Will removing the closed in bow make the front end too structurally unstable?

[tayl8340]

So I just picked up this old 14ft Thornes tinner, the steering wheel has been removed from the front and I'm left with the aluminum top that covers the front 3ft of the boat. I don't imagine I will have difficulty removing it, I was just wondering if removing it would have too large of an affect on the structural integrity of the boat. If there were anyone had recommendations as to whether its a good or bad idea, or the most structurally safe way to go about doing it?

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

Take this as a guess only. Never seen a Thornes tinner but being it is just 14 foot, I don't see where there would be much of an issue removing the front 3 foot cover. It would help a bunch if you could post a pic of it.

Now you have to post three times before you can upload pics, so post again with something like "post 2" and "post 3" then upload the pic

 

[tayl8340]

Oh that helps a lot, I tried multiple times to post them and couldn't figure out the problem!

 

[tayl8340]

Post 3

 

[DeepCMark58A]

:grumpy: hate to hear of another old tin closed bow boat being chopped up.

 

[gm280]

Not sure what your hull looks like, but I too don't think it would jeopardize the integrity of the hull removing it. Post the pictures and let us see what you are talking about. JMHO

 

[tayl8340]

Thanks guys, here are a few pictures

 

[alldodge]

See no issue with tanking the top off

 

[someone11]

Considering that 99% of aluminum boats that size nowadays dont have a front cover, i think you'll be fine. Most likely was more for looks during that era.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Yeah no worries you should be fine.

 

[gm280]

Go for it, but then fill in the holes where the rivets were. I would remove it in one piece just in case if you decide to sell it or reinstall it later on. JMHO