Center Console Conversion

[JasonJ]

Last September I bought a skanky ragged out neglected 17 ft Silverline tri-hull with a 125 horse Merc that runs like crazy. I immediatly knew that a new floor/flotation/paintjob/interior would be happening, so I propmtly tarped it out in the back yard and patiently await spring to begin the project. Now, I have always had an un-natural "thing" for BW Montauks, but my bank shreiks every time I suggest it. I have the skills to do it, so what I would like to know from the wise ones here is can I, or should I, do it? I live on a large lake, and do a lot of fishing. <br /><br />My plan is to leave the bow area and its seating as-is, remove the winsheild and consoles, build up a nice console and seat, and toss in some jump seats on either side of the splashwell. I have looked at the structure, and see no reason why it shouldn't work, and once it is gutted, I can do anything I want to it (within reason). I do understand the impact of weight distribution and all that, so what do you guys think?<br /><br />Thanx for any responses

 

[ghostrider]

Re: Center Console Conversion

Jason I have no input for you, however, I like center consoles also (Wish I had One). I just want to encourage you to go forth with your dream and I look forward to the comments and suggestions this sites experts, idealists and dreamers have to offer. Good Luck!!

 

[JB]

Re: Center Console Conversion

Hi, Jason.<br /><br />CC conversions of standard and sit-down model Whalers is very popular. It is important to note that such conversions of Boston Whalers do not weaken the hull.<br /><br />In many boats, partial decks, dual consoles, etc. add a lot of rigidity to the hull. Removing them could open a can of worms with hull flex.<br /><br />I have no doubt that what you propose would work and make a much better boat, but be sure that you add strengthening to the hull to compensate for what you remove.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

Thanx JB, I have looked extensively at what would be removed and I think it should be alright. I will only be removing the port and starboard consoles, but will leave the bow seats. Since it is all a single piece, I feel that if I glass the openings that will be at the end of the bow seats, I will have the same structural rigididy. This concern was why I didn't do the conversion to my last boat, an early 60s runabout. My end result should resemble the Montauk interior as far as the bow area is concerned. One good thing about this beast is that the glass is very thick, almost a quarter inch all around. It is a very rigid boat, even if it isn't all that pretty to look at. If I can figure out how to post a pic, I'll post pics to give a better idea.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Center Console Conversion

JB brought up a very good point about weakening the hull sides, by removing the side consoles. Does this boat have an inner liner? I would imagine it doesn't. I would at a minimum, glass in bulkheads to the sides and floor, where you make your cut at the end of the bow seats. I'd also be tempted to add at least one or maybe two extra sets of side bulkheads between that bulkhead and the rear of the boat.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

Thats exactly what I plan to do, glass the ends of the bow seats. It will actually be more structurally sound than it is now, based on what I can see, as the ends of the seats are open, but covered with non-structural material. If I could post pics, I could simply show my plan, I have them in the computer but I can't seem to find a "posting pics on iboats for dummies" explanation. I can lay glass and wrench motors all day, but the computer stuff can catch me off guard sometimes.<br /><br />Looking at the way the consoles are configured, I can't see any way they are contributing to the structure, but I do not want to take any chances. I was originally just going to set it up as its original run-about layout with the back-to-back seating, and then I got to thinking about it and what I want to use the boat for. I could also strip the engine and other things I want, toss the hull, and try to find a hull configured the way I want, but that won't save me any money, and I rarely see center consoles around here, let alone any for sale. There is mainly runabouts, 25+ ft fishing boats and cabin cruisers. There may be a reason why few people use center consoles here, but I have yet to find one. Besides, I like the challenge and I need a project....

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Center Console Conversion

JasonJ.. Your project sounds interesting... This link to an older post about posting pictures might help you...<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=000116 <br /><br />

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

Thanx Snapperbait, I think I have a folder already set up on my ISP from a few years back when I was building a website (didn't get the hang of it) dedicated to my IH Scout restoration I had done, I'll get it figured out and post some pics today.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

(IMG)http://www.fishingworks.com/Users/UserFolders/thamaster1969/PhotoImages/silverline2.jpg(/IMG)

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

fishingworks

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

Okay, the link thing works at least, now the skanky beast can be seen. In the pic showing the consoles, the red lines show what would be left, after cutting them out. The kick panels at the back of the consoles are just flimsy screwed in material, and it it open behind them. That would all be glassed in, and the area of the gunwales that would be open after console removal would also be fortified and glassed. fishingworks fishingworks

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

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[JasonJ]

Re: Center Console Conversion

Now I have this picture thing whipped, thanx to all that helped...

 

[taz33911]

Re: Center Console Conversion

As long as you glass in the ends of the seats and the sides of the deck where you cut it off I don't see a problem. I had a 72 Renken was in worse shape than yours turned into a nice boat in the end.If you can handle the project I say go for it.I had a little on my side I build boats for a living