I just lost my drift boat (RO Drift 15") and will be converting a Lowe 16' V-hull from motor powered to oars. I'm concerned about the draft depth. If I cut down the sides of the gunnels 18", how much displacement will I have? I plan to reinforce the sides with crossbar platforms for casting. Will reducing the sides, lessen the weight? What about stability? Any ideas or anyone out there who's done this before? Thanks....M
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Modifications to 16' V-hull lowe to Row boat?
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MrSimon
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To your question, I really don't think cutting down the sides of an aluminum v-hull is a good idea. You will seriously be messing with the structural integrity of the boat. Its a bad idea.
Even if you did, it wouldn't remove all that much weight and wouldn't make hardly any difference in draft depth .... an inch at most I'd think.
If you are set on using the boat, its best to just leave the hull in tact and build in your casting decks where ever you need them. Even if you build them pretty high, the boat will still be pretty stable.
Have you considered a flat bottom john boat? They have lower sides and are more stable.
To your question, I really don't think cutting down the sides of an aluminum v-hull is a good idea. You will seriously be messing with the structural integrity of the boat. Its a bad idea.
Even if you did, it wouldn't remove all that much weight and wouldn't make hardly any difference in draft depth .... an inch at most I'd think.
If you are set on using the boat, its best to just leave the hull in tact and build in your casting decks where ever you need them. Even if you build them pretty high, the boat will still be pretty stable.
Have you considered a flat bottom john boat? They have lower sides and are more stable.
Didn't have to cut any sides to get the boat to function as planned. The previous owner had removed the center bench when he converted it to a "Flats" boat (with motor power). I've posted before & after pics. All I had to do was remove all the weight of the decking, stern board support, and accessory gunwale shelving. I installed a floor anchor release, pulley system for anchor, oar locks, pedestal seats and rowing seat. The rowing seat is a reinforced ice chest with tractor pad. The oars are 8.5' from Fisheries Supply. Everything else I manufactured. It works like a champ! Draws only 3-4.5" with three people in it and has plenty of room for a whole day of flyfishing on the water.
