Convert 14ft aluminum closed bow to open

[dmo1989]

Hey I just picked up this 14 ft aluminum boat for cheap I'm lookin to take off the closed bow to open it up I was wondering if this would cause issues. Boat has a 9.9hp and want to use it mostly for fishing smaller lakes.

 

[matt167]

By the looks of it, needs a transom first. Most aluminum boats that are runabouts, it doesn’t hurt anything. But that one is one of a handful of manufacturers from the mid 50s and may have been constructed differently

 

[mr 88]

The closed bow may have something to do with the hulls integrity. I can't tell if it has bench seats or not . I do not see any rivets in the hull where the " bench seats " would attach to the sides of the hull . If they are ,then they would help keep the hull from twisting ,just like the closed bow does in this case . I would look at that closer before cutting the bow out . Maybe post some pictures of the seats and inside of hull .

 

[Scott Danforth]

Open bow utility boats usually have full width seats.

This boat was a small speed boat that had a steering wheel and windshield at one time. Most likely rated for 40 or 45hp

It's your boat, if you want to pull the front deck, make sure to reinforce the hull.

Also, take care of the transom before you use it

 

[mike_i]

I agree with the others, reinforce the hull it's what's holding the bow together. Can you post a couple pictures of the transom?

 

[dmo1989]

It has 2 bench seats I'll get some pictures tomorrow not sure if there riveted to the sides though. It was a Peterborough that's all I know because u can see it faintly on the side

 

[dmo1989]

It has 2 bench seats I'll get some pictures tomorrow not sure if there riveted to the sides though. It was a Peterborough that's all I know because u can see it faintly on the side

I plan on redoing the transom aswell it's pretty rotten

 

[Scott Danforth]

If you remove the bow deck, you need to add the 3rd seat.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Please don't butcher that boat, it has more value to a collector than being a hacked up fishing boat.

 

[Texasmark]

Leave the deck be. Get rid of your transom TM and install a bow mounted one on top of it with foot control operated from that front seat. The difference in performance is night and day.....pulling a boat rather than trying to push it. Your 10 hp engine is a good match.

 

[JimS123]

Please don't butcher that boat, it has more value to a collector than being a hacked up fishing boat.

THAT's the right answer. Plus, the deck is most assuredly a structural component. If the boat does not meet your requirements trade it for something that does. Butchered boats rarely turn out well.