Well, if you are set on not using the windshield, a sledge hammer would do the job. The portable garages are not bad, and it should heat up pretty quick it you get a descent construction heater for it. Much better then having to work on it outside or shrink wrapping it. good luck on the updates

HA! I've thought about a sledge, but I think I would want to keep it around (just in case) I suppose. I own my own construction business so I do have a couple heaters just laying around. I do get quite a bit of snow where I am, so I was just curious as to how well they hold up. Cleaning it off on a regular basis would help I'm sure. Thanks!

Congrats! Cool boat. Let me know if you need any parts at all and I'll get you an awesome price. Now have fun with it!


Brian

My recommendation is: don't do any mods to it! Just run it the first year and get familier with it. You'll have plenty of time down the road to change stuff. Sounds like you spent your whole budget to purchase it so start saving money over the winter for next summer's operating costs. You will have gas, oil, drive fluid, beer, food, etc.

If you start messing with it now you run the risk of not getting it back together for next season (or ever). Just ask how many (experienced) guys here have torn a boat apart and then taken years to get them back together. Run the boat, then put your mods list together for the next winter season.

Oh, and the boat looks nice like it is!

Oh yeah, one more thing before you get more $ and time into it: 3 foot itis!

congrats!

Actually... Do you have any single engine 2 lever controls with the trim switch to replace the original? What would I need to do about hooking up cables, not sure what's in it now, is there a way to tell? Thanks!

Jay

Thanks! And I know how it goes with boats. I've been boating for years with friends and the past 4 with my own boats. I've been pretty lucky with having to put money into them. This is my 3rd boat. I really don't want to make many mods, just the windshield, DEF. paint in the spring, maybe getting rid of the teak next year and building an aluminum swim platform. As for blowing my budget, well, I wasn't really in the market for another boat, but this seemed like a deal I couldn't pass up. So right now I have 2 boats sitting in the back 40 and the old boat will be sold to a friend in the spring. Deposit already taken and tucked away just in case... He's a friend, and things may happen... I do like the 2 lever controls, so maybe that as well. Other than that, no engine mods, want to keep it stock, it runs TOO good to mess with it. I'll run it next year and get used to it, but it doesn't have trim tabs and I'm use to a boat with them, so that may be on the list too. So if anyone has a used set let me know or a used 2 lever control with a trim switch let me know also. As for an aluminum swim platform, I can make one ALOT cheaper than a new one and I think cheaper than a used as well, but if you have one, let me know also. Thanks everyone!!

Jay

On the bow rails- how about lowering them? Cut down the vertical support tubes so the rail ends up about an inch off the deck. That would clean up the look, you wouldn't have to fill all of those holes through the deck, and you would have an almost invisible/still functional rail. Someday you might slip off the deck or need something to throw a rope around and you'll wish the rails were still there.

I agree 100% with both posts. Those bow rails come in handy when you're pulling up anchor in rough water.