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-   -   I need some ideas (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/387445-i-need-some-ideas.html)

Brad Christy 02-17-2026 10:22 AM


Originally Posted by Diamond Dave (Post 4943020)

There is a ton of room in these sponsons to store things!

Dave,

Sure. But is it accessible? Having the space and being able to use it are two different things. I honestly don't know, as I've literally never stepped foot on a cat. But I know I've done my measuring and then made something that I couldn't shoehorn into place. We bought some furniture for our basement living room once. Had it all taped out on the floor, nestled in between walls and support poles; even had tape lines for the pedestal surround speaker wires and everything. Move-in day came, and we couldn't get the keystone piece past a pinch point at the bottom of the stairs, which I had measured and was confident of. Dimensions are one thing. logistics are another. Best be sure....

Thanks. Brad.

Brad Christy 02-17-2026 10:24 AM


Originally Posted by ICDEDPPL (Post 4943023)
Those are good points. I should test it before I make holes.
Motorized would be great, I`m not that talented however to pull that off myself.lol
Behind the seats, I thought of that too Dave.. the top is at a 30degree angle and the screws are high.. I`ll have to think on that .

Brad I`ve crawled into the gunnel before and closed the door, and I finished part of the sponson :D but to your point I don`t want it too unyieldy.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...f3c72890ba.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...824c70a01d.jpg


Originally Posted by Brad Christy (Post 4943024)
Dave,

Sure. But is it accessible? Having the space and being able to use it are two different things. I honestly don't know, as I've literally never stepped foot on a cat. But I know I've done my measuring and then made something that I couldn't shoehorn into place. We bought some furniture for our basement living room once. Had it all taped out on the floor, nestled in between walls and support poles; even had tape lines for the pedestal surround speaker wires and everything. Move-in day came, and we couldn't get the keystone piece past a pinch point at the bottom of the stairs, which I had measured and was confident of. Dimensions are one thing. logistics are another. Best be sure....

Thanks. Brad.

Dan,

Simultaneous post. All good. :ernaehrung004:

Thanks. Brad.

ICDEDPPL 02-17-2026 10:49 AM

The gunnels are deep and wide, the sponsons are easy to get to . unless you`re trying to crawl all the way to the front to replace cleats .. ask me how I know.:angry-smiley-038:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...35773f7de3.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e1e8f75744.jpg



Helmwurst 02-18-2026 08:54 AM

If you want it motorized/retractable I would reach out to Justin Wagner at Waves and Wheels. I know he is swamped with now owning Doug Wright Boats now but, he did build a boat for a guy in a wheelchair that has a windscreen that folds up and forward to allow the owner to get in the boat. You just need a simple window track and plexi cut with a motor on it. It won't be cheap, but it will look factory when done.

ICDEDPPL 02-18-2026 11:33 AM

That dude`s charges will make my nose bleed.
I got a quote on upholstry and almost fell over.
I`m on a budget. and it`s not $20k

LakeBoat4 02-18-2026 12:16 PM

Dan,

This may not be the easiest way to go but will work just as you are talking about. The acuators need to be mounted in back of the seat bulkhead and a slot cut in it for movement, plastic wind deflector in front between seat back and bulkhead. I would use two of them with the control unit for even movement. 22 lbs each or more force will work. Just the more weight the slower they move. I am using thers for a (raise & lower) windshield on my new Cat build, 3 section pieces. Also for raising the engine hatch, 24 inch traval with controller.

https://www.firgelliauto.com/collect...r-actuator-12v

Diamond Dave 02-18-2026 12:27 PM

My old Fountain had a "lip" on the front windscreen. I never sat in the back so I don't know if it actually did anything for the back seat, but you could try taping something temporary on it to test if it may be another option? Might obstruct vision or look stupid though and we can't have that either lol.

Sydwayz 02-18-2026 02:09 PM

MTI has them now too, motorized and illuminated. They may even be speed activated, not sure.

As mentioned, I would definitely test first. Make a prototype out of plywood or Lexan. Could you remove the rear seat backs and wedge it in there, and reinstall temporarily?

Wally 02-18-2026 03:51 PM

The least expensive way i can see pulling this off would be to use something like 4 of these bow eye bushings they sell for PWC's and make the panel in one long piece with 4 extensions coming down that would fit into those bushings and maybe use a spring type hitch clip from underneath to hold it in place. The question then becomes how thick does this panel have to be to keep the wind from breaking off those extensions that would go into the bushings? I have no idea how much wind force people see back there at speeds you do :D

lake p.a.l. 02-19-2026 06:12 AM

Buds old Skater he put the push in cleat receptacles & had a plastics company make 2 windshields. So he had 4 small holes to drill, install the clean small stainless cleat receptacles, & put the windscreens in when he wanted them.
Worked great


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