There are several West Coast/Havasu manufacturers that offer MCOB options: Laveycraft, Hallet, Kachina, Advantage, Nordic, Ultra, DCB, Eliminator, and Sunsation (I know they are not on the west coast) It is a very popular configuration in the southwest, along with performance deck boats and pontoons. If I were in the market, and had the budget for a "new" boat, I would be looking at all of these options.

Now, back to reality for me, I don't have the budget for a newer boat, so I would be buying a mid to late 80's or very early 90's boat, and if I wanted a performance boat, I would have to go the do-it-yourself route. I may pull this trigger sometime on the next 5 years. If I do, I guarantee I will be documenting the process, and sharing the results.

I always thougt i was nutz for wanting to cut the cabin top out of my boat and turn it into a pop-up camper likethe old VW bus. then I found this thread.

I idea whiole not enitrely the same as making an open bow would be to do like i said turn the cabin into a popup. cut the cabin top 6-8 inches or so all the way around and I would use some type of lift motor (3 of them, on 3 corners) to lift the cabin top 3 feet higher. attached between the cabin top and the inner cut edge of the boat would be marine canvas all the way around with a couple port windows. This would essentially give me a smallish cabin crusier when we are anchored in the lake, and I can still have my go-fast with the top down and latched in place for fast running. of course proper strengthening and latching point would have to be considered and it all becomes kind of a mute point if you add some much weight you were better off getting a small cabin cruiser and building the living shyte out the engine....thats something else i want BTW LOL! an old sea ray SRV or CC or similar with single 454 build to about 500-600hp. just for the sleeper effect.lol!

Magic,sleekcraft In Lake Havasu Have Couple Too, 28 Enforcer Jumps To Mind.

Pop-up camper idea is interesting, but I don't think that is as pratical, with the weight you would be adding, and the ability to have a full camper enclosure made to fit your cockpit at a lot less money and work.

The boat I have now is an open bow, so this is not something I need to do, but I hope to up size sometime in the next couple of years, and this will be an option to get the wife and I on the same page of new to us boat options.