Covered or open bow ??

darth baiter · 02-01-2004, 09:26 AM

I ordered a 21' aluminum forward helm at the boat show for use in bay, estuary, ocean. This boat came standard with an open bow (ala "bow rider"); a covered bow was more money. I went with the bow rider but have been apprehensive about the problem of filling up the bow when a big wave hits. Even with large scuppers in the bow it'll probably take longer than a single wave period to drain. Because of a screw-up with the boat builder who said they couldnt deliver until next year, I get to shop around again, reconsider all my previous options etc, and order from another builder. My alternative choice was with a builder who does not charge extra for a covered bow...and can deliver before next year!! I only occasionally do anchor-up fishing which is more convenient with the bow rider style. Any thoughts? Are there any hard core bowrider guys or covered bow guys that wouldnt have it the other way? And since no boat is forever, resale is a consideration; would a covered bow be harder to sell?

slabhunter · 02-01-2004, 09:51 AM

db, I have a 22ft Intruder. It has an open bow. If you plan on going on the ocean more than the bay or river, well, I suggest looking for a fiberglass(plastic) covered bow. If you do the majority of your fishing in the bay, estuary, or river the open bow works very well. Just pick a nice day to cross the bar and do so only on the flood tide. Also make like a plywood cover to put on the bow to keep from getting too much water on there.

Pickles · 02-01-2004, 09:53 AM

When you are talking bow-rider, are you referring to a boat with a walk through windsheild and seating up front, or are you talking about the typical jetboat design That has a 10-12 inch deep recessed area in the bow for anchor.

[ 02-01-2004, 10:54 AM: Message edited by: fish-addict ]

elkman · 02-01-2004, 09:59 AM

open bowed boats are great in the river and estuaries, because of the ample room to fish.
but in big water (the ocean, or columbia), when it gets rough it can make for a wet, and sometimes intiresting ride home. but i would look into a bow cover if you are planning any rough water trips...good luck :smile:

elkman · 02-01-2004, 10:00 AM

open bowed boats are great in the river and estuaries, because of the ample room to fish.
but in big water (the ocean, or columbia), when it gets rough it can make for a wet, and sometimes intiresting ride home. but i would look into a bow cover if you are planning any rough water trips...good luck :smile:

Tilla · 02-01-2004, 10:32 AM

Two potential options are
1. A cover (like a top material) that adequately snaps into place.
2. Operate at 1/2 throttle and keep your nose in the air! (an necessary and occasional option of mine)

02-01-2004, 10:59 AM

Covered!
Just think how your boat will handle with several hundred pounds of water in the bow. The second wave will be worse and the third one busts out your windshield, dumping water into the boat, fourth and fifth waves swamp your boat and your electricial system shorts out. No power no radio.

Backlash2 · 02-01-2004, 01:59 PM

It is, or should be, a big deal to anybody with a recessed bow. With that being said, a snap in place cover made out of a quality boat top material will withstand pretty much anything you throw at it. Secure it in place with enough snaps(4-6 inches apart) and it will withstand a lot of weight for the short amount of time that the water will actually be exerting a downward force on the cover.

It gives you the best of both worlds....

02-01-2004, 04:10 PM

Soft covers will pop off.

CAPT KUJO · 02-01-2004, 04:19 PM

Of course the BLACK ROCKET is open. Great for fishin into the swell. And never had to worry about "taken a big one" with additional 157lb of buoyancy in a collar...as long as it's runnin you can't sink it. It does make for an "interesting" ride. :shocked:

CAPT KUJO

02-01-2004, 04:22 PM

The Black Rocket isn't a boat, it's a high-speed torpedo/low altitude missile. I've seen the bottom of her (flying by) more than other boat on the water [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Gus Orviston · 02-01-2004, 04:59 PM

After hearing about Hoggemin's experience last year, I would go with a good cover or covered bow for sure. Do a search on his posts. He flooded his boat and it kicked the motor up out of the water so it was not functional and the cycle continued.

