Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

[Hardyakka]

Hello.

Very new to this site and can already see it has a wealth of information. I am slowly trawling through the info to find what I'm looking for but haven't found it yet.

I've recently been offered a streaker 17ft half cabin. For a very good price being free. The boat is about 20 years old and in pretty good condition. It's on a good trailer and the motor is fairly new. But. It's not really what I am after.

I am looking to get a centre console or centre cabin. I am wondering whether taking the cabin off would be a viable option. Is it simply a matter of fixing up the gunnels and bolting in a centre console, or does the cabin provide some sort of structural rigidity for the boat.

What are the steps that I need to take to get this done?

 

[agallant80]

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

I would not mess with it. I am sure changing the structure will weaken the boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

welcome to iboats

send a photo. I assume you are in Europe and I've seen boats there that have little more than a hard shell for a cabin--whichb could be removed. but others are integral to the structure, which gives pause.
on the other hand a 17' is not that complicated structurally; the hull alone is where the strength is.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

Sell that boat and buy a CC

 

[Hardyakka]

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.




In Australia. I know selling it and buying it would be easier, but it's given to me for me to keep. So it would be a bit rude to sell it. Chopping it up on the other hand...

 

[agallant80]

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

Have you used this boat yet? You may want to give yourself some time to see the benefits and downside to having a cabin before you make a decision on cutting her up or not. Also once you modify a boat like that it won't be worth much to someone else if you decide to sell it.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

I have seen a few older boats that looked similar. One owned by an uncle I'd not guarantee was structurally dependent but I question it enough to know I'd have enough caution not to take the chance. Heavy boat but from the bow to mid-way it offered support,,, required support is another question. My suggestion is to try it, you may like it. Storage, protection from the weather, much dryer in rough water...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

my .02 is:

To do the conversion right will cost WAY more than you think it will... fiberglass supplies are not cheap... It is a WAY bigger task than you think it is.... If you are in the position of needing to modify a free boat because you can't really afford the boat you want then I think you are in the position of running it as it is.... old saying "beggers can't be choosers" So IF you are in that position then graciously accept the free boat and run it as is for a year or two while saving and shopping for the boat you really want.... Then after a couple years either sell it of offer it back to whoever gave it to you, whichever is appropriate.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

I agree with Smoke (more or less). While the conversion is certainly doable, and whatever support the cabin adds to the boat could be gotten through other means, it could be a costly task. With that being said it's the kind of project I'd enjoy undertaking, but it could easily eat up a year or so of spare time and a few thousand dollars of spare cash - ESPECIALLY if this is your first go at boat building/repair.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Converting fibreglass half cabin to centre console.

it's a fairly nice looking boat as is annd will look like crap when you finish chopping it up. I'd leave it as is. Or give it back.