[gw204]

"When in doubt...cut it out!"

I like that! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

As of right now, this is not an emergency, but I know it's inevitable. I haven't done the "lower unit jump test" yet.

I guess I just first need to figure out how long she'll be around. Sure, I want a bigger boat, but this one IS paid for.... [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

In any event, here's my latest idea....

Cut the top cap just in front of the fish boxes and run that cut down to the floor. Cut around the fish boxes and across the deck in front of the splashwell door. Yank all that out. Rebuild to a full transom. Address any issues with the stringers while she's open. Once the bilge work is done, glass in a new floor and run it all the way to the sides of the boat. Reinstall the top cap after cutting approx. 8" down from the gunwale and reinforce accordingly. Build a new transom cap to match the now cut original cap. Possibly reinstall only one well in each corner to maintain a space for the oil tank, washdown pump, etc. Smooth the interior walls of the hull and spray with gelcoat. Install full width platform bracket.

Plan to do the rest of the cap and the rest of the floor the next year.

The end result would be very similar to the 20' Dusky, but without the front casting deck. Use two large coolers for removable storage space and seating. Going about it this way, would give me more room and cut down on the extensive glasswork involved in rebuilding the top cap/inner liner, but it wouldn't be as pretty. I'm confident I could make it look good though.

What do you guys think?

Of course, I also found a 1974 25' Wellcraft NOVA locally. It's an old speedboat hull that looks to have lots of deadrise and lots of potential. $300 and it's less than 45 minutes away.... [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]