Hog...you out there?

gus

Mikeymoto · 02-01-2004, 09:08 PM

I agree that the soft cover will pop off no matter how many snaps are there. A good option may be to have a quality removable cover fabricated for the bow and make a closed cell foam filler for the recess. I've been thinking about this for a while as I have a 19' NR and would like the option to head out on the big blue, but would feel safer if the bow wasn't open. As for the foam filler, I think that a person could make one using a plastic liner and using the spray foam insulation from home improvement stores. Or maybe there is a business that does spray foam, I think I've seen one on I-5 some time ago.
Just a thought.
MM

Gus Orviston · 02-01-2004, 09:35 PM

Yea, I was a bit worried a couple times out there with an open bow w/soft top. It is one thing to stop spray and splashing waves. But if you ever get a wave over your bow it isn't hard to image the total amount of water being 50 gallons, and that adds up to 400 pound in a hurry. Yours snaps WILL pop as Keta said. And if you can't believe it could ever happen, or it would only be rare then you are fishing in the wrong place..IMHO.

A hard cover could easily be built out of plywood coated with fiberglass, form alumunim. I am surprised this isn't an after market option for most sleds.

gus

darth baiter · 02-01-2004, 11:27 PM

thanks to all.

Fish Addict:
this is standard deeper vee jet boat style with a small hatch in the recessed area to access an anchor compartment and/or fish box.

Slabhunter: I like aluminum and the ease of access via the walk through windshield that is not usually available in fiberglass hulls.

A removable cover/canvas is an option but is probably not "bullet-proof" to a big load of water at one time and is kinda a hassle if you're using the walk through windshield for access.

Would this be a big deal for those of you who are looking at a used aluminum boat for bay, river, or ocean in this size range?

WaterDog · 02-02-2004, 05:55 AM

I calc'ed the volume of my "hopper" the other day. 140 gals or about 1100lbs of water when full. Also calc'ed the time it would take to drain which turned out to be way too long even with large scuppers. A new aluminum cover will be on order this month when the boat goes in for scheduled service.

graybeard · 02-02-2004, 07:53 AM

Keta speaks with wisdom.

Chrome Bumper · 02-02-2004, 08:15 AM

Seems like a cover made of 3/4 inch exterior plywood, with some stiffeners could be temporarly bolted on for the big blue to keep green water out. And removed for inland water. Would be a hassle to handle and store, but you would get the best of both worlds. There is a fiberglass supply place in bingen WA that sells floatation foam kits, some of them are quite large, like enough to fill a refrigerator. Or maybe use polyethylene sheet from Feguson Plastic in Washugal(SP)

[ 02-02-2004, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: Chrome Bumper ]

02-02-2004, 08:16 AM

I'm not like WaterDog, I learn from hitting my head on walls :shocked:

Actually I've been on the water for many years (too many) and keep my eyes open. I've seen people die from open bow boats (heavy drinking was a big factor too).

A solid bolt on cover would be the way to go, maybe with a latched access hatch. Build a box under it and use marine grade two-part foam to fill the box if you feel the need for extra flotation. I'd leave out the foam and use it for storage. Take the cover off when river fishing for safe anchor handling.

[ 02-02-2004, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: Keta ]

timinthegorge · 02-02-2004, 02:26 PM

When I bought my 19' Alumaweld I asked Steven's about a canvas cover for the bow. They suggested against it, because it wouldn't stand up to the weight, if a big one came over the bow.

But, I'd still like to have a bow cover made for the boat for bigger water, and really snotty days on the Columbia. Thanks for the suggestions... and I'll check the place in Bingen! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

It should indeed be an aftermarket accessory....

Any entrepreneur's out there??

Muddy Water · 02-02-2004, 04:58 PM

How about a hefty bilge pump for the bow? I agree with others that a rigid, removable "hatch" would be the best. Maybe a nice diamond plate thing and maybe some support welded beneath? Maybe a frame with canvas over it? I'd think canvas would work, but I'd want it with some center support--maybe a shallow tent type pitch?

Me&Dad · 02-02-2004, 05:02 PM

We have a 20' Intruder with a windshield and a recessed bow, so the bow area does unfortunately fill with water when we take a big wave over the front.
We get an inner tube (or two), fill it up, and then put it under a canvas cover that snaps over the top of the bows open area. Alumaweld sells them for their Intruders.

Recessed bows are GREAT when anchored in rivers, etc., so this seems like, overall, a great way to go.