Looking for layout ideas. Please help.

[Robert M]

I’m in the process of buying this boat, Deposit paid. Flying down this weekend for sea trial and survey.
Anyways I’m already contemplating redesigning pilot. It has the raised motor box and this ridiculous gen box/ seat. I like the idea of having the generator, just not the location. Plus the box on Eng. will go also.
Id like to add some kind of seating ( L bench) , and use the original or have full canvas enclosure to keep the wife happy.
Does any one have pics of a different open back pilot house setup?
Thanks in advance

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000...Cruiser-Lobster-Boat-Stk-211490-/140674735538

 

[El Mar]

I don't know how much flexibility you have with moving those engine boxes around but it doesn't get much better than this for an open back downeaster with L shaped seating.

 

[Robert M]

Thats the idea, thanks. Now just gotta figure out that gen box problem, was even trying to replace it with dif top and maybe incorp the box into the bench. The problem is it would be sticking out of canvas, or canvas would have to snap on top. Wierd place to stick that thing . Agreed?

 

[El Mar]

Could you somehow tie the generator box into the L shaped seat and have the L go from the genny box up to where the helm seat would go?? I assume you are going to remove the leaning post type thing bolted to the engine box??

 

[Robert M]

Yes the leaning post box setup, will be the first to go.

 

[Robert M]

that would work , but I need a clear path to the controls for fishing. Oh well I guess I should wish that this is my only problem.

 

[El Mar]

Put a second set of controls in the pit on the back of the L shaped seat or on the existing genny box.

 

[Robert M]

Theres an idea! Things that make you go hmmm.

 

[Robert M]

wonder if I coul turn that box around to keep the controls up high? I guess I should be standing in front of the damn thing before I cut it apart in my head. Just excited.

 

[F/V First Team]

Get to know Sketchup. The tape measure will be your friend.

You can create, cut, modify or anything in between.

Google SketchUp

 

[Robert M]

Thanks guys, Im like a silly excited teenager.

 

[D12038]

I would be too! That is a dandy looking boat, cant tell you how much time I spent looking at her on ebay, she was on the wrong coast for me though!
Keep the pictures coming , and let us know how she looks in person.
D

 

[Robert M]

sure thing. I got them down on the reserve, but lets see if the pics match up. I will let you know.

 

[CEShawn]

I think you may have a problem here...

The hull is a Duffy 31, very few Duffy 31's Ive seen have had the deck height to get rid of the engine box. Sure you can raise the whole deck with a step as some have done but think about the overhead.

Your not the first guy on here to say you bought the boat. To me that money is worth it, one hell of a boat. I have a General Marine 26 actually was up in Gloucester, hell I dont even remember the name, Bantry III or something...

Let us know what the real condition of the hull is in. The one thing I noticed is that the engine hours were alot higher than the pictures showed the engine being. So I figure her cosmetic shape isn't as good... Let us know, keep in touch, man I'd pay some good money for that boat if I wasn't in my situation right now...

 

[F/V First Team]

To get the engine box to be a thing of the past, all you need is a circular saw. Fire that beast up and cut the boat on the water line. Lift and support what you've cut free and fasten something to the outside to become a mold, layup on the inside joining the two pieces together, and VIOLA! Problem solved. You can gelcoat your panel in the same shade or a contrasting color, pretty simple really.

 

[El Mar]

I think you could probably build the L shaped seat around the engine box since it look like its only 8 or 10 inches high.

The Generator box may take a little creativity though, or leave it as is and enjoy.

 

[WC1966]

Just use the boat

Thanks guys, Im like a silly excited teenager.

Use the boat for a season and give yourself the time to think the changes through.
If you get too carried away then the season will be 2/3's over before you hit the water. (experience speaking) Working a full time job and attempting major projects that I had no experience with have cost me time on the water. Unless you have lots of extra $$$$ to have someone do the work for you,
just my experience,

 

[CEShawn]

WC19966, alot of good info there... I went to tear my boat up the first year and then fished it for the first one instead. So much of the prior owner changes made sense... You will have enough problems to fix the first year with a new to you boat...

 

[El Mar]

Use the boat for a season and give yourself the time to think the changes through.

Agreed.

 

[MDI45]

To get the engine box to be a thing of the past, all you need is a circular saw. Fire that beast up and cut the boat on the water line. Lift and support what you've cut free and fasten something to the outside to become a mold, layup on the inside joining the two pieces together, and VIOLA! Problem solved. You can gelcoat your panel in the same shade or a contrasting color, pretty simple really.

Travis,i remember you cut a BHM a few years back ..it had a red stripe right?