Bow fabrication

[akrueger3]

i am looking at opening the bow on my 16.5ft predictor any suggestions on how to do this or any written instructions on how to fabricate it, just looking to put seating around the edge and a flat floor maybe to hold a seat in the middle that is removeable. any suggestions would be great

[akrueger3]

i am looking at opening the bow on my 16.5ft predictor any suggestions on how to do this or any written instructions on how to fabricate it, just looking to put seating around the edge and a flat floor maybe to hold a seat in the middle that is removeable. any suggestions would be great

[175checkmate]

Welcome to the board. Anything is possable. One thing you will have to remember is the closed bow is kind of a load bearing member. You will have to add some support to the dash and very bow area. As far as seats, a upholstry shop would be able to make some seats for ya.

[Chris]

Welcome to the board ak. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[akrueger3]

thanks for the welcome, anyone know anyone that has done fabrications like this i live in newport news VA, any help would be great doesn't seem to hard to do but i want it to be great cause i love my boat, i need some engine cleaning but that seems like there is tons of info on the site so i have been able to find similiar problems i am having and will trouble shoot with the suggestions already on board. thanks again and any sugestions would be great<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by akrueger3:
i am looking at opening the bow on my 16.5ft predictor any suggestions on how to do this or any written instructions on how to fabricate it, just looking to put seating around the edge and a flat floor maybe to hold a seat in the middle that is removeable. any suggestions would be great <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[JUPITER PULSARE]

MANY OF THE MIDWEST AND CALIFORNIA CUSTOM BOAT BUILDERS TURN CLOSED DECKS INTO BOWRIDERS. THEY BASICALLY CUT A SECTION FOR SEATING OUT OF THE DECK AND THAN BUILD AN INSERT THAT DROPS IN AND OVER LAPS THE DECK BY A FEW INCHES AROUND THE PERIMETER. THE DASH AND WINDSHILD ARE LEFT IN TACT SO ACCESS TO THE BOWRIDER IS EITHER OVER THE TOP OF THE WINDSHILD OR THROUGH THE CRAWL SPACE. THIS METHOD ALSO HELPS TO MAINTAIN STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE TOP DECK. YOU MIGHT GET IDEAS FROM CHECKING OUT HOTBOAT MAGAZINE. THEY USUALLY SHOW SOME CUSTOMS.