Commander 26 Re Build

[dmurph]

I’d drop the deck low as possible, or as close as you can to have the gunnel’s at thigh height so you can comfortably and safely lean into them. This will make setting gear on the riggers, crab trapping and netting fish so much nicer. Will also be much safer feeling for kids. Nice be be standing close to the water line as after a long day in the water it’s just more comfortable on the body and the mind/brain. Be nice to have smoother access into the cabin. That being said do what’s reasonable, and storage under would still be very nice. Fish holds, gear storage, cooler space perhaps. It would be nice to be able to store one of the big 165qt coolers on the swim grid also but not sure how’s that’s possible with the outboards rigging

 

[dmurph]

Are you getting rid of the top helm, that would be a great spot for storage also, good spot for the tender/dingy, traps, possibly your bikes. Keep the front protection part .

 

[chris73]

With dropping the deck 8", how does that affect your self-bailing ability?

 

[Sttr]

With dropping the deck 8", how does that affect your self-bailing ability?

It’s still lower than the deck but not by much. Thanks for the heads up I will keep that in mind

 

[Sttr]

Are you getting rid of the top helm, that would be a great spot for storage also, good spot for the tender/dingy, traps, possibly your bikes. Keep the front protection part .

Yes getting rid, I kinda blew the budget on motors and one set of controls for the main.I’m hoping in the future I can add something up there, maybe a joystick,but it’s not on my priority list. Im still deciding what seating I want up there, hoping to figure out some type of removable seating or lounge.
LoL bikes

 

[Sttr]

Now that I think of it… I don’t even own a bike

I will go my closest marine supply shop tomorrow and ask if they have any bikes for boats

 

[BCROB]

Now that I think of it… I don’t even own a bike

I will go my closest marine supply shop tomorrow and ask if they have any bikes for boats

Sttr get some sleep ! LOL , your last post was 1:30 am thinkin about your next step !
Keep the pics coming though , the new #1 best thread on the forum !

 

[BCI]

I want to do this. Tell Ron to keep good notes.

It’s still lower than the deck but not by much. Thanks for the heads up I will keep that in mind

29" is a nice gunnel height if you can achieve it while still preserving your self bailing capabilities. Had that height in my Whaler 315 and built it into my current Eaglecraft. You'll hit your thighs instead of your kneecaps when up against the wall...

 

[Sttr]

Sttr get some sleep ! LOL , your last post was 1:30 am thinkin about your next step !
Keep the pics coming though , the new #1 best thread on the forum !

Hahahaha, I’m in the shop every night to 10pm, it’s not uncommon for us to work past midnight.
That being said you will never see me in the shop at 7am.
Ya… thinking about the next 100 steps !

 

[Thunder21]

I removed all the seating up there and went with a cooler with a pad. It works ok for the odd time I drive up there and opens up the flybridge for more storage . I don’t want to add more work to your plate but I’ll throw out one more thing that could be improved. The rear hatch is way too big . I’m going to eventually get mine cut into two. As it is now, if you have anything on the deck, it has to be moved to access the storage below. If it was cut front to back and another couple hinges added it would be a big improvement

 

[Rayvon]

Just read the last couple of pages of your thread and cringed when I saw you pointing to where you planned to cut in the corner,glad Ron sorted that out.Give the deck lots of room above waterline,the last thing you want is water backing up through the scuppers.Your setting an incredible pace on this reno,fun to watch.

 

[Sttr]

I removed all the seating up there and went with a cooler with a pad. It works ok for the odd time I drive up there and opens up the flybridge for more storage . I don’t want to add more work to your plate but I’ll throw out one more thing that could be improved. The rear hatch is way too big . I’m going to eventually get mine cut into two. As it is now, if you have anything on the deck, it has to be moved to access the storage below. If it was cut front to back and another couple hinges added it would be a big improvement

I definitely want seating up there, it’s another place for wife and kids to hang out. I have been thinking about the size of the hatch also, I’m trying to figure out how to split it in 2 and still have the deck drain properly.

 

[Sttr]

Just read the last couple of pages of your thread and cringed when I saw you pointing to where you planned to cut in the corner,glad Ron sorted that out.Give the deck lots of room above waterline,the last thing you want is water backing up through the scuppers.Your setting an incredible pace on this reno,fun to watch.

Ya me too,
Ron would of been soooo mad.
That’s y I pay him the big bucks.
I just pull triggers and get it done.
Don’t worry, I have professionals helping me
There job is to keep me in check.
If I cut that boat wrong somebody getting fired and it sure as hell isn’t me!

 

[Sttr]

Just read the last couple of pages of your thread and cringed when I saw you pointing to where you planned to cut in the corner,glad Ron sorted that out.Give the deck lots of room above waterline,the last thing you want is water backing up through the scuppers.Your setting an incredible pace on this reno,fun to watch.

Yes, I heard of a few smaller self bailing boats having issues with water backing up into the deck when it’s loaded in the back. I’m thinking about lowering the scuppers but will really need to plan this right. Last thing I want is water on deck.
A few inches up or down doesn’t bother me as long as my thigh can rest on the side. I might have to plan my mounting and Access to everything under the deck and choose deck height accordingly. With the raised deck I was able to mount anything I want anywhere no matter the size, right now for example, my batteries just barley squeeze in.

 

[Sttr]

Sttr get some sleep ! LOL , your last post was 1:30 am thinkin about your next step !
Keep the pics coming though , the new #1 best thread on the forum !

Also exclusive to this forum!

 

[Rain City]

I removed all the seating up there and went with a cooler with a pad. It works ok for the odd time I drive up there and opens up the flybridge for more storage . I don’t want to add more work to your plate but I’ll throw out one more thing that could be improved. The rear hatch is way too big . I’m going to eventually get mine cut into two. As it is now, if you have anything on the deck, it has to be moved to access the storage below. If it was cut front to back and another couple hinges added it would be a big improvement

Monaro did that to the one they podded as well. Makes way more sense.

 

[Rain City]

Also exclusive to this forum!

You know, when I found out some build threads were across multiple forums, I fealt disgusting inside. Thank you.

 

[Sttr]

With dropping the deck 8", how does that affect your self-bailing ability?

This is going to be an issue that needs to be addressed

 

[Sttr]

Right now the scuppers are mounted 8” above the water line and the deck sits one inch above them. One inch is not enough. IMO 6 inches above the water is plenty, not sure if 4” would cut it

 

[dmurph]

Right now the scuppers are mounted 8” above the water line and the deck sits one inch above them. One inch is not enough. IMO 6 inches above the water is plenty, not sure if 4” would cut itView attachment 76374

You thinking to lower the scuppers? 8 inch seems like plenty I’m no expert but I’d think you go lower without out issues. My scuppers are just above the waterline on my boat, not saying that’s the ideal or perfect location but I’ve had no issues with water