Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

[jiminmontana]

I am ready to replace all the wood in a '57 Lone Star Caribbean (19 footer). It has a small cabin area in the bow that is great for 5 year-olds, but not big boys at 6 foot plus. So I plan to take the cap off if possible/recommended.
I have searched the site for how to remove the cap and how to store it, but have not found that info. Is it not recommended with a longer boat? Will I cause more problems than I resolve by taking off the cap?

 

[Fisherball]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

The cabin may be needed for the lateral structure support it provides the hull. Some hulls needs that so the 2 sides don't move together under the massive pressure the water puts on them when the boat is moving.

 

[Mercs and such]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

If it is absolutely necessary i.e. ( replacing the transom, fuel tank, deck, complete resto.) however, a wider beamed boat and longer hull will tend to bow out. If you must, get wire to hold the 2 sides together ( the wires act as a artificial cap). like i said, only if it is a must.

Mercs and Such

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

I do not think that it is a MUST. Not being confined would be preferred, but it does make sense about the hull and gunwales losing their shape without the cap holding it all together. I'm thinking that I'll make do with the cap in place.

 

[DANZIG]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

OK. Let's get this straight, you are wanting to cut up a rare collector boat??

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

D, did you take a look at the blog photos? The decking and stringers are ROTTEN, so yeah, I am gonna cut that out and replace ALL the wood. I do not see removing the cap to be "cutting up" a boat. However, it seems like TOO much trouble for the job I'm doing and I currently plan to do the work with the cap in place. Thanks for your concern!

 

[DANZIG]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

Ah, so I see said the blind man,, I got the impression you were looking to remove it permanently.

Ya scared me there for a minute.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

I just checked your link...that boat looks AMAZING You have, HAVE, to get a '57 Chevy to tow it

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

I would love to have a '57 Chevy. My wife had one while in college. Sold it in the mid 60's for $600. I had a black mammy growing up in TN -- loved Miss Cassey to death and she drove an orange and cream '57 until she passed in the 1990's. It would be super cool to find one and fix it up.

Any chance you could put up a photo of that car you dirve? 7.5 L in a car must be crazy fast.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

This was from earlier this year while I was still prepping both (Bayliner received new stringers and deck and the LeSabre now has heavy duty springs and shocks)

towing my buddy's '69 MG Midget a historic event!

It isn't crazy fast, being that my 455 is from the later era when engines were getting "smogged down"...not like the "ultra high compression" motors from a few years before but I do have a 4 barrel Quadrajet and factory dual exhaust. From what I've gathered its like 250 hp and 355 ft/lbs. With the torque it makes it pulls around the Bayliner with ease even with like a 2.82 differential ratio. Aside from safety considerations you don't have to slow down . My trailer does not have brakes but stopping is excellent with front discs and 12'' rear drums.

Without the boat, performance isn't too bad despite the car's 4500 lbs+ weight

I think it'd be fitting to see that Meteor of yours, restored, behind a car of the era. '57 Chevy's are classic but I'm a Buick fan by heart. There was a time before pickups and SUVs were popular but boats and travel trailers needed to be lugged around

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: Removing Cap on 19 foot cabin cruiser

Hey F14CRAZY,
Thats a boat pulling a boat. I remember those old wheels. They may not have the punch but they really float on the road.

jiminmontana,
i won't say your boat is a classic but it is rather unique. That should be extremely cool on the water and on the way to the water. I'm looking forward to following you progress.
Looks like you have your hands full.
Now get it done.
Good luck
Bob