Re: Open bow conversion
 

sounds easy on paper

Re: Open bow conversion
 

amen Cat 5 . . . . cant tell you how many times i have had to correct the aftermath following ". . . .Boy, $5000.00 seems like alot for something you should be able to do yourself . . . .The project is relatively easy. . . " :D word to the wise repair costs of fixing botched jobs easily doubles what you thought you wanted to put in it.


viol8or- i truly mean no disrespect. the enthusiasm is great but i just don't see this as a back yard project. sure some are capable of tackling something like this but not many. i have been doing this kinda stuff for longer than i care to remember and consider this to be a very ambitious undertaking. for the record i would like to put my vote in for DON'T DO IT!! there have been some very good points brought up dealing with liability, re-sale, safety, and structural integrity. all very good points and should be taken seriously. sell it and buy a boat that suits your future boating style.

Re: Open bow conversion
 

I'm with them DON'T DO IT, get a boat that has this as part of the design.

Re: Open bow conversion
 

doesnt fountain build a cc the same length? mayb you could see whats different about the build of the cc and that could give you an idea of what would be necessary without the entire deck being there.

Re: Open bow conversion
 

I have to agree. It's one of those projects that if you are willing to sink enough time & $'s into it, could turn out good.

But, the key is doing it properly. Take a hard look at other bow riders, or the mid cabins on the market. A lot more to it than just a cut-out in the deck. As a few have already touched on, the devil is in the details: Additional re-inforcing, drip lip, inner liner,...etc.

Throw in the insurance ramifications, and resale aspect, it's hard to see any upside to this, other than it's what you want. Hey, it's your boat and wallet. I'd sell it and buy something else. There planty of nice choices on the market.

Re: Open bow conversion
 

Viol8or- Thanks a lot for your time and suggestions. I definately have given this a lot of thought over the last year. If I wouldn't have had engine problems to fix this winter, I would probably be well into it by now. I have planned for drains, seat back height, etc. No bulkheads will have to be cut- the pass through to the existing berth will be retained and I'm also not planning to cut the berth floor. It's not difficult getting into the berth now, so it will be easy to get into the open bow when finished. That's why I'm not concerned about strength- the only cut will be to the deck. I'm also considering hatch hinges on the rear of the "lid" so as to use it sorta like a trunk when traveling. Might as well make it as usefull as possible. The berth cushions in the Fountains are quite firm, so I think they will be fine when re-covered. I'm sure I won't attempt this myself. I don't have the time or the talent. I have never had a problem paying a professional to do their thing. Again, if anyone knows such a professional in the midwest, please let me know. Thanks again-- Toolz

Re: Open bow conversion
 

How about buying a $5K pontoon boat to cart all the other folks around? Then stick them on the Fountain for a blast?

Re: Open bow conversion
 

It's a great idea. Kind of like a Cigarette 28SS vs. a 28 Open.

Re: Open bow conversion
 

Hi Toolz- if you are more comfortable having someone do this for you then by all means. I guess in my reading this forum and others I get the feeling that some think fiberglass lay-up and modification to existing hulls is for the "magically gifted". I am just voicing the resounding answer that it is not. Anything that anyone undertakes for a project will generally have a direct link of its quality, fit, and finish to the planning, patience, and time to see it through. Everything sounds easy on paper, was one comment- well nothing would ever get done if that were the major thought behind doing something like this. The only people that could possibly relate is those that have made a plug from scratch- the last I worked on was a 10'beam 42' v-hull. The "cannot be done" attitude that I see all too often is well.... sickening ! Nothing worth having is ever easy, all of you that have boats are enjoying anothers " can do" attitude! On a personal note- I am from Wisconsin- the frozen tundra area, and have delighted to have taken a sawzall to many boats for a variety of mods- and yes all have turned out spectacular. The one reason for this is I am not willing to compromise on quality, fit, and finish. If anyone wants something badly enough they can achieve it. And for the last time- making - YES, I SAID MAKING and modifying hulls is not a big deal !!!! Toolz- if you want it- go for it !!!- Viol8or. -- Oh and for the guy with the RED Larsen Senza 26'r - it's now being made by Challenger Offshore as the 26' "Z", if you really like Harry Schoell's delta conic hulls, check it out.

Re: Open bow conversion
 

Hey Viol8or- Thanks for the encouragement. I would love to take on this project, but I own a business that taps way too much time. I may never get to boat again if I dive in to it!. Besides, when I told my wife what I was considering, her first comment was "You're not going to try that yourself, are you?!" Not that she doesn't have confidence in me- she just knows how long it may take me to finish it. Either way, I have the summer to plan, and will probably have it done next fall. Thanks again-- Toolz