reference to the raised lip that wraps around bow (red arrows in picture)...I would think to leave this in place and have the edges of the casting deck rest on the flange just below this lip.  The entire deck wouldn't be flush, the lip still wrapping around bow.  Also, I don't see a need to remove the cap's existing interior vertical flare.  Couldn't this be left alone, the casting deck glassed in on top of the flange?  Your thoughts?

[mshugg]

That should work, and it keeps the lines of the AS foredeck.  What do you hope to accomplish by leaving the  the liner forward?  You'd have more storage if you cut it below your new deck and added bulkheads/stringers up to the new deck height.  I don't think the forward part of the hull is foamed, so the lower liner does little to stiffen the boat.  Now if you wanted to add the deck without removing the existing casting platform, story would be different.

[boatnamesue]

That should work, and it keeps the lines of the AS foredeck.  What do you hope to accomplish by leaving the  the liner forward?  You'd have more storage if you cut it below your new deck and added bulkheads/stringers up to the new deck height.  I don't think the forward part of the hull is foamed, so the lower liner does little to stiffen the boat.  Now if you wanted to add the deck without removing the existing casting platform, story would be different.

Well, i just didn't imagine a need to cut it out.  More space for storage is always good, but i was thinking the space created by elevating casting deck would suffice. 

Since you mentioned adding deck without removing existing casting platform, what does that story entail?

[mshugg]

Since you mentioned adding deck without removing existing casting platform, what does that story entail?

I would guess you could just remove hatch covers for forward storage, tab in the new deck and extend the bulkhead at the rear edge up to the platform.  I'm sure you would need something like deck beams or bulkheads to support such a large deck.  The tricky part would be accessing your storage.  So much depends on how much work you really want to do. 

[boatnamesue]

Since you mentioned adding deck without removing existing casting platform, what does that story entail?

I would guess you could just remove hatch covers for forward storage, tab in the new deck and extend the bulkhead at the rear edge up to the platform.  I'm sure you would need something like deck beams or bulkheads to support such a large deck.  The tricky part would be accessing your storage.  So much depends on how much work you really want to do.

Gotcha, thanks.  Yeah, I'll have to consult with someone local who is experienced in this type of fabrication to explore all options.

[Woodeneye]

Wouldn't it be neat if you could fabricate a drop in platform? You could build it out of foam and fibreglass so it was nice and light & stiff and just pull it out when not being used. That way you wouldn't have to mess with whats already there. It wouldn't be that hard for anyone with half an idea of what they were doing. As long as it was securely fastened. Just a thought........

[dirtwheelsfl]

Wouldn't it be neat if you could fabricate a drop in platform? You could build it out of foam and fibreglass so it was nice and light & stiff and just pull it out when not being used. That way you wouldn't have to mess with whats already there. It wouldn't be that hard for anyone with half an idea of what they were doing. As long as it was securely fastened. Just a thought........

Certainly would be the easiest!

The hatches arent very wide, so hopefully they wouldnt hit the bottom of the new deck when opened. Securing it is where we'd have to get creative

[boatnamesue]

Wouldn't it be neat if you could fabricate a drop in platform? You could build it out of foam and fibreglass so it was nice and light & stiff and just pull it out when not being used. That way you wouldn't have to mess with whats already there. It wouldn't be that hard for anyone with half an idea of what they were doing. As long as it was securely fastened. Just a thought........

Im thinking of a permanent fabrication, but that is a great idea.  I prefer to keep a classic as originally built.  However, elevating the casting deck flush with upper deck would be a game changer for how I use my boat.  We'll see.

[wingtime]

I'd keep about 12" of the existing casting deck. That way you can use it as a step to get up there. Also what your thinking of building would be much larger than the boats you pictured. You will need some sort of supports under that deck as well.

[boatnamesue]

I'd keep about 12" of the existing casting deck. That way you can use it as a step to get up there. Also what your thinking of building would be much larger than the boats you pictured. You will need some sort of supports under that deck as well.

We're thinking the same.  Actually what i was thinking as far as the step, fabricate a box with lid.  The width/depth of 1 12v battery and the length of 2.  So it not only functions as a step but also allows me to move my 2 trolling motor batteries forward.  And I agree with having to support the casting deck.