deck the hull?

[Allen Henry]

I have a 14' starcraft aluminum utility "v" bottom boat. I'm considering building a casting deck in the bow of the boat. I've seen these decks added to a semi "v" bottom or flat bottom boats,but my question is: will this make the boat too unstable due to it being a true "v" bottom? Has any one tried this on a "v" bottom with any success. <br />Thanks in advance.<br />TRP251<br /><br />ps: great board I'm learning lots.

 

[paintermn]

Re: deck the hull?

Decking the hulls would be a folly Fa La La La La La La La La.<br /><br />Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[Allen Henry]

Re: deck the hull?

nice touch I was woundering if that subject title would receive that type of festive result. <br /><br />I'm just woundering if the increase in the center of gravity on the bow, caused from a person standing higher in the boat, would result in a roll over effect. I know most of these "v" bottom boats are more sensitive in the bow.<br /><br />I am impressed with your singing voice though.

 

[Hooty]

Re: deck the hull?

I'm thinking it would be pretty unstable, Trooper, but you could find out easy enough with a piece of plywood and a coupla "c" clamps. Just lay the plywood across the gunwales, clamp 'um down and hop up on it. (I'd ware my pfd). Keep us posted.<br /><br />g'luck & c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Allen Henry]

Re: deck the hull?

Thanks for the advise, sounds simple enough. I'll get a peice of plywood and give 'er a try. It's been raining here in Southern Oklahoma for the past three days (not complaining mind you, we need it) so I'll have to wait out the rain. Thanks again,<br />TRP251

 

[sandy]

Re: deck the hull?

Trooper,<br />A friend of mine did what your talking about. His boat was very similar. He installed plywood in the bow about 5' of it. It was down about 5" from the top. He even raised the deck tip of the bow so he could mount a foot operated trolling motor. He put a storage area in the back and carpeted the whole thing. I'ts difficult to explain but it really does look nice and he tells me it's stable and safe. It's worth a try, good luck.

 

[Allen Henry]

Re: deck the hull?

Sandy, I have seen another boat that sound just as you discribed, however it was a simi v bottom, but looked great. I want to make more storage area as-well-as make it more confortable to troll and fish from. I could go out and buy a bass boat but I like to fish on larger ponds, smaller lakes and creeks. So I'm not sure how much deck I want to add due to the increse in weight. Maybe it won't increase the weight too much. I guess what I want is the convenience of a bass boat but small enough to handle with a little effort. I have a little 9 1/2 hp johnson that is being repaired,I hope to be zipping around in it soon.<br /><br />Thanks for the reply,<br />trp251

 

[bassin large]

Re: deck the hull?

I built a casting deck on my 12" v-hull fiberglass Sears Gamefisher. Check it out<br /> http://hometown.aol.com/brideg19/BassBoatConversion.html

 

[Allen Henry]

Re: deck the hull?

bassin large,<br /><br />Very nice boat. I never got to my project, too many irons in the fire, but what you did is exactly what I had in mind. You should be proud of what you have accomplished. <br /><br />TRP251

 

[bolted4]

Re: deck the hull?

If you look at bassin's, it kind of looks like a semi V?? I have had 12 and 14' alum with deep v , 12 foot is shaky especially if there is no one in the back of boat, 14 is not too bad, platform was seat height. bigger motor will help cause of weight. Now, I personally dont care if I fall in either so keep that in mind, if a big boat goes by you will probably want to step down. And always watch for waves from far a way. cause they will catch you of guard just because there is little weight to the boat. If you cant swim. You Should not do it!!!. I would do it again but seat height. No higher. Life jacket probably should be worn. <br />Dave