Hi all - I have been scouring this site for months now after purchasing my first 170. I was told it was a 1971 but between the below deck gas tank and the stern cleat cutouts, I believe it may be newer than that.
It had a soft deck and was missing the coffin cover when I purchased it so I knew I was in for a deck replacement. I have started that project and have uncovered a few things I am looking for input on.
First off - I have it in my mind that it will be easier to cannibalize the liner and create a flat open deck by removing the front casting platform and tying the deck into the hull than it will be to try and put the floor back into the liner. I have seen a few examples of this but I wanted to hear from you all if you know of any issues that can arise from this that I may not be thinking of.
Second - If I decide to not chop up the liner - is there a way to replace the transom from the inside without removing the molded sections on the top of the gunnel cap on the left and right - I suspect they would be rather difficult to line up for reinstallation after they have been removed.
Third - I plan on re-foaming the stringers and fixing a few sections of delamination but I am undecided on the re-foaming sections outside of the stringers. If I remove the front casting deck I will want to create a few storage boxes in the hull which means the less foam taking up space the better - however I want this boat to be buoyant, stable, and safe as I fish the northeast from April to October. Has anyone here laid a flat deck and utilized open hull space between stringers for boxes instead of foam?
I have attached a few photos of my progress. Any advice is appreciated.
Cheers
