Re: Customizing my boat,Is it too tall?
Well, if you can't drop the floor any, try your best to lighten the load where possible. I was able to drop an additional (approx) 45 lbs by removing the cuddy tri-fold door (I didn't need it for privacy, especially after the hard top was on) and also cut out more ply where it was not structural.
This should give you an idea of what I mean....
On the left is the opening for the cuddy. The tri-fold (3/4"
MARINE grade ply) was removed to save weight. Also, later on I cut out the fixed panel under the helm to help balance the boat, and extend the "open" feeling of the cuddy (so I can easily watch the kids from the helm).
The panel under the helm was not attached to the hull on the right side, and only attached at the top with TWO SCREWS about an inch apart on the vertical right side of the cuddy opening. The bottom was held with two SCREWS (not bolts) about a foot apart. So this was an easy cut-down because the majority of the panel was for privacy. Only the far left hand edge was bolted, and that was supporting the weight of the entire dash when climbing through the original 3 piece windshield (hence the no-skid dash top).
The above photo shows the cuddy tri-fold missing, and the additional privacy panel under the helm. The photo below shows how much can be removed and still end up with the same "
standing on dash top as I stuff my *** through the windshield to go drop the bow anchor" strength. And yes, the dash top has plywood molded in so it is strong and flat, but I want to build up the 'glass on the right hand side of the opening (near where you see two black on stainless accessory outlets) because that is the only attachment that passes the weight of the dash to the stringer below.
So, just a little engineering will go a long way. It didn't take a marine designer to figure out the panel under the helm was 85% disposable. And it didn't take a marine designer to determine that structural parts should be "through bolted" for strength (like this dash support). I have already been in/out the window climbing on the dash top and is well. No flexing, no bending, no gel coat cracking (good indication you did well) and all is well.
Look at how the boat was built, and you will know where the supports need to go and modify from there. Just be a "minimalist" and only put in supports and therefor weight were it is actually needed.
I hope this was helpful. I want more pics!
EDIT: BTW, the hard top is through bolted from under the cuddy into the top. The top is rigid as a clam shell, and therefore, the hard top is helping trasnfer weight from me climbing on the dash off to the sides where it is passed down to the hull. Just wanted to clarify that the hard top IS a structural part of the modifications.
Then I had a nice bonfire & Beer
